Can anyone describe to me how I can create an album from local files in Lightroom.

[Paul37891343pnal]

Hi. When I open Lightroom 2024, I can see in the Photos Tab 2 options, Cloud and Local. If I select Cloud, I can create a new album. If I select Local I can't create a new album. According to Adobe's website here: Add photos to Lightroom (adobe.com) I can create an album from my local files but I don't see any option to do this in my installation of Lightroom. Can anyone point out where I'm going wrong or at least tell me how I can submit a support ticket to Adobe. After all, I'm paying them for this software so at the very least I expect it to work as described.

Thanks.

Paul..

[Rob_Cullen · Accepted solution]

If you use the 'Local' mode- you simply have a (simple!) file browser that looks at your folders and files on disk. YOU are in control of the folder structure on the hard-drive. You can use Lr to create new FOLDERS in the Lr file browser- [Right-Click] on a folder and [Create Folder in ........].

'Albums' only exist in the Lightroom Cloud Library so you need to have the image files added (imported) to Lightroom and view the photos in 'Cloud' mode.

[Paul37891343pnal]

Hi. Thanks for your very quick reply. What you have explained does reflect what I see in my Lightroom installation. It does not explain though, why Adobe have posted information to the contrary on their website. Unless they are talking about a different, earlier version of Lightroom. Also, why do only half a job Adobe? What is the problem with allowing the album feature to be used locally? It makes no sense to me. Lastly, is there a way to submit a support ticket to Adobe?

Thanks again.

Paul.

[JohanElzenga · Accepted solution]

Lightroom is a cloud centric editor. The new option to edit local files is meant as an extra option, and does not have all the possibilities that the cloud library has. One reason is that many cloud functions rely on Sensei, the Adobe AI that is running in the cloud. That means that these options take place at Adobe, not on your local computer.

[Paul37891343pnal]

Thanks again for another quick reply. I reckon I will move to Lightroom Classic then because I can't see the point in running a high-end PC to run a program that ships all the work off to Adobe to be processed. I know I will have to do without many of the latest features but I have survived without them so far anyway. At least I won't have to worry Adobe's cloud storage running out of space. 

Thanks for your assistance.

Paul.

[JohanElzenga]

If you switch to Lightroom Classic then you will get all the latest features too (and more), with the exception of subject recognition.

[Chris_Kitze]

I just spent an hour to find this explanation....for why I can't create a local album.  This is a serious oversight in the software.  I expected what I had in older Lr versions to be there, but to be fair, I haven't used Lr for many years...normally software *gains* features, it doesn't lose them.

[Rob_Cullen]

"...for why I can't create a local album."

In Local Mode you are seeing your FOLDERS on a local drive. You have the capability to create any folder you want- in a File Browser!   Call it a "Local Album" if you want, but it is still a Folder on a local drive.

'Albums' only exist (and can be created) in the Cloud Library.

"I expected what I had in older Lr versions to be there,"

Well everything, and MORE, is included in the current version that you "haven't used.... for many years." But it is now called LIGHTROOM-CLASSIC and is at Version 14.2. And it HAS gained many new features.