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R
rafaeld40474899
Inspiring
April 23, 2017
Answered

Import Photos from External HD (step-by-step)

  • April 23, 2017
  • 1 reply
  • 433 views

I am struggling to find step-by-step instructions to import a photo project (external HD connected to laptop) into my current LR program (desktop computer) with all the data (edits, names to faces, etc). Importing the images is easy.

1) Open LR

2) Click on <File> (Import photos and videos)

3) Select the Source from the column on the left (the external HD, which is now connected to the desktop)

4) Select the Destination from the column on the right

5) Click on <Import>

6) ?

In addition to the photos I have:

a) Lightroom Catalog.Ircat.zip file

b) Lightroom Catalog Previews.Irdata

c) Lightroom Catalog.Ircat

I have done this before, but I don't remember how. In the past, an Adobe Rep guided me through some steps on my laptop. Something that appeared like an export so that once I plugged the external HD to the desktop all of the data would transfer over.

Thank you,

Apple

Sierra 10.12 4

Adobe LR 2015.9

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    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer rafaeld40474899

    From the external HD via a laptop:

    1) <File>, Export as Catalog

    2) Provide a name and location to save the catalog

    3) Check "Export Negative Files"

    4) Wait while the catalog is created. It will show up as a new file folder with the photos and Ircat file

    From the desktop computer:

    1) Connect the external HD

    2) Open LR

    3) Click on <File>, Import from Another Catalog

    4) Find the new folder and open/launch the Ircat file

    5) Choose copy files (other options available)

    6) Click on <Import>

    As mentioned above, during the process it showed that the (HD) Ircat would be copied to the same location as the photos. It did not. The Ircat file (HD) was combined with the main Ircat (desktop computer) file.

    1 reply

    R
    rafaeld40474899Author
    Inspiring
    April 23, 2017

    I identified how to export a catalog from the HD attached to the laptop. I now have the catalog as a separate project and it's ready for import to the desktop. I can't figure out how to combine as oppose to have it as a stand alone catalog.

    R
    rafaeld40474899Author
    Inspiring
    April 23, 2017

    I utilized the <Import from Another Catalog> and the images are copying over. While clicking next, I noticed that in addition to the images, the Ircat was also going to be copied over. I only have one catalog for my entire LR (therefore only one Ircat). The Ircat is maintained on a separate hard drive than the images. As I watch the files copy over, I don't see an Ircat file appear with the photos.

    1) Is LR smart enough to automatically combine the Ircat (from the import) with the existing Ircat file on my desktop computer?

    Once this is successfully completed, I'll update the post so the next person has step-by-step instructions.

    Thank you,

    R

    R
    rafaeld40474899AuthorCorrect answer
    Inspiring
    April 23, 2017

    From the external HD via a laptop:

    1) <File>, Export as Catalog

    2) Provide a name and location to save the catalog

    3) Check "Export Negative Files"

    4) Wait while the catalog is created. It will show up as a new file folder with the photos and Ircat file

    From the desktop computer:

    1) Connect the external HD

    2) Open LR

    3) Click on <File>, Import from Another Catalog

    4) Find the new folder and open/launch the Ircat file

    5) Choose copy files (other options available)

    6) Click on <Import>

    As mentioned above, during the process it showed that the (HD) Ircat would be copied to the same location as the photos. It did not. The Ircat file (HD) was combined with the main Ircat (desktop computer) file.

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