No. 4

Converting an iPhoto 6(06), 7(08), 8(09) or 9(11)
Library to an Media Pro System


This workflow will permit you to transfer your image files, keeping filenames, keywords, comments and most EXIF dates, into a new folder system based on the current roll folder system in iPhoto and managed by Media Pro (MP).





Figure 1 - EXIF correlation between MP and other applications


Since you're currently operating in iPhoto your folder structure is already setup for you, i.e. the Originals folder (or the Masters folder for iPhoto 9) within the iPhoto Library folder.




Figure 2 - Folder Structure for iPhoto 6, iPhoto 7 (08), iPhoto 8 (09) and iPhoto 9 (11)


You will now have a catalog of your photos with the same keywords that were in iPhoto and Categories representing the albums in the library.


Workflow:


1.  Make a backup copy of your iPhoto Library folder.


2.  Follow Tutorial #1 to write the keywords and comments from iPhoto to the image files in the Originals folder.


3.  Move the Originals folder out of the iPhoto Library folder into the Pictures folder.


4.  Move the iPhoto Library folder and its backup copy to the Desktop.


5.  Open MP, create a new catalog file and and save it.


  1. 6. Drag the Originals folder from the Pictures folder into the open MP catalog window.


7.  When the importing is complete save the catalog again.



Once you confirm that you have all of your photos safely in the catalog you can delete the iPhoto Library folder and its backup copy from the Desktop. If you want to rename the Originals folder or move it to another location do it from within MP.  That will preserve the links.