Batch Exporting Is Forcing Itself On Me

[paul6001]

After a major restructuring (catalog size trimmed from 115 GB to 30GB!) I'm left with a few bugs. The worst is that I can't export.

All of my export presents were wiped out. I rebuilt them. They look identical to their predecessors except that when I check one, all of the information goes blank and the EXPORT button becomes a BATCH EXPORT button. Also, the following writing pops up on the left side of the dialogue box: "Multiple Presets: Selected 1 Preset/Some selections are hidden when presents are checked."

I've come this far without ever dealing with the batch export function and I'd like to go to my grave the same way. I'm sure that if I clicked BATCH EXPORT that I could fight my way through that mishegas and come out with an exported picture but I'd much prefer that things just worked like they're supposed to. Simply. Like the old days.

I'm running Lightroom Classic 13.2 on a Mac. A week ago, before this not wholly voluntary reboot, everything was working fine. (If slowly.) So I know that exporting can be done; it's just not working at the moment.

Questions/comments/criticism? Thanking the group in advance for any help you can provide. Once these last few niggles are worked out, I'm hoping for a faster, smoother workflow. 

[moved from bugs to discussions according to the community rules - Mod.]

[F. McLion]

What exactly did you do when you say "trimmed"? The catalog is a database and can not be trimmed that much, as far as I know. Did you sort/reorganize your photos? If yes, how did you do it?

[paul6001]

I didn't say "trimmed." I said restructured, a massive, painful reorganization that included an extensive editing session. Turns out that I didn't need 12 different version of that one photo, even if it is one of my all time faves. Actually, if there's a dng with history intact, all I need is one. Still, 12 copies produces a certain feeeling of security. I'm still recovering from the emotional trauma caused by killing all my darlings.

[F. McLion]

Hey, you're problem is solved - Perfect.

However, from your first post, first line: (catalog size trimmed from 115 GB to 30GB!)

And yes, keeping multiple copies really isn't needed. If you have different development styles you want to keep and see, look into virtual copies in LrC.

[Ian Lyons · Accepted solution]

When you apply the checkmark to the preset you're instructing LrC to apply batching. Instead, try clicking on the preset text rather than the checkbox.

[Rob_Cullen · Accepted solution]

"when I check one, all of the information goes blank and the EXPORT button becomes a BATCH EXPORT button."

That is as designed.  If you only want to use one preset (and be able to edit the options in the Export dialog) DO NOT check any of the Preset boxes. Only simply click the mouse cursor on the NAME of the preset.

The moment you check one or more boxes then you are batch exporting using multiple presets (which also locks you out of editing the export dialogs!).

[paul6001]

Rob and Ian, Da Vinci and Einstein pale in your presence. One of you can have my first born. You'll have to decide who gets him. As with the Solomon precedent, I don't think that cutting him in half will do much for either of you.

Perhaps a time share?

And to any Lightroom officials who may be monitoring this forum, checking the box is the most natural action its possible to make. You ought to either change the system or put in a warning.

Thanks again.