Skip to main content
jclin10
jclin10
Known Participant
August 11, 2022
Question

My photo files and Lightroom library are on my desktop, but I'd like to work on photos a laptop

  • August 11, 2022
  • 1 reply
  • 123 views

Greetings

 

All my photo files and Lightroom library are on my desktop, but I'd like to work on my photos on a laptop and then sync/transfer those files back to my main Lightroom library (along with edits, changes, etc.) back to my desktop. How do I do that?

 

Thanks!

This topic has been closed for replies.

1 reply

dj_paige
dj_paige
Legend
August 11, 2022

If you are talking about Lightroom Classic ( you didn't say that, but I am assuming you are) there is no computer-to-computer sync. You could put the catalog file and your photo files on an external drive and move the external drive back and forth. 

 

You could also accomplish your goals using Lightroom (the cloud centric application on your PC, not Lightroom Classic).

jclin10
jclin10Author
Known Participant
August 11, 2022

Sorry wasn't more clear. I'm using Lightroom Classic.

How do I export my files from my desktop to my laptop so that if I make any changes, I can easily move those back to the desktop? Do I just put everything on an SD card or external drive and move back and forth? Do I need a new Lightroom library on my laptop? (I'm assuming so)

I'm sure this isn't as hard as I am making it, but if anyone can give me some direction so I don't mess it up, I'd appreciate it!

dj_paige
dj_paige
Legend
August 11, 2022

You put the catalog file and all photos on an external disk. That's all you need to do. (You may also need to point the catalog to the photos on the external drive). Move the disk to whichever computer you want to work on, and then open the catalog on the external hard disk.


There is no exporting. There is no sync. There is just one catalog and one set of photos, no matter which computer you are working on, its the same catalog because there is only one. (although as a digression that is separate from your question, even though I said you have just one catalog and one set of photos, you still need backups somewhere)

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