Skip to main content
D
DF Wilkinson
Participating Frequently
December 28, 2016
Question

How does one create a duplicate copy in lightroom? (Not Virtual) Tired of moving to PS to only copy a file.

  • December 28, 2016
  • 4 replies
  • 3242 views

How does one create a duplicate copy (Not Virtual) in light Room? Seems moving to PS and bringing back just to copy a file is clunky to say the least. 

[Moved from non-technical Forum Lounge to specific Program forum... Mod]

[Here is the list of all Adobe forums... https://forums.adobe.com/welcome]

    This topic has been closed for replies.

    4 replies

    cmgap
    Community Expert
    cmgapCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    October 16, 2020

    It's easy enough (though not clear why)... you can create a second copy at the finder level, change the file name  (add a .2) and import it where you want it to be.

    Bob Somrak
    Bob Somrak
    Legend
    December 28, 2016

    Just EXPORT the file and tell Lightroom to "Add this to Catalog" in the export dialog.    For my own interest, why do you need a second physical copy of the file.

    M4 Pro Mac Mini. 48GB
      B
      Community Expert
      Bill SpragueCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      December 28, 2016

      Bob Somrak wrote:

      Just EXPORT the file and tell Lightroom to "Add this to Catalog" in the export dialog. For my own interest, why do you need a second physical copy of the file.

      And, under File Settings, be sure to pick "Original".  Then anything you've done in Lightroom will be ignored.  You get an "original", exact duplicate. 

        Bob Somrak
        Bob Somrak
        Legend
        December 28, 2016

        When you export a RAW as "Original" an XMP file is saved also so when Lightroom automatically reimports this file it will reflect the develop settings of photo that was exported.  After import you need to do a RESET to get back to Lightroom defaults.  This whole workflow should not be necessary in Lightroom though if you use the Lightroom tools and capabilities properly.

        M4 Pro Mac Mini. 48GB
        JP Hess
        JP Hess
        Inspiring
        December 28, 2016

        The way I use Lightroom is that I import all of my master images from my camera and do all of my adjustments using Lightroom. Occasionally it will be necessary to go to Photoshop, but that isn't very often anymore. If I need a copy of the file for e-mail or to post on a website then I will export a copy suitable for it's purpose. Once it has been used it is deleted. Personally, I don't see a need to have a copy of an image. If the master file is changed for some reason then it's necessary to export another copy in order to have it look the same.

          D
          DF WilkinsonAuthor
          Participating Frequently
          December 29, 2016

          Thanks for the reply but doesn't address the issue. I use PS a lot for layers, blending, removing objects with "content aware" which LR simply is not up to plus many other things. My work flow doesn't lend itself to virtual copies other then for soft proofing prior to printing. I like a separate file for my B&W conversions which I do from a optimized color file. Since I use NIK Collection for most of my B&W its not a problem as I get a copy back. Its is a problem when I use LR to do a conversion as I get the virtual copy or my master file is converted.

          Don't know what the deal is to have a duplicate file choice in LR as in PS?

          Michael J. Hoffman
          Community Expert
          Michael J. HoffmanCommunity Expert
          Community Expert
          December 28, 2016

          Hi DF,

          I would think that the process is clunky because there's no need for doing that. What can you gain in Lightroom by having a real copy, that you can't do with a virtual copy?

          Mike

            Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
            Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices