How to backup Photos library after migrating from Aperture?

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How to backup Photos library after migrating from Aperture?

I migrated a 300GB Aperture library to Photos, with the help of many kind participants on this board.

Now, I want to backup the Photos library. I understand that Photos library links to Aperture library, so both need to be backed up.

I tried to use Path Finder to backup the folder that has the library, but Path Finder seems to want to use 600GB of space in the destination drive and reported insufficient space because the destiination drive only had 500GB of space.

I would ideally not have 600GB used up on a backup drive.

What is the best way to backup the combination of the two libraries? Any ideas, suggestions, comments?

Message was edited by: msim20 Update:

After further search, found this relevant link. http://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/180310/where-are-photos-stored-in-the-n ew-photos-app-after-importing-from-aperture And based on this, it apepars, that backup programs are going to duplicate all the photos and videos.

Posted on Nov 4, 2015 9:15 AM

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Answer 1

msim20 Author

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49 points

Nov 4, 2015 9:54 AM in response to msim20

I have been advised to, and therefore will keep a copy of both the libraries.

So, this above question is not relevant. Cannot delete it apparently.

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Answer 2

Old Toad

Level 10

216,662 points

Nov 4, 2015 9:59 AM in response to msim20

I understand that Photos library links to Aperture library, so both need to be backed up.

No, that's not true. The two libraries initially share the same data on the HD via hard links so they don't take up twice the amount of space on the hard drive. They can be copied/backed up independently.

New photos added to either library are independent of the other library.

Here's more info on hard links:

Photos saves disk space by sharing images with your iPhoto or Aperture libraries - Apple Support

The (hard) link between Photos and iPhoto

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Answer 3

léonie

Level 10

200,861 points

Nov 4, 2015 10:35 AM in response to msim20

If you still have Aperture installed, I would keep a backup of the original Aperture library. Not all of Aperture's content migrates losslessly to Photos, see: How Photos handles content and metadata from iPhoto and Aperture - Apple Support

Having a copy of your original Aperture library will enable you to open the original smart albums, books, and browse the metadata you added.

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Answer 4

msim20 Author

Level 1

49 points

Nov 4, 2015 10:37 AM in response to Old Toad

Thanks. The links helped understand the hard link concept.

Now backing up a copy of Photos library as well as Aperture library (in case need to reference it in the future).

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