Merge Photo libraries from 2 Macs

Question

Merge Photo libraries from 2 Macs

I wish to Merge Photo libraries from 2 Macs

but from a previous thread it appears I cannot (Re: How do I merge 2 libraries in Photo?)

My question is then, How do I add photos from my MacBook Air (no iCloud set up) to my master iMac (iCloud has been set up)?

Do I copy the photos to a HDD and simply import? Will that lose all the metadata such as place and time?

I guess I will lose the organisation of Albums in Photos from MacBook Air too 😢

Anyone used PowerPhotos? https://www.fatcatsoftware.com/powerphotos/

Thank you.

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Yosemite (10.10.5), lives with iMacs, eMate & Newton.

Posted on Aug 13, 2016 9:29 PM

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Answer 1

LarryHN

Level 10

106,142 points

Aug 13, 2016 9:49 PM in response to Michael Vallance

That is correct ,you can not truely merge Photos libraries - this article explains your options and the drawbacks and advantages of each -- Notes on Merging Photos Libraries

Your method is the least desirable, will lose the most and will lose your organization

You have rejected the best method - using iPhoto Library Manager which keeps the organization and most of the metadata

That pretty much leaves keeping two libraries and using PowerPhotos to manage them or using PowerPhotosto merge once version of the photos

LN

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Answer 2

Aug 13, 2016 9:57 PM in response to LarryHN

Thank you.

I used iPhoto Library Manager when I migrated to Photos last year.

PowerPhotos seems to be an option. I may disconnect my iMac from the net, merge libraries, then connect again. iCloud may recognize new photos have been added and then update. I have a 200GB iCloud subscription so space is not an issue.

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Answer 3

LarryHN

Level 10

106,142 points

Aug 13, 2016 10:43 PM in response to Michael Vallance

Re-read the article - If you are using iCloud Photo Library it is the best way to merge Photos libraries - simply log each Mac into the same ICPL using the same Apple ID and let it upload completely - now all systems will ahve the same merged library

You can do what you want but you seem to be resisting the best method

LN

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