LRC catalog, cloud/mobile Question

[Scott902]

I have a Macbook Pro (m2 pro 14"). I use LRClassic on it. Have the 1TB Photography plan. 

I wanted to free up a bit of space on my MBP so I moved the catalog to an external SSD. (also cloud backed up)

Started a new catalog. But of course my cloud backed up photos start syncing into that new catalog. And I still have all of the photos in the LR mobile app. 

I paused the sync on the Macbook as I assume this will just eat up the space I just saved by offloading the first catalog.  

Trying to figure a way around this, do I delete my cloud photos? Turn off cloud sync? 
Typically I shoot on my phone, add to LRM app, which syncs to Macbook LRC, edit, toss in a folder and export on my phone to share. 

[dj_paige]

Started a new catalog.

Why? Only one catalog in LrC can be synced to the cloud. Why not move your original catalog to the external disk to save space, and just use it there. You can direct the cloud photos to be stored on the external drive as well, use Preferences/Lightoom Sync tab/Specify location for Lightroom's synced images.

If you are running out of space on the internal drive, you will save a lot more space by moving the photos to the external drive than moving the catalog itself.

[Scott902]

Honestly, I never thought about running it from the external. I thought that was frowned apon. 

[dj_paige]

Depending on your hardware, the Library module may be slower for catalogs on the external drive (Develop Module editing will not be affected). But the better solution (given only brief details about your set-up) is to leave your catalog where it is on the internal drive and move the photos to the external drive.

[Scott902]

That sound fairly simple. I'll look at doing that. Thank you. 

[dj_paige]

Instructions: see Part 2 — Updating Folder Location in this document: https://www.computer-darkroom.com/lr2_find_folder/find-folder.htm

[Scott902]

Thank you! 

[KostFan2]

• Recommended to have catalog on primary C drive of SSD for optimal speed/performance
• Move files to External drive
  Key issues include the following:

1. A) Fast read/write rate of external drive: If you can afford an SSD you will notice the difference if you are doing a lot of editing of the files in the develop module.
2. B) Speed of cable connecting external drive to computer
3. C) Port on Computer: Does it support fast transfer rates?

If either #2 or #3 does not support that transfer rate you want, then having a fast read-write rate on the drive will be negated.

[dj_paige]

Disk speed has only a trivial impact on editing times, as Lightroom Classic only writes a little amount to disk during editing, and only reads the file one time. Everything else during editing is done in memory, which is not affected by disk speed. Same is true for the speed of the connection between disk and computer.

[KostFan2]

dj_paige

Thank you for the clarification. What I should have said is “If you can afford an SSD external drive you will notice the difference if you are moving a lot of files from different locations.  One example is if you are importing large folders from one catalog to another catalog.”  Please let me know if you agree.

[dj_paige]

I think disk speed makes a difference on moving photos, but most people don't do that very often. I don't think it matters on importing or exporting, as the majority of the time is for the CPU and GPU to create previews on import and render the file on export.

[richardplondon]

yes of course an external or internal drive will perform better if solid state. Interface / transfer speed of an external drive will be especially important. Same for network storage if that is where the images live - not allowable for Catalog.

I run both Catalog and images from a non-solid state secondary internal drive, but the ACR cache, and application software, from main solid state drive where the operating system also lives. Reasonably happy with the performance. I doubt that switching the Catalog and related previews onto a faster accessed drive would alter the experience much overall.