How does iPhoto stores the Photos?

Many users are not aware where iPhoto stores the photos after importing them. This is especially so if you are a Windows users and have just started to use the MAC. It really do not work the same as your Windows System.

iPhoto places the imported photos into the Originals folder within the iPhoto Library package (located in your Pictures folder). I understand many of you will want to access the photo for use outside of iPhoto.

There are three ways (at least) to get files from the iPhoto Window.

1. Drag and Drop: Drag a photo from the iPhoto Window to the desktop, there iPhoto will make a full-sized copy of the pic.

2. File -> Export: Select the files in the iPhoto Window and go File -> Export. The dialogue will give you various options, including altering the format, naming the files and changing the size. Again, producing a copy.

3. Show File: Right- (or Control-) Click on a pic and in the resulting dialogue choose 'Show File'. A Finder window will pop open with the file already selected.

How iPhoto Stores your Photos?
 
In Ver 8 the iPhoto Library Folder has become a Unix style Package File. Goto the Pictures Folder and right click on it and choose 'Show Package Contents'. Here's how the core of the library is set up: There are three core folders inside this folder

• Originals are the photos as they were downloaded from your camera or scanner.
• Modified contains edited pics, shots that you have cropped, rotated or changed in any way.

This allows the Photos -> Revert to Original command - very useful if you don't like the changes you've made.
 
• Data holds the thumbnails the the app needs to show you the photos in the iPhoto Window.

It is strongly advised that you do not move, change or in anyway alter things in the iPhoto Library Folder as this can cause the application to fail and even lead to data loss.