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Synchronize or Backup iPhoto.

ChronoSync can keep iPhoto on two Macs in sync but it can not merge data together. What's the difference? First, you need to understand that Apple programs store the data in a separate location from the actual application. Second, ChronoSync can replace the newer data files with the older data files but not merge two files together. This is because most of the iApps - or Apple applications -store their data in a unique way that can only be created by importing data using the application. For instance, you can only add images to iPhoto directly using iPhoto. Below are the steps needed so that two iPhoto libraries are kept in sync. Note: You can only perform an iPhoto synchronization between the same version of iPhoto, meaning you can sync iPhoto 8 to iPhoto 8 but not iPhoto 8 to iPhoto 7.

1. Locate the iPhoto Library
Note: You don't actually sync the iPhoto application, you sync the iPhoto Library.
The iPhoto Library is located under "Home/Pictures/iPhoto Library". In special circumstances you can have more than one iPhoto Library or it may be in an alternate location. If this is the case, you need to select the iPhoto Library, wherever it is located, as your target in step 4.

2. Defining the Source Mac
When synchronizing, you need to establish a source and destination. The source is the Mac on which ChronoSync is installed and the destination is the Mac or hard drive you connect/mount. You can make either one the Left or Right Target. In order to use ChronoSync to synchronize iPhoto you must first make sure all your photos are on the source Mac. You can use iPhoto Library Manager or just manually import all your photos into one iPhoto library. iPhoto Library Manager is a utility that will merge two iPhoto libraries together. After you use it you can use ChronoSync to backup iPhoto or keep iPhoto in sync on two Macs.

3. Connect
You install ChronoSync on one Mac and then connect to the other. You need to, of course, connect to another Mac in order to synchronize to the other iPhoto library. Click here for a list of connection options.

4. Set it Up
To set it up, follow these steps:

A. Create a ChronoSync document with the two Pictures folders from each computer as the targets. If your iPhoto Library is not in your Pictures folder, then choose the folder that contains it. It is best to select the folder that contains your iPhoto Library as the target - this should be the Pictures folder - so that all your images will be included in the synchronization, not just your images contained in iPhoto.

If you have images in the Pictures folder outside of iPhoto but you do not want to sync them, then you should exclude them. You can do this two ways. You can permanently exclude any files or folders in the Analyze Panel (read Excluding a File or Folder) or you can create rules to only include the iPhoto Library. Create the following two intermediate rules and connect them with "OR":

  • Parent Pathname rule using "File or folder's parent contains" for the folder you want to sync - this will include all files and folder within the folder you want to sync.
  • Display Name rule using Folder for the folder you want to sync - this will include the actual folder in the Target.

B. Change the Operation to "Synchronize Bidirectional" to sync two Macs or "Backup" to backup to another hard drive. If doing a bidirectional synchronization, both versions of iPhoto must be the same.

C. Check the "Synchronize Deletions" checkbox, as it is best to archive files when deleting. If you want to archive all files when they change, then turn on "Archive Handling" from the Options Panel.

D. The iPhoto '08 (or later) Library is not a folder but a package file. In the Options Panel, check "Dissect Packages". Then, in the Analyze Panel check "Show all entries" so you can tunnel down and see inside the packages. ChronoSync will now handle the package file like a standard folder.

E. Make sure "Ignore invisibles" and "Preserve Comments" are unchecked under the Options Panel.

F. Save the ChronoSync document. Be sure you always use this document when doing an iPhoto sync. Also, be sure to always sync when you switch Macs.

5. Clear out the destination folder
Make sure you completed Step #2 and all your photos are on the source Mac. Now, remove the iPhoto Library folder on the destination Mac. You can simply drag it into on your Desktop. This will ensure that everything from the source Mac will copy over to the destination Mac and be completely identical to start with. After you verify that iPhoto is working on both Macs, you can trash the temporary folder.

6. Preference File
There is one iPhoto preference file that also must be synchronized between both Macs. Find the file "com.apple.iPhoto.plist", located under Users/HOME/Library/Preferences. You should set up a separate Synchronizer document synchronizing your two Preference files with a Simple Rule - "Displayed Name: File or folder name is: "com.apple.iPhoto.plist".

Now that you have two Synchronizer documents - one for the Pictures folder and one for the Preference file - you can combine them into a Container document.

7. Synchronize!

Tip: If you synchronize your entire Home folder it will include iPhoto libraries so you do not have to set up a separate iPhoto Sync. Read the tip: Home-to-Home Sync.

NOTE: If you already tried to sync or merge your iPhoto libraries together using ChronoSync and lost images, you can still recover them, even if they are not showing up in iPhoto. The photos are more than likely in your iPhoto folder but not recognized by iPhoto. You can get them back by rebuilding the iPhoto library. To do this, hold down the Option and Command keys while opening iPhoto. Next, select all available options and then wait - it may take awhile. Before attempting this, click here for full details on this procedure.

That's it! The flexibility and ease of using ChronoSync has so many advantages. If you have any problems while using our products, contact us by using our support form. If you wish to share a tip with us, post it on our comment form. Happy Syncing!