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brianw79828710
brianw79828710
Inspiring
November 23, 2023
Question

LR messes up catalog sync folder and import to catalog

  • November 23, 2023
  • 1 reply
  • 267 views

My LR Classic has constant trouble with a catalog holding about 700 files. If I add new images to a folder in that catalog using windows explorer and then in LR tell it to synchronise, it pulls up hundreds of existing images besides the new ones I just added. 

I moved the folder to a different ssd and also recreated a new catalog for it yet the issue remains.

I also tried "import to this folder" but got confused as there are folders listed in both the left and right panels and I kept finding LR importing everything all over again, assigning a (2) to the file name. It is importing AND copying it seems.

Is there maybe a rogue file in that folder screwing up LR?

    This topic has been closed for replies.

    1 reply

    JohanElzenga
    Community Expert
    JohanElzengaCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    November 24, 2023

    "Import to this folder" copies images to the selected folder and adds them to the catalog, so yes, if you do this with a folder that already contains these images, then they will be duplicated. That is simply user error; a misunderstanding of how this option works.

     

    The first problem is a little more mysterious, but it is easily solved by using a slightly different workflow. Do not add the images to the final folder and then use 'Synchronize Folder', add them to a temporary folder and then use the normal 'Import photos and videos'. Select the final folder as the destination and use 'Move' at the top of the import dialog. Create an import preset (bottom center of the import dialog) so this becomes a one click option.

     

    -- Johan W. Elzenga
      brianw79828710
      brianw79828710Author
      Inspiring
      November 25, 2023

      Great, thank you. BTW, thisuser error occurs due to poorly designed and confusing UI as I'm a hardened IT pro.  I'll try your workaround but it shouldn't be neccessary should it? -:)

      JohanElzenga
      Community Expert
      JohanElzengaCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      November 25, 2023
      quote

      Great, thank you. BTW, thisuser error occurs due to poorly designed and confusing UI as I'm a hardened IT pro.  I'll try your workaround but it shouldn't be neccessary should it? -:)


      By @brianw79828710

       

      It shouldn't, and for most people it doesn't, but like I said, this is a mysterious one. I sometimes see something like it too. When I use Synchronize Folder, Lightroom initially (sometimes) shows me one extra image. So while I know there are say 20 images to add, the intial dialog shows 21 images. But when I check the box to show the import dialog (always do this!), it correctly shows the 20 images, not 21 images. I have no idea why this happens, but I'm used to it by now.

       

      -- Johan W. Elzenga
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