I just got a macbook pro and i am trying to figure out if I should create multiple users for my family or just share one account. I like to keep all photos organized in one library and share access to music, videos, etc. Right now we are sharing 1 apple id (although we have different iphones)
The issue is that if i want to use messages or other apps that are particular to a specific phone number then it would be nice to have each family member use their own solution.
If i setup different accounts on my macbook can I still share all of my applications and data (like iphoto library, etc) ?
Best Answer
iTunes and iPhoto libraries are, unfortunately, built upon databases that are designed for only one user. Apple recommends the following workarounds, each with their own drawbacks:
iTunes music folders can be placed within a central location (such as
/Users/Shared). Only the music files themselves should be moved to the new location, not the library files (the files located at/Users/yourusername/Music/iTunes/iTunes Media). You then point each library to this new location (through iTunes > Preferences > Advanced). The big caveat to this approach: when another user on the computer adds music to the library, your library won't automatically see it. You will essentially need to tell iTunes to scan the music folder manually each time for it to pickup the changes. This support article from Apple describes this entire process in great detail.With iPhoto, Apple technically recommends placing the shared library on an external hard drive, but you should be able to use
/Users/Sharedas well. Once the iPhoto library has been moved, open each user's iPhoto while holding down the option key. This will cause a pop-up screen to appear where you can select your library's location. The major caveat to this solution: if you switch between user accounts and another user has iPhoto open on their account, iPhoto will prevent you from opening the library. Again, Apple has a nice support article to cover this in great detail.