LR exported files cannot be read (seen) by Apple devices

Report · Jan 29, 2020

LR user since the first version.

My problem is: I export from LRCC files to a SD cart and with a card reader (SD to Lightning) I would like to unpload them to an Apple device, Iphone or Ipad. But the devices (tried different devices) do not see the exported files. If on the same SD card is a file generated by a photocamera (jpg or DNG) these are seen by the devices.

It happens with any format I try to upload (jpg, tiff, dng). Even my very old Mac Book with a slot for SD cards does not see/read them.

If I connect a USB card reader to my Mac Pro I can see the files on the card.

I do not understand how a file generated by LR CC cannot be uploaded to an Apple Device.

I tried different cards, brands and or sizes.

Any suggetsions or help would be much appreciated, thanks

robert

Report · Jan 29, 2020

You should be able to see all the files if you use IpadOS/IOS 13 and use the Files app. Photos on the Ipad/Iphone probably only automatically see files if they are in the correct DCIM folders or maybe you have to tell Photos to look elsewhere. Do a web search on "camera dcim" for more info on DCIM formatted card.

Report · Jan 29, 2020

Thanks Bob for quick answer. I tried to place the LRCC generated file beside a camera generated file (DNG and JPG) and Photos see the camera generated file but not the LRCC ones. So I believe it is not a point of where is the file, my opinion which could be wrong.

I'll make some more research following your suggestion, thanks again

Report · Jan 29, 2020

What you describe should work as long as you use the files app. I don't think Photos can see images on SD cards if they are not in a DCIM folder structure. A far easier way to get files into photos on your iPhone is to install Lightroom on your iPhone and simply sync images from Classic. You'll see them in the Lightroom app on your Phone and can save to the camera roll from there. A second and even easier way if you don't want to use the Lightroom app is to export to your desktop on your Mac and drag the images into Photos on your desktop machine. As long as you have iCloud photo library turned on they will show up on your iPhone and iPad. All of this is far quicker and easier than to go through a sd card step.

Report · Feb 03, 2020

Thanks for your answer. Yes, I can import photos vie the File folder or via Airdrop...but I want to use an old ipad (no airdrop and no file app) simply to show photos and what surprises me is that if on a sd card I have I file generated by a photocamera (jpg, raw, dng or nef) and exactly beside this file which is correctly placed in the DCIM folder I place in the same DCIM folder a file generated by LR on my Mac Pro and than try to import both on the i pad using a card reader the file generated by the camera is seen and can be imported but the one generated by LR will not be seen therefore cannot be imported.

Untill now I assumed a jpg is a jpg with no difference how it has been generated (camera or LR) but it's evident it is not like this. Friends confirmed exactly the same experience.

I can find a way to work it but why does it happen? would be happy to know it !

Report · Jan 29, 2020

I use the Photosync App on the Mac and Ipad and it works great to transfer exported files to the Photos and back to th mc . Photosync also works on Windows and Android devices.