Import ACDSee database

[_Mtassoni_]

Might be a dumb question, but worth a shot.

I didn't see a thread for this, so I'll start one.

I've been managing my photos database in ACDSee. I'm so used to it and really like it, but I can't use it for non-destructive editing of my photos.

So, now I got Lightroom, and for the most part, I like it. I sure would love to find a way to integrate the ACDSee database into it. Transfer the categories into LR collections. Transfer keyword and ratings, etc. Does anyone know if this is remotely possible?

Thanks.

[_Bill_Loessberg_]

I use ACDsee Pro for basic digital asset management (DAM), file capture, and previewing. I prefer this to Adobe Bridge - although it is a robust file manager, it is a memory hog. And, I have been trying out the Lightroom beta 4 and, currently, the trial download of version 1.0.

The ACDsee "Properties" window uses a different database (i.e. proprietary) setup than Lightroom. So, it is unlikely that the two applications have any commonalties, such as "ratings", "color tags", etc. However they both use most of the same data fields found in a files "metadata" (EXIF and IPTC).

I use the Windows Explorer file structure for naming folders and subfolders for "shoots" or projects. I use the same file/folder structure in both ACDsee and Lightroom. So, when I load images into Lighroom I am using the same folder names that Explorer and ACDsee uses. That should take care of that basic sorting and filing needs.

The need for a common "ratings" or "keyword" for searches in either application might be through the use of fields in the metadata of an image. Look for a field in the metadata file that is common, and customizable, in both applications, and use that for the ratings, etc. As an example; notice that both apps. have a "keyword" field in metadata, which is an open field for individual use. If you add special info/ratings in that field, say while in ACDsee, that data will also show up in Lightroom. When in Lightroom you should be able to sort on that metadata field.

Perhaps this is a possible workaround?

[_Mtassoni_]

Thanks Bill. Helpful. I was looking into the exif anf iptc...love to find a way to get all that keywording info in ACDsee into the metadata...oh well..thanks

[_Bill_Loessberg_]

I tried some metadata exchange between Lightroom (LR) and ACDsee Pro(AP)with these results:
1. Any common metadata fields that are in both AP and LR can be used by both.
2. The metadata info that you add in AP can be updated into LR by using selecting "Metadata" - "XMP" - "Import" while in LR.
3. The metadata info you add (or append) in LR will export, to applications that us XMP metadata format - so AP will not update its files.
4. Metadata changed in AP can be picked up by LR, but not the other way around.
5. The AP forum (ACDsee forum page at ACDsee.com)does not provide any help. And I have a request in to their techs for info regarding the use of XMP with AP.

[_Mtassoni_]

Yeah, but, I had all my categories, keywords, etc. stored in the AP database not in metadata. I'm kind of hoping to see if the LR database can import some aspects of the AP database. Shouldn't be that difficult.

[dlinderyd]

You can use ACDSee to write prop. data into ITPC and EXIF fields with the "Batch write information" funciton. This should help the migration to LR from ACDSee.

[MerkurNJ]

Reviving an old thread here, but has anyone had any success with using ACDsee Pro's 'Batch write property info' to embed data stored in ACDSee's proprietary database into the EXIF/IPTC so that it can be imported to LR?

Are there any guidelines to follow?

Paul