Tell iPhoto to automatically consolidate images

Feb 26, '04 07:50:00AM

Contributed by: Epicyon

With the introduction of iPhoto 4, I decided to migrate my rather large and scattered photo library into its clutches. After the first round of imports, I noticed that I was left with what basically amounted to two sets of images; one in the original location, the other under the auspices of iPhoto. I was hoping for a consolidate photo library function similar to the consolidate function provided by iTunes. While this hint doesn't exactly provide that functionality, it does result in a single copy of images after import.

By making the following changes iPhoto will delete the images imported *after* asking if you are sure you wish to delete the files. As always, make a backup prior to any operation that could concievably result in lost data.

defaults write com.apple.iPhoto.plist DeleteFilesAfterImport\? YES
defaults write com.apple.iPhoto.plist DeletePhotosAfterImport YES
To restore your settings:
defaults write com.apple.iPhoto.plist DeleteFilesAfterImport\? NO
defaults write com.apple.iPhoto.plist DeletePhotosAfterImport NO
[robg adds: As noted, be very careful if you decide to change these settings -- once gone, you'll have great difficulty retrieving the files!]

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