Cannot import image files from folders on my hard drive to Lightroom?

Report · Jul 17, 2019

Hi. I am having difficulty importing files into Lightroom from folders in my hard drive. For example, I have scanned some items and saved them to a new folder. When I open up Lightroom to import these images I can see the folders in Lightroom in the Source section but when I click on them I cannot see the images I want to import. In the past I have imported similar files with no difficulty at all. I would appreciate some advice with this issue. Many thanks.

Report · Jul 17, 2019

Hi Adrian,

That does not sound right, let's fix this.

Check the Destination panel and make sure the destination folder is what you want it to be.

Also, are your images stored on an external drive?

Please let us know the version of Lightroom and the operating system you're working on.

Regards,
Sahil

Report · Jul 19, 2019

Hi I have checked the Destination panel and made sure the destination folder is what I want it to be. My issue is that although I can view the folders in the 'Source" section I cannot see any images when I click on that particular file. If I right-click the folder tab it offers to show these in Folder and there I can see all the files I want.

My images are stored on the iMac?

Lightroom version 8.3.1and the operating system I'm working on is Mac OS Mojave3 10.14.5.

Thanks

Adrian Burke

Report · Jul 17, 2019

Screenshot please

Report · Jul 19, 2019

Hey

Cannot seem to insert screenshot taken from my Mac. Great to add an extra dimension to my issues.

Report · Jul 19, 2019

You insert a screen capture by clicking on the "Insert Image" icon (the 7th from the left) when you type a message here. You cannot insert a screen capture via e-mail.

Report · Jul 19, 2019

If your MAC OS keyboard is not an extended one with the nice screen capture button, then the keyboard shortcut is:

Command-Shift-3

Screenshot will be saved as a PNG file on the desktop

Actually two files might get saved, look at each. Maximum file size for this forum is 8.7890625 MB, just go with 8MB. Right click on the image and Get Info to chcek on size. If you ned or want to resize, double clcik on the image,Preview will launch, Go to the Tools tab, select Adjust Size, cchange as required (perhaps go for something likwe 1280 wide, or perhaps reduce by percentage).

The follow the directions by dj_paige.

Report · Jul 17, 2019

Are the photos you want to import greyed out but present in the Import dialog, or do they not appear in the import dialog at all?

Report · Jul 17, 2019

I can see the folders but when I click on a folder it does not then open up to show the files. Same applies when I try to upload photos from a card.

Report · Jul 17, 2019

Do you see a "no photos found" message? Are the files the same filetype you've worked with previously? Is "all photos" checked (just in case)?

Report · Jul 17, 2019

No. I just see the folders and no image files.

Report · Jul 17, 2019

Screenshot please.

Report · Jul 17, 2019

Are you looking at the import dialog?

Report · Jul 20, 2019

Here is a screenshot of what I see when trying to load up images from a folder on my iMac. I have since tried uninstalling and reinstalling the program but still get the same lack of response. Thanks for any help out there.

Report · Jul 20, 2019

What happens if you expand the Destination panel on the right?

Report · Jul 20, 2019

This what I see then when I open up right hand Destination panel. Is that what you meant?

Report · Jul 20, 2019

So, we have to rule out some obvious and basic errors. If you look in your operating system, are there actual JPG, TIF, DNG, RAW or PNG files in that folder?

Report · Jul 20, 2019

I cannot expand all the options in the Destinations panel. For example, if I expand File Handling then the other options such as File renaming close up. I have not noticed that happen before.

Report · Jul 20, 2019

adrianb87595182 wrote
I cannot expand all the options in the Destinations panel. For example, if I expand File Handling then the other options such as File renaming close up. I have not noticed that happen before.

That could be because Solo Mode has been turned on, which by itself ought not to be a problem. Nevertheless, you might want to turn Solo Mode off (if it is on). Right-click on a panel header in the Import dialog box, then make sure Solo Mode is not checked.

Report · Jul 20, 2019

adrianb87595182 wrote
I cannot expand all the options in the Destinations panel. For example, if I expand File Handling then the other options such as File renaming close up. I have not noticed that happen before.

Are you perhaps in Solo mode? but was not aware Solo mode would affect import screen

https://lightroomkillertips.com/i-have-two-lightroom-words-for-you-solo-mode/

Report · Jul 20, 2019

When I went back to look at Lightroom again to check out the destinations panel I now found the missing files appearing. So that is a fix I suppose. However, the different elements of the Destinations panel still refuse to all stay open at the same time - I still can only have one element open at a time as you can see from the screenshot. If I open a different element then the element already open will close up again. That is not quite right is it?

Report · Jul 20, 2019

Should we consider this to be “buggy” behavior?

Time to consider that you might have a corrupt preferences file and you might want to reset (replace) the preference file

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bARt-hoCc2Q

Report · Jul 20, 2019

Hi. I will try that. This is all super helpful.

Report · Jul 20, 2019

Hi. They WERE in solo mode. I have now turned this off. Never knew I had turned that setting on in the first place. I am watching video you suggested about resetting preferences. Should I do that or simply try the Lightroom as it is and see if all issues are now resolved? Very grateful btw for your input.

Report · Jul 20, 2019

adrianb87595182 wrote
Hi. They WERE in solo mode. I have now turned this off. Never knew I had turned that setting on in the first place. I am watching video you suggested about resetting preferences. Should I do that or simply try the Lightroom as it is and see if all issues are now resolved? Very grateful btw for your input.

One thing at a time. As you have resolved one issue, test for the other. Still a problem? then forge ahead.

Now resetting the preferences file is not a nasty earth shattering thing. But one member got very mad at me one time as he found out doing so placed all his settings to default. That is why I use the video in question, as it includes notice of such.

Resetting the preference file is a very common magic bullet, right up their with a cold reboot of a computer