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Getting Started with Aperture 2.0
If you've never used Aperture before, version 2.0 will be a pleasant introduction in to the world of robust photo management. But many of us are not starting from scratch. So, I took my time with this upgrade and moved carefully along the way. After all, I have a lot of work invested in my Aperture library, and I don't want to make any time-consuming mistakes. Here are some observations from the first day of transition.
First, run Software Update to make sure your Tiger or Leopard machine is current (Aperture 2.0 runs great on both operating systems). If you haven't run Update in a while, now is a great time before installing the new application.
You can then download the trial version for testing -- just remember to purchase a serial number within 30 days. Upgrade price is $99 US, and full purchase is $199. Yes, Apple lowered the price.
Before launching the application, I recommend that your remove active Aperture libraries from your Pictures folder. You may want to "get to know" this software first before updating any of your libraries. In my case, I left an empty library in Pictures to see what 2.0 would do when I launched. As I expected, it asked to update the empty library. I let it. This will be my testing copy.
I then dragged one of the sample projects Apple made available to the empty (but updated) library, so I could play with someone else's pictures. This is a terrific way to get to know the application without worrying about what's happening to your shots.
Once I was feeling comfortable, I made a copy of a 5 GB library I was working with (you can use the Duplicate command in the Finder), and took it for a spin in Version 2. It took Aperture 1.5 seconds to update the library. I then started playing with Quick Previews, All Projects, Raw 2.0, .Mac Galleries, highlight recovery, and a raft of other new features.
I still haven't updated my main library yet. But if the next day or so goes as well as the first day of testing, I'll probably update it very soon. One of my first questions then will be about the Vaults. I'm guessing that the old 1.5 Vaults are useless with 2.0. But that's only a guess. More will be revealed with further testing...
Comments (8)
What do you think of the castrated white balance tool? I'm switching to Lightroom with this bone-headed move.
You cant upgrade libraries if you use the trial version of 2.0.
Probably because if you would be able to and then after the trail decide not to buy it you cant use the libraries in 1.5 anymore..
Thats to bad..since I now have to wait at least a week or so until i can buy it.
You must have a different version... the downloadable trial will not open old libraries. Sure would be nice to use the trial on an image. Any fix out there for this?
More on Art's "castrated white balance tool" observation out there?
After frankly struggling w 1.5 (incl. deadends from non 212 Apple stores) I think many out there are expecting a LOT from 2.0...
You mentioned Vaults Derrick - Apple have said that the clash between Time Machine and Aperture no longer exists as of 10.5.2, so is there a reason to prefer using the Vault over Time Machine for backups? Or vice versa?
You mention :
"I then dragged one of the sample projects Apple made available ... This is a terrific way to get to know the application without worrying about what's happening to your shots."
I thought this was a great idea and wanted to give it a try. However, I can't find any sample projects available anywhere. The Tutorials section doesn't appear to contain them, the Downloads section won't allow me through with the 30-day trial license, and I don't see it included in the download or Aperture.app.
Could you provide the location of these sample projects?
Thank you!
In response to Matt's question, I discovered that none of the sample projects were available with the trial. It makes sense that they were not because they are big downloads, and if I would have thought about that for a second, I could have guessed that would be the case. You do get them with the boxed version.
So, as an alternative, you could create your own nifty project for testing in Aperture 1.5, drag it out and put it on a drive, then use that on your testing computer for Aperture 2.0.
Sorry about the confusion...
More on creating a testing environment for Aperture 2.0 trial...
I know the trail won't update your library, but it should make a working copy of it. You could take my custom testing project idea, create a new library in 1.5, add the testing project, then let the trial update that. Would that work?