Deblynn

Q: Export a Managed Aperture Library

HI!

 

I have a large managed Aperture library that I want to move to Finder on an EHD. I don't necessarily want to delete the Aperture library in Aperture, just have a clone of it Project by Project outside of Aperture so it's independent of any software program. In other words, what I would've had in Finder if I had used a referenced library instead of managed in the first place. I want all of my photos exported, both Originals and Versions. What's the best way to accomplish this? When I go to the Export menu I can choose to export either Originals or Versions, but I want both. Hope this is possible.

 

TIA! Debbie

iMac, OS X Yosemite (10.10.3), 3.6 GHz Intel Core i5,16 GB RAM

Posted on Apr 9, 2015 4:06 PM

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Q: Export a Managed Aperture Library

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  • by Kirby Krieger,Helpful

    Kirby Krieger Kirby Krieger Apr 9, 2015 7:38 PM in response to Deblynn
    Level 6 (12,521 points)
    Apr 9, 2015 7:38 PM in response to Deblynn

    Hi Debbie,

     

    "Library" is the name Aperture's designers gave to the database file.  Aperture is a DBMS (Database Management System) for images.

     

    If you want to move or copy your Library, do so with Finder.  The Library is a Finder Package, which means it is a folder of files, but it shows in Finder as a single file.

     

    A "clone" is by definition a copy.  If you have a clone of your Library on another drive, it is a copy.

     

    I don't think that is what you want.

     

    Projects are containers specific to Aperture.  You cannot have Projects outside of Aperture.

     

    Every file is dependent on software programs.  At the least, you need an OS.  To view image files you need a viewing program.

     

    Aperture lets you store your Originals wherever you want.  Aperture contains tools that let you relocate them, individually or in any grouping, to any locally-mounted drive, any time you want.  You can store them inside your Library package, or outside your Library package.  All Aperture needs to know is where your Originals are.  As long as they are on a locally-mount-able drive, Aperture doesn't care where you put any one of them, or how often you move any one of them.

     

    Versions are another, trickier, matter.  Aperture rather unhelpfully uses the term "Version" to name two things: the text file of instructions it uses to modify (or not) the Original to create the Images you see in the Browser and the Viewer, and the thing you see in the Browser and the Viewer itself.  I prefer a clearer approach, and refer to the thing you see as an Image, and the text file as the Version.

     

    Please read my concise guide for a quick review of the parts of Aperture and how the inter-relate.

     

    The text file Version is of no use whatsoever outside of Aperture.  There is no reason to copy it separate from a Library.  You cannot copy a Library without copying all the Versions.  This is as it should be.

     

    Note that if you have referenced the Image's Original for every Image in your Library, all you would have outside of your Library is your Originals.

     

    That's only half what you seem to want.

     

    But your goal, if I've understood correctly, is easily attained.  I can't give exact directions without knowing the format of the files you've imported, whether you've renamed your Originals on import, and other details.  But the general plan is simple: export your Image's Originals to Finder folders named for the Project that contains the Image, and then export your Images to the same Finder folders.

    - Select all the Images in your Library, and run "File ▹ Export ▹ Originals ... " and for "Subfolder format" select "Project Name".  (Note that you can customize this a good bit — see "edit" at the bottom of the drop-down.)  Note that this does not create Projects in Finder, rather it creates Finder folders that have the same name as your Aperture Projects.

    - Select all the Images in your Library, and run "File ▹ Export ▹ Versions ... " and select the same "Subfolder format" you used for the exported Originals.  (Note that where "Export ... Originals" copies your Originals, "Export ... Versions" creates new files.  You specify the file format and other parameters in the Export Preset you specify when you export.)

     

    As with any operation on a lot of files or data, you should test this on a small subset first.  Try one Project, then try ... three Projects.  When you have determined what you need everywhere your input is required, and you get the results you want, run the operation on all the Images in your Library.

     

    HTH,

     

    —Kirby.

  • by Deblynn,

    Deblynn Deblynn Apr 9, 2015 7:40 PM in response to Kirby Krieger
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 9, 2015 7:40 PM in response to Kirby Krieger

    Hi Kirby,

     

    Thanks so much for your reply. I've had Aperture for a few years, so I basically know how it works, and until recently was very content with a managed library. But, it has become so bloated at over 400 GBs compared to all of the same photos in Finder being only about 250 GBs (maybe because it's only the versions?). I decided I want to get away from a managed library. But, unfortunately, I think I made a mistake by exporting all of my Library as Versions into Finder Folders that have the same names as my Projects in Aperture. Now, after your reply, I'm realizing I should have exported the Originals first. Is it possible to go in reverse order if I've already exported the Versions? Can I export only the Originals now into the same folders with the versions? Or do I have to start over? Also, I want to keep my Aperture Library intact for now until I know where I want to go permanently, so will exporting the originals export copies only leaving my Managed Aperture Library intact? Btw, I do change the file name when importing my images.

     

    On a side note, I thought I'd be happy moving to the new Photos app, but it's terrible. Even as a simple hobbyist who shoots mainly with an iPhone now, I can't stand it. I need far more organizational and sorting features than Photos has. I'm so disappointed.

     

    Debbie

  • by Deblynn,

    Deblynn Deblynn Apr 10, 2015 4:25 PM in response to Kirby Krieger
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 10, 2015 4:25 PM in response to Kirby Krieger

    Hi again,

     

    I've begun exporting the originals into the same folder as the versions, but in their own subfolder. I'm trying to figure out if I should be exporting the XMP sidecar file with the originals? I have been, but do I need to?

     

    Thanks again in advance!

     

    Debbie