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Export iPhoto library as links Apps
If, as I do, you often need to use your image files with other applications or using scripts, you probably suffered from the so controversial file organization of iPhoto. This was a reason for not to use it. Using the script in this hint, you can export selected pictures from iPhoto, but they are linked rather than copied. There is no disk space waste, nor disparity between copies. Thus it is possible to organise photos in hierarchical folders, as you wish, while keeping the iPhoto library intact.

The script gives you a choice between aliases or symbolic links. If you don't know the point, use aliases. In some case however, neither aliases nor links are satisfying, because some applications are unable to manage and just ignore them. In those cases, you can use the third choice -- the script moves picture files to the chosen folder and replaces them with aliases. Use with caution, as side effects on iPhoto behavior are unknown. It is advisable to replace files in the iPhoto library before any modification on images. They can be moved again later.

Important: This operation is reversible. If run again, files are moved back in the iPhoto library and aliases are created in the chosen folder. More information in the script comments.

Download the script from macosxhints.com: export_links.zip

[robg adds: I tested the 'alias' option in the script, and it worked fine on my machine. I did not test the other two modes.]
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Export iPhoto library as links | 3 comments | Create New Account
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Export iPhoto library as links
Authored by: Max_B on Apr 06, '04 08:10:45PM

Self-comment:

For those who DO know about the pro and cons of symbolic links I'd say "go for it" , because :
- it save disk space: symlinks use no other space than the "inode", while aliases do for resource fork. It may sum-up for numerous files.
-the Finder (in Panther at least, don't remember on Jaguar) can preview symlinked files but not always aliases.

BTW: I also have another script for:
-restoring EXIF header messed by iPhoto/Quicktime/Image capture (they become unreadable by proprietary software like Canon's).
-manage colorsync (add/suppress profile).
All from inside iPhoto. This script needs some cleaning, comments, packaging before release. I'll do it, especially if there is some interest.



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Export iPhoto library as links
Authored by: peewit on Apr 07, '04 09:41:59AM

This is excellent - a good idea. Anything that enhances the integration of iPhoto with other apps is excellent



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Export iPhoto library as links
Authored by: Max_B on Apr 25, '04 06:18:16PM

Self comment, second.
I just released an other companion script to help import originals of modified images into iPhoto.
Due to the low audience that this hint has, I do not post another one for this new script.

For more information, see http://coderie.ac-mb.info

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