Can you set Lightroom to "Delete after import" ?

I had the same issue. Here's how I worked around it:

How to automatically delete images after import from your card for Lightroom - YouTube

My import plugin deletes photos from card after import. - that may very well be my favorite feature of it.

I've been using it for years - no problems whatsoever.

I'm working on a newer version of it now, which will also include that feature (standby for "Otto Importer").

My computer knows how to delete files in a fashion that is perfectly acceptable to the camera...

My take:

* It doesn't "hurt" the card, or do anything to it that the camera doesn't like, or adversely affect reliability or longevity...

* The computer, coupled with human judgement, is far more capable of deciding whether images can be safely deleted from the card, than this human alone... - I've lost more pictures (and other files stored on the card) by formatting a card when I shouldn't have (very few), than I ever have by deleting after import (as of this date: exactly zero (0)).

In my opinion, delete after import (and imported copy + backup validation...) should just be implemented already! (disable by default to satisfy the superstitious, er I meant for backward compatibility).

Reminder: the request is to delete imported files, *not* re-format card. - as an option - not to be foisted on those who would prefer not to use it...

Final thoughts: Deleting after import is *not* "being careless with your data". The photos *must* be deleted, and after successful import, backup, and validation -its the right time to do it. Not deleting after import is riskier...

PS - I could even go along with mandatory approval - i.e. user must approve prior to deletion. Thus user could peruse the imported photos/files that are being considered for deletion, make sure there are no "faulty squares" on any of them, and then click 'OK'..., although even that should be user's perogative, in my opinion.

It's just more convenient to delete while they're loaded in the reader, than to put back in the camera after importing, and reformat. Having experienced it both ways, delete-after-import is like removing a pebble from your shoe - ya never realize how much it's been bothering you until it's gone...

Sorry - enough said already............

Cheers,

Rob

I've seen so many threads here and on other bulletin boards along the lines of "I've copied files from my card and it said it worked but now I can't access them.  Oh, and I've wiped my card".  And so on and so on.  And yes, I've lost files through (my) user error.  Anyone that hasn't lost data through user or other error is either very young or very lucky. 

There's a useful mantra that I recommend anyone to follow: treat data as extremely fragile unless there are two (or more) copies.  I don't wipe the memory card until it's been copied to the PC, I've checked the data is OK, and I've backed it up. 

It creates very heated debate, as has been pointed out.  Some people reckon they have a basic human right to be careless with their data.  There are some rights not worth fighting for. 

No, there is no option for that. The philosophy is that before any deletion from a card files should be backed up first for safety and the files should be checked for possible corruption as well, this usually requires rendering previews rather than relying on camera ones.

There is not a way to do this in LR. It's been the subject of several, sometimes heated, discussions. Here's just one to look at:

http://forums.adobe.com/message/1434331#1434331