Apple Releases Aperture 2.1 with Image-Editing Plug-ins

Apple has released a new version of its popular photo editing and management software, Aperture 2.1. The software now features a new user interface, faster browsing, and enhanced image processing. Aperture 2.1 introduces plug-in’s and addresses issues related to the performance and overall stability of Aperture 2.

Among the notable upgrades in Aperture 2.1 is the API for third-party developers and local enhancement options, such as the included Dodge and Burn plug-in. A full SDK is in the works, although no hard release date has been set. Development work on the plug-ins is already well underway at Apple’s partners.

Aperture 2.1 updates various features of the application and addresses issues related to performance and overall stability. The updates include the following:

1. Dodge & Burn Plug-in. A sample plug-in is pre-installed, taking advantage of the Edit API introduced in Aperture 2.0. The plug-in adds brush-based tools for Dodge (Lighten), Burn (Darken), Contrast, Saturation, Sharpen and Blur.

2. Customize Default Adjustment Set. You can now specify which adjustments appear by default in the Adjustments Inspector/HUD.

3. Updated Crop Tool. A simplified UI makes it easier to preserve an image’s original aspect ratio, match the aspect ratio of your display, or use one of the standard preset aspect ratios.

4. Sorting in All Projects View. A contextual menu allows you to sort the All Projects view in ascending or descending date order.

5. Show on Map. A contextual menu allows you to choose the Show on Map by right-clicking (or Control-clicking) on an image that contains GPS data.

6. Access to Toolbar on Second Display. When using multiple displays in Full Screen mode, the Full Screen toolbar is now accessible on a second display.

7. “Snapshots” book theme. This additional theme includes new “photo border” frames in which to place images.

8. Flip Images. You can now flip images horizontally or vertically within Aperture.

9. Vignette. The range of gamma and exposure settings available has been expanded.

10. Save Books as JPEG or TIFF images. Automator actions have been added to Save as PDF pop-up menu in the Print Book window to automatically generate JPEG or TIFF images from book pages.

11. Update EXIF from Master. This command allows Aperture to reread EXIF from a master images after they have been imported.

12. Extended AppleScript support. The “Reveal” verb in the AppleScript dictionary has been extended to include containers such as projects and albums.

Download:  Aperture 2.1 is a free download for those already running Aperture 2.0. Apple’s Late-Breaking News About Aperture 2 provides more information about this update. 

System Requirements:
Mac OS X v10.4.11 or later (Tiger) or v10.5.2 or later (Leopard) required.
2GHz or faster Intel Core Duo processor or dual 2GHz or faster PowerPC G5 processors.
2GB of RAM and 5GB of hard drive space for the application and sample projects.
NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT, 7300 GT, 7800 GT, 8800 GT or 6800 series.