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christianz68212382
christianz68212382
Participating Frequently
January 4, 2020
Answered

Import from another catalogue not possible

  • January 4, 2020
  • 3 replies
  • 651 views

I want to import my photos from my laptop to my main computer. Both devices use LR Classic 9.1 and Mac OS 10.14.6 (Mojave).

I opened my LR cataloge on my main computer where I wanted to import to and went to "Import from another catalgue ..." Choosed my LR catalogue on my laptop that I wanted to import. Now a it says that LR is not able to import this catalogue because it seems not to be a valid LR catalogue.

I've done it this way since years in previous versions of LR and it always worked. Both catalogues are .lrcat files.

Anybody can helb me? Thanks!

Correct answer cmgap

Is your laptop connected to your main computer with a cable and visible through the finder? Can you copy the laptop catalog folder to your main computer and try the import again?

3 replies

bevancockerill
bevancockerill
Participant
May 12, 2025

I have this issue as well. I am able to copy the catalogues to my local (main) mac and then transfer the photos over afterwards but I can't import from the 'Import from another catalogue..' button which would be the easiest way to do this. I agree there seems to be a bug and Adobe support asked me to raise it on the forum as a possible feature request. I see you had this ticket open already so I am adding to it. Can you amend the title a little @christianz68212382 ? 'Import from mobile laptop catalogue to main Mac catalogue NOT POSSIBLE' might be more accurtate if you agree..?

Rikk Flohr_Photography
Community Manager
Rikk Flohr_PhotographyCommunity Manager
Community Manager
May 12, 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
D
David Coiffier
Known Participant
January 4, 2020

As stated by cmgap, and confirmed by myself, it won't work thru network. Copy your cat folder and photos folder on local volume first...

    christianz68212382
    christianz68212382Author
    Participating Frequently
    January 4, 2020

    Thanks - it worked this way. Don't know why it worked via network so far and now not anymore. Must be a bug.

    cmgap
    Community Expert
    cmgapCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    January 4, 2020

    Is your laptop connected to your main computer with a cable and visible through the finder? Can you copy the laptop catalog folder to your main computer and try the import again?

      christianz68212382
      christianz68212382Author
      Participating Frequently
      January 4, 2020

      Hi cmgap

      Thank a lot for your advice, it worked this way!

      Until now I did the import always by WLAN and it worked. Now I copied the catalog and the original pictures on my main computer and imported them. Only disadvantage: the pictures do not automatically copy with the catalog. The pictures have to be found / looked for manually afterwards.

      I actually tried to import the labtop catalog/pictures by klicking "file > import from another catalog" when the two computers were connected with a cable: it also did not work.

      THEREFOR I SEE IT AS A BUG.

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