LR images not showing

[kirstyc90386716]

When I open LRCC a few pictures load ok but most stay blank - a few have the !mark  I get "There was an unknown error while writing metadata to this photo. Retry?”. The options are ‘Retry Metadata Export’ & when I click on that it says - Photos could not be found on disc, but they are there when I ‘Show in Finder’ (I keep my images on an external HD)

If I click on the other option - Import Settings from Disk - the progress bar on the top left of LR is there but doesn’t move.

The images show in LR Mobile, both on iPhone & iPad

I am using 11.3 on Mac OS 12.3.1

[Sameer K · Accepted solution]

Hi Kristy,

Thanks for reaching out. We are sorry for the trouble with Lightroom Classic. We are here to help.

The error is related to file & folder's read & write permissions and drive accessibility.

You can ensure Lightroom has the permissions needed on the Mac by following the steps suggested below:  

1.  Go to the System Preferences for your Mac, then Security and Privacy, then select the Privacy tab.  
2. Then select Accessibility from the list to the left & check if Lightroom is added to the list with a checkmark in front of it.  
3. If Lightroom is not a part of the list, please add it by unlocking the window first using the lock at the bottom left, then clicking the + icon & navigating to the Applications folder.  
4. Also, grant permissions to Lightroom under Full disk access found in the same list as Accessibility.
   
5. Once done, lock the padlock to save the changes.
   
6. Search for Disk Utility from Finder's spotlight search or magnifying glass.
7. Run 'First Aid' diagnostic on the external drive. Check this to learn more: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210898
8. Restart the computer.

Let us know if it works,

Thanks!

Sameer K

[kirstyc90386716]

Hi Sameer

Yay - thank you so much for your quick & helpful response - it is all running smoothly now which is a great relief. I am so grateful for your help.

Many thanks

Kind regards

Kirsty