iPhoto ’11: The Macintosh iLife Guide to using iPhoto with OS X Lion and iCloud

Switching Between Libraries

There may be times when you want to switch to a different iPhoto library—for example, to access the photos in an older library. It’s easy: Start iPhoto and press the Option key immediately, even as iPhoto is still starting up. iPhoto will ask which library you want to use (of the ones it knows about). Either pick one from the list (opposite page) or click Other Library and navigate to the one you want.

Managing and Backing Up Your Library

Storing Photos Elsewhere

Normally, iPhoto stores your photo library in the Pictures folder. You might prefer to store your library elsewhere, such as on an external hard drive.

To store your photo library elsewhere, quit iPhoto, then simply move the iPhoto Library wherever you like. ...