I split my iPhoto Library into two by:

  1. Duplicating it
  2. Deleting most old photos from the new one I will continue to use (and emptying the iPhoto trash)
  3. Deleting the photos from the archived one that will stay in the new library

The issue is that currently, the new library still contains "Faces" and other thumbnail data from photos that have already been deleted (but preserved in the separate archived one).

These are contained in the Data, Data.noindex, Originals, Thubmnails, Masters, Modified, and other directories.

I rebuilt the library with all four methods in iPhoto 9.5.1 following Apple's instructions, but to no avail.

How can I free this new library of legacy files?


Although it seems tedious, it may be better to export all your photos out of a library and then create a new iPhoto Library and then import them to the new one. I'm also yet to discover a way to 'purge' data that is no longer relevant/needed.

  • 1
    The issue with this is that edits, events, albums, etc. are not preserved. – Baumr Jan 20 '14 at 23:53

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