File size - MB and dimensions being decimated by LRC

[alison22070533u3nc]

Lightroom Classic is reducing my images and file sizes suddenly to virtually nothing.  I'm uploading 46 MB images and working on them minimally and having them export on full quality at 750 KB.  The dimensions are being reduced to nothing as well.  

I can't see any settings that are on to do this.  I've even had files I've been working on in LRC suddenly become unavailable with a 'Missing file' error.  

What could be going on?

[F. McLion]

Please post a screen capture of your export settings, as we need much more information to be able to help.

Also, please note that the file size in kB has no direct relation to quality nor resolution, depending on the file format you export to.

[alison22070533u3nc]

[alison22070533u3nc]

Hi and thank you for the response.  I've just had the same thing happen again with dragging and dropping raw/jpg images from photos on Mac to lightroom - I've done this without problem for years and years.  Sometimes, at random, LRC seems to pop up with a message saying 'Photo exported with lower quality' - and it comes up as 'initialising preview' in the left hand box.  The quality is way lower visually and the dimensions down from around 8800 x 5500 to 1200 x 780.  Any ideas?

[dj_paige]

This is a common mistake. You cannot compare IMAGE size (46 Megabytes) to FILE size (750 KB). File size of images (especially JPG) tells you nothing about quality of the image. Making decisions about images based on file size will most certainly cause you to do wrong things.

JPG is a file compression technology. It is supposed to make files a lot smaller, with only trivial decrease in image quality. The file size depends on a lot of factors that you cannot control. Quality of the image is not determined by FILE size.

However, what you do need to check is whether or not you have not cropped your image, which can cause this; and in the Export dialog box, you may be reducing the IMAGE size (which is not the same as FILE size) that can cause this.

Also, are you sure you are not exporting from Smart Previews?

[alison22070533u3nc]

Can I repeat that it definitely ISN'T just the KB reduction. The dimensions are being reduced from 8800 x 5000 (standard full frame shot from my Nikon d850 file) to 1200 x 700 (approx).   The quality is totally gone - so NOTHING to do my failure to understand that KB dictates the quality of an image.  

It is also a problem that has JUST begun - like a strange setting is on.  For many years I have been editing my work in the same way.  When you say Smart Previews you're opening up someting maybe?  Can you give me a bit more information on how I can check?

[dj_paige]

In the Library Module grid view, there are icons that indicates Smart Previews are being used. In the Develop Module, there is a different icon. See here, scroll down.

[Rob_Cullen]

Looking at your screen-clip:  I suspect you have somehow imported PREVIEW files into your catalog.

"1200 x 780" would sound about right also for Preview files.

Your screen-clip shows you are exporting from a JPG file (NOT your raws) and it has a file name that is similar to Previews, (although in LrC they would have a .LRPREV file-type suffix!)

So- where are your RAW files in the Catalog? 

Are the raws the "Missing" files?

Are your photos in the Mac Photos App? 

The Photos App 'hides' your originals in a file folder, and LrC only has access to JPG thumbnails, unless you take special steps within the Photos App.

[alison22070533u3nc]

Having gone through the brain process on that advice Rob - I have to say I think you're correct.  Thank you very much for spending the time to help. Much appreciated... Alison 

[Rob_Cullen]

@alison22070533u3nc  Did you achieve a resolution to your problem?

Was it the Photos App only giving you thumbnails for Lightroom?

eg. MAC HIDES IMAGES IN THE PHOTOS APP