How to Remove Duplicate Photos in iPhoto

Are you tired of dealing with duplicate photos in your iPhoto library? Removing them can be a tedious task, but it's essential to keep your digital photo collection organized and efficient. In this guide, we'll walk you through a step-by-step process on how to identify and delete duplicate photos using AppleScript.

Why Duplicate Photos Occur

Duplicate photos are often created when upgrading from iPhoto or Aperture to Photos. They can also be the result of accidental copying or importing of files into your iPhoto library. While they may not seem like a significant issue, having multiple copies of the same photo can take up valuable storage space and make it harder to find specific images.

Using AppleScript to Find Duplicates

To find duplicate photos in iPhoto, you'll need to use an AppleScript. This script will go through every selected photo and create a new album with just the duplicate photos found. To use this script, follow these steps:

1. Open ScriptEditor on your Mac.

2. Create a new file or open an existing one.

3. Copy the following code into the editor:

```

tell application 'Photos'

set selected_photos to selection

set duplicates_folder to (make new folder at root of document files with properties {name:'Duplicates'})

repeat with i from 1 to count of selected_photos

set photo to item i of selected_photos

tell photo

set duplicate_photos to {}

repeat with j from 1 to count of every photo

if j is not equal to i and (photo's metadata's comment contains text of every photo j) then

set end of duplicate_photos to item j of every photo

end if

end repeat

end tell

if length of duplicate_photos > 0 then

set new_album to make new album at duplicates_folder with properties {name:'Duplicates ' & (photo's metadata's comment)}

repeat with k from 1 to count of duplicate_photos

set photo_to_add to item k of duplicate_photos

tell photo_to_add

add to album new_album

end tell

end repeat

end if

end repeat

end tell

```

4. Save the file as an AppleScript file (.applescript).

Using the Script

To use the script, follow these steps:

1. Open iPhoto and select the photos you want to check for duplicates.

2. Go back to the script editor and run the script by clicking on 'File' > 'Run'.

3. The script will create a new album called 'Duplicates' in your Photos library.

4. Review the album and delete any duplicate photos that are not needed.

Tips and Precautions

When using this script, keep the following tips in mind:

* Make sure to select only the photos you want to check for duplicates.

* If you have a large album, it's recommended to select one or two years at a time to avoid issues with memory.

* The script will create a new album called 'Duplicates' and add all found duplicate photos to it. You'll need to review this album and delete any duplicate photos that are not needed.

By following these steps and using the AppleScript provided, you can easily identify and remove duplicate photos in your iPhoto library. This will help keep your digital photo collection organized and efficient, making it easier to find specific images when you need them.

How to remove duplicate photos in iphoto