08-14-2008, 10:00 AM

I'm slowly tranferring my pictures from my PC to Mac. If I import photos into iPhoto, I cannot figure out where they are saved. For instance, if I drag the file over from my PC, I can see it under Finder. But if I import that file into iPhoto and then delete the file I dragged over, I can only see those photos by opening iPhoto. That makes me a bit nervous given that I may want to use some program other than iPhoto in the future, and would want to find those files.

08-14-2008, 10:16 AM

They're in your Your home folder => Pictures => iPhoto Library.

08-14-2008, 10:34 AM

I think that is what I clicked, but it just opens up iPhoto. I'll have to look when I get home. I'm chained to the work PC now.

08-14-2008, 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by safetyfast

I think that is what I clicked, but it just opens up iPhoto. I'll have to look when I get home. I'm chained to the work PC now.

Also, when you have a picture opened in iPhoto, you can right-click on it and choose "Show File" and it will take you right to where the photo is stored on your disk.

08-14-2008, 10:54 AM

Originally Posted by safetyfast

I think that is what I clicked, but it just opens up iPhoto. I'll have to look when I get home. I'm chained to the work PC now.

control (right) click on it and select "Show Package Contents"

08-14-2008, 11:15 AM

Originally Posted by Dysfunction

control (right) click on it and select "Show Package Contents"

This is correct. The "iPhoto library" is essentially a locked folder that contains the storage hierarchy.

08-14-2008, 11:36 AM

So to transfer them to another program, would I need to first use iPhoto to burn them to a new location. I suppose I could leave them in a photos folder as well, but then they will take up twice the disk space.

08-15-2008, 10:18 AM

When you import into iPhoto, it does, indeed place them in a "locked" package. Apple designed it this way to keep users from tinkering in the library in finder. Do anything and everything to/with your photos from within the app itself. To upload them to, say, Facebook, drag the photo from the app to your desktop and upload from there. Some online apps may have plugins to help you choose your photo, and in some cases there is a "media" tab in your browser that will work as well. Just don't go into the library in finder! Just because you CAN (as dysfunction stated), does not mean you SHOULD. Best to forget that library is there!

08-15-2008, 10:43 AM

No, once you've done the 'Show package contents' bit you can move, delete, copy to your hearts content. It's just a part of the file system, to be honest from a command line level there isn't even a single noticable difference between that and any other directory.

Sorry, but I find the whole "you shouldn't be there" thing to be rather a misnomer. Like many things in OS X they're 'protected' from casual user operations, but the access is there for a reason. There are a good number of us that regularly are in and out of such 'protected files' with no consequence. It's a bit like using sudo and issuing privileged commands, you just have to understand what you're doing when you do so. This does not mean there's a reason to be afraid of it, just not something to do willy-nilly. For instance, copying the files from that location is simply faster, easier, and more efficient over all than 'exporting' them using iPhoto. Especially if you use terminal to do so.

08-15-2008, 12:31 PM

Well, I do know that if you start renaming photos, moving them, creating folders, etc. in the finder, iPhoto will no longer be able to find them and will be rendered useless. That is all I was trying to point out. The OP is obviously fairly new to macs, and probably not so familiar with the structures, etc. as dysfunction, so I thought it would be a good idea to keep the OP out of trouble.

08-15-2008, 01:08 PM

Thanks guys, that makes sense.

08-15-2008, 04:20 PM

I was confused about this as well when I first moved my pics to my mac. Good thread.

03-28-2009, 02:05 PM

Very interesting thread. Thanks, I finally know how to see those files. I'd been there and forgotten how.

In fact, when I get a job and some money, I am thinking of upgrading to Aperture. Does it have a more "normal" filing system?

One reason I needed the files was to transfer video from iphoto to imovie. Before seeing this thread I ended up copying and pasting from the 2 interfaces, and it worked. They go to iphoto cause they are video from a still camera, imovie doesn't seem to recognize it as an external drive, although that may be Canon's fault.
I am unable to see the contents of the camera and delete them manually. Very annoying. I have to import them and then delete them.

And anyway, I know I've had other valid reasons in the past for wanting to see the actual files.

I had a go oat Adobe Lightroom once but didn't like it for some reason.

ps. I just tried dragging from iphoto to imovie and that is also working. But still, I'd rather go through imovie' import function as I currently have 7 windows open on my little laptop (even 17" feels little when you are used to dual 30 inches at work).