14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has announced that they will not work on Aperture anymore. Sure, the existing users can keep on employing the app, but after a while it may not work with the new operating systems. Adobe, which is Apple's longtime rival when it comes to pro photographers, has seized the opportunity to get them.
Adobe has recently published a webpage to give Aperture users an idea on how to move from Apple's app to their own Adobe Lightroom. They explain the basic functionality of Lightroom and why this is a superior experience. In Adobe's description, Lightroom helps users organize, edit, and share an image. It also has the tools to remove objects, reduce noise, correct lens distortion, sharpen images, adjust perspectives, and even edit video.
Aperture had a set price. You paid it once and benefited from all the features. Adobe's Lightroom has a different model that comes with a monthly fee. For $9.99 (€7.46) you can get the "Creative Cloud Photography plan," which includes Lightroom for desktop, web, and the mobile version of Photoshop CC. Adobe also promises that they will soon update that plan with new features and tools. One of the strong points of this offer is the fact that you can get their iOS apps that work on iPhone and iPad and start making adjustments on the spot.
They have a 30-day trial, so you can try the tools before you make a purchase. Adobe also says that they offer a large selection of tutorials, projects, and articles so you can learn how to use their software quickly.
In order to make the transition smoother, Adobe explains how their app can read adjustments made in Aperture. All you have to do is transfer over the original and a .tiff file with the adjustments is applied. However, Lightroom cannot read Aperture's color labels, flags, or custom metadata, so you are advised to use Smart Albums and apply the corresponding keywords.
In order to move your library from Aperture to Lightroom, you first need to create a full backup and then Export originals from Aperture. After that you can export TIFF versions of edited photos and only then import the photos into Lightroom.
Adobe says that they are working on a migration tool and the updates on that will be posted in their Lightroom Journal blog.
One other important aspect of their workflow is to know what is going to happen when the monthly subscription ends. Adobe explains that the desktop app will continue to launch and provide access to the photos. However, the Develop and Map modules will be disabled and the mobile workflows will not work as well.
Check out Adobe's documentation on how to switch from Aperture to Lightroom.