Merging metadata in Aperture

Hello out there,
I need to merge a large amount of metadata and need to make sure I do it the right way.
I'm not sure wheter this feature actually exist in Aperture at the moment, so I want to check if there's a clever and foolproof workaround?
I've recently exported well over 3000 images in a small resolution (600x600px) to have metadata added by another company.
They have fulfilled their part, so now I would like to import only the metadata (keywords and headlines) back 'onto' my original master files.
How can I do that and not mess with anything else?
(I did a test where I imported the small res. photos into a new project and all the metadata shows up fine, but I don't want to merge this into my original library, without making sure it keeps my original high res files..)
How can I do this?
Any ideas?

Hello Michael,
I don't know of any feature in Aperture to merge Metadata.
What I do to transfer metadata from one set of images to another set is the following, provided the capture dates od the matching images are identical:
assign different color labels to both the images to be tagged and the template images with the tags.
Create an album containg the images to be tagged and the template images with the tags; sort this album by capture date; now the images with the tags and without tags should appear alternately side by side.
Then I use the "Lift & Stamp" tool (Lif& Stamp) to copy the metadata from the images with tags to he images without tags.
If all of your images need to be tagged differently this will be a lot of work for 3000 images, however. Then you might prefer to program an AppleScript that finds for each image to be tagged the corresponding tagged image and copies the tags. That would require a consistent naming scheme for the image versions.
Regards
Léonie

Similar Messages

How do I include metadata information (aperture, shutter speed, ISO and white balance) to each image on contact sheet?

How do I include metadata information (aperture, shutter speed, ISO and white balance) to each image on contact sheet?

Just to expand JimHess reply. This are all the EXIF data you can include on a print. As far as I know, WB is not written to any standard EXIF fields.

I merge projects in aperture, it works fine until aperture restarts. After aperture restarts, the projects are no longer merged, and are back the way they were. Can anyone suugest how to make the merge permanent?

I merge projects in aperture, it works fine until aperture restarts. After aperture restarts, the projects are no longer merged, and are back the way they were. Can anyone suugest how to make the merge permanent?

I tried the first aid tasks but the issue is still there. I have more info now though. It's not a problem with merging.
The problem is that new projects are being generated everytime aperture starts (with the same name, ie 01, 02.... and 01 (1), 02 (1) .....)
When aperture start, it shows "importing". When I click on importing, it goes into the activity box. In the activity box, has many lines as below. The added projcts are all empty. It's annoying because i have many useless projects being generated.

How do I merge places in Aperture

I'm going through my places list in Aperture and I've noticed a lot of dupes, don't know how that happened, must be when I imported from iPhoto.
Anyway, how can I merge several places into one? I don't want to lose all that location information.

I have never understood the relationships between:
. Area
. Location, and
. Place
None of these are listed in the User Manual's Glossary.
Additionally, what is the relationship between the names I assign and the names Aperture assigns?
Hello Kirby,
that relationship is a book with seven seals to me too - these sections of the User manual really could be improved.
OT: Some observations on places and locations:
Here is what I found from experimenting with my places, and I am sure most of it you already found out yourself, but I'd like to compare notes:
The location tags (IPTC Image: Location, Country, State/Province, City), seem to be completely ignored by places. If you assign a place, these metatags will not be set, and if you set the location tags, that does not assign a place. Searching with "Place contains" ignores these tags.
The places name I assign (and Aperture assigns) does not show anywhere in the metadata displays - at least I could not find any way to display the place, it is only visible in Places View, and there the displayed name seems to be generic, depending on the zoom level, you have to zoom in to see your custom places name.
Searching for places uses the place names you have assigned, and/or the names Aperture assigned, if you only provided the gps and did not assign place names. What I really like is the hierarchical assignment of increasingly specific place names by Aperture. In the example below I searched for all places containing "Hamburg" and the search returned all images taken in locations belonging to the state of Hamburg, not only the City of Hamburg, even the island of Neuwerk, way out in the North Sea.
Assigning places will add gps-EXIF tags, changing the place will change the gps tags. The gps tags assigned by Aperture to the versions cannot be written to the master files and are not exported with the masters, only with the versions.
- Area ??? I'd like to hear about that ...
Regards
Léonie

Can't find IPTC metadata after Aperture export into Lightroom

Hi all,
I'm sure you've already worked through this pain, so maybe you'll have some insight for me:
I am exporting approximately 25,000 images from Aperture 2.1.4 and importing them into Lightroom 4. I started working with my small projects of about 300 images to test. From Aperture, I exported the Master files with the Sidecar (IPTC4.XMP) files. [My masters are a mix of .jpgs and .NEF, and I read that the jpgs don't always carry the meta data through]. I successfully imported the master files into Lightroom and ran the "Read Metadata from File" command. I also exported the keywords file from Aperture and imported those into Lightroom as well.
Prior to exporting, I edited one file in Aperture by entering "test caption", "test location", "test keyword", "test copyright" etc. into several of the IPTC fields. These fields are NOT appearing in the equivalent Lightroom fields. I checked the .XMP file (using text edit) and it does contain the correct "test values". I am getting all of the EXIF metadata, but none of my custom values.
Is it as simple as not looking in the right place in Lightroom for my values?

John, and Brent -
Yes, thank you, you were both right. Here is an updated screenshot showing the image in both applications, with the metadata where I expected it. The trick, in my case, was to follow "Method 1" in the link above, to write the IPTC data into the .jpgs. I'll use the sidecar method for the .NEFs, probably. Also, expanding the fields proved that the keyword was present. I'm sure I can mess around with the Display Metadata options from Default to other things. All well; heroes to the rescue!
Regards,
Grace

Editing Metadata in Aperture Not Reflected in .jpg File

I edited the Keyword field in Aperture for a .jpg file, but when I view the metadata in Finder, using Get Info, the old Keyword contents persist. This happens for other fields too. What am I missing? Thanks.

Hi Hop. Welcome to the user-to-user Aperture forum.
Aperture is non-destructive: your original image files are never altered. Export your image in order to create an image-format file with all adjustments and metadata changes made in Aperture.
Message was edited by: Kirby Krieger

I'm trying to merge (unify) my Aperture library with my iphoto library and have doen the merge and consolidate functions in Aperture. I have found that this process increased my Aperture library form 30 to 39 gigs and duplicated many photos in the proces

I've just merged my Aperture and iphoto libraries and have found that my combined new Aperture library has grown from about 30 gigs (the total size of the Aperture and iphoto libbraries prior to merging) to 40 gigs. Also, in reviewing photos in the Aperture browser I find that photos appaer as duplicated, one photo with no tag (the original) followed by the same photo with a small tag (suggesting edits). HAs the merge process caused an unintended increase in library size? My initial reason do consolidate the libraries was to eliminate the "referenced" portion fo the Aperture library that refernced the iphoto originals. Any thoughts as to how I can get one consolidated non-referenced combined libray inside Aperture with no duplicates. I run a Time Capsule and can access backups of the original Aperture and Iphoto libraries if I need to repeat the process. Thanks for any help. Jim.

My initial reason do consolidate the libraries was to eliminate the "referenced" portion fo the Aperture library that refernced the iphoto originals
One for the Consolidate Masters command.
By importing the Library you brought over everything, lock stock and barrell, and your Aperture library still points to those referenced masters in the iPhoto Library.
Regards
TD

Merging of multiple aperture libraries into one master library

Over the years, due to limited disk space on my Mac, I ended up having now 3 aperture libraries in 3 separate external hard drive, totaling between he 3 libraries over 2TB of photo storage. I just purchased an additional 4TB external drive (my 4th external hard drive from Lacie) to put ALL my separate Aperture libraries into ONE (1) master Aperture library. I would like to know if anyone could help me with a set of step by step instructions to MERGE my 3 separate Aperture libraries into ONE (1) MASTER library on my newly purchased 4TB external drive. I've looked online and found several articles dealing with merging libraries from multiple computers. I tried them all and was NOT able to do what I would like to do. PLEASE, if any of you have done what I would love to do or knows how to do it, I would appreciate your help. A step by step instructions regarding how to do it would be greatly appreciated! Thank you so much! Robert

Thanks Kieby,
This is what I did: 1.) File/Swith to Library/Other/New To create a new Aperture library which I called MasterAperture Library. The new library was created on my new 4TB external driver.
2.) I then CLOSED Aperture and re-opened it using my default Aperture library located on my Picture folder (Aperture Library).
3.) I did: File/Export/Project as new Library. I chose my external hard drive with the filename: MAsterAperture Library, EXPORT.
The first time I did that nothing happened, I still had an empty MasterAperture Library files without any pictures.
Then I did the same thing thing, except this time, I high lighted my first Projects and went down to my items on my albums and then CTL-H so everthing would be high lighted (ALl my projects and all my albums). Then I did step 3 to the MasterAperture Library and I was able to get the MasterAperture Library as an image copy of the content of the Aperture Library located on my Pictures folder.
Then another problem came up, when I tried to replicateduplicate the same steps outlined above to merge my other 2 remaining libraries, I could NOT do so because the process, at that time, told me that the file MasterAperture Library already exists and if I were to continue, the content of MasterAperture Library will be replaced. Of course this is not wantt. I would like to be able to MERGE the contents of the 2 or 3 remaining libraries that I have currently located in different external drive/locations into the file MasterAperture Library located on my 4TB external drive, and do so, if possible, without too many duplications (if possible, because if I have to remove duplicated projects/albums/photos later, I am willing to do so)!. By the way, I've read the Aperture userguide more than once and have tried the approaches suggested in the guide without succes yet. Thanks again for your kind help. Regards, Bob

Is it possible to stitch or merge shots in Aperture?

Is it possible to stitch or merge individual shots in Aperture to create a panoramic shot?

You may want to check out the free Hugin for your panoramic shots. Download here: http://hugin.sourceforge.net
It is a very versatile tools, but you need to set quite a few parameters. You'll have to experiment a bit.

How do I extract my photographs EXIF metadata from Aperture using Automator?

I have the following Automator workflow
Get selected images
Filter for picks
Extract metadata (checked all fields)
New Text file
Open finder item (selected preferred application)
When run the text file just the exif fields has been exported with none of the metadata (eg shuuter speed, ISO etc)
what am I doing wrong?
Martin

Hi Frank
Frank Caggiano wrote:
That's a rough description of the workflow not the workflow.
Include the actual workflow it makes it a whole lot easier to troubleshoot.
Is this what you want?
This is my text file output. No metadata just the field names.
Name     IPTC Creator     IPTC Creator's Job Title     IPTC Caption     IPTC Category     IPTC Image City     IPTC Contact     IPTC Copyright Notice
IPTC Image Country     IPTC Provider     IPTC Headline     IPTC Keywords     IPTC Content Location Code     IPTC Content Location Name     IPTC Job Identifier
IPTC State/Province     IPTC Source     IPTC Special Instructions     IPTC Caption Writer     EXIF Aperture     EXIF Capture Day of Month     EXIF Capture Day of Week
EXIF Capture Hour of Day     EXIF Capture Month of Year     EXIF Capture Year     EXIF Color Model     EXIF Color Space     EXIF Contrast     EXIF Depth
EXIF EXIF Version     EXIF Exposure Bias     EXIF Exposure Mode     EXIF Exposure Program     EXIF Flash     EXIF Flash Pixel Version     EXIF Focal Length
EXIF ISO     EXIF Date     EXIF Camera Make     EXIF Max. Lens Aperture     EXIF Metering Mode     EXIF Camera Model     EXIF Pixel Height     EXIF Pixel Width
EXIF Profile Name     EXIF Saturation     EXIF Scene Capture Type     EXIF Sharpness     EXIF Shutter Speed     EXIF Software     EXIF White Balance
Hope you can help
Martin

Refresh Metadata in Aperture from Master

Guys,
I use gpsPhoto.pl to geotag my photos. The script works directly on the NEF.
Unfortunately, Aperture doesn't seem to recognise changes on the Metadata in the Master. So, what do I have to do to make Aperture acquainted with these Tags?
And no, I would not like to import the NEFs again...
Best regards,
hessi

I don't think Aperture expects you to modify the NEF files from under it -- I'd imagine it reads it and stores the EXIF info in its database.
You should at least try importing one of the images again to see what happens.

Merge iPhoto and Aperture libraries?

I boght Aperture and as I was installing it, I made the wrong choice when it asked me if I wanted to merge the iPhoto library with the Aperture library. I can't figure out how to do that after the fact. Do I need to reinstall Aperture?

I can't figure out how to do that after the fact. Do I need to reinstall Aperture?
No, you don't. Aperture can now merge any iPhoto Library into the Aperture Library.
But do you really need to merge the Libraries? If you want, you can keep the libraries separate. iPhoto can now open Aperture libraries, and iPhoto can open Aperture Libraries. You can switch between Aperture and iPhoto any time from within Aperture.
But back to your question:
To merge the Libraries
open your iPhoto library at least once in iPhoto 9.4 to upgrade it. Quit iPhoto.
Open your Aperture Library in Aperture.
From Aperture's main menu bar use the command "File > Import > Library" and select your iPhoto.
When prompted if you want to "merge" or "add" duplicate library items, select "merge".
Good Luck
Léonie

Merged iPhoto and Aperture Libraries - Faces Didn't Transfer

I merged my iPhoto library into my Aperture library and non of the Faces or Keywords from my iPhoto library transfered.
Any suggestions?
(There was an error when I merged the two and it said it had to repair the database when Aperture reopened. Should I try to merge the two again?)
Thanks!

I have a similar problem with my Aperture library after the 3.3.2 update, see:
Re: Aperture 3.3.2 Update: All faces are gone from my main Aperture library
Repair Library did not help; What brought the faces back for me was to rebuild the Aperture library, not repair. But before you try a rebuild, back up the Aperture library and test, if the backup is in working condition.
After rebuilding, Aperture may hang, when rebuilding the faces.db. Give it plenty of time to finish, best over night. If you have to force quit, you will need to run a repair afterwards.
As to missing keywords - my keywords were still there, but the keywords HUD stopped working - the keywords were not found, when being entered into the search field. This was solved after rebuilding.
One big problem with keywords in the unified library format is, that iPhoto does not support nested, hierarchical keywords. If your Aperture library contains hierarchichal keywords, say "Animals > Birds > Sparrow" and your iPhoto library has keywords "Birds" and "Sparrow", you will end up with duplicate keywords for "Birds" and "Sparrow" at different levels of the hierarchie and any smart album and keyword control set using these keywords will no longer work. You will have to delete your keyword sets, and to merge the duplicate keywords again in the Keywords HUD. Then apply at least one keyword new, to force writing of the keywords to the library, quit Aperture, log off and on again, if you are using MacOS X Lion, relaunch Aperture. Then redefine your keyword control sets and smart albums that are using keywords.
Regards
Léonie

Adding timezone metadata that Aperture will recognize on import

I have 3,200 scanned photos, and a spreadsheet with the time, date and timezone of each one on it (my APS photos, 1997~2004), and I have been making exiftool scripts to write the time and date into each file.
However, I have been unable to make the timezone work on import, I have to use Aperture's import panel to set it, which is okay, but there are 3 different timezones, different DST's etc. etc. over the archive.
I want to be able to write the timezone into the metadata before I import, and have Aperture pick up on it and use it.
I've tried the -TimeZoneOffset, I've tried setting the GPSDate and Time to UTC, and the AllDates to the local time - all to no avail - Aperture seems to ignore this information, and defaults to my computers timezone during import - I can override it for the the whole import, but I would have to separate out the photos into timezones, and import one timezone at a time.
Anyone had any joy with timezone meta data prior to import? (I understand you can set it after import).
For cameras that include home and destination support (home city / destination city) that information is also ignored - I was hoping to make my script emulate that.
I guess a better question is, has anyone been able to have Aperture detect the timezone on import and what metadata did that file have in it?
Thanks.

Had a quick read of the Wikipedia "EXIF" entry and references, it talks about tools for editing exif information.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exchangeableimage_fileformat
+"There are many software tools available which allow both viewing and editing of Exif data. The Opanda IExif Viewer is a free stand-alone application for viewing Exif data and also a plug-in for Internet Explorer and Firefox on Windows platforms. It allows examination of detailed Exif data online by right clicking on an image.[11] FxIF and Exif Viewer are multi-platform extensions for Firefox that display Exif data in the image properties dialog. This feature is native in the web browser Opera, under image properties.+
+Retrieval of detailed Exif data not usually displayed by other programs can be accomplished using ExifTool which runs in Perl, and is available for all platforms"+
Tony

Metadata in Aperture

Suddenly, in Aperture, every time I click on an image, a metadata box appears blocking the image. I cannot find a way to prevent this popping up on every image I try to edit. Using 3.1. Any solution?

Hi
Press 'T' or in the menu select 'View' -> 'Metadata Display' -> 'Image Tooltips'.
Regards, Michael

Merging metadata in Aperture

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for