How do Aperture 3 libraries, masters, versions, and stacks work?
Asked 12/23/2010
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I'm confused about how Aperture 3 manages imported photos. I’ve been importing images into a specific folder structure by project, but I’ve also read that Aperture can store everything inside a single library package. What’s the practical difference between keeping files inside the library versus in referenced folders?
I’m also unclear on Aperture’s terminology. Are all imported photos considered masters? How do versions relate to masters? And if a stack is supposed to contain a master and its versions, why can Aperture also auto-stack newly imported photos? A simple explanation of these concepts would be helpful.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
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Having all the files in the one single container is easy when you want to move or copy your library to another system. Then there's just the library, nothing more. It's inconvenient however, if you want access to your files from other applications. I myself have all files in the single container, back from the days when I copied libraries back and forth between my MacBook Air and my iMac. I do keep multiple libraries however, one per year.
Stacks can be a master and all its versions, but you can basically stack any group of images you want. I typically use stacks if I take multiple shots of one subject (something the autostack function can do, based on time) or if pictures really belong together, like the shots that make up a panorama image.
All the images you import into your library are masters. Versions are variations on your master. The master image is never altered; aperture just stores the adjustments you made to the master image. This is great for experimenting with your images without it costing tons of disc space.
Originally by user2435. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user2435
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
In Aperture, every original file you import is a master. Aperture then creates versions, which are edited views or interpretations of that master without changing the original file.
A library can be managed in two ways:
- Managed library: the master files are stored inside the Aperture library package. This makes moving or copying the whole library easy, since everything is contained in one place.
- Referenced library: the master files live in regular folders outside the library. This can be more convenient if you want other applications to access the files directly.
Stacks are more flexible than just “master plus versions.” While a version can be grouped with its master, you can also stack any related images together. For example, you might stack a burst of similar shots, bracketed exposures, or panorama source images.
Auto-stack simply groups images by criteria such as capture time, so photos taken close together can be placed in the same stack automatically. That’s why newly imported photos can be auto-stacked even though they are all separate masters.
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