Virtual copy option grayed out

[Sylwia35652322gjs2]

For some reason the function to create a Virtual Copy is grayed out in the menu. I used this just yesterday without problem. What can be the reason?

Macbook Pro with M1, updated OS and lightroom classic. 

[dj_paige]

Probably you have not selected a photo.

[Sylwia35652322gjs2]

Nope, not that. Photo is most definitely selected. 

[dj_paige]

What happens if you press Ctrl-apostrophe ? Does that create a virtual copy?

[Nina32260121ne4o]

Doesn't work. 

[nadinnegrace]

I'm having the exact same issue! Working fine yesterday. Now 'create virtual copy' is greyed out. 

Please help. Since the upgrade to 14.0.1 there has been a few bug issues. 

[dj_paige]

I'm having the exact same issue! Working fine yesterday. Now 'create virtual copy' is greyed out. 

Please help. Since the upgrade to 14.0.1 there has been a few bug issues. 

By @nadinnegrace

I have given a possible answer, is that helpful in your case?

[JohanElzenga]

I have no problems creating a virtual copy in Lightroom Classic 14.0.1 on my Mac, so I agree with the answer @dj_paige has already given: most likely you simply do not have any photo selected.

[CapturedbyKt]

I am having the same issue and my photo is 1000% selected. I am actively right clicking on the image to pull up the menu where "Create a virtual copy" is grayed out. 

[JohanElzenga]

Try resetting the preferences: https://www.lightroomqueen.com/how-do-i-reset-lightrooms-preferences/

[Nina32260121ne4o]

This is most definitely not the issue, but thanks??

[Nina32260121ne4o]

I had the same issue and optimized and restarted the catalog. When the catalog reopened I was able to create virtual copies again. Hope it works for you too!

[kbennage]

Just wanted to pop on here and say that I have been having this issue for months. If I quit lightroom classic and reenter, it will work again, but after awhile it will grey out and I have to do it again. But I have noticed it isn't just for virtual copies, at least for me. It will also not allow me to export, create a new collection, etc. until I completely get out of LR CC and reenter. And before any comments are made, YES MY PHOTOS ARE SELECTED.

[nadinnegrace]

I'm now having an issue of create virtual copy greyed out and sometimes export is greyed out. I've deleted and tediwnloaded Lightroom this was a pain as I had to redo my settings etc. but I'm still getting same issues! I have to close LR and reopen then it works. Soo frustrating 

[kbennage]

Yep, same! I've also deleted and reinstalled Lightroom classic with no change unfortunately. I guess I'll just continue to close out and get back in... seems to be the only thing we can do right now. Every time there is an update I cross my fingers it fixes it!! 😭

[stephaniea270587]

Just posting to say - me too! Hope Adobe fixes this soon.

[alanwphotos]

Exact same issue here, its a pain closing it down and starting again. As far as I'm aware I haven't changed any settings for this to happen.
Anyway, Happy Christmas from the West Coast of Scotland UK.

[benediktsebastian]

Same Issue - had it for days.

I also cannot Edit in photoshop - that entire menu item greyd out.

I've done everything everyone suggesed here and on other forums.

In the end the only thing that worked was to import the old catalogue as a new one - thats only temporary so I would have to keep creating new catalogues to keep working on my files.

Never had this issue before...

Are there other apps like LRC out there?

Can't deal with this anymore

[mominaustin]

Yes, I'm having this problem, I've been using LR since its inception and know exactly how to create a virtual copy and it isn't working now, it is grayed out.  Filters are not set to original files only or anything like that.  Plus I cannot create a Collection any more.  Getting frantic because I need these features for my job.  Does Adobe ever weigh in here or what? 

[benediktsebastian]

they don't.... 

Mine somehow magically started working again a few days later by itself.

THe only other thing I did since my post here was I rebooted my computer twice for no particular reason 🙂 

[JohanElzenga]

Yes, I'm having this problem, I've been using LR since its inception and know exactly how to create a virtual copy and it isn't working now, it is grayed out.  Filters are not set to original files only or anything like that.  Plus I cannot create a Collection any more.  Getting frantic because I need these features for my job.  Does Adobe ever weigh in here or what? 

By @mominaustin

Adobe does read these forums, but they can't do much if they can't replicate the problem. I can't replicate it either. I did suggest resetting the preferences earlier in this thread. It did not work for that person, but it often works to solve a variety of problems, so it's worth trying if you didn't already do that. My recommendation is to delete the preferences, not reset them using the key combo. Deleting is more thorough, so this increases the chance that it works. https://www.lightroomqueen.com/how-do-i-reset-lightrooms-preferences/

[Arizona Bev]

This just started with me tonight (30 Dec 24).  I'm using LR Classic and Windows 10.  Used LR two days ago and this was not an issue.  Create Virtual Copy is greyed out in the menu and the shortcut doesn't work.  Also, Edit in Photoshop is greyed out.

One thing I noticed that there is a new icon on my taskbar that wasn't there before.  It's Microsoft Copilot.  It's possible, I suppose that it was always there and MS just changed the icon for it.  The icon is definitely one I've never seen before tonight.

I have not tried to restart anything yet.

UPDATE:  I closed LR (and backed up the catalog), then restarted LR.  Create Virtual Copy and Edit in Photoshop are both available again.

[GoldingD]

This just started with me tonight (30 Dec 24).  I'm using LR Classic and Windows 10.  Used LR two days ago and this was not an issue.  Create Virtual Copy is greyed out in the menu and the shortcut doesn't work.  Also, Edit in Photoshop is greyed out.

......

UPDATE:  I closed LR (and backed up the catalog), then restarted LR.  Create Virtual Copy and Edit in Photoshop are both available again.

By @Arizona Bev

Sounds like the image in question was missing. Are you having an issue with a hard drive?

[Arizona Bev]

No, not to my knowledge.  It seems to be working fine, now.

Thanks for the reply and happy New Year.