Hello everyone,
I realize this issue has been discussed before, but I still haven't found the information I need. I am using Windows 10 as my operating system, and I store my Lightroom catalog and raw images on my D Drive, while Lightroom is installed on my C Drive (which is the same as the OS) - both fast 1B m.2 nvme.
I plan to implement the 3-2-1 backup strategy and would like to have a grab-and-go capability. In the event of a disaster (like a fire or an earthquake), I want to be able to quickly grab my external storage and run. I also intend to back up my documents to the same drive for that reason.
For this purpose, I want to add an external drive and a cloud backup. My current question concerns the external drive, and I’ve identified three methods:
1. Use the "Export This Folder as Catalog" option from within Lightroom.
*Pros:*
- This will copy all my raw images and the catalog to an external drive and update the catalog, allowing me to work from it immediately.
- *Cons:*
- If I use software other than Lightroom, no backup will occur.
- It cannot be automated and must be initialized manually.
- Wil need to find a solution for other files (i.e. using a backup software)
2. Run a sync program to synchronize my raw files to external storage, while also setting up the catalog backup from Lightroom.
*Pros:*
- I will always have an up-to-date catalog and a copy of my raw files.
*Cons:*
- If I make a mistake and damage my raw files or do something wrong with my catalog (like deleting a directory), I won't be able to revert.
- I cannot grab the external storage and work from it immediately, as the catalog will reference a different location for the raw images (which goes against my grab-and-go goal).
3. *Use backup software for a full backup of my raw files, along with daily incremental backups, and also have daily backups of the Lightroom catalog.*
*Pros:*
- I will have up-to-date backups of both my raw files and catalog.
- I can recover from accidental damage to my raw files and catalog.
- I will have backups even if I do not use Lightroom.
*Cons:*
- Grab-and-go is not possible, especially if the backup is stored as an image (which would be the case if I use the free Leohas software, as I plan to).
What are your thoughts? Which option do you recommend? Is there another backup option I should consider?
Thanks a LOT'
Daniel
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