Moving dng files from laptop to desktop

[dpick2]

Hi,

I'm using Lightroom Classic, and I am using the Windows 10 OS.  I have imported fles as dng to my laptop.  I'm trying to move the edited files from the laptop to my desktop after our vacation.  I can move the dng files, but none of the edits are present in my desktop, also a Windows OS machine.  I just used explorer to move the imported folder of photos, and imported them into LR Classic.  I know I can export as a catalog, but I don't want multiple catalogs to deal with since I prefer "collections." 

I thought dng files stored metadata and edits within the image file, so why aren't the edits read from my desktop computer?

TIA

ps.  I tried to search, but the forum only shows answers 6, 8, and 12 years old.

[Tony_See · Accepted solution]

The result you are seeking can vary dependent on preferences set in the Catalog Settings window.

In the Metadata tab, what have you set there?

[dpick2]

Thanks for the quick reply, Tony.  However, I wonder if I found it in the photo tab.  I clicked on "Read metadata from files," and I think it's updating the metadata (lots of files).  I see some of my ratings popping up.  I though it would have read the metadata automatically, but I guess I should always click that.

Thanks, again.  I think we can set this as answered.

 
 

[Tony_See]

If you're happy with that as a correct solution . . .

[dpick2]

Yup, I think so.  Whenever I've edited in the field before now, it was with a poor laptop and I didn't trust the edits--more of a backup than a editing tool.  This new laptop is pretty capable, and I trust it more.  So, this is the first time I actually wanted the metadata to copy over.  I deleted all the files--too many trials/errors.  I'm reloading the images, and I'll try the "read metadata" thing and see how it goes.   Should be fine, though.

Thanks again,

Dan

[D Fosse]

Lightroom doesn't store edits in the file unless you check that option in Preferences (which will slow Lr down a bit). By default all edits are stored in the catalog only.

Aside from the global setting you can "save metadata to file" individually, shortcut ctrl S.