You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

iPhoto upgraded to photos can't find my photos

Just realized my iPhoto upgraded to photos and I cannot access iPhoto at all. Is there a way to retrieve my photos?

Mac Pro

Posted on Jun 23, 2020 12:00 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 23, 2020 1:02 PM

The "iPhoto.app" in the Applications folder is only the program, it does not contain your photos.

You need to find the iPhoto Library, the database where iPhoto has been storing the photos.. The iPhoto Library should be showing an icon with a fan of three pictures, showing a pink blossom, like this. The filename extension (if visible) should be "photolibrary". If you did not move it, the iPhoto Library should be in the folder "Pictures".


6 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 23, 2020 1:02 PM in response to timeca52

The "iPhoto.app" in the Applications folder is only the program, it does not contain your photos.

You need to find the iPhoto Library, the database where iPhoto has been storing the photos.. The iPhoto Library should be showing an icon with a fan of three pictures, showing a pink blossom, like this. The filename extension (if visible) should be "photolibrary". If you did not move it, the iPhoto Library should be in the folder "Pictures".


Jun 23, 2020 12:41 AM in response to timeca52

iPhoto was discontinued 5 years ago. It is no longer developed or sold. It was replaced by the more powerful (and free) Photos.app that comes with the OS. You can migrate to that app very simply:


Hold down the option (or alt) key and launch Photos. From the resulting menu select 'Choose Library' and point at your iPhoto Library. It will do the rest.


If you prefer not to use Photos there are several 3rd party apps that you can use. Which to choose depends on the kind of photographer you are and your budget.

iPhoto upgraded to photos can't find my photos

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.