[quattrokid73]

when iPhoto loads up your photos, does it make duplicate copies? im on a hunch that is it only makes new files when you edit your photos, but i want to make sure as i need to clean out my HD as much as possible as im getting to the point where space is sparse.

thanks! adam

[Nivag]

as far as i know it copies the added images to it's own storage place (homefolder/Pictures/iPhoto Library)

and if you edit any photo it'll make a copy so you'll have an original to revert back to.

[Big Mac]

Yes, any photo alterations done in iPhoto are stored as separate files. If you don't want this to occur, you should use a different photo utility.

[quattrokid73]

okay so you are saying that when you use iPhoto, it duplicates all of your photo files into iPhoto Library, and then makes MORE files when you edit pics from the iPhoto Library?

If this is true, is it safe to delete my stock photo folder and just backup the iPhoto library regularly instead?

[peeb]

Yes, iPhoto makes a copy of any file that you import into it's own directory, which is stored in (I think) pictures-->iPhoto library. Whenever you edit a photo it makes another copy of the original so that you can revert if you change your mind. Whether you feel comfortable deleting the other copy you have is up to you - if you backup your iPhoto library periodically then I would say yes, if the original copy is your backup, them keep it!

[quattrokid73]

Thanks Fellas