My questions is, even if I create multiple Aperture Libraries, When I select Import, "Folders and Projects" should I select "Store Files in their Current Location" or should I select "In the Aperture Library"?
I tried a test library using drag and drop and since my folders are extremely well organized with the same inherent structure and my file names are well organized the import looked good and usable. However, I am not sure to keep my files where they are or have them in Aperture? Is there an advantage with having them in teh Aperture Library or just referenced and the files where they currently exist.
Michael,
The only advantage to having them within Aperture's internal library (
managed) is if you want to use Aperture's vault system as a form of backup.
The advantage to keeping them where they are and having Aperture reference them is just that - they stay where they are, the same structure you are used to using and used to backing up.
I'm a long time Aperture user. I use both ways of maintaining my library. My personal work is
managed, thus in Aperture's internal library. I do this because my personal work had tended to be somewhat disorganized and this keeps it neat and tidy.
My commercial work is
referenced because it lets me keep it in the same folder structure I have used for clients since switching to digital. I also do the same backup scenario for it that I have always done.
There's no speed advantage/disadvantage to either method. It's just personal preference. Are you okay with an iTunes/iPhoto type file structure where your content is under the hood or would you prefer keeping things out in the open?
In the end the decision is not a huge deal because it's not fixed. If have a
managed library it can always be changed to
referenced. If you have a
referenced it can always be changed to
managed.
Some further advice:
-I'd recommend turning off faces if you are not using it. It just eats up processing time.
-I'd recommend
not having Aperture generate previews automatically. Again, it eats up processing time. The only time you need previews are if you are sharing files with other iLife programs or if you are generating slideshow movies. You can always selectively tell Aperture to create previews for certain projects or certain images. This is a setting (on/off) in Aperture's preferences.
-if Time Machine has worked for you that's great. I got tired of it slowing things down every hour so I use SuperDuper to clone my HD instead. It's not incremental but it has worked fine for me.
Jon