Skip to main content
C
chrisvolpe
Participating Frequently
October 12, 2023
Answered

Lost Files? Sync Issue?

  • October 12, 2023
  • 1 reply
  • 796 views

Pardon if this is a dumb question, I am longtime LR user but new to web based version.

 

I am on Mac, latest OS.

 

1) Imported files to Mac, opened and edited in LrC, moved to external drive using LrC (did not just drag on desktop) for long term storage. Exited LrC

2) .lrcat fies are on Mac HD

3) Re-opened LrC, files are not to be found.

4) I did notice that I seem to have 3 LrC Cats.  This was never an issue with the desktop version so I am not sure how it happened or how to address it.

5) I opened Preferences - LR Sync - Option to sync but does not seem to have had any effect.

6) When I select option again, it says "Rebuiling Sync Data."  Doe sthat mean the sync is still in process.  I couldnt find any easy definition of this term online or in Help.

 

Thanks in advance for any help that you can provide.

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Sean McCormack

    You need to leave Lightroom Classic over for files to sync. Not only that, but Classic only syncs Smart Previews, not the full files. If you updated recently, you'll definitely have the LrC12 cata and the LrC13 versions of the catalog. 

     

    If the files aren't anywhere, I suspect you opened the wrong catalog. 

     

    1 reply

    Sean McCormack
    Community Expert
    Sean McCormackCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    October 12, 2023

    You need to leave Lightroom Classic over for files to sync. Not only that, but Classic only syncs Smart Previews, not the full files. If you updated recently, you'll definitely have the LrC12 cata and the LrC13 versions of the catalog. 

     

    If the files aren't anywhere, I suspect you opened the wrong catalog. 

     

    Sean McCormack. Author of 'Essential Development 3'. Magazine Writer. Former Official Fuji X-Photographer.
      C
      chrisvolpeAuthor
      Participating Frequently
      October 13, 2023

      Thanks, I appreciate you thoughtful response and help!.  Since I had the .xmps I just eneded up re-importing them as a one-time solution.  I will have to figure out how to consolidate randon cats if it happens again. 

        Sean McCormack
        Community Expert
        Sean McCormackCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        October 13, 2023

        Use the File> Import as Catalog menu item and choose one of the other catalogs. If it's an older Catalog, Lightroom will ask to upgrade it. You'll still have the older catalog after. 

        Sean McCormack. Author of 'Essential Development 3'. Magazine Writer. Former Official Fuji X-Photographer.
          Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
          Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices