A few Newbie Aperture questions - Help much appreciated!

You've made a good start!

Am I right in assuming that Aperture keeps these files in it's library and I do not need to keep the originals on the NAS drive?

Yes. On import, unless you tell it otherwise, Aperture copies the file into the Library. It is then called a "Master". Aperture features non-destructive editing: your Masters are _never_ altered. Keeping your Masters on NAS is not supported. Don't forget to back-up.

Aperture is an editing / image browsing application, when I edit a photo how can I view the original version?

"m" toggle the view from Master to Version. You can easily create a new Version from the Master, and view your original and your adjusted Version side-by-side. Many novices do this, but gradually abandon the practice and just use the "m" toggle as needed.

How does Aperture store the file as two photos or one big file?

It's a bit tricky. Aperture stores the Master and never alters it. Aperture creates a _text_ file of instructions on how to alter the Master. This text file is called a "Version". What you see is an Image created on-the-fly by applying the instructions in the Version to the Master. It is only when you need a share-able image-format file that you create one by exporting the Image.

it would be nicer to be able to share originals and edited photos

Use "File→Export→Master" to make a copy of your original to email.

Photosteam

Don't know.

When I edit a photo do I have to save it? I seem to be able to just edit and close Aperture and my edits are auto saved?

Don't worry about "Save" in Aperture. Aperture is a database. Databases automatically save all changes. You do not save adjustments you make in Aperture. There is no "Save" function.

I assume you can't mess up an Original photo because you can always undo the non destructive edits, but can you undo the edits and exit Aperture and then later redo the edits on the same photo - does it keep a history of edits?

(Edits in Aperture are called "Adjustments".) Aperture always applies your adjustments in a fixed order. This order is shown in the order of the Adjustment Bricks on the Adjustments tab of the Inspector. You can turn any Adjustment on or off by checking the box at the top left of the Brick (one of the reasons I keep my Inspector to the right of my Viewer/Browser is to have these more readily accessed). You can alter the settings of any Adjustment at any time. The Bricks on the Inspector _are_ your history. Since they are always applied in a fixed order, there is no reason to keep a list of the Adjustments you make in the order you make them.

You can collapse or expand each Brick, and you can collapse all of them by "{Option}+clicking" one of the disclosure triangles. You can add or remove Bricks from your default set. Any time you use a Quick Brush, a Brick is added (or activated).

(Added) Screenshot of my current default Adjustment Bricks:

Good luck. It's a fabulous program.

Message was edited by: Kirby Krieger -- typos, small clarification, screenshot added.

JohnAlanWoods wrote:

1. When I import files from my Camera I use Image capture, import them to a folder on my NAS drive and then import the ones I want to edit/keep into Aperture, Am I right in assuming that Aperture keeps these files in it's library and I do not need to keep the originals on the NAS drive?

What Kirby said. However do note that the most important step in any workflow is to back up originals before import into Aperture or any other images management application. In your case that would mean yes, you do need to keep the originals on the NAS drive as backup copies. Also remember to also back up the files on the NAS to off-site.

Am I right in assuming that Aperture keeps these files in it's library

The answer is maybe. Aperture Masters can be referenced or managed. Managed Masters mean that yes the Masters are actually stored in the Library, which leads to very large Library sizes with consequent mass-storage issues being very common. If one chooses "store images in their current location" prior to import into Aperture then the image files remain where they are (Referenced Masters), keeping the Aperture Library (database) much, much smaller and more nimble. Originals can be stored on NAS just fine, but Masters stored by reference should be on a direct-connected drive rather than on NAS.

Both methods work equally well if the Library remains small. The need to back up originals before import into Aperture or any other images management application holds irrespective of whether managed or referenced.

HTH

-Allen

Some links as you move forward.