Aperture 3 provides a Library First Aid utility to troubleshoot and repair common problems with the Aperture database and image libraries. Because library and database corruption can prevent Aperture 3 from starting, you will need to invoke a startup key sequence to access the Aperture 3 Library First Aid utility
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Of course, we should all use a backup process to ensure that our image library and database are protected and can be recovered at any time. After all, your image library probably represents years of accumulated images that would be difficult to replace if they ever got damaged. Apple’s Time Machine is a great backup option, but any of the major backup apps will work just as well.
Before attempting to restore from a backup to troubleshoot Aperture 3, give the Aperture Library First Aid tool a chance to repair any inconsistencies.
Using the Opening Library First Aid Utilities
Aperture 3 includes a new tool called Aperture Library First Aid that can fix the most common library and database problems that Aperture 3 users may encounter. To access the tool, do the following:
- Exit Opening 3 if it is currently open.
- Hold down the option and command keys while running Opening 3.
The Aperture Library First Aid utility will launch and provide you with three different repair processes that you can perform.
- Repair Permissions: Scans your library for permission problems and repairs them. This requires administrator access.
- Repair Database: Checks your library for inconsistencies and repairs them.
- Rebuild Database: Examines and rebuilds your database. This option should only be used when database repairs or permissions do not fix library problems.
You should consider using both the Repair and Repair Database permissions whenever you need to run the Aperture Library First Aid utility. The third option, Rebuild Database, should only be used as a last resort. You must have a current backup of your Aperture 3 library and database before using the Rebuild Database option.
Opening 3 Permissions Repair and Opening 3 Database Repair
- Exit Opening 3 if it is currently open.
- Hold down the option and command keys while running Opening 3.
- Select Repair Permissions.
- Click the ‘Repair’ button.
- Provide your Administrator credentials, if required.
Aperture Library First Aid will run the Repair Permissions command and then start Aperture 3.
Aperture 3 Database Repair
- Exit Opening 3 if it is currently open.
- Hold down the option and command keys while running Opening 3.
- Select Repair Database.
- Click the ‘Repair’ button.
Aperture Library First Aid will run the Repair Database command, and then start Aperture 3. If Aperture 3 and its libraries appear to be working correctly, you’re done and you can continue using Aperture 3.
Rebuild the Aperture database
If you are still having a problem with Aperture 3, you may want to run the Rebuild Database option. Before doing so, make sure you have a current backup, in the form of a Time Machine backup or a third-party app. At a minimum, you should have a current Vault, Aperture’s built-in backup of image masters. Remember: Vaults do not include Reference Patterns that you have stored outside of the Aperture library system.
- Exit Opening 3 if it is currently open.
- Hold down the option and command keys while running Opening 3.
- Select Rebuild Database.
- Click the ‘Repair’ button.
Aperture Library First Aid will run the Rebuild Database command. This may take a while, depending on the size of the library and its database. When it’s done, Aperture 3 will start. If Aperture 3 and its libraries seem to work correctly, you’re done and you can continue using Aperture 3.