New to LIGHTROOM NEED HELP ON SAVING FILES!

[Dominic5749]

Hello All

Ive recently got LR3 actually on Monday, I've never used it before I use CAPTURE NX and CS4. Now what I really need to know is once ive worked on all my files how do I save all the NEF files as edited ones? so if I wanted to put my edit file back into CAPTURE NX I can do with out the file being back to its original without any editing done to it?

Ive noticed also that xmp. files with each one, does lightroom have to export one of these files every time?

I know its a pretty simple question but I can't work out yet how to save the files as edit nef yet. I seem to get the original with no editing.

Thanks again

Dominic

 

[awp]

You don't need to save files in Lightroom! LR writes the edits you make to a database (Catalogue) which you should back up regularly. It can write xmp files too if you want but I don't use them. If you want to take the files into another programme - you can do that from within LR - Edit in - and the edited file will come back into your LR catalogue. After editing you EXPORT the files in whatever format/file type you need.

Take your time and learn it properly - it takes time - but well worth the effort.

 

[Dominic5749]

You don't need to save files in Lightroom! LR writes the edits you make to a database (Catalogue) which you should back up regularly. It can write xmp files too if you want but I don't use them. If you want to take the files into another programme - you can do that from within LR - Edit in - and the edited file will come back into your LR catalogue. After editing you EXPORT the files in whatever format/file type you need.

Take your time and learn it properly - it takes time - but well worth the effort.

Ok I have read your reply and I get what you mean. I do like to keep edited raw files backed up onto disc etc... This is why I want them edited, incase something goes wrong. so why dont I need to save files in LIGHTROOM? I like dong black and white conversions in capture nx, and normally use the nef file, but if its not edited already I cant do a B+W version. I have no wish to leep the xmp files tbh Id sooner they was not produced with any of my files. can I turn it off?

Thanks for your time
I get confused easy!

 

[awp]

I'd need to have a look re the xmp I just don't use them - it'll be in preferences under the edit menu. You don't save anything because LR continually writes your edits to the database. This means you can go back to the files at any time and re-edit. Editing nefs is completely non-destructive. To make b/w versions you should use virtual copies which takes up no space almost as it just references the original file. F1 is your friend in LR - there are loads of good videos on the web to help you.

 

[Dominic5749]

I'd need to have a look re the xmp I just don't use them - it'll be in preferences under the edit menu. You don't save anything because LR continually writes your edits to the database. This means you can go back to the files at any time and re-edit. Editing nefs is completely non-destructive. To make b/w versions you should use virtual copies which takes up no space almost as it just references the original file. F1 is your friend in LR - there are loads of good videos on the web to help you.

Ok Thanks AWP, I was wondering how to duplicate a image. F1 , I suppose its the fact its a new way to work and we all don't like to change our ways at times. But I got to say I'm impressed so far as its sped up my work flow big time.

So all I need to do now then is to sort out one of my 3 external hardrives to back everything up for just light room if that's possible. Im using a mac.

 

[awp]

I'm on PC - but not much difference I imagine. LR backs up the catalogue (database) NOT the pictures - you may want to do that as well. It really is worth sticking with it - I couldn't afford to go back to editing everything in PS - there just isn't enough time.

 

[PSILVERMAN]

I'm on PC - but not much difference I imagine. LR backs up the catalogue (database) NOT the pictures - you may want to do that as well. It really is worth sticking with it - I couldn't afford to go back to editing everything in PS - there just isn't enough time.

So true.

 

[Dominic5749]

I'm on PC - but not much difference I imagine. LR backs up the catalogue (database) NOT the pictures - you may want to do that as well. It really is worth sticking with it - I couldn't afford to go back to editing everything in PS - there just isn't enough time.

Yeah it is faster using LR3, You said before about F1 is to create a duplicate but on y mac that button is for my brightness of my screen. Ive looked in the shortcuts as well but can't seem to find the answer. any ideas?

 

[awp]

Yeah it is faster using LR3, You said before about F1 is to create a duplicate but on y mac that button is for my brightness of my screen. Ive looked in the shortcuts as well but can't seem to find the answer. any ideas?

F1 brings up the help screens - which are very good in LR.

to create a virtual copy - right click on a thumbnail - and that should be one of the options.

 

[Dominic5749]

Oh ok, well I right click on the selected image then select create virtual image , but it don't do anything, well it doesn't create another copy next to it?

PS. Thanks awp for all your help so far.

Dominic

 

[awp]

It will have created a virtual copy - they may be stacked - one on top of the other .. .. ..
the original should have a little page turn symbol in the bottom LH corner - if you mouse over them they should say 1 of 2 or 2 of 2.

 

[Buck]

Oh ok, well I right click on the selected image then select create virtual image , but it don't do anything, well it doesn't create another copy next to it?

PS. Thanks awp for all your help so far.

Dominic

Dominic

it will have created a virtual copy but you may be viewing your catalogie in a certain way that means LR is not putting the virtual copy next to the original.

Take a look at these

http://tv.adobe.com/watch/adobe-eva...n-to-use-virtual-copies-and-snapshots-in-lr3/

http://tv.adobe.com/watch/adobe-eva...e-advantage-of-virtual-copies-in-lightroom-3/



As far as tips are concerned mine is to have your catalogue and photos on an external drive which means you can then take the whole thing with you (I have a Mac and a PC so this means I can use either machine!) and then back up the whole thing regularly x 2 - one on site and one off site.

http://thelightroomlab.com/2011/03/where-should-i-keep-my-adobe-photoshop-lightroom-catalog/

Also have a read of this article

http://thelightroomlab.com/2011/02/...o-your-adobe-photoshop-lightroom-catalog-mac/