How to Update iPhoto on Mac

Catching up on the latest iPhoto version is important if you want to enjoy new features. Or else you will end up with an app that is slow, inefficient, and contains bugs. So, how would you do so? Does updating the app involve lengthy procedures? Let’s figure it out. 

This blog covers a detailed guide on how to update iPhoto on Mac, import an old iPhoto Library to new photos, the difference between old and new photo apps, and much more. 

So, let’s get started! 

How to Update iPhoto on Mac

Mac automatically informs you when it is time to update iPhoto on mac. If you have the iPhoto app either pre-installed on your system along with Mac OS X v10.7 Lion or later, or purchased from the App Store, you will find the updated information in the App Store. 

On the other hand, if you have the iPhoto app pre-installed on your system along with Mac OS X v10.6.8 Snow Leopard or earlier, the system will check for new updates whenever you open the app and inform you in case of any new available update. It also works in a similar way if you have installed the app from the iLife ’11 DVD. 

To turn off automatic notifications if you have pre-installed the iPhoto app on your system along with Mac OS X v10.6.8 Snow Leopard or earlier, or installed the app from the iLife ’11 DVD, follow the steps below:

  • Open the iPhoto application and choose iPhoto
  • Click on Preferences.
  • Select the General tab.
  • Uncheck Check for iPhoto Update automatically option. 

Always check which Mac version you are using before you find the latest updates or manually check them. 

How to Manually Check for iPhoto Updates

Although Mac informs you about the updates itself, you can also check for them manually. If you had pre-installed the app along with Mac OS X v10.7 Lion or later or had it purchased from the app store, follow the steps below to manually check for updates:

  • Open the App Store.
  • Click on the Updates option in the toolbar.
  • The latest update available will show in the Mac App Store window (if any).

In the other scenario, if you have the iPhoto app pre-installed on your system along with Mac OS X v10.6.8 Snow Leopard or earlier or installed it from the iLife ’11 DVD, you can check for manual updates by using the following procedure:

  • Open the Apple Menu.
  • Select the Software Update option. 
  • The latest update will show in the Software Update window (if any).

You can also check for updates manually in the iPhoto app by opening iPhoto and then clicking on Check for Updates.

Related:
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How to Import Your Old iPhotos Library to Photos

The Photos app in the Mac successfully replaced iPhotos in 2015. Although the features of both apps weren’t exactly the same, Apple still managed to make the importing process from iPhotos to Photos incredibly easy. Follow the steps below to do so:

  • Quit the Photos app. 
  • Press the Option key and simultaneously open the Photos app.
  • Once the app opens, choose the Library you wish to open. If the library you want to open isn’t listed, click on Other Library. Alternatively, you can also drag the desired library into the Photos. 
  • Click on Choose Library
  • Click on File.
  • Click on Import

To switch between libraries once they are installed, follow the steps below

  • Press the Option key.
  • Simultaneously, double-click on the Photos app.
  • Choose the library you want to open.

Remember: you cannot merge all the libraries. Instead, you will have to perform these steps on each of them separately. 

How to Get Your Old iPhoto Library Back

You might have backed up your previous photos. In this case, getting an old iPhoto Library will be super easy. To get the deleted iPhoto library back, you can use the Time Machine by Apple for the data you have backed up. Here is how you can get them back:

  • Connect the Time Machine drive to your MacBook.
  • Open the Finder.
  • Find the Pictures folder and navigate to the iPhoto Library.
  • Open the Time Machine from the System Preferences.
  • Open the folder’s history by using the timeline on the right side of the window. 
  • Locate the backup of your iPhoto photos.
  • Select the backup.
  • Click Restore.
  • Type the system password.

For the data which you haven’t backed previously, you can use external software such as iMyFone AnyRecover data recovery software.

  • Install the app and open it. 
  • Once opened, locate your iPhoto Library.
  • Click the Start button.
  • The software will perform a complete scan to recover the lost files. 

If you are using the older versions of iPhoto app, you should press the Option key alongside opening the iPhoto app. Once done, a Library Chooser pop-up will appear. 

What Is the Difference Between the iPhoto Library and Photos Library on Mac

Photo app replaced iPhoto back in 2015. Photos have relatively more features and are better than iPhotos. In terms of speed, the Photos app is faster and smoother and can store more photos. Besides, it also has better organization. The new Photos app is also better than iPhotos in terms of working with iCloud. 

As per working is concerned, the Photos app on Mac is similar to the ones on iPhones and iPads since it can sync data with iCloud Photos Library. 

Where Is the iPhoto Album on My Mac

iPhoto keeps the copies of pictures in the iPhoto Library. You can find the iPhoto library by following the steps below:

  • Launch the Finder.
  • Click on the Go option. 
  • Click on Home
  • Select the Pictures folder.

Related:
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What is the Latest iPhoto Version on Mac

The final iPhoto version Apple launched before replacing it with Photos was 9.6.1. Apple released it on March 19, 2015. The last operating system that supported iPhoto app was macOS Mojave 10.14. macOS Catalina or later versions do not support iPhoto. However, some third-party applications will still help you install the iPhoto app on macOS Catalina or newer versions. 

5 Alternatives to iPhoto

Apple has replaced iPhoto, but for the ones who want to stick to the features of an iPhoto, here are a few alternatives.

1. PhotoScape 

It is a photo viewer and editor, which is a good application for professional use. Its user-friendly interface allows the user to do basic-level editing. 

2. Adobe Photoshop Lightroom  

It is an excellent photo editing and enhancing app where the user can work with raw format images. It allows you to organize and print photos and make slideshows. 

3. XnView 

It is another alternative application for iPhoto. You can use this app to organize, view, and convert photos free of cost. Its user-friendly interface allows you to conveniently create HTML pages and slide shows. 

4. Picasa 

It is famous for its easy-to-use features. You can use this application to organize, edit, share, and even transfer images. Besides, it is exceptionally fast and syncs automatically, providing convenience for its users. 

5. FastStone Image Viewer 

Another great alternative to the iPhoto application is FastStone Image Viewer. Known for its fast speed, this app offers you to crop, resize, compare, view, and edit the colors of the pictures. Additionally, it is a free application and surprisingly convenient to use.  

Umar Farooq
Umar Farooq
Umar Farooq is a digital Evangelist having right commands on writing, also he is a web developer. He has a BS(Computer Science) and now he is Full-Time writer of TechanZone.

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