How to Use iPhoto to Share Photos Between Users
An iPhoto library on a Mac computer is, by default, associated with a specific user on the computer. In cases where users want to share and edit a single iPhoto library among multiple user accounts on the computer, the users must enable each user account to have read/write access for the iPhoto library. Apple recommends two approaches for sharing photos between users. Both of these methods allow multiple users to view and edit the iPhoto library, but it is not possible to have the library open on more than one account at the same time.
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Instructions
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Transfer the iPhoto Library to an External Drive
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Plug the external drive into the computer and turn it on.
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Command-click on the icon for the external drive in the left side of the Finder window. Highlight “Get Info.”
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Check the box to “Ignore ownership on this volume.” It is usually automatically selected. Click the red circle in the upper left corner to close the “Get Info” window.
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Click on the “Go” menu in the Finder and select “Home.” Open the “Pictures” folder.
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Drag the “iPhoto Library” file to the external drive icon in the left side of the Finder window. The library will copy to the drive.
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Hold down the Option key when you open the iPhoto application to select the location of the iPhoto library.
Create a Disk Image of the iPhoto Library
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Click on the “Go” menu in the Finder and select “Home.” Open the “Pictures” folder. Command-click on the iPhoto Library and select “Get Info.” Check the size of the file.
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Click on the “Go” menu in the Finder and select “Utilities.” Double-click on the “Disk Utility” icon.
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Open the “File” menu, select “New” and choose “Blank Disk Image.”
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Enter a name for the disk image. Select a size for the disk image, allowing for the size of the iPhoto Library file and any expansion of the file. Apple recommends setting the “Format” as “sparse disk image”
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Save the file to the “Shared” folder located with the “Users” folder or another shared folder. Press “Create.”
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Click on the “Go” menu in the Finder and select “Home.” Open the “Pictures” folder.
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Drag the “iPhoto Library” file to the new disk image icon mounted in the left side of the Finder window. The library will copy to the drive.
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Command-click on the disk image icon in the Shared folder and select “Get Info.”
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Expand the “Sharing and Permissions” section of the window. Click the lock icon in the lower right corner of the window. Type an administrator user name and password in the prompt.
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Go to the “Privilege” column for “Everyone.” Change “Read Only” to “Read & Write.” Click the red circle in the upper left corner to close the window.
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Hold down the Option key when you open the iPhoto application to select the location of the iPhoto library.
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References
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