Split catalog and move files so each catalog AND the related files are on separate drives

[0mx9]

M2 MacBook Air, Sonoma 14.6.1

LRC 13.5, running on MacBook Air.

Current setup: all photos and videos are stored on the internal drive and are managed in a single catalog, also resident on the internal drive. 

Current file structure:

Desktop

  Photographs

    Each year is a separate folder

  Videos

    Each year is a separate folder

Desired end state: split the catalog into two pieces: 1: all photos and appropriate catalog are on internal drive. 2: All videos and appropriate catalog are on external drive.

Looking for step by step directions, if possible.

Thanks!

[dj_paige]

Directions:

Don't do this. Use one catalog. Use keywords if you want to separate videos from photos, or use the Filter Bar, or select the drive in the Folder Panel that contains the videos or photos. It doesn't get any simpler than that. Having multiple catalogs has a bazillion and 73 drawbacks, the list is so long that I can't even type it in.

[0mx9]

Thank you. I can see this would be easier. Can I just move the Videos to an external drive? How do I tell LRC where they are now?

[GoldingD]

If you really really want to do this, then one (not the only) approach would be:

1. Create a new catalog. Perhaps LightroomVids
2. In that new catalog, import from the old catalog, and when prompted, just the videos (the folder)
3. In the old catalog, remove (do not delete) the videos
4. Rename the Old catalog if you desire, Perhaps LightroomPics.

[0mx9]

Thank you. My desired end state is that the videos are on an external drive and the photos on the built-in drive. I think this would work with what you said.