How do I 'Sync' an image edited outside of Lightroom to be included in Lightroom?

[Ken Nielsen]

I've added an outside editor DxO PhotoLab to aid in processing the raw file that is already imported into Lightroom Classic. Once edited it saves a DNG file right next to the original CR3 file in the folder that is linked to Lightroom. I realize that what we see on screen are sidecar jpeg files and that is all I know. But the edits are somehow kept by Lightroom and saved and the results are viewable, I always only modify a 'copy' of the file being chosen to work on. Back to the original question, after fiddling with the file in the outside editor I want to be able to see it and even work on it again at least for cropping and some editing which Lightroom does so well, but I can't see the file or call it up from withing Lightroom. I understand or hear that I need to 'Sync' that file to bring it into Lightroom and that is where I am drawing a blank. What is the right way to make this edited DNG file visible in Lightroom? I hope it is even possible....

TIA,

Ken

[dj_paige]

Assuming you are talking about Lightroom Classic (and not Lightroom as you said) ... When you send a file to an outside editor, you use the Lightroom Classic "Edit In..." command. Then when you are finished in the external editor, you do a SAVE (not Save As...) and then the edited file should appear in Lightroom Classic. No need for Sync at all. 

[Ken Nielsen]

Yes, it is Lightroom Classic. Here's the rub... I cannot use "Edit in..." because the editor only edits original untouched raw files (like DxO PureRaw that is contained in the PhotoLab software I am using) So my only choice is 'Export...' and what I choose to do is to see the file in Lightroom where I load and keep track of all of my images, THEN look at the filename for the. image in Lightroom I want to edit, then I go out to the finder level and open that image in PhotoLab from the finder level. That is why it is not included in Lightroom's filmstip of images... I save it as a DNG from PhotoLab next to the original CR3 file on disk.

[JohanElzenga]

The correct answer is already given and marked as such. Use 'Synchronize Folder'.

[Rob_Cullen]

As @dj_paige explains. But if you did NOT use Lr-Classic to [Edit In] the file and you used DxO independently of Lr-Classic then the newly created file is not known to Lr-Classic and you would need to Import it into the LrC catalog.

[DdeGannes · Accepted solution]

I agree with @Rob_Cullen , when you are in LrC Library module right click on the Folder that contains the original RAW file that was imported into LrC and in the popup list select synchronize and the DNG from DXO should be available for import.

[Ken Nielsen]

This is the answer I do believe. I have not tried it but it sounds exactly like what I was looking for. Thanks to everyone here for input as it all is right on track but this 'import' as you explain it here from the folder in Lightroom has got to be the answer and THANK YOU! DdeGannes....

[Ken Nielsen]

Yes, you've got it! And I'm looking at how should I import it into Lightroom so it shows up on the filmstip of images that were normally loaded into Lightroom. I want it to be included right next to the original CR3 image like it would be if it were done with "Edit in... " from within Lightroom.

[Rob_Cullen]

If you used the "Synchronize Folder" method to import, and you selected the folder with the CR3 they shoulod both be in the same folder on the drive. Check your 'Sort' order.

If it is set to "Filename" and the DxO DNG retained its original name, they should then sort next to each other  (CR3 / DNG) alphabetically by Filename!

If DxO changed the filename you could select the new DNG file (in the Previous Import list?) and rename it to be the same as the CR3.

[Ken Nielsen]

Excellent! I'm on a roll with this now, it's working and I'm taking it slow as a work routine will be set into place as a result. Thanks so much for the valuable help.

[pgmanuel]

I may be missing something here, but when DXO PhotoLab is installed it adds a plugin for Lightroom Classic called Transfer to DxO PhotoLab (x). This plugin is accessed from Lightroom Classic's Plugin Extras menu.

The plugin can be used to send a raw file directly to PhotLab. After editing the file in PhotoLab it can then be exported back to Lightroom Classic where it will appear next to the original. The PhotoLab export dialog offers a choice of formats including DNG.

[DdeGannes]

@pgmanuel , The author of the thread did not state he was using the DxO plug-in for LrC , he indicated he was working directly with the DxO application.

[Ken Nielsen]

Author is a beginner with DxO PhotoLab 8 Elite. I did check mark to integrate with Lightroom upon installation but what that accomplishes I do not know. Lightroom is my mainstay and foundation to my photo management. I want to use DxO as an available processing app because of its noteworthy editing capabilities. I plan on using the winter as study and learning to integrate DxO with Lightroom. Photoshop is in line at the end of the process as it to has unique processing capabilities and then also provides the final exported versions depending on needed format and uses.

[Ken Nielsen]

@pgmanuel, You are at the advanced point that I want to be but don't know how to get there. I have installed the DxO software to integrate with Lightroom so now will check Lightroom classic's Plugin Extras menu. I'll bet I will find the plug-in but still, when right clicking on an image in Lightroom the DxO software does not appear. This is where I am stuck and need to go to DxO and open the file from the finder level. Do you have a recommend so I can open the image I want from within Lightroom into DxO?

[JohanElzenga]

If you need to use the plugin, then right-clicking the image won't work. The Plugin Extras menu is not available in that contextual menu. Select the image, then go to the plugin extras menu via de main menu bar.

[pgmanuel]

Hopefully Johan has provided the guidance you need to use the DxO PhotoLab plugin.

In Lightroom, select the raw file you want to edit in DxO PhotoLab and go to Lightroom's File menu where you will find the Plugin Extras menu option.

If the DxO plugin has been installed you will see you will see an entry in Plugin Extras to "Transfer to DxO PhotoLab 8".

[Ken Nielsen]

Amazing how new software can put me back into kindergarten... so many details I rely on are not working or I need time to discover how to relearn and accommodate. Thanks for help as I crawl before I can walk.