P: Add more flexible import naming/structure options

Lightroom is a great program, but there's one aspect of the program where I'm unwilling to give up my prior workflow, and that's copying files from a memory card to my hard disk. The directory naming and file naming options are extremely limited compared to my preferred tool, Download Pro (from Breeze Systems). DL Pro is capable of pulling a ton of data from the EXIF and using it in either the folder or file names. For example, I can import into folders based on shooting date, not current computer date. I can incorporate the camera model, and even serial number if desired, into folder or file names. I can mix dates and custom text in a folder name, where Lightroom forces me to choose one of the other. Here's a list of elements that can be incorporated into file and folder names:

http://www.breezesys.com/Downloader/h...

It includes multiple, customizable date formats based on SHOOTING INFO, not import date, multiple time formats, camera folder, file-name and file number data, ISO, camera model, free text, and more.

For example, I can upload images into a folder named 2011\Grand_Canyon\2011-10-04-7D\, which I don't believe I can do in LR at all, and certainly not by pulling info out of the EXIF. And I can rename files into that directory as, for example, Grand_Canyon_1301_400.CR2 (where 1301 is the original camera sequence number and 400 is the ISO) or Grand_Canyon_0001_7D_111004_111532.CR2 (showing date and time shot, as well as a unique sequence number).

About the only thing DL Pro lacks is the ability to have multiple custom text strings and the ability to save a copy on import.

If LR3.6, or LR4 added full featured naming capability similar to DL Pro, I could do 99.9% of my processing in LR and PS, and be a happy camper.

Hi to all. I posted this in a similar thread, but I have a similar naming convention.. and as far as I can tell, I cannot rename like this in LR..

F:\Download\20-Luminale\20120420_Luminale_D300_5154.nef

From download I move the folders to their correct months.. so duplicates are not really an issue.

For the moment, the best I can manage with LR4 is:
20120420_Luminale_NIKON D300_5183.nef, in a folder named "2012-04-20".

Close enough, but a change in my workflow.. and it has worked well enough in 100.000 cases (images..)

I agree wholeheartedly with the comments in the OP. I have used LR since the beginning as my primary tool (raw shooter before this even), and the import dialog has always been a bit of a disappointment due to lack of customization which would support my folder structure requirements. In my job, I shoot maybe 10 sets of images of one model in a day. My folder structure follows the format:
D:\Working\2012-02-20 model_name\set1
thru..
D:\Working\2012-02-20 model_name\set10

I too use BreezeSys Downloader Pro to copy images, as it allows me to setup the folder path using a huge list of meta data variables. I use the 'job code' option mentioned in an earlier post to specify the 'model_name\set10' part of the path (as it allows folder breaks to be included in that job code) - it allows me to change the job code for every file copy , where I would increment just the set number part. Therefore a new set folder is created for each copy - perfect! Unfortunately, the 'Into subfolder' option on LR3 import dialog puts the sub-folder as a parent folder of the date folder structure which can also be selected in tandem. I'm not exactly sure why it puts this sub-folder above the date folders but if we had the option to put this below the date folders I would be half way to a solution. Having the ability to better customise the date structures would be a saviour also!

I didn't spot any major enhancements in the LR4 beta, so hopefully we get something sorted for a more flexible import dialog for LR5 or 6 - here's hoping!

I name mine: C:\Photos\2011\2011-07-17_Job Description

I always have to go in and add the Job Description after importing by date. It would be nice to be able to do this on import in one step.

why can't lighroom work like photo mechanics, import into, dated folder, then named sub folder, i know it can import into sub folder then dated folder but why not the other way around.

Hi Simon, it looks like the job-name (shoot-name) can only be applied to the file name, not the folder name, I guess that's the missing link. PM me if you want to entertain the method I use which does support custom folder naming text.

John, I did use LR1 and 2, but never knew about the ability to click on the folder name and add text! I'll dig out an old help file and see what it says, but it does sound useful, though perhaps not as convenient as actively being prompted for the free text to insert.

Rob, I could probably do the file naming with different presets, but I don't think I can do the variable folder name with free text in it. Though given I've already missed on related feature (pointed out by John) it's possible I'm missing another!

Simon, I have the exact same naming convention as you.

{camera-designation}-{camera-specific-image-number}. Guarantees unique names catalog-wide, and I can see at a glance the camera used. Everything else is done using metadata.

While I agree that more flexible import naming would be good, I think you can do what you want now just by using a different import preset for each camera (with different filenaming specified in each preset), no?

Simon, did you use LR1 or 2 where it was possible to double click the folder name and add text? Would restoring that meet your need?

Having the camera name in the file name is useful for quick reference when not in Lightroom and handily prevents name clashes when multiple cameras (of different types) have been used on the same job. But my reason is mainly about having clear observability when looking at files in the file system.