Frequently Asked Questions
Does AE work with macOS Catalina (Version 10.15.x)?
No, because AE requires Aperture to function properly, and Aperture no longer works on Catalina.
Is Aperture Exporter and Exporter for Aperture the same program?
Yes. The app was renamed to "Exporter for Aperture" in the Mac App Store due to trademark concerns from reviewers.
Why is the Mac App Store version of AE behind what is available from the website?
Website updates release immediately, while App Store updates require Apple's review process, which takes time. Additionally, some releases are version-specific.
What is the difference between AE and Adobe's Importer plugin?
See our detailed comparison: Aperture Exporter VS Adobe's Importer Plugin.
Does AE work in standalone mode, or do I need to have Aperture installed?
Aperture must be installed and running. AE leverages Aperture APIs to preserve metadata and ensure compatibility with changing database structures.
Are the images in the Aperture library converted to being referenced?
No. AE creates copies of images to a user-specified directory while preserving the original library intact.
Does Aperture Exporter work with Managed/Referenced files?
Yes, it works equally well with both managed and referenced images.
What about Aperture colour labels and flags?
They are converted to keywords during export.
What happens to my Aperture Albums?
Albums can be retained optionally. Folders are created for each album containing image copies, or images are tagged with keywords reflecting album membership.
What happens to my Aperture Slide Shows?
Lightroom's slide shows aren't compatible with Aperture's format. AE saves out images or adds keywords for images in slide shows, treating them like albums for potential recreation in Lightroom.
Will my GPS/Location data be preserved?
Yes, GPS data is retained, including locations added directly within Aperture.
How does saving raw files' versions as JPEGs work?
JPEG versions append "WithAdjustments" to filenames. Example: "filenameA.CRW" becomes "filenameA WithAdjustments.jpg".
Why did AE create JPEGs and/or TIFFs of Aperture image versions that have no adjustments?
AE cannot detect unadjusted versions reliably, but will skip TIFF/JPEG generation for versions tagged with the "No Adjustments" keyword.
What happens with my Aperture Faces Data?
AE supports Faces by tagging identified images with keywords formatted as "Face - [facename]".
How long will it take to export my library?
Export time varies based on machine performance, storage speed, file sizes, and options selected. Initial ETA estimates 5 images/second but adjusts during export.
Is a step-by-step guide available?
Why is Aperture Exporter showing incorrect Image/Folder count estimates?
This may relate to a known Aperture bug. See: Aperture's Fast Library Switching Bug.
Why is the number of exported images different from AE's estimated number and Aperture's count?
Aperture counts image versions (many-to-one relationship with originals). AE exports single originals unless forced otherwise. Creating JPEGs/TIFFs can increase the exported count beyond the original version count.
AE exports are blocked by a message stating IPTC metadata could not be included or file was not created
These messages originate from Aperture. See our Troubleshooting pages for detailed solutions.
Why are the dates on exported image files different than the capture date of the original?
File system timestamps reflect creation time, not capture time. Check metadata timestamps instead, or use custom naming profiles including image timestamps in filenames.
Capture timestamps differ between original and "withAdjustments" versions
This occurs when timezone adjustments or manual time changes were made in Aperture. Originals export with camera timestamps; adjusted versions use the modified timestamp, matching Aperture's export behavior.
Does AE work with Capture One Pro?
Yes, multiple satisfied users report positive results. AE creates a full folder structure for importing, though the developer lacks a personal license.
Why doesn't AE do XYZ?
Aperture Exporter is no longer actively developed. Please refer to the FAQ and Troubleshooting pages for help with existing features.
Does Aperture Exporter work with iPhoto?
Not directly. You can load iPhoto libraries in Aperture and use AE that way. The iPhoto market is considered too small, and users typically prefer the Photos app.
Can I contribute/donate to AE?
Aperture Exporter is now free! You can support development by purchasing our other products.