How to Safely Migrate Your Dad’s iPhoto Library with macOS Catalina Support

With the release of macOS Catalina, older applications like iPhoto are no longer supported, leaving many users scrambling to find the best way to preserve their carefully organized photo libraries. Whether your dad is looking to upgrade to the built-in Photos app, seek a third-party solution, or manually transfer photos, this comprehensive guide offers a step-by-step approach to ensure a smooth transition with minimal loss of organization.

Upgrade to the Photos App

The Photos app, which is the direct successor to iPhoto, offers a seamless way to manage and organize your photos. Here's how to do it:

Steps:

Open the Photos app. Go to File > Import. Select the iPhoto library from the appropriate location, usually in the Pictures folder. Follow the prompts to complete the import.

The Photos app will preserve the organization of albums, faces, and other elements of the iPhoto library.

Backup the iPhoto Library

Before making any changes, it's crucial to back up the entire iPhoto library. This can be easily done by copying the library file (typically named iPhoto Library) to an external hard drive or cloud storage.

Steps:

Locate the iPhoto library file in the Pictures folder. Copy the file to an external hard drive or cloud storage.

Consider Third-Party Software

If you dad is looking for more advanced features, there are several third-party applications that can import iPhoto libraries:

Adobe Lightroom

Features powerful photo management and editing capabilities. Imports iPhoto libraries seamlessly.

Capture One

A robust option specifically designed for photographers. Offers advanced features for managing and editing photos.

These applications typically have specific import features that can read and preserve the organization of the iPhoto library.

Export Photos Individually

If maintaining the exact organization is not critical, another option is to export individual photos from iPhoto and then import them into a new application. However, this method may result in the loss of albums and organization.

Steps:

Open iPhoto and select the photos or albums to export. Go to File > Export. Choose the desired file format and quality. Save the exported files in a new location.

This approach is most suitable if it's okay to reorganize the photos later.

Use Migration Assistant

If your dad is setting up a new Mac, Migration Assistant can transfer his entire user account, including the iPhoto library, to the new machine. This will also migrate the Photos app and other settings.

Conclusion

The best approach is usually to import the iPhoto library directly into the Photos app as it is designed to handle this transition smoothly while preserving organization. Ensure to back up the library before making any changes. If your dad has specific needs or preferences, exploring third-party options might also be beneficial.