OS 10.11.3 Photos app some functions disabled

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OS 10.11.3 Photos app some functions disabled

Hello. I just got a new MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015) with OS 10.11.3. I imported my large (over 17,000 images) photo library from an external backup disk by first migrating the library to the Photos app and then copying the library to the new computer. All my images, keywords, albums, etc migrated and copied successfully. However the Photos app on the new MacBook does not allow me to use certain functions, they are greyed out. For instance the "show sidebar" under View is disabled. Rebooting the MacBook did not change anything. It is more of an annoyance at this point, since I can still view, edit, and manage my images without using the sidebar. But it bothers me that the app is not fully functional as it is supposed to be.

I have used the Photos app in Yosemite on a 2012 Macbook Air and did not have this problem, all the functions are enabled as they should be. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015), OS X El Capitan (10.11.3)

Posted on Feb 10, 2016 9:05 AM

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Answer 1

LarryHN

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106,142 points

Feb 10, 2016 9:12 AM in response to Gamboge

where is the library located? Is it set as the system library in the Photos preferences (if the set as system library is greyed out then it it set as the system library)

LN

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Answer 2

Gamboge Author

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Feb 10, 2016 9:30 AM in response to LarryHN

It was not set as system library. So I set it as system library (was that the wrong thing to do?) and rebooted the MacBook, but nothing changed in Photos, those functions as still disabled.

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Answer 3

Old Toad

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Feb 10, 2016 9:40 AM in response to Gamboge

Try using this key combination: Option+Command+S.

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Answer 4

Gamboge Author

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Feb 10, 2016 9:47 AM in response to Old Toad

Sorry, that did not work either.

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Answer 5

LarryHN

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106,142 points

Feb 10, 2016 9:53 AM in response to Gamboge

If it is the library you want to use then it needs to be the system library and many functions only work with the system library

And where is the library located?

LN

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Answer 6

Gamboge Author

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Feb 10, 2016 10:08 AM in response to LarryHN

Yes it is the system library and it is located in "Pictures". I can access the library no problem, I just can't use all the Photos app functions.

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Answer 7

Old Toad

Level 10

216,662 points

Feb 10, 2016 10:11 AM in response to Gamboge

As a test launch Photos with the Option key held down and create a new, test library. Import some photos and test to see if the same problem persists. Does it?

If the test library works as it should try repairing the library according to the instructions in this Apple document: Repair Your Library.

Warning: If you use iCloud Photo Library with Photos, this action will cause Photos to upload all your pictures again (from Fix missing or incorrect thumbnails in Photos - Apple Support).

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Answer 8

léonie

Level 10

200,861 points

Feb 10, 2016 10:16 AM in response to Gamboge

For instance the "show sidebar" under View is disabled.

"Show Sidebar" is disabled in Edit mode. Its the background of the window black or white?

It might be a problem of corrupted preferences files. Test in a different user account, if Photos you can reveal the sidebar, when you sign in from a different user account. Isolating an issue by using another user account

If the sidebar is visible for a different user but not for you, I'd quit Photos and remove the preferences files, then start again by clicking the Photos library.

Delete the complete folder ~/Library/Containers/com.apple.Photos/ from your user library and also ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.Photos.plist (if the file exists) and restart the Mac, then try again.

Your user library may still be hidden.To reveal the hidden User Library:

Bring the Finder forward by clicking on the Desktop or the Finder icon in the Dock.
Select your user/home folder (with the house icon in the Finder sidebar)
With that Finder window as the front window, press the key combination ⌘J to bring up the View options.
In the View options panel enable ’Show Library Folder’. That will make your user library folder visible in your Home folder.
Open your Home folder, then the Library folder, then Containers.
Move the complete folder ~/Library/Containers/com.apple.Photos to your desktop. Move the entire folder, not just the contents.

Now restart the Mac and try again. If all is well, delete the folder from the Desktop.

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Answer 9

Gamboge Author

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Feb 10, 2016 12:50 PM in response to Gamboge

OK now I feel a bit stupid. I went to full screen mode and voila! the sidebar appeared and functions enabled. So I played around with the Photos app window size and now I know that if I make the window smaller than half my screen (I'm in a 15 inch screen here) the sidebar disappears and that function is disabled. Enlarge the window just a tad and everything is normal again.

I appreciate all your suggestions, everyone, and will keep that info for future reference.

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Answer 10

LarryHN

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106,142 points

Feb 10, 2016 12:57 PM in response to Gamboge

Interesting to know - I guess that if the window is too small that Apple figures that adding the sidebar will make it unusable so restricts it - thanks for sharing with us as it will help in the future

LN

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