Title

Frequently Asked Questions: iPhoto Librarian


Discussion

Q: Can I use iPhoto Librarian to point iPhoto to a folder containing a collection of images I already have on my hard drive?
A: No. iPhoto places images into a library folder which is structured in such a way for iPhoto to properly visualize the images. You must point iPhoto at a library folder and select File -> Import. The imported images are copied into the selected library folder.
   
Q: How do I create a new library folder with iPhoto Librarian?
A: Simply create a new folder, then use iPhoto Librarian to point to it. The folder will be empty, but iPhoto will be able to start importing images into it.

You can create the new folder by two methods:

Method 1

  1. With the Finder create a new folder where you wish the library to reside.
  2. Open iPhoto Librarian and Choose... the newly created folder.

Method 2

  1. Open iPhoto Librarian and click Choose...
  2. From the Choose a Folder dialog, navigate to where you wish to place the library folder.
  3. Click New Folder and name the folder.
  4. Click Choose with the newly created folder selected.
Q: Must I always start iPhoto with iPhoto Librarian?
A: No. Only use iPhoto Librarian when you wish to switch from the current library folder to a different library folder.
Q: Can iPhoto Librarian help me regain disk space by moving my iPhoto library from one disk to another?
A: Yes, but through a manual process.

iPhoto Librarian provides no direct means to enable this feature, but by following the steps below you can successfully achieve the desired result.

  1. Copy or move the iPhoto library folder from where it currently resides to another disk. We recommend the copy feature until you are comfortable with the procedure.
  2. Start iPhoto Librarian and click "Choose..."
  3. From the folder selection dialog presented, select the iPhoto library folder in its new location.
  4. iPhoto will start and show your photos in their new location.
Q: I still receive the error "zsh: no such file or directory:/usr/bin/default"
A: iPhoto Librarian requires that the BSD Subsystem of Mac OS X be installed on your computer in order to work.

This page on the Apple website details now to install the BSD Subsystem.

Q: How do I remove some or all of the locations or paths?
A:

iPhoto Librarian does not provide a mechanism from the User Interface to remove some or all of the remembered locations.

Work around:

Simply re-install the iPhoto Librarian script from the Disk Image (.dmg). This will remove all the remembered locations.


Created On: 16 April, 2004
Last Modified: 16 April, 2004