Reprocess photos from earlier versions of Aperture

Reprocess photos from earlier versions of Aperture

Aperture provides image processing algorithms that deliver improved image quality. With improved default rendering of RAW images from supported cameras, Aperture 3.6 provides significantly enhanced image quality with improvements in noise reduction, sharpening, and highlights recovery.

To maintain the image integrity of the existing photos in your Aperture library, Aperture allows you to retain the original processing of your photos from previous versions, selectively process images using the most current RAW image processing, or create duplicate versions of each original image file with the most current RAW image processing applied. However, some adjustments and brushed adjustments are not available unless the selected photo uses the most current RAW image processing.

When you start using Aperture 3.6, all of your existing photos continue to use the previous version’s image processing, in order to preserve their appearance. Any of these photos can be individually reprocessed to use the most current image processing. You can also use the Reprocess Originals command in the Photos menu to reprocess selected photos, projects, books, slideshows, webpages, web journals, Light Table albums, albums, and Smart Albums. If you want to reprocess photos while retaining versions with the original processing, you can create duplicate versions of each original image file with the most current RAW image processing applied.

Because reprocessing a large number of photos can be a time-consuming process, you may find it easier to reprocess photos on an as-needed basis. For example, if you have five-star selects, you may decide to initially reprocess only those photos. Photos are not affected by being reprocessed more than once; if a photo already uses the most current image processing, reprocessing it has no effect.

Note: Some adjustments and brushed adjustments are not available unless the selected photo uses the most current RAW image processing.

Reprocess a photo selection

  1. Do one of the following:

    • To reprocess selected photos: Select a photo or group of photos.

    • To reprocess a project or an album: Select a project, a book, a slideshow, an album, a webpage album, a web journal album, a Light Table album, or a Smart Album.

    • To reprocess all photos in the library: Select the Photos item in the Library inspector.

      Figure. Photos item in the Library inspector.

    Important: Reprocessing thousands of image files can be a lengthy operation. Make sure to set aside a significant amount of time for Aperture to process the image files—preferably when you don’t need to use your Aperture system.

  2. Choose Photos > Reprocess Originals.

  3. In the dialog that appears, select reprocessing options, and click Reprocess Photos.

    You can choose whether to reprocess all photos in the selection or just those with or without adjustments. You can also choose whether to reprocess the existing image versions or a duplicate set.

    Figure. Reprocess Photos dialog.

Reprocess an individual photo

  1. Select a photo.

  2. In the Adjustments inspector or the Adjustments pane of the Inspector HUD, choose RAW Fine Tuning from the Add Adjustment pop-up menu.

  3. In the RAW Fine Tuning controls, click the Reprocess button.

    Note: If the Reprocess button does not appear in the Adjustments inspector or the Adjustments pane of the Inspector HUD, the photo has already been reprocessed using Aperture 3.6 image processing.