iphoto 8 to photos

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Level 2

186 points

iphoto 8 to photos

For reasons too numerous to mention, my wife's iMac is running iPhoto 08. She has just bought a new MacBook Air (with El Capitan on it) but before I connect it up and start migrating data, is there anything I should do beforehand with her iPhoto library? She has keywords on many of the photos. As fas as I can work out there is no way she can migrate up through more recent versions of iPhoto prior to the migration simply because they are no longer available.

As an aside, and bit late to the party I know, but why is it that when Apple bring out replacement software (i.e. Photos) that they introduce moronic features such as Memories/whatever and Favourites and yet delete very useful and simple to use features such as Flag? Very frustrating.

TIA

Posted on Apr 5, 2017 11:31 PM

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Answer 1

léonie

Level 10

200,645 points

Apr 6, 2017 12:03 PM in response to Roger Sinden

She has iPhoto '08? Is the version number iPhoto 7.1.2 or older? Then she needs to run the iPhoto Library upgrader tool, before Photos can create a new Photos Library from the older iPhoto Library. You can download the upgrader tool here: Using the iPhoto Library Upgrader tool - Apple Support

The iPhoto keywords will survive the migration (How Photos handles content and metadata from iPhoto and Aperture - Apple Support), so I would add a keyword "Flagged" to all flagged photos to save the flags, generally try to get the iPhoto Library ship shape while you still can use iPhoto.

You may want to have a look at my check list before the migration: Notes on Migrating an iPhoto Library from iPhoto to Photos for Mac

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Answer 2

léonie

Level 10

200,645 points

Apr 6, 2017 12:02 AM in response to Roger Sinden

As an aside, and bit late to the party I know, but why is it that when Apple bring out replacement software (i.e. Photos) that they introduce moronic features such as Memories/whatever and Favourites and yet delete very useful and simple to use features such as Flag? Very frustrating.

Apple usually does not say "Why". Ignore the new features you do not want and enjoy the new features that improve the workflow. Some things are a lot easier now - better editing tools, if you reveal the advanced adjustments in the Adjustment panel. And a much easier access to external editors using the photo editing extensions. And it is Apple's first photo library that can keep the library in sync across multiple Macs.

On the down side - no more flags and star ratings. I am using the silly favorite heart ♡ like I previously used the flag, because it is the only rating badge overlaid on the thumbnails. And replaced the rating stars by keywords, see: How to Simulate Star Ratings in Photos

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Answer 3

Roger Sinden Author

Level 2

186 points

Apr 6, 2017 12:05 PM in response to léonie

Many thanks for responding so swiftly. Her version is 7.1.5 and so I think she should be OK? Your link to the advice for earlier versions is excellent. Us folk out here couldn't do the half of what we try without the continuing support from you and your colleagues. 🙂

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Answer 4

Roger Sinden Author

Level 2

186 points

Apr 8, 2017 2:19 PM in response to léonie

Ran the Upgrader.

Result? A complete and utter disaster. None of the keywords have migrated. The events laughingly labelled 'iPhoto Events' in Photos had, on the iMac, proper descriptions. In Photo, they just show the date and even that appears to be wrong. Trying to see if perhaps the keywords are hidden and it's a simple matter of tweaking things, I tried searching for some of the keywords or event titles.

Nothing.

Zilch.

Guess we'll just have to send the MacBook Air back for refund.

Memories ? Yup, this one will stick in my craw for years to come.

If you can shed any light then I'd be eternally grateful.

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Answer 5

léonie

Level 10

200,645 points

Apr 6, 2017 12:09 PM in response to Roger Sinden

Good luck for the migration! 🙂

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