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1 Open Loop Author

Level 2

387 points

A Good Reference for Aperture, Versions, File Names, Changing & Moving

I was wondering if there is a consensus on a good reference for understanding how Aperture handles files?

Versions and file names.

How do you change them in Aperture?

What happens if you change them in Finder?

Do I need versions? (can't I just us file names?)

What about moving the masters, or changing where there are located at in Finder?

Can I do that in Aperture?

Can I only do that in Finder?

Should I never do that in Finder?

The reason I'm looking for a good reference is because I haven't found one. The user guide (or manual) that comes with Aperture doesn't help with these issues. Search file name and nothing comes back.

I did get a copy Apple Pro Training Series book for Aperture 3. But I don't think it does a good job explaining how Aperture's file system works, especially in relation to Finder.

Rather than fill this forum with endless questions (which could be answered by reading the manual and using it the software) I'd like to get a better understanding, from a good source.

I've only used iPhoto for Mobile Publishing, ATV and now Photo Stream. I don't use it to organize my decades of photos. I don't like having all my photos inside a managed database, which I don't have to do with Aperture. I never understood why you'd want to change the name of a photo in iPhoto, when it never changes the file name. If you send it to someone, after you changed it's name, the other person gets the photo with the original (still in Finder) file name.

Thanks.

Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.2), FCP 7 and FCP X

Posted on Dec 16, 2011 9:37 AM

36 replies

1 Open Loop Author

Level 2

387 points

Dec 17, 2011 9:54 AM in response to Frank Caggiano

Frank.

I've since figured out how to do what I wanted with Aperture.

I can now import my files, referenced. (which I prefer)

Masters and Versions named, using a Preset, the way I want them named.

Stored in a finder Folder of my choice, created and named by Aperture on import.

Imported into a Project created and named by Aperture on import.

Aperture is doing everything I need (almost, see other new post) on import.

I've also been able to use Aperture to relocate and rename Masters after I've improperly imported them.

I've also turned on Photo Stream. Now all that's left is to understand how ATV will interface with Aperture and I'm done with iPhoto. (not a bad app, just not the way I prefer to manage things)

Nice, powerful tool. Once you take the time to understand how it works. I didn't find my usual source, Lynda.com to be helpful enough when it comes to this portion of the app.

I don't see any reason to use either Bridge or Finder to manage my files. Which, as you correctly point out, I should not once I make the move to Aperture. I guess with the sole exception for backing up my files. Which I do with Time Machine. (and a period clone of the separate drive they reside on)

Thanks for your (and others) help.

1 Open Loop Author

Level 2

387 points

Dec 17, 2011 10:19 AM in response to Yer_Man

I think I got a thorough understanding of how Aperture handles Versions, Master file names, changing and moving things. I'm going it all via Aperture now. No more Finder or Bridge. (well, I'll probably still look at the files in Finder, but no touching)

No need to reply. I'm good to go for now.

Thanks.

1 Open Loop Author

Level 2

387 points

Dec 17, 2011 10:23 AM in response to hotwheels22

Have you checked out Lightroom?

It's awesome.

Excellent integration with the entire Adobe product line.

I believe there are many more Lightroom users than Aperture users.

They have a big user forum, run by Adobe. And, unlike Apple, Adobe has employees not only monitoring the site, but they even respond from time to help clear things up. They are clearly identified on the forum as Adobe employees.