P: (Masking) A checkbox to compute AI masks on importation ?

[ParisLiLiPhotography]

Hi, 

I have custom presets that include AI masking. If I choose that preset when importing new images to a catalog, no mask is computed at the importation. 
So I need to wait the import, compute mask for one image, and then select all and sync to have the masks computed for all imported images. 

So it requires me to do an action between 2 relatively slow actions. If done together, I could go away from my computer while let it work directly at the import stage. 

Is there a checkbox I missed somewhere that allow to do so ? (automatically compute AI masks if there are in the preset chosen to be applied on import) 

Thank you in advance for the help or feedback

++

[johnrellis]

"I have custom presets that include AI masking. If I choose that preset when importing new images to a catalog, no mask is computed at the importation. So I need to wait the import, compute mask for one image, and then select all and sync to have the masks computed for all imported images."

If you selected that preset in the Import window's Apply During Import > Develop Settings, then it does apply the mask to all the imported photos, but it doesn't recompute them. After the import completes, select all the photos and do the menu command Photo > Develop Settings > Update AI Settings to recompute the masks.

That's faster than doing a sync, but it's not as convenient as having an option to recompute the masks automatically on import.

[johnrellis]

Moderators, @Rikk Flohr: Photography, please move into Ideas.

[C.Cella]

Updating Ai is computationally expensive and when done for hundreds of photos it can be very slow.

While syncing Masks I have seen Ai taking 30' to update for 300 photos...and that was when the previews didn't need to be generated nor other photos where being imported.

Updating Ai simultaneously during import without doubt would slow down the import itself, the preview generation, and clog our machines.

Best solution would be to have an option to "Update Ai After Import" when it is most likely going to be smoother.

This said applying Ai Presets after import is the easiest solution and poses less challenges.

.Edit

If the Presets that contain Ai also have graduated filters then these ones will be applied incorrectly/distorted on photos that have different aspect ratio than the one in which those Presets where created.

Applying presets on import doesn't allow to verify, preview, if the geometrical masks in the preset will be distorted so it's better to never do it IMO.