Best way to split a catalogue?

[andyrap]

Hi all,

I've recently migrated to Lightroom from Aperture (that's another story) and for my workflow, would like to split Client and Personal work into two distinct catalogues.

Currently, everything is in one catalogue but files are separated into separate Client and Personal folders (the folder structure will stay like this on the HD).

What's the best way to go about this? I know there is an option to 'Export to Catalog' but will take a while due to volume of images.

Would it be acceptable to copy the catalogue and previews then rename so I have one called Personal and one Client? At this stage, both would contain the same images so would it be a case of then removing the appropriate ones from each catalogue?

Hope that makes sense. Just trying to find the best and most efficient way to do this whilst maintaining other things such as identity plates, etc.

Thanks in advance.
Andy

 

[Craikeybaby]

I would select the client folder from within the library module (making sure all filters are turned off) CMD-A, then export to new catalog, leave it overnight or something. Then delete the files (but make sure you don't choose to also remove from hard disk).

 

[Chappers]

You have a few alternatives.

1/ Export as Catalog.
2/ Make 2 ( or more ) sub folders labeled personal and client. Then drag the images into these from the library module. LR will then move the images and update its database.
3/ If there are a lot and you have them in some sort of directory structure, COPY them to new folders using Finder. This ensures that if anything goes wrong the originals are still intact and where you left them.

Now right click on each folder ( I assume you have a Mighty Mouse)within Library, and select update folder location from the bottom of the menu.Navigate to the new location and LR will then update it's database for you. Once done delete the originals. ( Ensuring you have backups.)

If you are moving a large amount of images I would suggest option 3 is the best, as this way any disasters can be recovered from

 

[andyrap]

Thanks for the replies. Did I combination of these things in the end and it's all worked perfectly.

Cheers, Andy