Using the Import browser, you can import images from a digital camera or card reader into Aperture in two ways. You can either import all images on the camera or card reader at once, or you can import a selection of images from the camera or card reader.
You can also:
Store imported images in the Aperture library or select a different location on your hard disk and import the images as referenced images
Have Aperture automatically delete the images on your memory card after the images are imported
Have Aperture automatically split the images into multiple projects based on the length of time between shots
Have Aperture automatically back up images as they are imported
Display images in the Import browser as a grid of thumbnails or as a list that you can sort
Apply a naming convention to standardize the names of the image files in the library
Apply metadata to the image files, such as keywords, captions, copyright information, and the photographer’s name. You can also keep or replace existing metadata associated with an image when you import the image.
Adjust the shoot time of images that were shot in a different time zone
Note: When connecting your camera directly to the computer, make sure that you turn the camera on and set it to the mode for transferring images (PC, PTP, Normal, or another mode, depending on the type of camera). Some cameras automatically select the correct transfer mode when connected to a computer. See your camera’s manual for specific instructions. If you have a card reader, it’s preferable to transfer images using the card reader rather than the camera. Using a card reader saves you time and doesn’t require the use of your camera’s battery.
Connect your camera or card reader to your computer.
The Import browser appears, showing the images on the camera or card.
Note: If iPhoto opens when you connect your camera or card reader, quit iPhoto. Then, in Aperture, choose Aperture > Preferences and click Import. Choose Aperture from the “When a camera is connected, open” pop-up menu. Disconnect and reconnect your camera to have Aperture open the Import browser.

Do one of the following:


The selected project appears in the Destination pop-up menu.
Choose a location to store the master image files by doing one of the following:
To add controls for additional import settings, choose an option from the Import Settings pop-up menu.
For more information about Import Settings, see Adding Additional Import Options.
Do one of the following:

The checkboxes for all the images in the Import browser are selected.
You can also Shift-click adjacent images and Command-click nonadjacent images, and then select the checkbox for one of the images. Selecting a single checkbox selects the checkboxes for all of the selected images.
Note: You can double-click a thumbnail image to see a larger version of the image, if you want to verify its contents before importing it.
Click the Import Checked button.

The import process begins and an indicator appears next to the project’s name, showing the progress of the import. When the images are imported, a dialog appears.
Click Eject Card, Erase Imported Items and Eject Card, or Done.
Note: The options offered in this dialog depend on the way your camera is made available when it is connected. Some cameras connect as mass storage devices. When you import from these cameras, the Erase and Eject options appear. Other cameras simply connect as cameras, and you will not see either Erase or Eject after the import is completed. In that case, you can erase the images directly in the camera.
As the images appear in the Browser, you can begin working with them. Images may temporarily appear as gray boxes until the loading process is complete.