Lightroom Classic Previews

Forum|Forum|6 months ago
September 14, 2025
2 replies
357 views

I recently copied all my Lightroom Classic files - image files and catalogue - to an external drive, to use while travelling.

When I open Lightroom from the catalogue on the external drive, there are no previews visible. Do I need to tell Lightroom the new location of the previews folder?

Thanks

Windows

Correct answer JohanElzenga

Even though you copied the photos as well, your catalog still points to the original location of the images and if that original location is not available, Lightroom cannot (re)build previews. That means you'll have to 'relink' the photos because they are missing.

https://www.lightroomqueen.com/lightroom-photos-missing-fix/

JohanElzenga

Correct answer

Community Expert

Even though you copied the photos as well, your catalog still points to the original location of the images and if that original location is not available, Lightroom cannot (re)build previews. That means you'll have to 'relink' the photos because they are missing.

https://www.lightroomqueen.com/lightroom-photos-missing-fix/

-- Johan W. Elzenga

P

PeterOReillyAuthor

Participating Frequently

PS: All my folders are also not visible until I import them.

P

PeterOReillyAuthor

Participating Frequently

PPS: The previews folder (10Gb) has been copied over within the "Lightroom Catalogue" folder, but Lightroom does not seem to accessing it to display my folders and previews in the Library module.

dj_paige

Legend

What is the name of the folder where the catalog is located?

What is the name of the folder where the previews are located?

Do NOT import the photos again.

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