H
%Start Use Multiple iPhoto Libraries to Manage Your Photos GA
S
REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Computers, Laptops & Tablets > Apple 45 45 people found this article helpful
visibility
512 views
thumb_up
4 likes
D
Tom is also president of Coyote Moon, Inc., a Macintosh and Windows consulting firm. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on December 2, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Apple Macs iPad The iPhoto application stores all the images it imports in a single photo library.
thumb_up
36 likes
A
It works with multiple photo libraries, although only a single photo library can be open at any one time. Even with this limitation, using multiple iPhoto libraries is a great way to organize your images, especially if you have a large collection.
thumb_up
3 likes
C
Opening large collections of images have been known to slow down iPhoto's performance. Multiple photo libraries can be a great solution if you need an easier way to manage them.
thumb_up
48 likes
M
For example, if you run a home-based business, you might want to keep business-related photos in a different photo library than your personal photos.
Back Up Before You Create New Photo Libraries
Creating a new iPhoto library doesn’t affect the current photo library, but it’s always a good idea to have a current backup before manipulating any photo library you use. After all, there's a good chance that the photos in your library aren't easily replaceable.
thumb_up
33 likes
N
Follow the instructions in How to Back Up Your iPhoto Library before creating new libraries.
Create a New iPhoto Library
To create a new photo library, quit iPhoto if it's currently running.
thumb_up
37 likes
C
Hold down the Option key and keep holding it while you launch iPhoto. When you see the Choose Library dialog box asking what photo library you want iPhoto to use, release the Option key. Select Create New.
thumb_up
4 likes
S
Enter a name for your new photo library and click OK. If you leave all of your photo libraries in the Pictures folder, which is the default location, it's easier to back them up, but you can store some libraries in another location, if you prefer, by selecting it from the Where drop-down menu.
thumb_up
11 likes
I
After you click OK, iPhoto opens with the new photo library. To create additional photo libraries, quit iPhoto and repeat the process. If you have more than one photo library, iPhoto always marks the one you used last as the default.
thumb_up
34 likes
R
The default photo library is the one that iPhoto opens if you don't choose a different photo library by holding down the Option button when you launch iPhoto.
Choose Which iPhoto Library to Use
Although iPhoto defaults to the last-used library every time you open it, you can change to you other libraries whenever you want.
thumb_up
7 likes
S
Here's how: Hold down the Option key when you launch iPhoto. When you see the Choose Library dialog box that asks which photo library you want iPhoto to use, choose a library in the list and select the Choose Library button. The iPhoto app launches using the selected photo library and treats it as the default library until the next time you change it.
thumb_up
21 likes
J
Where Are the iPhoto Libraries Located
When you have multiple photo libraries, it's easy to forget where they're located. That’s why keeping them in the default Pictures folder is recommended.
thumb_up
27 likes
I
However, there are many good reasons for creating a library in a different location, including saving space on your Mac’s startup drive. Here's how to get iPhoto to tell you where each library is stored.
thumb_up
20 likes
Z
Quit iPhoto, if the app is already open. Hold down the Option key and then launch iPhoto.
thumb_up
2 likes
J
The Choose LIbrary dialog box opens. When you highlight one of the libraries listed in the dialog box, its location is displayed at the bottom of the dialog box. The library path name can’t be pasted, so you'll need to either write it down or take a screenshot to view later.
thumb_up
39 likes
S
How to Move Photos From One Library to Another
Unless you're starting from scratch and you're only going to import new photos from your camera into the new libraries, you'll probably want to move some images from the old default library to your new ones. The process is a bit involved, but this step-by-step guide, Create and Populate Additional iPhoto Libraries, will walk you through the process.
thumb_up
38 likes
A
Once you've done it once, it will be an easy process to perform again for any other photo libraries you want to create. Was this page helpful?
thumb_up
35 likes
E
Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day
Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Back Up Your Photos or iPhoto Library How to Quickly Select Multiple Photos in iOS How to Turn on Photo Stream and iCloud Photo Sharing How to Upload Multiple Photos to Facebook How to Access iCloud Photos From Any Apple, Windows, or Android Device How to Transfer Photos from iPhone to MacBook Air Reduce iCloud Storage Cost via Photos With Multiple Photo Libraries How to Upload, Organize, and Manage Photos on Facebook How to Delete Photos From the Photo Stream Personalize the Mac's Desktop Wallpaper With Your Own Pictures How to Recover Permanently Deleted Photos From iCloud Three Ways to Access the Library Folder on Your Mac How to Transfer Photos From any Phone to Your Computer How to Download All Your Photos From Facebook Using iPhone Photo Albums Use Multiple iTunes Libraries on One Computer Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
thumb_up
38 likes
C
Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies
thumb_up
5 likes
Similar Discussions
-
Wrestling veteran claims that Triple H s creative team is killing WWE legend s story with The Judgment Day by not utilizing it Exclusive
-
Genshin Impact Capitano leaks New Mika voicelines reveal details about new Fatui Harbinger
-
5 most fascinating details revealed by the GTA 6 leaks
-
Explained Why was Jeffrey Dahmer s arresting officer John Balcerzak fired?
-
From an idol to a supermodel 10+ photoshoots pf BTS V that prove he was born for the runway
-
When will Assassin s Creed Mirage be revealed and what to expect?
-
NBA Los Angeles Lakers continue losing start with defeat by LA Clippers BBC Sport
-
How Do You Take Two Different Pictures on BeReal?
-
My Hero Academia Season 5 Episode 10 Release Date Time Where to Watch The News Pocket
-
Brewery Boss Beer Game APK Download for Android
-
InformaTEC APK Download for Android
-
Skyweaver TCG Deck Builder APK Download for Android
-
tvOS 16 de nouvelles fonctionnalit s confirm es par Apple Tvos 16
-
Etats Unis elle l che un essaim d abeilles sur des policiers mobilis s sur une intervention Faits Divers Etats Unis
-
Le cr dit imp t recherche un instrument controvers Economie France
-
Sandrine Rousseau bient t sous protection polici re ? Le minist re de l Int rieur tudie s rieusement la question Politique
-
As ser la versi n de Netflix con publicidad precio fecha de lanzamiento y otros detalles del nuevo plan b sico
-
Black Adam post credits scene hints at a new superhero rivalry
-
For Honor 2 38 Update Patch Notes The Nerd Stash
-
Total War Warhammer 3 Update 1 0 1 Patch Notes The Nerd Stash
-
Straw Dogs 2011 Dual Audio Hindi English 480p 720p Bluray Gdrive Link
-
The Hangover Part 2 2011 Dual Audio Hindi English 480p 720p Bluray
-
Reason number 758 we re glad Mike Huckabee isn t president
-
Apple Watch Series 8 debuts with a long awaited health feature Digital Trends
-
2022 Ultimate Guide How to Mirror Mac to Firestick?
-
Google Pixel Fold News and Expected Price Release Date Specs and More Rumors
-
How to Report Spam in Gmail
-
How to Unlock an iPhone With an Apple Watch
-
How to Add a Workout to Apple Watch
-
How to Use Your Outlook com Contacts on Another Computer