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ddlozier
Participant
May 8, 2019
Answered

Folder Issue in Lightroom Classic CC (desktop)

  • May 8, 2019
  • 2 replies
  • 349 views

I have a problem with folders. All the parent folders show up but when I try to open the folders containing actual images, it arrow next to it lighter grey of dots and will not open. The grid shows all the images. Under the histogram, it shows original + smart preview. I am able to both edit the images and to export them. I just cannot see the actual file in the folder. I tried a couple of catalog backups and they have the same issue. I cannot find any reference to this problem in any documentation. Anyone have any idea?

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer JohanElzenga

    Just click on the folder to select it. The contents (the images) will then display in the grid, not in the folder panel. You cannot 'open' the folder and see the images by clicking on the arrow. That arrow only indicates that there are subfolders inside the folder, so if there aren't any subfolders it's greyed out.

    2 replies

    Tony_See
    Tony_See
    Inspiring
    May 9, 2019

    On the LR version I am using (and when in Grid View), rolling over a folder with your pointing device should highlight the images in that folder onscreen.

    JohanElzenga
    Community Expert
    JohanElzengaCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    May 9, 2019

    Yes, the OP just needs to understand that the Lightroom folder panel does not work the same as the Macintosh Finder. In the Macintosh Finder you can click the arrow to reveal the contents of a folder (see below). That is not how the Folder Panel in Lightroom works.

    -- Johan W. Elzenga
    R
    Community Expert
    richardplondonCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    May 9, 2019

    There is a further, important difference between the LR Folders panel, and a file browser such as Finder.

    The file browser shows what the OS sees. It answers the question: "what is there, right now, inside [this folder]?" - by looking at the folder.

    Folders panel shows what LR knows. It answers the question: "out of all the images currently managed in this Catalog, which are associated with [this folder]?" - by consulting its database.

    JohanElzenga
    Community Expert
    JohanElzengaCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    May 8, 2019

    Just click on the folder to select it. The contents (the images) will then display in the grid, not in the folder panel. You cannot 'open' the folder and see the images by clicking on the arrow. That arrow only indicates that there are subfolders inside the folder, so if there aren't any subfolders it's greyed out.

    -- Johan W. Elzenga
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