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Known Participant
June 7, 2018
Question

Import photos from card reader : Move option greyed out

  • June 7, 2018
  • 3 replies
  • 2975 views

When selecting "import" and if the source is a memory card, the Move option is not available.

I found pointers to a previous discussion on this forum. The recommendation was to reformat the memory card after every import with Copy.

I don't find that to be a suitable recommendation. I keep other files on the card such as video files that I don't want to import in Lightroom.

If I import files from the card with "Copy", and then delete the bad pictures from the catalog, and don't format the card, at the next import, these pictures that were deleted from the catalog now will be selected for import again. Really inconvenient.

I'm looking for a simple workflow where the pictures are copied and removed from the card at the same time. I feel it is unintuitive and time-wasting to have to perform a separate action to either format the card, or manually delete the file.

I realize some have concerns about reliability and possibility of picture loss. IMO, this concern applies equally to removable and non-removable sources. The user should be able to choose what works for them. Put a warning in the UI - every time, if need be. Or perform a verification after copy before deleting the file from the original source. Just don't grey out the option altogether.

    This topic has been closed for replies.

    3 replies

    elie_dinur
    Participating Frequently
    June 21, 2021

    The disabling of "Move" when importing from removable media has elicited complaints from a minority of users since the inception of Lightroom in 2007, but was the result of a carefully considered design decision at that time to which the crew have remained loyal since then. So I very much doubt it will change now.

    GoldingD
    Legend
    June 21, 2021

    Please disprove a nagging hunch I have.

     

    Where are you keeping your backups of your photos?

     

    Where are you keeping your backups of your catalog? (and yes, two separate backups)

    JohanElzenga
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    June 7, 2018

    This is a user-to-user forum, so we can't help you with feature requests. You need to go to https://feedback.photoshop.com for that. 'Move' is disabled on memory cards to protect users from losing their images in case of a calamity during import, so I don't expect your request to be honored, but file it anyway.

    As far as suggesting a work around is concerned: without even telling us whether you use Mac or Windows, that may be difficult for us too.

    -- Johan W. Elzenga
    Known Participant
    June 7, 2018

    Thanks. I will file it there.

    I'm using Windows 10.

    Pentax K-1 II . Panasonic Lumix GX85.i7-5820k OC 4.3 GHz32GB DDR4-26668x1 TB striped SSDnVidia GTX 9602 x 32UHD59-B 32" 4K displays1 x Asus PB238Q HD display10Gbe Ethernet112TB NAS