I've been using Aperture since it was released. Admittedly, I've been very lazy when it comes to naming files on import, keywording, etc. I've tried to at least keep folders labeled by the corresponding year to keep things relatively contained.
I'm currently running Aperture 3.3.2 on a 27” iMac and a 13” MacBook Pro. Like others who have posted here, I run into the problem of having two separate libraries: one on my MacBook Pro and one on my iMac. I haven't tried merging libraries and before I even consider it, I wanted to flesh out the idea of starting over with the iMac's library. Is it insane (relatively speaking) to export all my master images to an external hard drive, then reimport them, this time naming and keywording them? And if I went that route, are there suggestions as to how to go about it? Once I have the iMac's library squared away, I'd then like to potentially do the same with my MacBook Pro, starting over to get it right this time.
If anyone else has done this or has suggestions, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks very much for your time and I look forward to your feedback.
Roger
Roger (and Greg),
I have recorded videos and ebooks recommending various methods of organizing your libraries, explaining what is what so that you can devise your own methodology that works for you.
I recommend you start with the Live Training Session 003: “Folders & Projects & Albums, Oh My!” to get a jump start, then if you want more info there are ebooks and loads of other videos to watch.
@PhotoJoseph
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You don’t need to export and reimport them all, it would be a waste of time. Your best bet is to set up the Library structure you want inside Aperture (Folders/Projects etc) and then go thru all your current images and drag them into the new structure.
I would start off with making a bunch of new Folders and naming each one a year (2009, 2010, 2011) then inside each of these folders make another 12 new Folders and name each one a month of the year. That way you now have a basic structure to build from. Then you just have to drag your current images into new Projects within the monthly Folders you have made.
I just keep a simple structure like;
Top Folder: 2012
Second Folder: March
Project: Kids Sports Day
Project: Andy’s Wedding
Project: Beach Shots
Then if I need to I will just make Albums inside each project for ‘Best Shots’ - ‘Shots for Web’ - ‘Printed’ etc
As all you images are already imported into Aperture there is little point exporting them all only to reimport them again when you can easily just reorganise them inside it.