Removing a folder from my catalog and then adding it back later

Question

I would like to remove some folders from my current catalog, but know that at a later date I might want to add some of them back.

If I remove a folder from the catalog is there a way that all my editing will remain intact? Is there a setting that will let me keep the editing in the same folder as the photos, so when I import them next time all my editing will be there?

Just Shoot Me · Accepted Answer

As stated above this is a Very Bad Idea.

There is no point, nothing to be gained, by removing the reference to folders or images in the LR catalog file.

Please note that LR is a Database program and no folders or images are ever "IN" LR.

They are only Referenced, A Record made of them, in the LR Database file, IE the catalog file.

To answer your other question.

Once you remove an image, or a folder that has images in it (in removing a folder you remove the reference to any images in that folder) you remove, throw away, all editing you did on those images.

dj_paige · Answer

The simple answer is: this is a horrible idea, don't do it.

Not only is leaving the photos/folders in Lightroom MUCH LESS WORK, but it guarantees that your editing remains with the photos. Any other method is more work, and for some reason, beginners (and some non-beginners) tend to make mistakes and get it wrong and their edits are gone.

So just don't do it.

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