Aperture vs. iPhoto library size

I imported my 41GB iPhoto Library into Aperture 3. The resulting Aperture Library is 53GB. Any idea why such an difference? Thanks.

I regenerated all my thumbnails but did not get a significant difference in file size. I had earlier down a precautionary "repair database" which may have meant my file sizes were corrected then already.
Not sure how much you want to play with this problem, but if you have an Aperture Vault, you could consider restoring your Aperture Library from the Vault with Aperture 3.0.2. That's one way of not losing any changes (I hope) and getting everything defined correctly (and I hope).
I was sure that Aperture never used to copy Previews to the Vault by the way and today when I first updated my Vault after upgrading to Aperture 3.0.2 March 25th, the Activity Window showed it was copying all my Previews to the Vault - and that took quite a while! I wonder if this is a new feature. I'm sure it didn't do this with Aperture 3.0.1. Nice to see Activity Window being more informative in any event.

Similar Messages

After installing Aperture and leaving photos in iPhoto library, why did iphoto library size almost double?

I installed Aperture and chose to leave all my images in the iPhoto library until I became more comfortable/familiar with Aperture.
I was looking at my hard drive space and see that the available space went way down. In Finder, the Aperture library.ap library is 17.97 gb and the iPhoto library is 122.75 gb.
When I open iPhoto, it says that it contains 19349 images/87 gb.
What happened? Is that extra size related to the Aperture referencing the images? Should I delete and start over, and move all the images into Aperture so that they are managed there?
I'm just figuring my way around Aperture, and I'm trying not to over-think the organizational differences, but this size discrepancy seems a bit too much.

I wish I had more info for this but I'm stumped. As I said there is no reason Aperture would increase the iPhoto library size by importing iPhoto's library.
BTW how did you do the import, that might shed some light on the problem.
The image count between the backup and the live iPhoto libraries seems fairly consistent so why the jump in size I can't say. And as for the increase in the number of images in Aperture, you started with an empty Aperture library, correct? And did you import anything directly into Aperture since you did the iPhoto import?
I'm still a little confused on the whole thing where Aperture shows both original and edited versions of an image, and some show both RAW & JPEG versions of an image,
Well Aperture really doesn't show both the original and edited versions, all you ever see are the versions unless you specifically ask to see the master. When you import an image into Aperture a version of the master is automatically made and displayed. Because at this point the version is no different then the master (you haven't made any adjustments to it yet) the version looks exactly like the master but it is the version you are seeing.
As for the RAW & JPG thing, if you shoot both RAW + JPG's in your camera when you import them you have the choice of which to make the master or to make each one a master. Not sure if that is what you are referring to.
I'm wondering whether I would have been better off just moving the whole iPhoto library into Aperture at the beginning, and deleting the iPhoto library.
That is definitly one option and the option most users who switch eventually make. You're not going to want to have both programs handeling your photos. But you should probably hold off until you;re more omfortable with Aperture and make sure you have a good backup of the iPhoto library before you do anything.
Remember when you import the iPhoto library into Aperture you're only choice is to copy the images not move them. This is done so that you can make sure all went OK before doing anything with iPhoto.
If you have the room you could try bringing in the iPhoto library backup, and trying the import again into a new empty Aperture library.
regards

IPhoto library size smaller than original collection

I've seen several iphoto library size questions but nothing seems close to my own situation. If anything, it's mostly the other way around. Apologies if this has already been covered but I've searched long and hard!
I have my photo collection in two places- an iPhoto library and separately stored in a finder folder called "Photos". For backup purposes and in case anything goes wrong, I prefer to have them doubled up like this. My iPhoto library is 7.96GB when viewed in finder, whereas the folder "Photos" is 8.95GB. The same number of images are in both. Can anyone shed some light onto why this would be the case? There are no other items contained in either collection, movies etc., just the same amount of photos in various folders within folders. Surely the iPhoto library would be at least as big, if not bigger with thumbs, photos modified etc?

I would expect the iPhoto Library to be significantly bigger than the folder tree so something is not right.
Are you running a Managed or a Referenced Library?
A Managed Library, is the default setting, and iPhoto copies files into the iPhoto Library when Importing. The files are then stored in the Library package
A Referenced Library is when iPhoto is NOT copying the files into the iPhoto Library when importing because you made a change at iPhoto -> Preferences -> Advanced. The files are then stored where ever you put them and not in the Library package. In this scenario you are responsible for the File Management.
BTW: Storing the files in a folder tree and iPhoto on the same disk is a waste of space and not a back up. A back up needs to be on a separate disk, at least. The most common problems are disk issues. Such a set up offer no protection whatever from that.
Regards
TD

Can aperture reduce my iPhoto library size?

Hi, I have spent hours reading lots of discussions and whilst, maype part of my questions have possibly been answered somewhere else, I cannot get a definitive answer to everything I need to know. I undrestand that aperture is different to iphoto, but I am confused by some of the answers regarding libraries that I have read! Any opinions or answers are gratefully received...
I have read that aperture organises the photo library differently to save space when compared to iPhoto that I understand makes duplicates for every change/edit that you make to a photo. My current photo library is nearly 120GB and I want to get some space back! I have external drives that I could move my iphoto library onto, but I want to keep my photos (well, certainly half of it) on the internal drive as I work away from plug sockets often and my 3TB drive needs power.
If I purchase aperture, do I import my library into aperture and will it then reduce my library down in size?
I know that iphoto and aperture can share a library, but can I split my library into photos onto my hard drive that I don't often need and keep the ones that I want on my internal drive? Would iphoto and aperture be able to work fully if the external hard drive wasn't connected? My thinking is that only aperture can cope with having multiple libraries on multiple drives to work with at the same time, and that iphoto needs one complete library on one drive
I am happy with many of the photos that I have edited from years past ie rotation, red-eye correction and can't see a reason for every wanting to revert to the original. Can I just export these as full size jpegs to my external drive and then delete them from iphoto to reduce the multiple versions of each photo it keeps, before re-importing them into iphoto which means it will only make retain 1 copy of the photo (the one that I need)?
Huge thanks for taking the time to read this!
Neil

I have read that aperture organises the photo library differently to save space when compared to iPhoto that I understand makes duplicates for every change/edit that you make to a photo.
It uses the same Library format as iPhoto, so no, it doesn't organise the library differently. It gives no thought to saving space. Digital photography with a non-destructive workflow uses a lot of space. iPhoto makes no duplicates. It has a preview of an edited version. One thing that Aperture can do is not generate the preview. But that means no integration with other apps, and you'll need to export the shot everytime you want to email or use an image in a document etc.
Frankly, I don't think that space would be a reason to migrate to Aperture.
My current photo library is nearly 120GB and I want to get some space back! I have external drives that I could move my iphoto library onto, but I want to keep my photos (well, certainly half of it) on the internal drive as I work away from plug sockets often and my 3TB drive needs power.
Split the Library. It's cheaper:
Make sure the external drive is formatted Mac OS Extended (Journaled)
1. Quit iPhoto
2. Copy the iPhoto Library from your Pictures Folder to the External Disk.
Now you have two full versions of the Library.
3. On the Internal library, trash the Events you don't want there
Now you have a full copy of the Library on the External and a smaller subset on the Internal
Some Notes:
As a general rule: when deleting photos do them in batches of about 100 at a time. iPhoto can baulk at trashing large numbers at one go.
You can choose which Library to open: Hold down the option (or alt) key key and launch iPhoto. From the resulting menu select 'Choose Library'
You can keep the Library on the external updated with new imports using iPhoto Library Manager
If I purchase aperture, do I import my library into aperture and will it then reduce my library down in size?
No you just open it. It doesn't change it in any way without further intervention from you.
I know that iphoto and aperture can share a library, but can I split my library into photos onto my hard drive that I don't often need and keep the ones that I want on my internal drive? Would iphoto and aperture be able to work fully if the external hard drive wasn't connected? My thinking is that only aperture can cope with having multiple libraries on multiple drives to work with at the same time, and that iphoto needs one complete library on one drive
See above. I don't think you need Aperture. iPhoto can have the same number of Libraries as Aperture - i.e as many as you want.
I am happy with many of the photos that I have edited from years past ie rotation, red-eye correction and can't see a reason for every wanting to revert to the original. Can I just export these as full size jpegs to my external drive and then delete them from iphoto to reduce the multiple versions of each photo it keeps, before re-importing them into iphoto which means it will only make retain 1 copy of the photo (the one that I need)?
Yes you can, but you might want to ask yourself why you're using a non-destructive workflow at all, if you're going to that bother to try and defeat it?
IMHO: there are many excellent reasons for moving on from iPhoto to Aperture - and they are all to do with the limited nature of iPhoto's tools. You mention one of them. I think that the suggestion I have above is the way to go forward, with multiple libraries.

Aperture import iPhoto library, no duplicates

Merging iPhoto libraries into a single Aperture library risks duplicate images. Multiple iPhoto libraries might contain the same image.
According to the online manual there is a command 'File > Import > iPhoto Library' that would allow the 'Do not import duplicates' option. This command does not seem to exist in the current version of Aperture.
This may be a way to do this -
    Right or control click on the iPhoto library to 'Show Package Contents'. Move the Masters folder out of the package.
    In Aperture, click the Import arrow icon and navigate to the Masters folder. This allows selection of the 'Do not import duplicates' checkbox.
    Then perhaps run Duplicate Annihilator on the Aperture library. Use the option to label any duplicates and originals. Flag the originals and search for keywords 'original' and 'duplicate' to verify.
Any comments on this - will it work?

Merging iPhoto libraries into a single Aperture library risks duplicate images. Multiple iPhoto libraries might contain the same image.
The recommended procedure to merge iPhoto libraries using Aperture is described here:
Aperture 3.3: How to use Aperture to merge iPhoto libraries
You will need the current Aperture 3 version - at least Aperture 3.3. and open all your iPhoto libraries in iPhoto 9.3 or later at least once.
Merging libraries is preferable to simply importing the "masters" folder - this way you will be able to save all your work - edits, tagging, albums, etc.
If you move the "Masters" folder from your iPhoto library, you may corrupt the library, and by importing only the originals and not the edited versions, all your work done in iPhoto will be lost.
If you have Duplicate Annihilator, you can still run it afterwards to check, if duplicates are remaining after merging. The "Merge" will only look for perfect duplicates - similar filename, similar size.
Regards
Léonie

Reason to use Aperture or iPhoto library?

A few months ago I purchase Aperture, on install I selected the option to let is use my iPhoto library. While "learning" to use Aperture, I didn't want to totally abandon iPhoto in case I wasn't pleased with it. Now I will be using Aperture solely, still doesn't do all I want, but better/close than iPhoto.
So, my question is, is there a reason to transfer all of the iPhoto images to a new Aperture library, or is there no real difference between the two types of libraries? I have already created an Aperture library for some commerical work that I am doing, whereas the iPhoto is primarily a personal/family album.
P.S., is the Aperture library accessible / sharable with my iPad? I take the iPad with me to show customers the photos I

Yes, I haven't tried syncing the two. I have imported into aperture, but haven't tried going the other way, or a two-way sync.
Syncing? Neither Aperture nor iPhoto supports syncing of photo libraries so far. Aperture can merge iPhoto libraries and Aperture libraries, but it cannot keep two libraries in sync with each other.
There would be one minor advantage, if you import your iPhoto library into a new Aperture library. Aperture is a bit more economical with additional files, like faces and previews. iPhoto will always scan imported image files for faces, and iPhoto will always create high quality previews. In Aperture you can disable faces and previews, or set the size of previews to a smaller file size. So, an Aperture library might be smaller than a corresponding iPhoto library, when you create it new.
And I am not yet quite sure, what will happen, if new Aperture versions and iPhoto versions will be released, that require a paid upgrade. To use an iPhoto library with Aperture, right now it has to be upgraded in iPhoto to an iPhoto version compatible with Aperture. You cannot open iPhoto '9 libraries directly in Aperture, you need iPhoto '11. If it stays this way, you might be required to buy a paid upgrade to iPhoto to upgrade your combined iPhoto-Aperture library to be used with a new Aperture 4, even if you are no longer using iPhoto. In this case, it would be safer to convert the iPhoto library to an Aperture library by importing the iPhoto library into a new, empty Aperture library.

Iphoto Library Size Too Big

I am getting increasingly nervous over the size of my Iphoto library as it exceeds 60gb. In prior versions of Iphoto you could open and find photos through the finder. In Iphoto8 you can't, so if something happens to that file, or even the backup you are screwed. Is it possible to break this down into more libraries of more manageable size without duplicating everything? Alternatively if I were to use Aperture, would it make a duplicate database or reference Iphoto; I think smaller libraries might be possible there.

cybermooks:
If you're looking for a method to find a photo for use outside of iPhoto then read Terence Devlin's treatise on file access. There's no need to go into the iPhoto Library package to get to an image file.
If you maintain a recent backup of your library, either with Time Machine or a 3rd party backup application like Synk Standard you'll be able to recover a single file or entire library.
Also, in order to be able to recover from what many users are experiencing, corruption of the library's database file, Library6.iPhoto, you should backup that one file frequently. The tip at the end of my signature below describes one way you can do that very easy, like using the Save feature in many applications.
There is a way to create multiple, smaller libraries and that's by using iPhoto Library Manager. However, if you don't have a backup strategy for them you won't be any better off than having one large library.
TIP: For insurance against the iPhoto database corruption that many users have experienced I recommend making a backup copy of the Library6.iPhoto (iPhoto.Library for iPhoto 5 and earlier) database file and keep it current. If problems crop up where iPhoto suddenly can't see any photos or thinks there are no photos in the library, replacing the working Library6.iPhoto file with the backup will often get the library back. By keeping it current I mean backup after each import and/or any serious editing or work on books, slideshows, calendars, cards, etc. That insures that if a problem pops up and you do need to replace the database file, you'll retain all those efforts. It doesn't take long to make the backup and it's good insurance.
I've created an Automator workflow application (requires Tiger or later), iPhoto dB File Backup, that will copy the selected Library6.iPhoto file from your iPhoto Library folder to the Pictures folder, replacing any previous version of it. It's compatible with iPhoto 6 and 7 libraries and Tiger and Leopard. iPhoto does not have to be closed to run the application, just idle. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.
Note: There now an Automator backup application for iPhoto 5 that will work with Tiger or Leopard.

IPhoto Library size

I've just been getting set up on a new MBP after, and have been trying to clear as much clutter out as possible. I looked at Aperture, but am no just going back to using iPhoto. Along the way, a good number of duplicates were created, but I've now been through the photos in iPhoto and deleted all the duplicates.
The total size of the images in iPhoto, according to select all > get info is 5GB.
But the Finder is reporting the total size of the iPhoto library as 11.64GB, mostly made up of 8.63GB originals, and 1.41GB modified.
Is this normal, or should I be able to clear more stuff out? If so, what would be the best way of doing this?
Cheers.

Iain:
iPhoto reports just the size of the original files of those displayed. There is a lot of overhead in the library in the form of modified files, thumbnails, database and cache files as seen here. However, the Originals folder should be closer to the size reported by iPhoto for the entire library. Make a temp backup copy of the library and launch iPhoto with the Command+Option keys depressed and follow the instructions to rebuild the library. Select the first three options. That will do some cleaning of the library and you can then check to see what the sizes are. But the Finder will always report a larger size than iPhoto.
Happy New Year
TIP: For insurance against the iPhoto database corruption that many users have experienced I recommend making a backup copy of the Library6.iPhoto (iPhoto.Library for iPhoto 5 and earlier) database file and keep it current. If problems crop up where iPhoto suddenly can't see any photos or thinks there are no photos in the library, replacing the working Library6.iPhoto file with the backup will often get the library back. By keeping it current I mean backup after each import and/or any serious editing or work on books, slideshows, calendars, cards, etc. That insures that if a problem pops up and you do need to replace the database file, you'll retain all those efforts. It doesn't take long to make the backup and it's good insurance.
I've created an Automator workflow application (requires Tiger or later), iPhoto dB File Backup, that will copy the selected Library6.iPhoto file from your iPhoto Library folder to the Pictures folder, replacing any previous version of it. It's compatible with iPhoto 6 and 7 libraries and Tiger and Leopard. Just put the application in the Dock and click on it whenever you want to backup the dB file. iPhoto does not have to be closed to run the application, just idle. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.
Note: There's now an Automator backup application for iPhoto 5 that will work with Tiger or Leopard.

I can not open my Aperture or Iphoto library

Hello everyone,
I have the application Aperture where I edit pictures and can not seem to open it today when I try the message "To open this iPhoto library in Aperture, it first needs to be upgraded.Verify that you have iPhoto 9.4 or later. Then open the library in iPhoto to upgrade it." I upgraded Iphoto and then tryed to open Aperture while Iphoto was closed and I got the same message. Then I tried to open the Iphoto library and now the message "Your photo library is either in use by another application or has become unreadable.Shut down and restart your computer, and then open iPhoto again. If the problem persists, try rebuilding your photo library. To do this, quit iPhoto, and then reopen it while keeping the Option and Command keys pressed. You can also try restoring your photo library from a backup. Aperture was not open at the time so I shut down then restarted my computer. The same Message Appered. Then I tried to rebuild the library by holding down the option and command key I tried all of the rebuilding options and when I went to rebuild it the same message opened in iphoto. Help me! I am a photographer with a website and need to get this up and running fast. I wanted to cunsult with Apple Support Communities before I make the trip out to the apple store.

Also when I went to finder to see it the library existed its now labled Iphoto library copy. I have a time capsule and restored it back by a day and it didn't work I still got the same message in aperture and Iphoto.

Aperture vs iPhoto library questions

Hello, I am brand new to Aperture from iPhoto. I am moving to Aperture to take advantage of the organization options because I am starting to run out of HD space with my 100 GB iPhoto library. I want to have the option in the near future to switch to referenced masters on an external drive. So my question has to do with the unified library between iPhoto and Aperture. When I upgraded to Aperture, I had to first update iPhoto to the new library format. I then opened my iPhoto library in Aperture. Everything I've read about the unified format has explained that it is compatible with both applications. But I've also read that iPhoto does not work with referenced masters. So, can I use Aperture to convert my iPhoto library to Referenced masters? Or do I need to transfer my photos into a native Aperture library first? And then once I switch to referenced masters, will iPhoto still work with my new library?
Thank you,
Ray

But I've also read that iPhoto does not work with referenced masters.
And then once I switch to referenced masters, will iPhoto still work with my new library?
Ray,
iPhoto can use referenced original master image file, it works well in iPhoto '11. Only, iPhoto has no built-in tools to repair broken references, if referenced files get accidentally moved or changed, so it is not recommended to do this in iPhoto. But since you now want to use Aperture, that will not be a problem. You will be able to repair broken references using Aperture. iPhoto will work well with a referenced Aperture library. I am using it all the time.
So, can I use Aperture to convert my iPhoto library to Referenced masters? Or do I need to transfer my photos into a native Aperture library first?
Yes, that is simple.
Upgrade your iPhoto Library by opening it in the latest iPhoto version, and then use the command "File > Open Library in Aperture". Now Aperture will work with your iPhoto library as an Aperture library. Events will show as Projects in Aperture, albums will still be albums. All keywords and ratings, Faces and Places will transfer.
To switch to referenced masters/originals select the images you want to relocate and use the command "File > Relocate originals".
You may want to read this page of the manual:
Aperture 3 User Manual: Working with Referenced Images
But make a full backup of your libraries before you start to reorganize them and relocate files.
Regards
Léonie
Since you are new to Aperture, the                 User Tips (15) might be helpful:
                 The Well-Trod Path: a Beginner's Guide to how Aperture's major parts inter-relate
                 Keep iPhoto - It May Come in Handy!
                 New to Aperture? Some Considerations when Designing your First Aperture Library
                 How do I access my Photos in Aperture?
and quite a few more

Aperture vs. iphoto library manager

I have > 37,000 photos, and am adding constantly. This seems to have brought iphoto to its knees. It keeps re-dating half of my photos to 2041, and runs slowly. At the Apple store they advised switching to aperture. Someone else suggested iphoto library manager. I am less concerned about the cost ($70 vs. $24) than saving time-I work 80-100 hours a week, and I do not have hours and hours to "make things work." I would greatly appreciate comments and suggestions. Thanks.

If iPhoto is slow when browsing the iPhoto library, apertre will probably slow too. Both applications are sharing the same library format.
I have > 37,000 photos,
That is no reason for iPhoto being slow, unless your libryr is so large, that there is not enough space left on your drive. How much free space is on your system drive and the drive with your iPhoto library?
Keep at least 20 GB free on your internal drive and more on the drives , where you are storing your photo libraries. Libraries may need temporarily more storage, when they are being repaired or rebuild.
What is your iPhoto version and MacOS X version? And how much RAM has your Mac?
Did the slowness start, after you imported new photos? Then this may be temporary and iPhoto still be processing faces, previews, etc. Or one of the photos or videos you imported is not readable and needs to be removed.
Did you install or upgrade any new software recently?
Also, iPhoto may be slow, if the library needs repairing.
Try to repair the library as described by Old Toad ':Rebuild iPhoto Version 11:
If repairing does not help, update the backup pf your library and try rebuilding.
-- Léonie

Aperture vs iPhoto Library

I have just purchased the 3.01 version of Aperture, but when I request it to import my iPhoto Library the iPhoto Library is grayed out. How do I import it?

Are you running iPhoto Buddy?
My libraries were greyed out until I started iPhoto and then selected the same library in Aperture then closed iPhoto and restarted Aperture.
Otherwise, are you using an older version of iPhoto and the library is not updated to the later standard?

IPhoto vs Aperture--deleting iPhoto library

I just installed Aperture 3 and in doing so, i chose the option of copying my iPhoto library into Aperture. The instructions from Apple--available here: http://www.apple.com/aperture/iphoto-to-aperture/how.html -- say that if I then select the option to "Consolidate Masters to Library" I can safely delete my iPhoto library. But when I chose that option, I got a message that 'there are no referenced photographs." Can this be? My iPhoto Library is 124 GB; the new Aperture library is only 82 GB. Can I now safely delete the iPhoto library and have all my pictures in Aperture or is there something else I need to do. (To be safe, I have already backed up my entire iPhoto library on an external drive.
Thanks,
Rick Derevan

2. There is a subfolder in the Aperture folder called "Masters" with a whole bunch of folders in it and pictures are in the ones i opened, But I don't know if these are "masters" or "versions"--but I assume they are masters.
Aperture does not store the versions in the library as actual images - Aperture only stores instructions on how to render the version from the master. This saves disk space - you can create many versions from the same master without additional storage necessary, and this makes the lossles workflow possible. You always can undo your adjustments step by step, The version image will be created when you export the image. So if you see an image file in the library it is the master image file, if it is in the "Masters" folder.
So I think I am good to go, but all of my (former) iPhoto events show in the inspector column. And when I open a project in Aperture, and click on a photo, the event in iPhoto where the photo was originally found is highlighted in the inspector bar. So, why is the iPhoto event being highlighted if the photos are now in an Aperture library? Is that cause for worry?
Aperture recreated the iPhoto library structure in the Aperture Library as far as possible.
For each iPhoto event you now will find an Aperture project. These projects are the containers of your images. Each image has a project where it is stored. Also you should see your iPhoto albums, books, and Slideshows. and the images should be tagged with captions and keywords.
There is no cause to worry - all iPhoto images are now in Aperture; and Aperture mirrors your old library structure; this is supposed to be helpful, not to confuse you
The inspector panel in Aperure is very different from the iPhoto Inspector. Everything seems to be there twice, but these are just different views of the same items in the database.
The upper part lets you view the Library by projects, places, faces, etc., an the lower part shows the storage structure - how the library is organized by folders and projects; and if you select an image in the upper part - in projects view or Photos view, then Aperture will highlight the project where the image is contained.
I think you will find Kirby Krieger's introduction helpful to get you started:
Kirby Krieger: Re: Organizing in Aperture, concise long version:
https://discussions.apple.com/message/12616449#12616449
And also the very good online manual, if you have not found it already:
Aperture 3 User Manual: http://documentation.apple.com/en/aperture/
Regards
Léonie

Aperture and iPhoto Library (not my own)

A friend has sent me a copy of his iPhoto library containing pictures he's asked me to adjust for him. His version of iPhoto is the 2009 release having come with his new MacBook Pro. My iPhoto is version 6. It won't open the library my friend sent. Is there anything I can do with my Aperture (current) to extract the photos from the disk my friend sent? Any other ideas?
Thanks.
Terry

Insert the Disc into your Mac. On it you will see an iPhoto Library icon. Right Click on it and go 'Show Package Contents'. A Finder window will open with the Library exposed.
Regards
TD

Aperture and iPhoto library integration.

So here is my predicament:-
I'm new to Aperture but have more than enough experience in iPhoto. I'm 99% sure that I'm just missing something small so hopefully this wont be a hard question to answer.
I tend to use iPhoto as a photo management program as I love the way it looks and feels; especially the new version as part of iLife '11. Now I understand you can import your iPhoto library into Aperture HOWEVER is it possible to then update the Aperture library later on down the track without re-cataloguing (think thats the best way to put it) the iPhoto library all together?

Terrence, sounds like you have your brain wrapped around aperture quite well. I do not. So please forgive me if this question is redundant. Sometimes you just have to ask in your own words, if you know what I mean. I am about to download Aperture's 30 day trial.
In essence, iPhoto and Aperture cannot share a library, but they can access each other's libraries? Can you just preview iPhoto's library from within Aperture and vice-versa without having to import the photos? And if you import your existing iPhoto library into Aperture you then have two copies of each photo, one in Aperture and one in iPhoto, thus doubling the space on the HDD that photos are taking up?
I do understand the changes made in one program cannot be viewed in another.
Thank you for taking time to share your expertise with us!

Aperture vs. iPhoto library size

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