Apple updates Aperture to version 3.1.3, a point release that contains lots of improvements. Released ahead of the impending Mac OS X Lion, Aperture 3.1.3 undoubtedly contains compatibility fix with Lion.

This update supports general compatibility issues, and also addresses overall stability and performance. Minor issues addressed include the following:

• Improves reliability and performance when syncing web-published albums
• Slideshow exports are now handled as a background operation
• Crop tool now correctly supports use of gestures to define crop size
• Gesture support can now be enabled or disabled in Preferences
• Fixes an issue that could cause a blank sheet to display when placing a book or print order
• Published MobileMe, Facebook and Flickr albums now appear in a Web section in the Projects Inspector
• Shift-clicking snapshots on the Faces corkboard now allows you to make contiguous selections
• Metadata presets are now correctly applied to imported audio files
• Fixes an issue that could cause Aperture to quit unexpectedly when trimming audio in full screen mode
• Resolves various issues when adding names to Faces using accented, Japanese, Korean or Simplified Chinese characters
• Improves stability when browsing video clips
• Addresses reliability of library repair and rebuild

The update is recommended for all users of Aperture 3.

If your Aperture is purchased on retail boxes, the update is via Software Update. If you purchased Aperture from the Mac App Store, update is available within the Mac App Store app.

Aperture 3.1.3 Support Document

Apple has released Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 3.7 which adds RAW format support to Aperture and iPhoto for the following cameras:

• Fujifilm FinePix X100
• Nikon D5100
• Olympus E-PL2
• Olympus XZ-1
• Samsung GX-1S

Update via the usual Software Update or from the support page.

Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 3.7 support page

Apple releases an update to Aperture for compatibility with iPhoto and other bug fixes. Aperture 3.1.2 is available via Software Update, support page or Mac App Store.

Aperture 3.1.2 release notes

Apple has updated Aperture to version 3.1.1 which is a bug fixes release addresses overall stability and performance issues.

• address compatibility with the iLife Media Browser
• improve reliability when upgrading existing Aperture libraries
• address issues with publishing photos to MobileMe, Facebook and Flickr

This update is recommended for all Aperture 3 users. Update from the usual Software Update or from download site.

Aperture 3.1.1 Release Notes

Apple’s professional image management and workflow tool Aperture gets an update to version 3.1. This is largely a release to improve overall stability and performance, and contains compatibility with the just released iLife ’11. The update is recommended for all users of Aperture 3. Check out Aperture 3.1 Release Notes for tons of fixes and improvements.

Download Aperture 3.1

Mac does not come with an image editing software, your search for an image editing software on the Mac need not end with Photoshop. Adobe Photoshop is the de facto standard in image editing software and is build for graphics professional. If you plan for a graphics design related career, it is a worthwhile investment to pick up and learn Photoshop. If your image editing requirement is somewhat moderate, the following are the others image editing software on the Mac that might suit your need at a cheaper cost. Some of the listed software are free and open source.

1. Acorn

Build for Mac, this image editing software is designed with simplicity in mind. It has support for layers, text and vector type, filters and web export.

2. Adobe Photoshop Elements

Photo and image editing software that targets home and semi-pro users, using the “Photoshop” name but is entirely different product.

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Not sure if it is released to coincide with Adobe Lightroom’s major upgrade announcement, but Aperture 2.1.1 update is now available. It is a x.x.1 point update which normally means a bug fix release. The description from Apple:

The Aperture 2.1.1 update addresses general compatibility issues, improves overall stability, and resolves a number of other minor issues. The update is recommended for all customers using Aperture 2.
Important Note: Aperture updates available via Software Update or the Aperture Download page can be used only to update full versions of Aperture. They cannot be used to update Aperture Trial software, currently Aperture 2.1.

The update is available via Software Update or Aperture 2.1.1 download site, which require you to sign in with your Apple ID for the download.