[Turias]

I really like some things about iPhoto, but it just ain't powerful enough for me. It's also really annoying to export an image, change it in photoshop, and re-import it.

What I would like to do is to be able to open a photo from my iPhoto library in photoshop, edit it there, and save it, with the new photo automatically replacing the old one in the library.

In the iPhoto preferences, I can set it so that double-clicking on a photo opens it in photoshop. Great. But, when I try to save it, photoshop tells me that the image is locked... probably because iPhoto doesn't want me messing around with its image data.

Does anyone know a workaround for this?

[KidRed]

The best way might be to navigate to the photos you want inside the iphoto library directory, edit and replace those photos. If you get a locked alert, check the permissions on those photos or directories they are in. Maybe it's iPhoto that's protecting the images, in which case, my first suggestion of navigating and open in in photoshop direct may be the best way.

[Turias]

Unforunately, it's not very easy to navigate through the iPhoto library folder, change the permissions, and then replace the photo. Especially with the directory structure that iPhoto uses.

In fact, exporting, changing, deleting, and reimporting almost sounds easier...

Also, I know that iPhoto automatically makes a thumbnail image and does some other tricky stuff... would replacing only the main image file royally screw things up in my library?

[mchladek]

Go to the "iPhoto Library" folder and go to the get info screen. Make sure you have owner can read & write. Then click "Apply to enclosed items...." I believe this should change all the permissions for all your photos.

I have iPhoto set up where if I double click an image it'll open it in Photoshop Elements. I haven't had any problems saving it from PE, and iPhoto automatically refreshes the edited image after saving.

[neilw]

I've used the same setup with GraphicConverter (double click to open there, save puts it back into my iPhoto directory). I don't think I ever had to mess with the permissions of the iPhoto directory, either.

So it's definitely possible to do exactly what you want. Don't know why it's not working for you, but try to adjust the permissions and see if that helps.