Apple has released an update to its Aperture image management program for pros. Aperture 2.1.3 -- which is free to owners of Aperture 2 -- improves overall stability and provides fixes for issues related to the integrity of the Aperture Library database and compatibility with specific file types. The update is recommended for all Aperture 2 users.

Aperture 2 owners can upgrade via the Software Update tool in the program or by visiting Apple's support site here.

Instructions for the Automatic Software Update to Aperture 2.1.3:

• Choose Software Update from the Apple menu to automatically check for the latest Apple software.

Standalone installer

• Apple Downloads offers a standalone installer that you can use instead, if you wish.

What's new in this update?

Image Compatibility

• Nikon images imported using a direct camera-to-computer connection now display thumbnails correctly in the Import window.

Aperture Library

• Fixes an issue that could cause unwanted duplicate image versions to be created after rebuilding a library or after importing projects. These duplicate versions appear in the Browser as gray boxes or square thumbnails and show a Pixel Size of "0 x 0" in the Metadata panel. The word "(null)" may appear in the name of these versions.

If your Aperture Library contains these duplicate versions, you may be able to eliminate them by rebuilding your library after updating to Aperture 2.1.3. To rebuild an Aperture Library, hold down the Option and Command keys while opening Aperture, then click the Rebuild Now button. If rebuilding the Aperture Library does not remove these unwanted duplicate versions, you can manually delete them.

• Addresses a library issue that prevented the operation of the Relocate and Consolidate commands in some circumstances. This situation could occur if you renamed images using the Relocate Masters command, and then subsequently rebuilt your Aperture Library.

If you are unable to Relocate or Consolidate Masters, you may be able to remedy the issue by rebuilding your Aperture Library using Aperture 2.1.3, as described in the previous paragraph.

Note: There is no need to rebuild your Aperture Library after updating to Aperture 2.1.3 unless you see the specific issues described here.