Any idea how to keep and sync the same aperture library on two computers (MacBook Pro & iMac) ? Is there any way if syncing same library across devices? I'm a bit stuck.
Any idea how to keep and sync the same aperture library on two computers (MacBook Pro & iMac) ? Is there any way if syncing same library across devices? I'm a bit stuck.
This is just a really bad idea... except for the recommendation in post #2 to use an external drive and move it from computer to computer.
Aperture is absolutely positively not designed to be shared. The vast majority of people who claim problems with the library are people who have attempted to do this in one form or another.
Just don't do it.
Here is what you can do:
If it is one user accessing the library on more than one computer... use Apertures built in ability to move projects from one machine to another. I do that all the time by creating projects on my MBA when in the field... and then move that project into my master library on my iMac once I return. This is safe... and Aperture facilitates this in a fantastic manner.
If a second user need to view (but never edit) the library... then you can perform a regular one-direction clone of the library to the second user's computer. For example... let it update every night. It is safe. However... if the second user updates anything... they lose changes the next day. Hence, it is only for viewing (not manipulating) a copy of the database.
If you have two users who need to independently edit... use two separate libraries... that a user independently checks data out of a 3rd master library. It takes coordination to make sure that only one user checks out a library at a time. This can run into problems... so be careful.
Running a single library on a shared drive (ex NAS)... or using a sync service to keep two libraries in sync... is the digital equivalent of playing russian roulette. One of these days it will be fatal.
Another way of saying it... go ahead and share your library if you don't give a crap about your pictures.
/Jim
Thanks guys for your help. Especially this detailed input. I am in the middle of establishing my workflow. All I want is to being able to edit my library which is connects to ex HDD connected to iMac in my MacBook and do some adjustments here and there. I would prefer the whole library to be accessible..
Thanks guys for your help. Especially this detailed input. I am in the middle of establishing my workflow. All I want is to being able to edit my library which is connects to ex HDD connected to iMac in my MacBook and do some adjustments here and there. I would prefer the whole library to be accessible..
From this post ^^ it sounds like you've got your Aperture library on your iMac's internal drive, but all the images are referenced on an external drive - is this the case?
If so, then your easiest solution by far would be simply to make your library managed, and keep it on the external drive. This way you could access the managed library on whichever computer the drive was connected to - no need for exporting etc.
Also, make sure you back up your external drive.
Hope that helps.
You are correct. Also though about doing it that way. No need for SSD upgrade of my MacBook Air then as the library will rest on external drive. Do you have any recommendation of the fast, reliable and a good one?
To be honest, I think commenting on "reliable" HDDs is a bit of a minefield. ALL drives fail eventually, and there's often no way to know it's coming. That's why you MUST backup regularly.
To get you started though, I'll give you a few pointers about the kind of thing I'd look for:
1) If your macbook has USB3 then I'd say definitely get a drive that uses it, and preferably one with a SATA3 controller for optimum speed (thunderbolt will be even faster, but also significantly more expensive).
2) Consider whether you want a desktop or pocket HDD - will you be using it on the go? If so, pocket might be preferable, but be sure to check that your MacBook Air definitely delivers enough power from the USB ports to power an HDD platter. If not, you'll want a desktop HDD that has its own power supply.
3) Once you've found a hard drive that meets your needs, go and find another different one to use for your backup! (Personally I prefer to use different makes & models for my backups - do not buy 2 versions of the same drive from the same vendor at the same time. If they happen to be from a bad batch then both drives could fail at the same time).
Personally I like drives from Samsung, WD, and Seagate. I've had two very bad experiences with Hitachi drives and will never buy another. HOWEVER, every user will have different drives that they like / dislike for the same reason - we've all been burned by a particular brand (that's why I mix it up with the backups).
Hope that helps.
How do you sync two reference folders between iMac and MacBook in case of working on the go with MacBook for example? Bearing in mind I would like to have same galleries, projects and albums synced accross all the devices..
What about storing reference files on SSD and masters on HDD connected to iMac just to speed the performance of the aperture.
You can't. Aperture doesn't support multiple synched devices all trying to edit a single, remote library. The closest solution is the one I suggested earlier - by putting ALL your photos inside the aperture library as managed files, Aperture doesn't care what device is opening it because each computer has access to ALL the assets at all times.
If you want a performance boost then you could get an external thunderbolt SSD and keep an entire managed library on that (it should be just as quick as your internal drive, or at least so close that you won't notice any difference).
If you want to keep your master files and your library separate then you cannot sync projects/albums. What you'll need to do instead is create smaller working libraries on your macbook, then merge these with your iMac's "master" library when you're back home.
I'm begging to picture that. Would you mind to point me on what workflow should look like then considering the fact that I'm editing on remote location pls? Also is there much of a speed difference between external HDD and thunderbolt SSD in terms of rendering managed files? Thx a million..
I'm begging to picture that. Would you mind to point me on what workflow should look like then considering the fact that I'm editing on remote location pls? Also is there much of a speed difference between external HDD and thunderbolt SSD in terms of rendering managed files? Thx a million..
You are correct. Also though about doing it that way. No need for SSD upgrade of my MacBook Air then as the library will rest on external drive. Do you have any recommendation of the fast, reliable and a good one?
Nice to read through this thread.
I have a 2009 iMac as my Main machine but use my work 2013 MBP for my most recent work. I had wanted to be able to have a Joint Library to access on either machine and work away but can see this as a headache down the road.
So, I have newer photos on my MBP and older ones on the iMac.
I suppose I can "simply" export the library or parts of the library from the MBP and copy to the iMac and then Import and this will Add those (newer MBP images with all adjustments) to the current iMac library and NOT simply create a new one...right?
Thanks in advance!
BTW, I use RAW and have been hesitant to make the switch and possibly loose any adjustments. And the iMac is considerably slower than the MBP.
If you are just wanting to make use of the bigger screen. You could just use the iMac in Target Display Mode.
Absolutely YES. Get a LaCie ruggedized 1TB drive. I strongly believe that the LaCie drives last longer and are more reliable than Seagate, etc. you can get them on Amazon.