LRC loses new file names

[dubbelXposure]

I upload the raw files from my camera, pass them through Topaz Photo AI and then start editing.  At the end of the Process I rename all my files in the format YYYYMMDD_Band_Venue_(Number).  REcenlty I am having iussues where Lightroom loses track of the new file name, and shows the file as missing in the catalogue.  When I go to locate the file, I have to look for the original  filename, eg 780_0123.dng, link to that file and then change the name.  Any ideas or suggestions? (Other than name the files at the start of the process)

[dj_paige]

I assume you mean Lightroom Classic and not Lightroom. Is that correct?

Please describe the entire process in more detail, step-by-step, leaving nothing out.

[dubbelXposure]

Correct LRC. Process is as follows:

• Upload raw files to LRC
• Select files for editing
• Edit files using Topaz Photo AI  (Raw Denoise and sharpen only)
• export files from Topaz to LRC as DNG files.
• Do Final edits in LRC develop module (Exposure, Presence, cropping, whatever the image needds, but generally light touch)
• Add Tags, IPTC, Location details to files for publication
• Change File names from Camera (eg 750_0123) to something readable
• Export files for social media
• Publish files on Flickr and Smugmug through plugins.

It is during export, or publishing, that files get disconnected, and I have to relocate the file.  When I search for the file in explorer (eg 20241108_BlueNation_WaterRats-001.DNG) I cannot find it, but have to relink to the original DNG (eg 750.01234.DNG) as it appears that LRC has not written the new file name into the XMP.  I have had to do this with 30 files today, after publishing them.  Having fixed them, I don;t have any examples I can record to show you, but in essence the correction is:

• Click on the image in LRC.  
• Copy the Filename
• Click on the Exclamation mark on the image
• Locate the file using the original File name
• confirm that is the file I want to use
• Paste in the file name I want to use
• Save the metadata 

I have managed to record the workflow up to the las ttwo steps of pasting in the file name and saving the metadata.

[dj_paige]

Change File names from Camera (eg 750_0123) to something readable

How do you change the file names?

[GoldingD]

Change File names from Camera (eg 750_0123) to something readable

How do you change the file names?

By @dj_paige

You may not like this, but it is in the authors attached file. And it is very convoluted. Makes me scratch my head, and think huhhh?? and Leave this for someone else to understand.

[dubbelXposure]

Thanks.  I know how to change the file names, and have been doing so successfully for a very long time.  Since mid-October 2024 however, what I am finding is that the new name is not always being written into the xmp file, and it only comes to light when i am exporting or publishing images.  This slows my workflow significantly as I have to take the actions above for each affected image.

[bhousto90]

It looks like you may be using some sort of cloud sync (OneDrive?).

The filename changes may not be syncing immediately within Windows Explorer after changing the names in Lightroom?

Try your same process but with a file folder that does not have a cloud sync happening.

[dubbelXposure]

Thanks bhoust90, files are stored on an external ssd. I've had cloud issues in the past so I get what you mean.  I have noticed that LrC can be slow to save metadata sometimes, and that may be the root cause.  

[dubbelXposure]

I select a batch of photos, click on Filename, Enter the text I want, leave Start number as 1 and press enter.  Auto-save Metadata is turned on, but I still [ctrl]+S to make sure the data is saved.

[AxelMatt]

As far as I understand after looking into your attachment you rename the filename in the EXIF data. Right?

If yes, try to rename the filename directliy in the Library module Lightroom via F2 key or menu "Library - Rename Photo... " 

[GoldingD]

Ok, got off my rear end and looked at the attachment again, and dang if something is looking straight at me as a problem:

So at the beginning of your workflow LrC shows the image selected as missing. THis before renaming? Would go down hill from their. I think you need to resolve any missing image or folders before renaming.

[dubbelXposure]

Hi @GoldingD. This is at the end of workflow. The original file is still in the folder. It's when I change the file name at the end that it doesn't retain the name and I have to relink to the original file and then change the name again. It's only been happening since the last update and might be connected to the speed that metadata is updated.