Using iPhoto to Organize Digi Stuff

Last summer our household converted from the PC world to the Apple world. And I couldn't be happier! But, that means I am working to push my Mac to the fullest. Enter iPhoto. It is a fantastic organizational tool for not just my photos, but all of my digital elements. And it works with Adobe Photoshop---yeah! 

Here's what works for me!

• When I unzip my digital collections I create a very specific file for each. 
• Folder1: the source of the collection (pictured is ScrapGirls)
• Folder2: the name of the collection: SG_Abracadabra_COL (Source_name_designer_info). This will be very helpful in iPhoto!
• Do away with all inner folders for the elements, papers, etc. (Scrapgirls makes this so easy with the way they name the elements!)

• I then set my preferences in iPhoto.
• Open iPhoto.
• Under iPhoto: select Preferences

• Select Photo Stream. 
• Toggle off My Photo Stream. (I did not at first---what a mess! I had digi-elements on all of my devices!)

• Move to the Advanced Tab.
• Edit Photo: arrow down to "in Adobe Photoshop"

• Now, it is safe to import collections to iPhoto!
• File: Import to Library

• Select the prepared collection by folder, not elements.
• in the picture I chose SG_Abracadabra_Col

• After a few moments, you will see the elements in the "Last Import" window of iPhoto.
• You will see the name of the collection at the top of the screen in the dark strip.
• Masks will appear black....that is for a later tut! 

• I then add key words, for example:
• Select all and add "Abracadabra", "SG", "Halloween", etc.
• Select similar and add "elements", "paper", "Wordart", etc.

• I then add this collection to the Album "Scrapgirls". 
• Select "Events" from the side bar and set the Key Photo for easy recognition. 

•  To move elements into PSE, I select the elements and select edit.
• Only 4 elements at a time can move to PSE.
• Elements cannot be saved back into iPhoto.

iPhoto really has made organization so easy! I hope you enjoy it, too!

Abracadabra is licensed to Scrapgirls. I own this collection and have used it as example only. Please check their store---you won't be sorry! 

Merry Christmas!