Back up the library in Photos on Mac. Even if you use iCloud Photos, it’s important that you always back up your library locally using one of the following methods. Use Time Machine: After you set up Time Machine, it automatically backs up the files on your Mac. If you ever lose the files in your Photos library, you can restore them from the Time Machine backup.

  • IPhoto is a bit tricky. You will find iPhoto Library in your pictures folder. You need to get the pictures out of that. Right click (Command click) on it and select “Show Package Contents” In there you will see a folder with the originals. From there you can drag them to a external drive. They will open without a problem on a Windows machine.
  • Apr 01, 2020  Click the Use as System Photo Library button. If you open a second or different library in the Photos app, and you haven't designated it as the System Photo Library, other applications will use photos from the original System Photo Library. Hold down the Option key when you open Photos to see which library is set as the System Photo Library.
  • Oct 26, 2016  The new library still can't be opened or fixed if I copy all sub-folders to the new library. It shows no pictures if I only copy the 'Masters' folder that have original picture. However, your reply remind me that I still had a chance to export all my picture safely from the Masters folder At least, all my picture didn't go with the broken library.
  • Aug 28, 2018  can't open photo library on mac. August 28, 2018. I keep trying to open my photo library but this message pops up every time: “The library couldn’t be open. Photos has attempted to repair the library ‘Photos Library’,but is unable to open it.'

Back up your library

Mac

Before following any of these steps, it's a good idea to create a backup of your photo library, even if you use iCloud Photos. You can use Time Machine, use a third-party backup solution or copy the library to an external drive. By default, your photo library is stored in the Pictures folder within your home folder.

Make sure your software is up to date

Photos is part of the Mac operating system. You can avoid or fix many issues by running the most up-to-date version of macOS.Learn more about updating the software on your Mac.

If you use RAW images in Photos, find out more about the digital camera RAW formats supported by iOS, iPadOS and macOS.

Find Photo Library On Mac

Mac

If you have trouble migrating an existing iPhoto or Aperture library to Photos

You might see an alert message when you first open Photos or migrate an existing iPhoto or Aperture library. Learn what to do if Photos can’t copy or create a library.

If the Media Browser isn't showing your photos and videos

Use the Media Browser to make images from your photo library available in other apps, such as Pages and iMovie. The Media Browser shows only the contents of the Photos library designated as the System Photo Library. If you have more than one Photos library – and the one you're using isn't set as the System Photo Library – the Media Browser won't show its contents.

Follow these steps to designate the current library as the System Photo Library:

  1. Choose Photos > Preferences.
  2. Click the General button at the top of the Preferences window.
  3. Click Use as System Photo Library.

If you're having other issues with Photos

If you're experiencing other issues – such as missing or blank photo thumbnails, unexpected behaviour or if Photos won’t open – try to see if it's an issue with your library by following these steps.

Create a new Photos library and see if your issues persist:

  1. Quit Photos.
  2. Press and hold the Option key while you open Photos.
  3. In the dialogue that appears, click Create New.
  4. Give your new library a name, then click OK. Note whether Photos opens successfully with this new library.

To return to your main Photos library, quit Photos. Then open it again while holding the Option key, select your main library, and click Choose Library.

Location of photo library mac. Choose the correct image and then right-click to pick Show in Enclosing Folder.Spotlight can reveal a photo nested within the Photos library.The reason to use Spotlight in a Finder windows instead of the system-wide Spotlight option is to let you reveal the original file upon which you may want to act. If you use the system-wide Spotlight pop-up, you can only select the image to open it, or have to take an additional step to select Show All in Finder.Ask Mac 911We’re always looking for problems to solve!

How To Open Photo Library File On Mac

Alternatively, you can open Photos in another user account on your Mac and note whether Photos opens successfully.

Update Photo Library On Mac

If Photos opens with the new library, or in a different user account, it might mean there's an issue with your library. Follow the steps to use the Photos library repair tool on your main Photos library.

Open My Photo Library

Learn more

Can't Open Iphoto On Mac

  • Learn how to create and order print products such as books or calendars in Photos with Project Extensions.
  • Get help with iCloud Photos.