Aperture V. Adobe Photoshop

Right now I have the 30 day trial of Aperture, but am thinking of buying Photoshop.
Things I don't like about aperture are you can't crop two photos together (say I wanted to put one of my friends in front of the grand canyon or another place).
I also like a lot of presets when it comes to editing photos (i.e. make your friend look like a comic book character or make myself a drawing).
While aperture is good for editing photos and the color of them...I usually just use iPhoto for things like that.
Can photoshop do the things I want?
Any other reccommendations for the OS system?
Any help is appreciated!

I suggest you do a search for Aperture vs Photoshop in this forum; there have been many details provided in such posts.
In short, Aperture is a metadata editor and Photoshop is a pixel editor. Beyond that Aperture provides DAM capabilities which Photoshop does not.
The two programs are very different, with different goals, but there is some overlap between them. Many photographers use both; I've also read from many who do most of their work in Aperture (or Lightroom) and use Photoshop of about 5% of their work, to do the fine editing on specific areas of a photo. In your case, performing pixel copy and paste and other "tricks" is what Photoshop if built for. If you don't have Photoshop, you might look into Photoshop elements. Remember, Photoshop was built mainly for graphic artists, not necessarily for photographers (were there digital cameras back when PS was new?)?
- Pierre

Similar Messages

Aperture or Adobe photoshop CS4?

Hi Mac lovers!
i love photography!, I currently own a D200 Nikon DSLR, I am an amateur photographer--- so should I go with Adobe CS4 which i have used in the past or should i give a test run to this unknown software (unknown for me) Aperture, I know this is a vague question but what i am trying here it is to decide whether I should go for something that is well known to all photographers (adobe CS) or what else _can you enlighten me_ about Aperture and considering it instead of paying $800 for Adobe?
thanks!

There is no substitute for Photoshop. Aperture is limited at pixel level editing. If I were you I would stay with iPhoto because it has decent editing tools and requires much less learning than Aperture, and buy PS4 for those edits in which you need to have some more capability.
Aperture excels in volume edits, culling, picking the best from a bunch of similar shots, producing multiple variations (b/w, sepia, crops) etc from the same image.... but it is very deep and not particularly forgiving. If you 'live' in it you will be fine, but other than that, stick with iPhoto. Photoshop on the other hand will still work with iPhoto being used as iPhoto's image editor. If you move away from iPhoto, start planning on where you will put your little camera videos as Aperture does not integrate video files into its database, that's for a general tool like iPhoto.
That said, I use Aperture for stills, have 80,000 images, and we use it at our studio. I use iMovie for holding the video clips from HD cam and from Pocket Canon. I use Photoshop CS4 all the time or doing real imaging work. It was hard to give up iPhoto but I use Aperture for the above mentioned functions so much that Aperture became the obvious choice. Aperture also supports some nice backup features such as it's ability to remember a hard drive (backup drive) that is disconnected, or held off premises, and then reconnects and updates when again connected to the computer. I believe this is something that is addressed at those who require secure backups (to insure their living!) and the importance of keeping off premises backups. Esoteric to some but having had floods, breakin's etc, it's nice to keep a copy of crucial images off site.

The round trip between Aperture and Adobe Photoshop elements is not cooperating I have performed all the suggestions. Any others? Not sure about saving.

i tried all the suggestions on line. none of them are working. Any other suggestions?

i tried all the suggestions on line. none of them are working. Any other suggestions?
Marianne,
how can we possibly answer that? Nobody will know "all the suggestions online". So how are we to know, what you already tried?
What exactly is not working with your round trip? And what did you try already?
What is your Aperture version?
Regards
Léonie

Aperture 3 and Adobe Photoshop Elements 10 problems.

I have installed Adobe Photoshop Elements 10, which I have setup as plugin for Aperture 3. In Aperture preferences the photos are exported as 8 bit TIFF 300 DPI, no profile and automatically stack new versions selected in general.
I right click on selected image (version) in Aperture and select edit with Elements, this create another version of the same photo in Aperture but increasing size from say 5MB to around 40MB. The Elements programme opens in Elements editor but the selected image is not there, I can only drag it in from Aperture. I then edit the image, then click save, it open a box save as and to a wierd folder like Uwvo2vg etc. I click save, get message saying it will overwrite file of same name, click save using a unique name. When I go back to Aperture, the edited file is not there and when I search for the unique name, nothing comes up.

I had somewhat similar problems running Elements 10 as external editor, but under 10.6.8. The simplest fix is to send .psd's instead of .tiff. You can change that in preferences.
If you must use .tiff (I do, becaues PTLens doesn't like psd) you have to change the file extension to .tiff in the save dialog. Elements saves as .tif and Aperture saves as .tiff. Notice the number of 'f' at end of extension.
Here's what was happening to me, which is a little different:
• when you send to external editor, Aperture saves a .tiff and opens it in in Elements
• you do your work and close the file
• Elements saves as .tif, and so doesn't overwrite the Aperture tiff.
• Aperture doesn't know the .tif exists so it shows you the un-edited .tiff that if made at the beginning
I get around this at the save dialog in Elements. Basically Elements goes into a Save As kind of dialog, so if I add the extra 'f' at the end, Elements asks if I want to over-write the existing file, and when I say yes the changes show in Aperture.
If you open Elements and go to 'Recent Files' (or something like that), you can see the .tif and .tiff files together. If you delete the .tiff and add the extra 'f' to the Elements .tif, the changes will show in Aperture.
What you shouldn't be doing is changing the name of the file in Elements. For the edits to show in Aperture you need to save the file with the same name and change the extension to .tiff. The file that Elements saves must have exactly the same name as the one Aperture made, because that's the file that Aperture knows about.
If you do a library database repair, Aperture will find these .tifs and add them to the library, but they won't be where they should be. The show up in a recovered file folder at the bottom.
Note that Elements 8 didn't have this kind of trouble. And note that I'm not running Lion, so some of the behaviors I describe may be different that what Lion users see.

Having problems with aperture 3 on imac osx 10.7 and wish to install adobe photoshop elements 10, question will i loose all my liberary from aperture??

would i loose my fotos from the aperature library when i change to adobe photoshop elements 10. aperture keeps shutting my system down all available help has not done any good. gmadeline

You'd only loose your Aperture libraries if you deleted them or damage them in some other way. The simple act of installing another app will not do this.
Of course you do realize that PS will not have any access to the Aperture libraries. If your originals are referenced then PS can get to them as it would to any file. If your originals are managed you will need to export them in order for PS to use them.
This all assumes you are abandoning Aperture for PS. If you are looking to do something else post back,

Migrating photos from Adobe Photoshop Album to Aperture

A while ago I posted to see if anyone had done this but got no replies. I have now managed to migrate my photos and most importantly kept the tags.
The first issue was that Adobe Photoshop Album kept its tags in an inaccesible proprietary database. This was resolved by downloading a 30 day trial version of Photoshop Elements 5 (PC). It appears that Adobe have actually built Photoshop Album in to Photoshop Elements (without telling any of us paid up Album users!). It is all there in PE5. What PE5 adds is an entry in 'File' menu called 'Write Tag and Properties Info to Photos'.
This 'writing' puts the tag information into the keyword IPTC field within the picture file itself.
It was then a simple case of making a backup from the file menu and backing up the whole library on to DVD(s).
In aperture simply Import images from the file menu, select the DVD and all the images are imported - tags and all.
The only one gripe about this process is that PE5 randomly misses out adding tag information to the files. There doesn't appear to be any logic to which files had no keyword information added at all. However, this is a better option than having to re-keyword everything again.
I hope this help some of you.
Andrew
MacPro 2.66 Mac OS X (10.4.10) 9Gb RAM Dual Dell 24" QuickCam Fusion

Just to point out that this will not work for raw files, since Adobe for some reason decided against using XMP sidecar files for the organizer, the way they do for PE/mac, bridge, etc.

How do I import Adobe Photoshop Album Library in to Aperture?

I was wondering if any members out there have had experience trying to migrate an Adobe Photoshop Album library in to Aperture. Getting the images in won't be a problem it is keeping the tagging data I am concerned about.
Ideally I would like to keep the 1000's of tags I have set up over the past few years for re-use in Aperture. There is no way I could retrospectively retag all the images again.
I was thinking that it may be possible to somehow attach the tags to a metadata field in each image prior to export and that Aperture could then use these to build its own keyword tagging system. I don't know how I would do this!!
Any ideas?
Thanks, Andrew
MacBook Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Upgrade to Photoshop Elements and in the File menu you can apply the tags to the images using ITPC. You can then import the images into Aperture with the tags in place.

In Aperture using the external photo editor Adobe photoshop elements 10 editor. My photo will not come back to aperture unless the photo is saved on the desktop and then imported back to Aperture. What am I doing wrong?

Using Adobe Photoshop Elements 10 Editor as external editor in Aperture. The issue is once i make the changes in Photoshop it request that I save (use tiff) and the photo is not update in Aperture. What am I doing wrong?

Marianne,
how do you save? Photoshop Elements can save either versions or overwrite the original file, afaik.
You need to set the save preferences, so that it will write to the original file and not write a version. Also the filename extension should be "tiff" and not the default "tif" (I think you did that already).
Regards
Léonie

Adobe photoshop elements vs aperture 1.5

which among this would be a perfect alternative for the iPhoto? i need something that won't be too much of a RAM hog but with loads of photo editing capabilities.
adobe cs3 is way over my budget.
1. adobe photoshop elements
2. aperture 1.5
3. lightroom
thanks.

Well I'll just say go with Aperture cuz I love it and it runs pretty darn well on my MacBook and should run better on yours.
But for the real answer: This is though and the decision (between the same 3 programs) I made at the beginning of this year.
1st: None is perfect, it's scientifically impossible for a photo editing program to be perfect (does everything, easy to use and has low hardware requirements)
I think if you've outgrown iPhoto that Lightroom or Aperture will be best. Elements is good and is kind of like a mini CS3. Here's also the fact that (I'm pretty sure of this, please correct me otherwise) that Elements is not a universal app, mean it runs under Apples Rosetta technology and will be slower.
As far as Aperture vs Lightroom, well we could spend a decade on this one, but I'll help make it easier. LR (ligtroom) has somewhat better adjustment tools than Ap (Aperture). Ap has better organizational tools than LR. Ap also integrates tightly into you Mac life. Lr does run better on lower end hardware.
Both programs offer 30 trials and I suggest playing with those. Also I chose Ap because I felt constrained by Adobe's module system. I also felt it's overall interface was just too dark and not customizable enough. However I am kind of biased in this and it would be good to hear from others. It would be good for you to go over to O'Reilly's Inside Aperture and Inside Lightroom blogs. http://digitalmedia.oreilly.com/ (click the links on the right)

Looking for input on how Aperture rates when compared to Adobe Photoshop

Hi i am kind of new to Mac and have not bought any good photo editing programs yet i am looking for someone that has used both aperture and photoshop to help me make my decision on which one to buy. any input would help. thanks in advance

as RB said before, *you can't compare photoshop and aperture*. not in functionality and not in price.
actually: *you really need both*. there is no way around photoshop. most of your image processing can be done with aperture (or lightroom), however there will always be some photos that require the extra ps power, layers, etc... for retouching, blending etc.
compare:
you should compare +apple aperture with adobe lightroom+ for your image management and raw conversion - and - +photoshop cs3 with photoshop elements+ for image editing.
most here prefer aperture, however this is a question of personal preference. i have both on my machine, and while i like the improvements in adobe lightroom 2, i personally stick with aperture (i prefer the workflow and user interface of aperture).

PhotoshopNews: Adobe Photoshop CS3 at a glance!

http://photoshopnews.com/2006/12/14/adobe-photoshop-cs3-at-a-glance/
Even more content out there now on the home page of PhotoshopNews.com

I haven't been able to download CS3 yet, but the Martin Evening pdf (thanks for the link!) has what looks like a piece of great news buried in it:
"For example, before you first had to create an empty new document with the exact pixel dimensions before you could place an image (such as a raw file) as a Smart Object. With Photoshop CS3, you can now place a raw capture file as a Smart Object layer in a single step."
If I understand this right, it means that the functionality of the old Dr Brown Place-a-Matic script is now available from Aperture. We can -- or this makes me hope we can -- send a RAW from Aperture to PSCS3 for editing, and then Place the same image, perhaps twice, as a Smart Object, edit away, and when we Save get the whole edited image back in Aperture without going through the Finder.
I used to use this (from Bridge) all the time to double-expose RAW shots: adjust the sky to one exposure and the ground to another, masking to get both into the final image, all without messing with the pixels of the RAW image. I've missed it. Whoopee.

Aperture vs Adobe Camera Raw

Hey,
So, lately I've been shooting in RAW and have finally found some time to process some of the images. I am a Mac user, so I have the option of using either Aperture, or Adobe Camera Raw (Lightroom). Can someone please explain to me the main difference between the two programs, in terms of their ability to retouch/edit RAW images. I've had experience with Adobe Camera Raw (through photoshop cs6) and believe it is an excellent piece of software, does Aperture provide the same kind and quality of tools. The reason I am asking is because while I need a program to help process the RAW files, I also want to organize them in a library where I can see my edits. I am currently using iPhoto and I like the way it works.
So to summarize the question, is aperture as good at processing/editing RAW images as Adobe Camera Raw? If not, why, what are the differences?
Thanks!

So to summarize the question, is aperture as good at processing/editing RAW images as Adobe Camera Raw? If not, why, what are the differences?
Much of the difference between the two has to do with the way brushes work (for local adjustments) and some features.
Brushes:
In ACR, the adjustment brush works as a multi-parameter brush where you brush in strokes and can adjust quite a few parameters after adding the brush stroke (e.g., exposure, highlights, shadows, sharpening, noise reduction, clarity, saturation, etc.). ACR adds a 'pin' for each new adjustment which can then be selected to change the parameters of that adjustment.
In Aperture, you use what is called a 'brick' which is a panel dedicated to the type of adjustment (e.g., enhance, highlights & shadows, edge sharpen, noise reduction, etc.). In this case, you use each 'brick' (or panel) to change the brushed in parameters for that specific type of adjustment.
In summary; you can add or change more parameters in ACR with one brushed adjustment than you can in Aperture, but both can add or change the same parameters (with the exception of exposure, which Aperture doesn't currently do as a local brushable adjustment).
ACR has arguably better sharpening and noise reduction control. ACR also has a gradient tool and lens distortion correction which Aperture currently lacks.
I do find that brush speed is about the same with a lot of adjustments added, with Aperture getting better marks overall.
All that said, I would be surprised if Aperture didn't receive some of the tools it currently lacks in the future.
As far as RAW decoding goes, Aperture relies on the OS X camera RAW compatibility feature to render RAW files, so you will already have a sense of what that default render is like with iPhoto and Preview. Aperture can alter those parameters either as a RAW fine tuning preset that you create or with the adjustment bricks.
FWIW, I have been using Adobe ACR at work (on Windows) since it's inception; and while I like the results with some images with regards to highlights, shadows, sharpening and noise, I can get there faster with Aperture. I also don't agree with Adobe's new rental policy for the CC line, so won't be investing in their products anymore. I quite like the 'App Store' paradigm.
Hope that helps.

Adobe Photoshop CS4 or Lightroom?

I am very new to the photoshop programs and was wondering if I could get anyones opinion. I have a windows XP computer and want to be able to do some photoshopping/editing on photos that take with my Canon XSi. I was told that Lightroom 2 is all I'll need for all my editing since I'm just an amature, but the more I've seen on the adobe website, it looks to me like CS4 is the editing program and lightroom is really just for sorting photos and doing very general editing. I'm kind of confused on what each program is used for and would be greatful for any advice on whether to just stick with lightroom 2 or make the jump to Adobe photoshop cs4.
Thanks all.

Nick-n-Kayla,
No need to feel ignorant. Wait until you read some of the answers here and you'll know what ignorant really is. I don't follow what you said about Elements not having the editing capabilities you want. What is lacking? It has many lighting & filtering features. I don't have it, but I've helped people learn it. I was quite surprised at how much it can do.
I know nothing about Lightroom, or Aperture, as I have no need to shoot RAW files. As I said, Photoshop is the only program I use. For me, it covers everything. I do weddings, portraits, restorations, manipulations, Covers for CD's and books. So my confusion is when you say that Lightroom suits your needs better when it covers fewer areas than Elements. In other words, why get Photoshop when you feel that Elements is lacking?

Does Aperture use Adobe Camera Raw in any way?

Does Aperture use Adobe Camera Raw in any way? Is it important than I upgrade ACR if I do not use Photoshop?
Jerry

Thanks for the relies, guys!
I suspected that there was no connection between Aperture and ACR, but wanted confimation of that fact. You've answered my question.
Thanks again,
Jerry

Aperture 3.3 Photoshop not opening image.

If I try to export to have image edited in Photoshop CS4, i see this error message.
"This image cannot be rendered for editing because Aperture does not support the image format."
This started months later after upgrading to Aperture 3.0. Can anyone help me fix this?
Thanks in advance!

I'm right clicking on the photo and selecting -> edit with Edit with Adobe Photoshop CS5. The photo opens in Adobe, but it doesn't have any of the Aperture edits applied to it. I would have to start from scratch doing these in photoshop. I want to be able to do the Raw adjustments in Aperture and then open into Photoshop.
To test I applied a crop in Aperture and then opened that file in Photoshop. The full size image opens in Photoshop.

Aperture V. Adobe Photoshop

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