Lightroom File Structure

Beav

Beav

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Hi guys,

in Lightroom is there a way you can see the file structure from windows pictures?

For example I have Pictures > Albums but in Lightroom it has imported all photos into one photo directory and has tried to upload them (20GB Allowance).

Just downloaded the adobe photography software. In the past i've just used photoshop but thought ide give lightroom a go :)

Thanks
 
When you import you tell LR if you want to Add (in current location) or Copy (make a copy in a new location) - then in the Library View on the left hand side is a Folders section which shows the location on disk.
It sounds as if during import you inadvertently told LR to Copy to a Photos directory, and that's what it's done.
You also specify what to synchronise (via Cloud) by Folder and / or collection - I typically just synchronise a few small collections of images I want on my tablet for ease of showing others a digital copy.
 
Faldrax said:
When you import you tell LR if you want to Add (in current location) or Copy (make a copy in a new location) - then in the Library View on the left hand side is a Folders section which shows the location on disk.
It sounds as if during import you inadvertently told LR to Copy to a Photos directory, and that's what it's done.
You also specify what to synchronise (via Cloud) by Folder and / or collection - I typically just synchronise a few small collections of images I want on my tablet for ease of showing others a digital copy.
Click to expand...

Think I made the mistake of NOT using Lightroom Classic as well?
 
Faldrax said:
Yes, that would cause you problems, you want to use Classic for a full set of controls, etc.
Click to expand...

Thank you.

Problem with LR it looks like the Catalog cannot be on a Network drive (NAS Drive, which I do use). All photos that are imported go locally on the PC which my computers won't have enough space.
 
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Beav said:
Thank you.

Problem with LR it looks like the Catalog cannot be on a Network drive (NAS Drive, which I do use). All photos that are imported go locally on the PC which my computers won't have enough space.
Click to expand...

Lightroom has a catalogue file, which holds the information on where the various image files are, separately from the images themselves - as far as I know there is nothing to stop you having the image files on a NAS drive, but you might need to set up a mapped drive to the location on the NAS for this (It's not something I've tried, but I know others do work this way).
The Catalogue itself you probably want local, as LR will be referring to it and updating it regularly.
 
Faldrax said:
Lightroom has a catalogue file, which holds the information on where the various image files are, separately from the images themselves - as far as I know there is nothing to stop you having the image files on a NAS drive, but you might need to set up a mapped drive to the location on the NAS for this (It's not something I've tried, but I know others do work this way).
The Catalogue itself you probably want local, as LR will be referring to it and updating it regularly.
Click to expand...

Might just stick to Photoshop to be honest. Should be able to do everything you can in LR shouldn't I? I know some prefer LR as it's simpler but I've only ever used Photoshop and I'm used to that lol
 
Beav said:
Should be able to do everything you can in LR shouldn't I?
Click to expand...

No - PS is a destructive image editor - changes are permanent and irreversible when applied. LR makes no changes at all to the raw file, only applying the adjustments you choose at the time the image file is exported.
 
With photoshop though when you edit the file it shows up another file next to it (I pressume it contains the edit info). When that's deleted isn't the file back to its original form (when taken on the camera)?
 
Beav said:
With photoshop though when you edit the file it shows up another file next to it (I pressume it contains the edit info). When that's deleted isn't the file back to its original form (when taken on the camera)?
Click to expand...

NO. PS permanently alters the original file even if you have a sidecar file. The only way to retain the original is to make and edit a copy, which requires double the disc space.

LR doesn't change the original file in any way, it simply records your edits in a catalogue file (and a sidecar file if you want it to).
 
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Beav said:
Thank you.

Problem with LR it looks like the Catalog cannot be on a Network drive (NAS Drive, which I do use). All photos that are imported go locally on the PC which my computers won't have enough space.
Click to expand...

Don't be so quick to give up on LR. I waited a long time before moving from PS to LR because I was comfortable with the workflow I had developed. Since persevering with the change - and it was daunting at first - I have become a firm advocate of LR and hardly ever us PS any more.

When importing your images into LR choose "Add" rather than "Copy" as this prevents LR duplicating your image files and doesn't move them from where you put them. Definately use LR Classic if you're on a desktop or laptop as it will give you much more editing capability and it doesn't automatically move images to the cloud. None of my images are synced between my desktop, laptop or iPad.

You can have your image files on a NAS but the actual Catalog files need to be on a drive inside your computer. This doesn't have to be the system drive (normally c:) - mine is on a dedicated LR drive (D:) and the image files are on another drive (E:). I also have a separate Catalog for all my master files which is on a NAS (Z:).

My main catalog consists of about 20,000 images whereas my masters catalog has in excess of 100,000 (mostly images I took when working as a professional photographer for a short while).

Hope this helps :)
 
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