HT204655: Updating from iPhoto to Photos for OS X

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Simonevm

Q: How to access photo files in Finder?

I just updated my system to Photo and I cannot access my pictures in Finder - the option show file in Finder is not available. What should I do?

MacBook Air, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.4), null

Posted on Feb 14, 2016 11:22 AM

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Q: How to access photo files in Finder?

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  • by léonie,

    léonie léonie Feb 14, 2016 11:29 AM in response to Simonevm
    Level 10 (105,761 points)
    iLife
    Feb 14, 2016 11:29 AM in response to Simonevm

    The new Photos.app does not allow to reveal managed photos in the Finder, like iPhoto does.

    You can only reveal referenced image in the Finder, that you manage yourself and have not been copied into the Photos Library. 

     

    if you want access to the original image files, that you imported, use "File > Export" to place a copy onto your Desktop.

     

    The management of original files in Photos is much more complicated than in iPhoto, so it does not make much sense to reveal the originals. Photos can contemporarily have several copies of them - in the Masters folder, in iCloud, or in a folder with temporary items. And if you are using "Optimize Mac Storage", there may be no file to reveal at all, because the only copy will be in iCloud and not on your MAc.

  • by LarryHN,

    LarryHN LarryHN Feb 14, 2016 11:33 AM in response to Simonevm
    Level 10 (84,210 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Feb 14, 2016 11:33 AM in response to Simonevm

    Simple - you can not - and actually you never should have - there are supported and very successful ways to access your photos - use them - either the Photo application, exporting from the Photos application or the media browser - although this is for iPhoto is is still most applicable to Photos - How to Access Files in iPhoto

     

    LN

  • by detarjagsomartor,

    detarjagsomartor detarjagsomartor Apr 25, 2016 7:32 PM in response to LarryHN
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Apr 25, 2016 7:32 PM in response to LarryHN

    LarryHN, your reference is to iphoto, it is different from Photo.

     

    I have the same issue as Simonevm, and I guess Leonie is right.  But Apple must have some idea on how people would work with photos in other application than photo.  I mean Photo is super basic.  For example, I want to use Final Cut Pro to mix Movies and pictures.  I have an Album in photo with pics and video.  Do I really have to export 191 photos and videos, then import to Final cut pro?

     

    Also, if someone know of a simple software that can mix video and photo, let me know.  Final Cut Pro seems like an overkill

  • by Keith Barkley,

    Keith Barkley Keith Barkley Apr 25, 2016 8:03 PM in response to detarjagsomartor
    Level 5 (6,382 points)
    Apr 25, 2016 8:03 PM in response to detarjagsomartor

    But the media browser is the same in Photos.

  • by LarryHN,

    LarryHN LarryHN Apr 25, 2016 8:57 PM in response to detarjagsomartor
    Level 10 (84,210 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Apr 25, 2016 8:57 PM in response to detarjagsomartor

    Yes I most certainly know that iPhoto and Photo are different programs and in both it is exactly as I stated - it is for iPhoto but is mostly applicable to Photos - what part of that is confusing to you? 

     

    although this is for iPhoto is is still most applicable to Photos - How to Access Files in iPhoto

     

    Bottom line is that in either program you do not and should not use the finder to access your photos - you use the application , the media browser or export them

     

    And of course Léonie and I are right - that is why we have provided so many correct answers

     

    Have a nice day

     

    LN

  • by léonie,

    léonie léonie Apr 25, 2016 11:33 PM in response to detarjagsomartor
    Level 10 (105,761 points)
    iLife
    Apr 25, 2016 11:33 PM in response to detarjagsomartor
    I mean Photo is super basic.  For example, I want to use Final Cut Pro to mix Movies and pictures.  I have an Album in photo with pics and video.  Do I really have to export 191 photos and videos, then import to Final cut pro?

    Both Final Cut Pro and iMovie are giving you access to your Photos Library in the Media panel.

    For example in Final Cut Pro X 10.2.3  you would browse your Photos albums like this:

    Screen Shot 2016-04-26 at 08.21.25MESZ.png

    In iMovie it is similar. I can browse the photos and videos in my photo libraries from iMovie and drag them to the timeline of an iMovie project without having to import them to iMovie.

     

    The good integration of native Apple applications  is one reason why I am not switching to a third-party photo database application.  I like the integration of the Apple applications with the Media Browser.  It is easy to access videos, audio, photos from other applications, as long as all applications have been updated to the newest versions.

  • by detarjagsomartor,

    detarjagsomartor detarjagsomartor Apr 26, 2016 5:55 AM in response to léonie
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Apr 26, 2016 5:55 AM in response to léonie

  • by léonie,

    léonie léonie Apr 26, 2016 6:34 AM in response to detarjagsomartor
    Level 10 (105,761 points)
    iLife
    Apr 26, 2016 6:34 AM in response to detarjagsomartor

    But, it seems Photo and/or Microsoft don't play, is that right or is there something I'm missing?

    It is a problem with all applications, that have been built and compiled for an earlier version of OS X.

    I can open and browse the Photos Library from Microsoft Word 15.19.1 or PowerPoint 15.13.4, but not from any older Office version, like my Office 2011 versions.

    Photos has been developed using only the new libraries and frameworks in Yosemite and El Capitan, that are not supported by older programs. You will need to upgrade third party applications to versions, that are fully compatible with El Capitan, if you want to use them with Photos for Mac.