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Gunela
Gunela
Known Participant
Nov 10, 2026 11:50 PM UTC
Question

Lightroom Classic 16.0 – Cloud Sync Changes DNG Metadata Status from Up to Date to Changed

 

This behavior is systematic and reproducible. I have been experiencing it for at least two Lightroom Classic versions, including the current version 16.0.

Lightroom Classic Version

Lightroom Classic 16.0
Build: 202611041403-7ac14c66

Operating System

macOS Golden Gate 27.2.1

Camera Model

Nikon Z6II

File Format

DNG converted from Nikon Z6II NEF files using Lightroom Classic's "Copy as DNG" import option.

Steps to Reproduce

  1. Select at least one DNG file (a single file is sufficient to reproduce the issue) whose metadata status is "Up to Date". The DNG file has no develop adjustments applied (if any, the behavior is the same anyway)

  2. Create a new, empty collection.

  3. Add the DNG file to the collection.

  4. Enable synchronization for the collection.

  5. Wait until Lightroom Classic indicates that cloud synchronization is complete (green checkmark).

  6. Check the DNG file's metadata status.

  7. Notice that the status has changed to "Changed", with a downward-pointing arrow indicating that the metadata is out of sync, although no adjustments were made.

  8. Press Cmd+S to save metadata to the DNG file.

  9. Notice that the metadata status returns to "Up to Date" and another cloud synchronization starts.

  10. Wait for the second synchronization to complete.

  11. At this point the metadata status remains "Up to Date".

Expected Result

Synchronizing an unchanged DNG file with Adobe Cloud should not cause its metadata status to change from "Up to Date" to "Changed".

Actual Result

The first cloud synchronization systematically changes the DNG metadata status to "Changed". Lightroom Classic also displays a downward-pointing arrow, indicating that the metadata stored in the catalog and in the DNG file are no longer synchronized.

Manually saving metadata triggers a second cloud synchronization, after which the metadata status returns to "Up to Date" and remains unchanged.

Additional Information

The issue can be reproduced with a single DNG file and does not require any develop adjustments, external file modifications, or third-party applications.

I have consistently observed this behavior across at least two versions of Lightroom Classic.

If diagnostic logs or any additional information are required to investigate this issue, please let me know. I will be happy to provide them.

    3 replies

    Sameer K
    Community Manager
    Sameer KCommunity Manager
    Community Manager
    Nov 12, 2026 2:28 PM UTC

    Hey, @Gunela. Thanks for the detailed report. This isn't a new behavior, and it can happen. I'll need more info to help you figure this out.

    Where do you store the original images & the catalog? Internal or an external drive? In Catalog Settings > Metadata > is 'Automatically write changes to XMP' enabled?


    Try this:

    1. Disable Automatic write to XMP if it is enabled

    2. Create a new catalog and repeat the same steps.


    Let me know how it goes.
    Thanks!
    Sameer K
    (Type '@' and type my name to mention me when you reply)

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    Gunela
    GunelaAuthor
    Known Participant
    Nov 12, 2026 2:36 PM UTC

    Hi ​@Sameer K ,

    You're absolutely right, it’s not the first time: I've been experiencing this behavior for at least a year now.

    Unfortunately, I can't remember exactly which version of Lightroom Classic first introduced the issue, but I'm absolutely certain that it never occurred before that version.

    If I remember correctly, around a year ago Adobe made some changes to the way Lightroom Classic manages or stores data related to synchronized photos. I wonder whether this issue could somehow be related to those changes.

    Currently, the behavior occurs consistently.

    The affected files are stored on my laptop's internal drive, so no external drives or network storage are involved.

    I've also attached a screenshot of my catalog settings for reference (XMP is disabled).

    I can’t create a new catalogue because, for what I know, only one catalog can be synced.

     

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    nik.m
    Community Manager
    nik.mCommunity Manager
    Community Manager
    Nov 12, 2026 5:46 PM UTC

    Thanks for trying the suggestions and sharing additional information!

    We will check with the product team and get back to you.


    Thanks,
    Nikunj

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