What Is an Alias in iPhoto?
An alias is a specific type of file found on Mac computers. Essentially, an alias is like a pointer. When a file is moved, an alias of the file can take its place. This alias file directs the computer to the new location of the original file, so you can double-click the alias file as if to open it, and the computer will open the original file. These types of files are helpful in iPhoto if you ever choose to move your pictures.
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What's iPhoto?
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Every Mac comes with iPhoto, a program for importing, editing and organizing digital photographs. In iPhoto, you can sort photos by face, place or event, and you can readily share your photos through email, Facebook or Flickr. In addition, you can crop and retouch photos, adjust the colors, remove red-eye and apply various photographic effects. To show off your work, you can turn your photos into cards, calendars and slideshows.
What's an Alias?
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According to the technology services at Indiana University, an alias is "a pointer file that allows you to quickly open the files, folders, servers, or applications used most often." Basically, the alias tells the computer where to find the original object, which could be anything from a word document to a song. It's similar to a "shortcut" in Windows. However, unlike shortcuts, you can move the target of an alias, and the link between the alias and the target file will remain unbroken. An alias is distinguishable by a small arrow in the bottom left corner of the icon.
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Creating an Alias
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You can create an alias in four ways. The easiest is to select the item for which you wish to create an alias, and then select "Make Alias" from the File menu. You can also select the item and then press Command-l – lowercase "L" – or hold the Control Key, click the item and select "Make Alias" from the menu that appears. These methods will create an alias next to the original file, and you can then drag it wherever you want to place it. You can also create an alias directly in a new location by clicking the item, holding down the mouse button as well as the Command and Option keys and then dragging the item to the place you want the alias. The item will not move, but an alias will appear in the new location.
Uses for iPhoto
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The primary use of an alias for iPhoto is moving your photo library, or specific photos from it. If you simply move the photos – dragging them from, say, the Pictures folder to the desktop – you won't be able to see the photos in iPhoto because the program won't know where to find them. Instead, you should create an alias for the photos, or the album, in the Pictures folder. That way, iPhoto will still be able to open them.
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References
- Photo Credit Justin Sullivan/Getty Images News/Getty Images
