Aperture lets photographers import, manage and enhance photos in a single, integrated workflow. The process begins by inserting a memory card into a reader or importing images from hard drives, optical media or iPhoto. Photos can then be organized in projects, folders, albums and Smart Albums, with tools available for adding metadata to images for easing subsequent searching. Aperture provides tools such as Quick Preview mode for image review and Compare mode for viewing two or more images side by side. Zooming and panning multiple images is possible to ensure accurate comparisons before making a final pick. Aperture's adjustment tools can then be used to improve photo quality prior to exporting, printing or publishing images to the web.

Known primarily for its archiving abilities, version 3 allows users to organize large photo libraries with more flexibility by using Projects and the new Faces and Places features. Faces uses face detection and recognition to find and organize photos by the people in them, while Places makes it possible to explore photos based on where they were taken, as well as automatically reversing GPS data into user-friendly locations. Locations can be assigned by dragging-and-dropping photos onto a map or by using location information from GPS enabled devices.

More surprisingly, the new version significantly expands Aperture's image editing capabilities. Notable in this regard is a new Brushes feature that makes it possible to paint a range of effects onto images. Included are fifteen Quick Brushes that perform such tasks as Dodge, Burn, Polarize and Blur, without the need to use layers or masks, since brushes can automatically detect edges within the images. Also included are dozens of Adjustment Presets, which apply a style or look to the entire image with just a click. Users can create their own or import third-party presets.

Aperture for Mac can be purchased on the Apple site for $199, with a trial version available for download.