Skip to main content
New Participant
June 19, 2018
Answered

Helper.lrdata file (macOS)

  • June 19, 2018
  • 2 replies
  • 3005 views

Just upgraded today to the newest version of LR Classic and I notice that along with the Previews.lrdata file there is now a Helper.lrdata file. Anyone know what this file does? Is it important to keep it backed up? Or will it just re-create if deleted like the Previews.lrdata file?

    Correct answer JohanElzenga

    AFAIK, this file is involved in searching in the folders panel. I'm pretty sure Lightroom can and will rebuild it if needed.

    2 replies

    Participating Frequently
    January 9, 2025

    If you delete it it will be recreated. I have a bug in my installation (LrC 14.1.1 and a MacMini M1 with MacOs Sonoma). The bug is that the Plug-ins for editing are all grayed out BUT if I delete the Helper file before starting LrC the Plug-Ins are not grayed out! Don't ask how I found that out! 🙂

     

    Rikk Flohr_Photography
    Community Manager
    Community Manager
    January 9, 2025

    You’ve posted to an ancient thread. It is highly unlikely that the issue described in this thread, though not impossible, is the same one you are currently experiencing. Rather than resurrect an old thread that is seemingly similar, you are better off posting to a new thread with fresh, complete information, including system information, a complete description of the problem, and step-by-step instructions for reproduction. 

     

    If the issue is the same, we will merge you back into the appropriate location. 

This thread will be locked. 

     

    Thank you!

     

    Rikk Flohr: Adobe Photography Org
    JohanElzenga
    Community Expert
    JohanElzengaCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    June 19, 2018

    AFAIK, this file is involved in searching in the folders panel. I'm pretty sure Lightroom can and will rebuild it if needed.

    -- Johan W. Elzenga