Lightroom: Ability to search for Folder Names in Library Module

Searching for TextMeta didn't turn up any software that resembles what you want. What is "TextMeta"? Windows or OS X?

And do not forget to vote for this idea! ;D

Well, probably keywords etc. is a great thing. I intend to use it myself. But since I'm rather new with Lr I have to deal with what I have. And what I have is a ton of pictures... arranged into folders which names are descriptive (luckily ;). I would love to use Lr without having to invest a lot of time to do it "Lightrom way".

I am also familiar with another concept - that there is no way that is the best for everybody. Different people work different ways and have different needs. It's better to keep tools universal, especially if it doesn't cost you much. And introduction of folders filtering shouldn't cost so much - I hope it's something Adobe can afford 😉 I'm a developer myself and I stick to the rule that it's better to adjust to people needs than to make them work the way I decided is the best for them. Simple as that.

As for searching NYC - no, it's not usefull for me to keep search results as smart collections. Maybe my use case wasn't convincing for you, but I rarely need to search for the same thing again. I search for photos frequently, but almost every time for something else. I could edit search criteria for s.collection, but again: "what for if all I need is a simple search?? ". Besides, I really prefer to have my folders filtered than having all photos matching certain criteria listed as one big photo stream.

But thank all of you for your help and insights.

Now I'm testing TextMeta - it's also not what I need but it's certainly better than smart collections when you do NOT want to persist search results.

Because an underlying concept is that it's better to categorise and then search a picture collection with metadata such as keywords, IPTC location fields, or map location, not through folders. Right to assume you know this basic stuff?

It's easy enough to create a smart collection each time you need to search by folders - after all, the fact you've made this NYC search once is a pretty good indicator you'll repeat that search in the future, so saving the SC saves you time in future. Or just keep a few SCs that you edit when you have ad hoc queries.

But why is folder not included in the Library Filter / Text drop down box, like folder or copyname? To be frank, it's just one symptom of Lightroom's patchy search and filtering mechanism. It's good enough for most users.

John, thanks for your suggestion but I know what smart collections are and they are NOT what I need. I need a quick search which lets me search folders by their names. You must admit that smart collections are not the same as search :)

Some use cases: Maybe today I need to search for "NYC", but tommorrow I might need "muffins" - so I definetely do not need search results to be remembered. And smart collection are persistent. Yes, of course I can remove them. Or edit search criteria. But what for if all I need is a simple search??
In addition I would like to have a list of folders which names match my query instead of having one huge list of photos from all those folders. In other words - I would like to filter folders by their names. Why? Because, lets say, I've been in NYC 3 times. Now I need to find photos from a certain visit, but I don't remember the exact date. What's worse, I have plenty of photos, plenty of folders, and I simply can't find those from NYC! So I want to list all folders related to NYC to be able to view them quickly.
So, as I said. Smart collection is a workaround, but only a workaround. And it's far from beeing perfect regarding my needs... Filtering folders by names seems to be such a basic functionality and so.... obvious! Why isn't it available?

If the built-in folder searching, as John mentioned, is insufficient, definitely worth considering:

* AnyFilter (comprehensive catalog searching, on demand)
* TextMeta (maintains folder path metadata)

Rob

Before you (PK) work yourself up into a frenzy, try opening your eyes a little. You just create a smart collection, and there's a folder name criterion. So it might read Folder Name / Contains / NYC.

However, for users with lots of folders, it would be great if the folders panel had a filter box similar to the one in the keyword list.

John

Has anyone tried the "Any Filter Lightroom Plug-in"? Does this solve the problem?

Thanks.

seriously? how is that possible that there is no "search by folder names" option???? how it is that lightroom is so much "deal with" and "workatound" tool? why using it is so damn hard? what about usability? such a shame I have to use Picassa to deal with very basic things Lightroom can not! And Picassa is free and super easy! Why can't I have both, simplicity/usability and advanced options Lightroom is designed for? :(

Yeah, and what else? I have to sign in to be able to post what I just wrote. Pity they let me know about it AFTER I've already wrote the post! USABILITY man, seriously!