Apple Aperture Review
Updated: April 24, 2012
Apple's Aperture is not solely a photo book design tool, it is a photo editing and photo management software program first released in 2005. The most recent version is Aperture 3 released in Feburary 2010 and retails for $199, however a free 30-day trial of this program is available for download on Apple's site which gives a good opportunity to test out its photo book creation software. Note this program is only compatible with Intel-based Macs running an operating system of Mac OS X v10.5.8 or v10.6.2 or later.
Although, Aperture's other features are not the main focus here, the program also allows you to create multimedia slideshows with music and video, no doubt borrowing similar features from Apple's iMovie. It also takes iPhoto's editing and photo management tools to another level. Aperture has an enhanced face detection technology to help organize photos of the same person and also captures GPS data from cameras with that function to automatically geo-tag your photos and arrange them on a map.
Of more potential interest to photo book enthusiasts, is the ability to edit and enhance your photos. While other free photo book software has limited capability to edit photos, Aperture accordingly has more precise tools allowing you to adjust levels, tint, contrast, color, saturation, retouch etc. Serious photographers still appear to prefer Adobe Photoshop however, acknowledged by many to be the gold standard of photo editing.
Aperture's edits are non-destructive meaning an original untouched version of your photo is always stored and remains unaltered. Similarly the program automatically saves versions of your photo book while you're creating it.
Unique Features/Tips
- You can create custom photo books in any of Aperture's preset sizes, or create a custom size
- You can print your books with Apple, or export the files to be printed with any photo book printing company that takes PDF files (but may be easier said than done)
- Offers special company specific plug-ins from high-end photo book printers. The professionally designed templates and themes help speed up the book layout process.
- You can easily create the coveted two-page spread (where a single photo stretches across both pages of the book). Several preset layouts feature the two-page spread with drag and drop capability.
- GPS map feature allows users to add a customizable map to your photo book to show the locations for your photos. Great for vacation/travel photo books
- Hardcover books include with no extra charge, a customizable dust jacket as well as full custom cover printed directly onto the surface of the book.
- Extensive photo editing can be done directly from the book making software.
Want to see how to make an Aperture photo book? Check out my blog for my NEW in-depth Apple Aperture Photo Book Review
Apple Aperture Reviews from the Blog
Jul 16, 2010: iPhoto vs Aperture - Is There a Difference in Photo Book Print Quality?
Jul 5, 2010: PhotoBookGirl Goes Underwater - My Apple Aperture Photo Book Review
Apple Aperture Coupons and Deals
If you're planning to order a book from Apple Aperture, make sure you check for any discount or coupon codes. We keep track of them so you don't have to! Save money with the latest Apple Aperture coupons and deals.
Apple Aperture Photo Books
Thinking about designing a photobook on Apple Aperture? You can view a detailed chart of every Apple Aperture photo book, including sizes and pricing. See the full list of Apple Aperture photo books.
Quick Specs for Apple ApertureNew to photo books? Learn the lingo
| Book Type | Hardcover & Softcover |
| Book Shape | Landscape |
| Types of Covers | Full Photo Cover w/Dust Jacket (Hardcover), Full Photo Softcover |
| Min/Max Pages | 20 - 100 |
| Paper | 100 lb. text gloss |
| Binding | Hardcover - case bound; Softcover - perfect bound |
| Lay Flat | No |
| Fully Customizable Layouts | Yes |
| Themes | 11 |
| Layouts/Templates | Depends on theme - customizable |
| Backgrounds | Depends on theme - customizable |
| Image as Background | Yes |
| Full Photo Cover | Yes |
| Customizable Spine | Yes |
| Full Photo Back Cover | Yes |
| Full Page Bleed | Yes; Also auto 2-page spread |
| Captions/Fonts | 300+ any color |
| Embellishments | Yes (GPS Map) |
| Mac/PC | Mac |
| Download or Online | Download - $199.00 (Free 30 day trial available) |
| Special Photo Importing | |
| Share Online | Yes |
| Sell Online | No |
| Collaboration | No |
| Logo | No (not printed on book, only on outer box) |
| Photo Editing in Program | Yes - comprehensive |
| Digital Scrapbooking Compatible | Yes |
Leave a comment with your own review of Apple Aperture
