How to re-import photos to LR with a different folder structure?

Question

So when first downloading LR Classic and importing my photos from the standard version of LR, I accidentally set up the automated folder setup to create subfolders by day and month when I only really wanted subfolders by month. I know I can change the folder locations manually, but that would be very time-consuming due to how many photos I have. If I just wanted to simply start over and re-import my photos with a brand new folder structure, what would be the best way to do this?

dj_paige · Answer

I think it is better to use continue to use subfolders by day and month, rather than subfolders by month. Subfolders by month could wind up with thousands of photos in a single folder, and this slows down some tasks in your operating system, and slows down certain tasks in LrC.

So my recommendation is to leave things the way they are. Which is also the easiest path forward.

If you want to completely start over, use File->New Catalog and import the photos again using the MOVE option, and with the desired folder options. CAUTION: By importing the photos into a new catalog, you could potentially lose all work that you did on these photos. And if you have put these photos into collections, that will not transfer.

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