Importing olden iPhoto Libraries into Photos for iCloud Sync

[zackshapiro25]

I have a hard drive with a few old iPhoto libraries from backups of past Macs. I want to import them into iPhoto so they back up to my iCloud account. When I drag the icon into Photos, it asks if I want to switch libraries. I'm not sure if that's what I want to do.

Does anyone have experience with this and can guide me in the right direction? Thanks!

 

[cms2]

If you switch libraries, Photos will update the old iPhoto library to Photos. But it won't merge it into your existing Photos library. They will remain separate. In order to then work with your newer photos, you will have to quit Photos, then hold down alt when you relaunch it. A window will appear allowing you to select which library to load. Repeat that process if you then want to go back to your older photos.

It's super janky.

 

[Bruno09]

Hi,

you can merge Photos Libraries with PowerPhotos.

You might :
- open each old iPhoto Library with Photos, for Photos to update them to Photos
- use PowerPhotos to merge two or more libraries into your main (="System") Photos Library

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

PowerPhotos can also detect duplicates.

I have used it with great success for the job you describe in the OP.