Operation Manual

• Managed and referenced images: Masters stored in the Aperture library are called
managed images because Aperture manages the location of the image files in its
database. Managed images are physically located in the Aperture Library file. You can
also import images into Aperture without storing the masters in the library. Images
that are not stored in the library are called referenced images. Aperture links to referenced
images in their current locations on your hard disk, without placing them in the Aperture
Library file.
• Aperture Trash: Items deleted in Aperture are stored in the Aperture Trash until it is
emptied.
• Vaults: Containers that each hold a backup of the library and all its images and
information.
The next sections describe each of these elements and how you work with them in
Aperture.
What Are Masters?
A digital master file, or master, is the original RAW, GIF, JPEG, TIFF, DNG, or PNG file that
is imported into Aperture from a digital camera, memory card, computer, or external
storage media device such as an external hard disk drive or CD. Aperture never changes
the master, so you always have originals to work from.
Important: Masters—especially RAW files—tend to be quite large. Projects consisting of
several thousand masters require high-capacity hard disks.
For information about importing masters, see Importing Images.
What Are Versions?
Once you have masters on your hard disk, you can review and make adjustments to your
images. For example, you can change the exposure, contrast, or saturation, or add
information to an image, such as the photographer’s name, the event, and the location.
To work with images, Aperture creates a version of each master that includes your
adjustments and embedded information, leaving the master unchanged. A version refers
to the master on your hard disk, but it is not the master itself. Versions store only the
thumbnail image, adjustments, and embedded information. A full image file is not created
until you are ready to print or export, saving valuable storage space on your hard disk.
114 Chapter 3 Working with the Aperture Library