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May 12, 2026
Question

Export original WITHOUT settings?

  • May 12, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 9 views

Is it possible to export / save photos (Jpegs as well as raw files) to my external drive without any settings joining in on the export? 
I more or less just want to get the original file down to my computer, without it being affected by any changes. 

I’ll write a short explanation of my desired workflow / setup to hopefully further explain what I’m looking for. 

I want to use Lightroom cloud-based only, without involving Lightroom Classic. 

I start by importing my photo files into Lightroom (synced to cloud). 

I then cull the photos, deleting anything I don’t want. 

The remaining photos I rename, using a name structure which I like. 

Those photos are automatically saved to a local backup, sure, but I want more manual control over the folder structure etc. So basically all I want to do is save / export / download those remaining, renamed files, to my external hard drive. 

Is export using Original + Settings the only way to do this? Or can you name another way which doesn’t include sidecar files or other changes in settings (except for the new file names)? 
 

 

    1 reply

    JohanElzenga
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    May 13, 2026

    I do not think there is another way, except doing the culling and renaming locally in another app first, and then import the resulting images in Lightroom.

    -- Johan W. Elzenga