iPhoto has several advanced features that can lead to long processing times when the application is launched. In some cases, the application can appear to hang for a lengthy period of time, or may lock up permanently. Several diagnostic methods can be applied in this situation to improve iPhoto's responsiveness.
Determine Application Progress
- Mac OS X displays the spinning rainbow cursor over an application whenever it is unresponsive to user requests from the mouse or keyboard. It is difficult to determine whether this is the result of an application process that temporarily locks up the application for a period of time, or if the application is permanently hung. Launch iPhoto and allow it to run for a lengthy period of time to determine whether iPhoto is permanently locked; it is possible that it is working on an internal operation, and that once this is completed, iPhoto will then run normally.
Turn Off Location Preferences
- If you have access to iPhoto preferences after waiting out a rainbow cursor process, turn off automatic location settings in iPhoto Advanced Preferences. This can cause a lengthy delay upon launch of iPhoto.
Clean Preferences and Databases
- iPhoto stores its preferences in the file "com.apple.iPhoto.plist" in the Preferences folder of the home Library folder. Drag this file to the Desktop before launching iPhoto to start iPhoto with a fresh set of preferences; if you are running Mac OS X 10.7 or later, hold down the Option key to choose the Library folder from the "Go" menu in the Finder to access your home Library folder. A corrupted preference file is one potential cause of iPhoto locking up upon start-up. You can also try cleaning up your iPhoto databases directly, using the hint posted by Macworld in their Mac OS X Hints section.
Rebuild or Switch Libraries
- Hold down the Option key when launching iPhoto to reach the library dialog. You can attempt to rebuild your iPhoto library in this window, or switch to a brand-new library. If iPhoto launches normally with a new library, this indicates corruption in your prior library; try rebuilding the library database, or start with a new library and import your photos from the prior library.
