Skip to main content
Nadeem28230335k4xr
Nadeem28230335k4xr
Known Participant
January 16, 2024
Question

Workflow advice needed between Lightroom and Lightroom Classic

  • January 16, 2024
  • 1 reply
  • 590 views

MacOS 14.1.2

Lightroom 7.1.2

Lightroom Classic 13.1

 

Just looking for some advice on whether I've chosen the appropriate/most efficient workflow as I'm a newer user of the Lightrooms.  A couple points to note:

  • I want to store my full RAW files in the cloud
  • I like the idea of the Lightroom Classic catalog and the database features that come with it

 

First, I'm importing my images to the cloud either via Lightroom mobile on my iPad or Lightroom on my desktop (depending on whether I'm at home or not).  Then, I let Lightroom Classic sync the albums, and download the original files to my internal SSD.  I'm also going to back up my images and catalog to an external hard drive.  That gives me a copy of my images on my Mac's internal drive, a copy on an external drive, and a copy in the cloud.

 

For editing, I'll use Classic at home, and the iPad when I'm not at home.  Honestly, I like Classic's UI more than Lightroom's.

 

I'm doing it this way because, as I understand it, if I start by importing in Classic, then sync the collection to the cloud, it only syncs smart previews, not the full RAW.  Do I have that correct?

 

Is this the best way to do it if I want to have a backup of my images in the cloud?

This topic has been closed for replies.

1 reply

Sameer K
Community Manager
Sameer KCommunity Manager
Community Manager
January 18, 2024

Hey, @Nadeem28230335k4xr. You're on the right path. A big 'Yes' is the short answer.

Here is another suggestion to avoid having two copies of your Original images at two local locations (Internal drive & external drive).

 

You can specify Lightroom Classic to keep the Lightroom Synced images on an external drive. This way, original photos will directly be downloaded & saved on the external drive.

 

 

Thanks!
Sameer K

Geoff the kiwi
Community Expert
Geoff the kiwiCommunity Expert
Community Expert
January 18, 2024

Hello.

While Sameer makes a valid point I believe your method as described is a worthwhile approach as you have a could back up as well as a physical back up.

I would look at the possibilty of having all your images on external drives (the catalog can also be on an external drive) which is backed up. Why plcae catalog and images on external? You can plug and play on different Macs plus it saves the internal drive filling.

    Nadeem28230335k4xr
    Nadeem28230335k4xrAuthor
    Known Participant
    January 19, 2024

    Thanks Geoff.  The external drive is strictly for backup of catalog and images.  I only have the one Mac so don't need to access a catalog on multiple systems (unless local file browsing comes to ipad).  I also want the images on my internal SSD because that is 4-5 times faster for read/write than any external drive.

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