The import module has two different options.
- When you want to 'upload' pictures from your card or camera, it's Import 'from camera or card reader'.
- When you want to catalog (reference, index...) files already in your computer and you don't want to copy them to your computer, you import 'from files and folders'. Maybe that's what you did.
With a card reader, you are allowed to consider it as a drive. There is even an option to 'copy' the files to the computer and to create small previews to manage the files while the card reader is absent.
My guess is that you have not selected 'from camera and card reader). That would be the best advice for the future.
When you have such 'offline' files, you should connect the original card. Be sure the reader has the same drive letter.
Extract of the pdf help version of the organizer:
https://helpx.adobe.com/pdf/elements-organizer_reference.pdf
Handle offline files
Offline files are items in a catalog present on an external disk/drive that is currently offline (not available). The Offline
icon
appears on items that are offline (stored on disk/drive, not on the local hard drive).
When you import files from an external drive, the import dialog allows you to copy files to your computer after import.
If you deselect the Copy Files On Import option, and select Generate Previews option, low-resolution copies called
preview files are created.
When you perform some operations on offline items, you are asked to insert the disk/drive containing the offline file.
Note:
For some operations such as Photo Mail, email attachments, and PDF slideshows, the option Use Previews For Offline
Items is displayed in the Find Offline Files dialog. Select this option to proceed with the operation using the low resolution
preview files
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