IPad – Aperture library won’t sync through iPhoto to an iPad

apertureipadiphoto

I used to work on Aperture in an old computer. Then, I got a new Retina MBP, and decided to just stick with iPhoto and test it out. Since now iPhoto could just natively open my old Aperture library, it was essentially no problem at all.

However, I am now trying to sync a brand new iPad with this Retina MBP, and can't do it. I get the error that my iTunes library cannot be found.

I'm assuming this happens because it's, technically speaking, an Aperture library, not an iPhoto library, so as far as iTunes is concerned, there is no iPhoto library. I also don't have Aperture installed on the new computer (and I'm not really planning on installing it), so I can't tell iTunes to sync with Aperture and its aperture library.

Is there a way around this? Converting the aperture library into an actual iPhoto library, maybe? Is there a way to tell iPhoto to turn this aperture library into an iPhoto one? Or to tell iTunes to sync using the aperture library, open in iPhoto?

Best Answer

There are many facets to your question and I will try to answer all of them.

  1. If the error you are getting is an iTunes library issue, then you should reboot itunes holding down the option key, and browse to the existing library file in /Users/username/Music/iTunes/ this reloads your proper library.

  2. iPhoto can open your aperture library, however it's usage of RAW files etc, it limited. this link has some more info about using Aperture library in iPhoto. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5260

  3. As the file extension on the library should be .aplibrary you will need to choose aperture from the drop down under Photos in iTunes. iPhoto is only acting as a viewer for this library, and is not "holding" these files.

  4. You should be able to choose "import to library..." in iPhoto and choose the .aplibrary file and it will import these photos into an iPhoto library. However, in case you decide to begin using Aperture again, save the aplibrary file. Note: you may lose some, if not most of the edits made in Aperture.

Question: Why would you want to revert back to iPhoto? If you have a coveted aperture license, why not use it? On the Retina MBP this program works even better, and looks amazing.