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Syncing iPhoto and iTunes Libraries
Across Multiple Mac Computers

You know how when you have multiple Macs, and you keep adding photos and music on each one, and then realize your iPhoto and iTunes libraries are a total mess, with various versions of the library on various computers? Apple doesn’t include a program or interface to consolidate libraries, or eliminate duplicates.

Luckily there are some third-party apps that have come to the rescue. Here’s a shortlist of what we’ve found to solve the problem.

As always, do your own due diligence before using any of these. And consider backing up your iPhoto and iTunes libraries first.

Syncing two iPhoto libraries over a network

iPhoto Library Manager
$20
Mac only
Allows you to merge multiple libraries together into one, while preserving albums and metadata. The program also allows you to have multiple iPhoto libraries, if your one library gets too large and unwieldy, causing poor iPhoto performance. Requires iPhoto 4.0.3 or later for most features. Highly rated by Macworld when it came out in 2006.

Syncing two iTunes libraries over a network

PowerTunes
$20
Mac only
Does a one-time merge of multiple iTunes libraries, either by adding tracks to an existing library or creating an entirely new library. Can also set up multiple iTunes libraries, instead of having all your music in one library. Requires iTunes 7.0 or higher. Free 30-day trial.

Syncopation
$25
Mac only
Synchronizes multiple iTunes libraries. If you keep the program running, it will keep your iTunes libraries up to date. You can also set up “Block Lists” for items you don’t want to sync. The 30-day trial period allows you to try it out on 2 computers; the license allows for synchronization across up to 5 computers.

MyTuneSync
$20 for 1 license, $30 for 3 licenses (must buy 1 license for each computer)
Mac and PC
You can set it up for manual sync, or for automatic sync on a schedule you set. You can exclude items from the sync by album, artist, play count, playlist, and tons of other factors.

SlingShot
$30 per license (one license can be used by multiple computers owned by the same person)
Will keep any files on 2 Macs synced—not just iTunes music. You “publish” from one Mac, and “subscribe” from the other. And you can even set how often it checks for updates. It uses encryption for transferring data over the network, and has password protection. 30-day trial period. Requires iTunes 7 or later.

TuneRanger
$30
Mac and PC
Synchronizes or merges music among multiple iTunes libraries. One license allows for sync over 5 computers. Works with iTunes 7 or 8. The Unofficial Apple Weblog’s review from September 2008 says that the app is a great idea but it has some stability issues, and it’s a little complicated. So check back for updates.

Syncing two iTunes libraries via the “cloud”

Echodio
Currently Mac only; they’re working on a Windows version
Using Echodio, your computers don’t need to be on the same network to sync their iTunes libraries. This software is currently in beta, and they’re giving away 5GB of free iTunes music storage. Once they go to paid subscriptions, this 5GB limit will likely increase. Gives you an online backup of your iTunes library as well as syncing 2 libraries. You’ll also be able to play your music from anywhere, once they’re out of beta. Requires iTunes 8.0 or later.