Move Photo Library

Question

Level 1

8 points

Move Photo Library

Hi

I want to be able to access my photos from 3rd party apps, which you can't to if they're in the photo library. I have navigated to the Masters folder in the library & I can see the original photos there, but its a totally different folder structure, and would be impossible to use with another app.

I know I can export the pics i want from photos into another location, then access them that way but it does seem like double handling, however looking at the folder structure of the library and the way the images are sorted (I'm guessing its got to do with how Photos arranges your pics?) I am worried that if I move the library two things might happen...

1 - If I do this, and don't change the way the files & folders are sorted to the classic format (that makes it user friendly to other apps) it will have been a complete waste of time, and if I do change the sorting it won't work properly with Photos?

2 - If I do change the sorting I will lose all my manual sorting/arranging/tagging/rating etc.. I have done in Photos?

Anyone have any ideas?

Cheers

IMAC (RETINA 5K, 27-INCH, LATE 2015), iOS 10.3.1

Posted on May 5, 2017 5:37 PM

Reply

Answer 1

LarryHN

Level 10

106,142 points

May 5, 2017 8:05 PM in response to waryofdairy

Basically you are chasing a unicorn - there is no support for direct access to the contents of the Photos library - if you want to directly access your photos use an application that supports direct access

With Photos you have complete and unfetter access using the supported tools - exporting, the media browser and extensions including the external editors for Photos extension that lets you use any straight editor from within Photos -- Photo Editing Extensions for Photos for Mac

With Photos depending on the settings you choose the masters may not even have the full resolution originals - direct access simply is not supported -

and if you make any changes of any sort to the structure or content of the Photos library you will corrupt the library and lose a lot - do not ever do that

LN

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Answer 2

LarryHN

Level 10

106,142 points

May 6, 2017 5:34 PM in response to waryofdairy

Good - you are welcome - the media browser is often a good alternative to exporting - and take a look at the External editors for Photos extention - you may like it even more (or may not - but take a look)

LN

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Answer 3

waryofdairy Author

Level 1

8 points

May 5, 2017 8:06 PM in response to LarryHN

Hey thanks for that, I thought that may be the case! I shall export what I want to use elsewhere and leave well alone! Cheers

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Answer 4

LarryHN

Level 10

106,142 points

May 5, 2017 9:10 PM in response to waryofdairy

That works

and so does the media browser and so does the External Editors for Photos extension

You are welcome

LN

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Answer 5

waryofdairy Author

Level 1

8 points

May 6, 2017 4:43 PM in response to LarryHN

Thanks so much again. Didn't even know that media browser was there, was busy staring at "pictures" and didn't see that further down. Duh! Right in front of me 🙂 Cheers!

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