Using Quartz Filters with Aperture

by: 
Last modified: Nov 30, 2018 4:53 AM
2 3225 Last modified Nov 30, 2018 4:53 AM

The Quartz Composition actions do no longer work on the newer system versions. When I try to use them on macOS 10.13 High Sierra and 10.14 Mojave, Automator will crash as soon as I try one of the quartz composition actions.



User uploaded file


All standard quartz filters are available as Automator actions, and if you create an Automator service that uses these actions, you can apply them to Aperture images by activating them from the Aperture "Services" menu. The quartz effects are not very artistic, but can sometimes be fun; e.g., the polar bear picture above was created by using the "color pencil" effect.



To install those workflows,


  • Save the Automator workflow them to the “Services” folder in your User Library
  • Open Aperture and select any image.

The service will now be available from the "Aperture -> Services" drop down menu and the resulting image(s) will be imported into a new unknown project, if you did not specify an import project.


User uploaded file



Here is for example the "Comic Book" effect in the Automator workflow:

User uploaded file


You may configure these services to adept them to your needs:

  • To create a new service to use other filters, select a different filter in the “Apply Quartz Composition Filter ...” action.
  • To filter your versions rather than the originals/masters replace the first action with an “Export Versions” action.
  • If you do not want to clutter your Desktop with temporary exports, select a different folder in the “Export ...” action.

You may wish to delete the modified images after importing them back to Aperture. Then check the “Delete the Source Images...” option of the last action.



The Pop Art Filter applied:


User uploaded file


User uploaded file


Or to turn a Black&White negative into a positive image using the same technique see here:

B&W negatives to positive photos


Léonie

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.