Can't apply metadata to certain files in Bridge

[Craig5E0A]

When I open a folder in Bridge to apply a metadata template to the list of files, some of them don't show the thumbnail image (only the PS symbol). These files won't allow their metadata to be changed, either with a template or manually. I can't find any file restrictions or any other reason for this happening. Maybe I'm running up against memory limitations, but when I select a folder in Bridge, it just loads all the files - I can't see a way to just load a smaller group of files. Having to open each of these files in PS and appply the metadata one by one will be a real hassle. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[kglad]

<moved from using the community>

[gary_sc · Accepted solution]

If you open a folder with 10,000 files, Bridge will (try) to create thumbnails for those files. There's no way for Bridge to know you only want to open 10 of those 10,000 files. 

On the other hand, if you're opening a folder with 200 folders each of which has 500 files, it sounds like you have things set to open all of the subfolders. In Bridge 12, you have to do that manually, but in the Bridge 13 beta, you can set that in one of the menus to always do that. I currently do not have that Beta on this computer so I can't tell you which one, if you are using that Beta, you'll have to find it yourself (sorry).

Bridge has never been good at working with folders with thousands of files. Personally I always bring the content to lower than 300 whenever possible. Also, check the Options for Thumbnail generation and quality. If you have the Path Bar open (Window Menu), you see two triangles on the left side. The one that has a dropdown menu will show recommended settings. They are to be respected.)

HTH

[Craig5E0A · Accepted solution]

Thanks for your reply. I found that going into Bridge Preferences and increasing the Cache Size and Max Thumbnail Size solved my problem. I did have to purge the cache periodically, especially with larger files (Tools / Cache / Purge Cache). All good now. Thanks again. 

[gary_sc]

Glad to help, and good job thinking of expanding the cache. Like I said, I learned to work with smaller folders a LONG time ago so I never have to deal with the size of my cache. 

Life is compromise. Working with software is ALWAYS compromising.