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.

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Aperture and iPhoto Library

Hello,
I played with aperture @ the store. But i noticed i have to import pictures from the iPhoto library in the Aperture library. So i have the pictures twice on the disk. Isnt it possible to make Aperture use the iPhoto library?
Thank you in advance
Edgar

Well , it would be great to do someting like that. I
like aperture a lot, but then again, if i want to use
iWeb i need iPhoto again and same with the other
dedicated Apple programms. The integration is always
handy.
Is there a special reason why apple didnt add this
support for sharing librarys? Because aperture can
import the raw foto from the camera?
Well, I think it's because they really wanted the ability to do a lot of complex editing without taking up extra room on the HD if they did not need to. In iPhoto all edits are stored directly in am image file whereas in Aperture they let you make a lot more editing choices and saving each one as an image (especially a non-JPG image) would just take up a huge amount of choice.
In the future I think they'll offer an API so other programs can see thumbnails from an Aperture library as well, and also export individual images from it even if they are just versions. At the moment things will just have to be a little more manual with Aperture for a while - though I think you can alleviate that by exporting a project when you are finished editing in Aperture - take the exported set of JPG's that you then store in an iPhoto library and use like you normally would with iPhoto. That would take up more space but the good news is that keywords you assign in Aperture are automatically picked up by iPhoto on import, so you can still search in iPhoto by keyword, and then you can make use of any images in iPhoto in exactly the same way as you normally would.
If you use the new ability of iPhoto to reference files in place you could create an export directory and replace the files there on the fly from Aperture if you re-edited them. You'd have to remove them first as Aperture will not overwrite files on export.

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.

Using Aperture and IPhoto together for RAW

Hi All,
I have just received my MBP and will be using Aperture to edit my RAW files from a Nikon camera.
I was wondering if Aperture works the same as IPhoto in regards to the library function or do you still use IPhoto to arrange, tag your images etc...
If that is the case how do you do that if you are using RAW files? Does IPhoto recognise RAW images?
I would like to hear your workflow on a MAC.
Cheers.

Sad to say Richard but you are close but not quite correct. Aperture has a much reduced set of RAW support vs. iPhoto. Of this I can personally attest, but they're both covered on the Apple site.
To add to some other points you address...
iPhoto is still needed for simple integration with other iLife apps., as Aperture has no iLife integration. There is an Aperture2iLife script available (Lightbox software) which automates an export and import process. If you carry an iPod around with photos, then you'll need to maintain iPhoto for that purpose. Welcome to the land of duplicates!
iPhoto does indeed process the RAW and all image work is performed on a JPEG version therafter. The RAW is never used, but is stored in the Originals folder (along with any original JPG or TIF files from the camera if these were shot vs. RAW).
Aperture's RAW converter is markedly superior to iPhoto, and the control and editing options likewise. As noted, Aperture does not change the original RAW (or other imported file), but saves the edit instructions (akin to adjustment layers in Photoshop) for rebuilding the image viewed from the original. Enhanced book and Web Gallery options exist vs. iPhoto ... so integration to iWeb isn't quite as important, though would be very useful.

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

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?

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.

How to use Aperture with iPhoto without needing double the disk space?

I've just purchased Aperture. I already use Iphoto and have several gigs of imagery in an iphoto library file.
I want to direct Aperture to import all from my iphoto file.
But....I only don't want Ap to simply create a duplicate of this file and use up several more gigs of space.
Is there any way I can get Ap to just create thumbnails rather than complete copies?
I should say that I will onlybe using Ap from now on, so what happens to the iphoto is of little consequence.

Hi,
You can use the referenced master in Aperture to get this done. When you import pictures from iPhoto, you can "dig" into the iPhoto library with Aperture and choose which photo you want to import where. In the import dialog, you can choose from "import to Aperture library" or "leave the file where they are". This will do the trick.
Personally I imported the files into my Aperture library, this created duplicates. But while importing them, I reclassified into Aperture to better fit my workflow based on Aperture capability. Then I archive my iPhoto library (just in case) and deleted it from my main disk. This freed up the space, but gave me a much better managed Aperture library. With a managed library in Aperture, you can have the vault feature as an extra measure for backups.
Considering you want to move on to Aperture, I would consider using the Aperture managed library that I describe in my second part of this message.

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 and iPhoto library deleted

I upgraded my Aperture w/no problem. About one month later, all images in Aperture and iPhoto dissapeared. "Genius Bar" checked, said no problem and didn't have a clue. Bought a Time-Machine backup at store, had a consultant there show me how to set up, but he had a problem as the Airport Utility was gone. He said that was rare and downloaded it. He suggested there could be a connection to all this. I'm afraid to use the iMac. Help? Doing search for images or libraries no good, will show libraries, but with zero files. Tnx. Leif

How did you import your old iPhoto photos? And with what Aperture version?
Before the unified Aperture - iPhoto library has been introduced, it was possible to import an iPhoto library as referenced. This left all originals in the iPhoto library, so iPhoto continued to work, but Aperture could use the master files. Is that the way you imported your iPhoto library, with the master files in there original location?
When trying to e.g. export a file Aperture says 'The selected original image is either offline or not found. Please reconnect it and try again.'.
That is the typical error message, when Aperture cannot access the original files. And Aperture wil not be able to do anything with your images, unless you restore the missing originals.
Just moved my Aperture-library to my new iMac.
Where did you move your Aperture library from ? From an older mac? From a backup?
Did Aperture work on that old Mac and could access the originals?
Do you still have that old mac, and is there any chance that recovery software could retrieve the missing original files on that mac?
Sometimes Aperture reports originals as missing, even if they are managed inside the Aperture library.
You can find out, where Aperture is looking for the original files, if you select some image files in the browser and use Aperture's command "File > Locate Referenced Files".
In the panel that opens, you can see the path to missing files in the upper right corner below the thumbnail.
What do you see, when you use that command?

Using Aperture and iPhoto

I have been using Aperture, and love it. I just got the new iLife 08 and like some features in iPhoto that I cannot use in Aperture, such as the new web gallery and the new iPhoto books. Is there a way I can easily use both without managing 2 databases?

I have just done the same thing, and don't those Web Galleries look great?!
You do have to manage two databases (Aperture and iPhoto) but you do not have to make additional copies of your photos (as I am sure you are keen to preserve HD space on your MBP).
In iPhoto preferences you can elect to not add your imported pictures to the iPhoto library.
So one way to do it is import your Aperture Previews via the File menu in iPhoto. This way iPhoto has access to the Photos but you haven;t made yet another copy. This does necessitate having a whole heap of previews that you may or may not publish on your web gallery, but you can also access them smoothly and easily from within iLife and iWork.
Another and even better way for preserving disk space would be to not have Previews on in the first place in Aperture (thereby saving room).
Make an individual album or a smart folder in aperture and then export those particular images as JPEGs at whatever quality you choose.
These images would almost certainly need to be incorporated into the iPhoto library. But at least you have only doubled up on a few select pics and not your whole aperture library.

Reason to use Aperture or iPhoto library?

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