I really know this sounds stupid but I guess I really don't understand the Aperture file system.
When I load picture files from my camera to Aperture where the heck do they go.
I don't believe i have Aperture set up to reference the files but when I look into the Aperture application folder the library is there but no folders of individual picture files.

If you didn't set up the import pane to import the images as referenced files the images are stored inside the Library package.

You can move the master files outside the Library at any time using File>Relocate Masters... but bear in mind that referenced Masters won't be included in the Vault backup system.

Ian

Thanks Ian
I do understand that I can relocate the files and/or export versions but can I look at an individual file or are they all included under the library icon?

If they are managed files - yes, but you have to jump through several hoops and potentially cause problems if you move or rename any of the files you see in the process.

1. Select the Library in the Finder.
2. Right/Control-click on it and choose 'Show in Package'.
3. In the list of '.approject' files, do the 'Show Package' routine on the one that corresponds to the Project the files are in.
4. Look through the '.apimportgroup' folders for the date and time that the images were imported (the Import Group can be added to a Metadata View in Aperture if you really need it).
5. Once you've found the right Import Group, the master file will be inside a folder with the same name as the file (not the Version Name but the File Name).

Do NOT make any changes to any of the files you find inside the Library package as you may cause problems with your Library, depending on which ones you mess with.

As you can imagine from those instructions, managed files are not designed to be visible to the end user via the Finder - either export Masters or relocate them if you need direct access to the Masters outside Aperture.

Ian

Thanks Ian