Unable to create collections or sets

[WhitcombeRD]

Im running LRC13.1.  On my main day to day catalogue i can create collections as normal.

BUT i just created a new catalogue with the aim of merging several older ones together.  On this one im completely unable to create collections, collection sets or smart collections.  Click the add collection box and simply nothing happens at all, from the collection side panel or the main menu.

Ive tried optimising, closing and reloading etc but the same issue persists.

Oddly if after failing i go to "import from catalogue" on the menu, after a few seconds the create collection box DOES popup and works but obviously this isnt really a fix or workaround.

Anyone have a fix for this problem because currently this new catalogue is effectively unusable due to the issue.

LRC13.1, Windows 11 etc.

- Problem:- click "Create Collection".  Nothing happens

- Expected result: Popup dialogue box allowing it to be created.  Actual result - nothing happens.

[JohanElzenga]

Maybe something went wrong with the creation of this new catalog. Did you try creating yet another new one?

BTW, why don't you just merge those catalogs into your main catalog? Why create a new catalog for this purpose at all?

[WhitcombeRD]

Works on an empty catalogue or new imports.  It doesnt work after importing other catalogues into it.

(Im trying to consolidate 14 catalogues into one. It fails after even adding 1 catalogue).

[JohanElzenga]

Did you already try resetting the preferences? https://www.lightroomqueen.com/how-do-i-reset-lightrooms-preferences/

[Elliek]

@JohanElzenga 

I am having the same issue and resetting the preferences made no difference.

@WhitcombeRD 

As a workaround, go to the import dialogue as if you were going to import images. Check the box "Include in collection" then click the option to create a collection and choose where to put it. 

The other problem is that there is no option to sync the collection when you create it. And I am no longer able to edit a collection to make it sync, either.

Cheers

Ellie

[JohanElzenga]

Strange. I can create any collection I want, and I can sync any existing (or new) collection I want. If this happens in one catalog only, and not in a brand new catalog, then the catalog in question is probably corrupted.

[Elliek]

Are you on the same OS, Johan?

@JohanElzenga 

The function has worked well up to now, but there have been a couple of windows updates. And it's interesting that both of us have this issue at the same time.

[JohanElzenga]

No, I'm not on Windows. However, like I said, if it does work for one catalog and not another, then I don't think it has anything to do with Windows or Lightroom, but is a catalog issue.

[WhitcombeRD]

Works on the old catalogues, works on a (blank) new catalogue but the issue kicks in after merging any old catalogue into the new one.

[Elliek]

@WhitcombeRD and @JohanElzenga 

I just set Lightroom to check the integrity of the catalogue and whatever repair it performed seemed to work as all is restored. I can add a collection and can set an existing one to sync. 

I guess that's worth trying, as it has worked for me.

Cheers

Ellie

[JohanElzenga]

@WhitcombeRD and @JohanElzenga 

I just set Lightroom to check the integrity of the catalogue and whatever repair it performed seemed to work as all is restored. I can add a collection and can set an existing one to sync. 

I guess that's worth trying, as it has worked for me.

Cheers

Ellie

By @Elliek

Yes, that would be my suggestion too. Open each catalog and let Lightroom Classic verify, and if necessary repair it. Then merge them.