The architecture of having pristine master files while Aperture works with versions is fantastic. But there are times (sometimes many times) when I would like to update the master file permanently and then use it as the basis of creating my final versions.
This is particularly true when a large crop is required which would significantly reduce the master file size and save on disk space.
As far as I can determine Aperture does not facilitate this.
Any ideas on how best to achieve this?
Thanks
Derek
Derek,
What Thomas said. However, if you want the ability to continue editing the file to its maximum potential, you’ll need to export/re-import the file as a 16-bit TIF; perhaps 8-bit if you’re really careful to pull all the RAW data into the 8-bit space before the export. However even an 8-bit TIF is probably larger than the original RAW file, and a 16-bit one certainly is.
You aren’t likely to save any space doing this. RAW is a pretty condensed format, all things considered.
Of course if you just want to reduce it to a JPG, then you will save a lot of space, and we even have a script for that, called Convert Master File Format.
-Joseph @ApertureExpert
@PhotoJoseph
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Derek,
Hard drive space is cheap. I would discourage throwing away the original master. You might regret it some day.
However, if you really want to do it, you need to export your edited version and then re-import it which will make it a new master that includes your edits. Once you have it imported, you can trash the original to save disk space.
That’s the only way I know to do it. If you do it frequently, it may be possible to write an Applescript to do it. That would require skills beyond the average user including me.
Tom
Thomas