Accidentally deleted files will not show thumbnails in Aperture

Question

Accidentally deleted files will not show thumbnails in Aperture

I am using a Mac mini late 2014 to enable me to manage my libraries and accidentally deleted all files from my Library into the Aperture Trash. Trash shows that the files are present but I cannot put them back using "put back" as when I click on the trash icon no thumbnails are visible.

Have tried reinstalling Aperture, using repair permissions, repair data base and rebuild database to no avail so am completely stumped as I dont't want to lose the adjustments that will go if I click on empty trash.

Any ideas on how to get out of this one? Running High Sierra 14.3.6.

Mac mini, macOS 10.13

Posted on Jul 12, 2025 08:17 AM

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Answer 1

John Galt

Level 10

153,490 points

Jul 13, 2025 05:45 AM in response to Steven Jefferson1

The usual remedy is to restore a Time Machine backup created prior to accidentally dragging those files to Aperture's Trash.

Restore items backed up with Time Machine on Mac - Apple Support

Since Aperture maintains its own Trash folder I recommend restoring the entire Mac's contents.

Restore your Mac from a backup - Apple Support

Not that it matters (probably) but High Sierra is version 10.13.x. The version of Aperture is more important.

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Answer 2

Jul 13, 2025 07:56 AM in response to John Galt

Luckily I found a duplicate library as I had backed up my images and libraries and have managed to sort things. Fingers crossed.

thanks for the helpful thought but the Mac in question is not backed up on Time Machine. As it's solely there for editing file I will back up with vaults and duplicate copies of the

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Answer 3

Jul 17, 2025 02:43 AM in response to somit176

Many thanks for that one. I have actually tried that to no avail. I used CMD Delete to push the files straight to the Trash so that was probably part of the problem.

Luckily I’ve got some spare external hard drives so will be connecting one up to create a Time Machine back up. Just need to get the right adapters.

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Answer 4

somit176

Level 1

26 points

Jul 16, 2025 10:15 PM in response to Steven Jefferson1

Restore items from Aperture Trash

Or

Close Aperture.

Hold Option + Command while launching it.

Choose “Rebuild Database” from the dialog.

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