I found buried on my extra hard drive a program that I haven't used yet but it will do what I think we want iPhoto to do- it's called iPhoto Library Manager. It has not been tested with iPhoto 6 yet. But I am only using iPhoto 4 so.... it's $19.95. Judy

No, iView Media Pro isn't cheap, but I love it because it's beefy. It handles RAW files, batch processes beautifully, handles just about every type of media file, and is just an amazing, professional level program.

Having said that, I think Shoebox looks awesome too. I'd definitely go that way if my needs were simpler. Thanks for that link, Judy! (BTW, the Pro edition lets you have unlimited photos in umlimited categories. The regular version puts limits on how many you can have).

I think we Mac users have some of the best apps out there.

Yes, the Mac rocks and even more so with the new products that just came out in MacWorld!! I am dropping hints to my husband about a new computer for me.....

Thanks for the help! I am new to the Mac stuff - what is MacWorld? I am going now to check out Shoebox. I am so grateful for all the hints. I really need to get organized - I have no organization as yet and really need to get it done.

Thanks

I have been looking at Shoebox and iView. They both look good, iView being quite a bit more money and maybe geared more to the professional (which I am not even close). Does anyone who has more experience with a Mac have an opinion about which one would be better. All I am looking for is something that would help me organized my stuff. I keep most of my stuff on my computer but might be switching things over to an EHD. The catalogs sound good because I could have different catalogs for different things, especially to keep my photos separate from my scrapbooking stuff.

I am leaning toward Shoebox pro. I think for the price it will work just great. Does anyone know if there would be a problem with iPhoto6? I am seriously thinking of upgrading soon because I do a lot with iMovie and iDVD.

Thanks again!!!

I can't vouch at all about whether Shoebox (Pro) works with iLife '06 but I would send an email to them and ask. I have found that is someone is interested in the product, the company is pretty quick to answer any queries regarding their product. Judy

Sierra - It sounds to me that Shoebox would be a great fit for you. iView might be overkill. And I bet that Shoebox will very quickly upgrade to be compatible with iPhoto 6 if it isn't already.

When you get Shoebox, will you post back here about what you think? I think it would be great if we could continue to share Mac tips.

Kelly

Well, I guess I am still in pc mode when it comes to this organization. I just can't seem to get it. I have downloaded and looked at Shoebox, iPhoto buddy and iPhoto Library manager. I have read over previous threads here and at other scrapbooking sites that I know about for help with this question. It seems there are others that don't use another program or iPhoto for their elements. They just file things away and then use Spotlight for their searches and PSE browser to look for things. I have spent most of the day doing this and now I think I am really crazy.

There just doesn't seem to be a good answer to this. I guess, like any software and computer problem, there are many answers and different solutions. What I have come to the conclusion RIGHT NOW (it may change) is to file things in one place. Then I am going to place keywords in the "get info" for the spotlight search and then I will learn more about smart files. I guess to me this is the easist way to organize everything. I hope it works and then this VERY FRUSTRATING (to me) question can be resolved and I can get on with organizing.

Maybe when I get more familiar with Mac I will change things but right now I think it is the best for me.

If anyone else has any better solutions I am wide open to suggestions!

Thanks to everyone for the help and suggestions. I agree with Kelly, it is GREAT to learn from each other. If it wasn't for this site I wouldn't have a clue how to do anything!