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Primalisten
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May 12, 2026
Answered

Export original WITHOUT settings?

  • May 12, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 20 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)? 
 

 

    Correct answer JohanElzenga

    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.

    1 reply

    JohanElzenga
    Community Expert
    JohanElzengaCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    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
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