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T
Tristan Hess
Inspiring
March 14, 2019
Answered

How to create independent backup of entire Lightroom CC library?

  • March 14, 2019
  • 3 replies
  • 5208 views

Dear community,

I am trying to figure out how to create a backup of my entire Lightroom CC library that is independent of Lightroom. That means that I don't want to use the "store originals locally" option as these will still be linked with the cloud. The backup should ideally have a YYYY-MM-DD folder structure. What is the best way to make Lightroom CC create such a backup?

Cheers,

Tristan

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Tristan Hess

If you don't store the originals locally using that option, I don't believe there is a way for you to backup your entire online "catalog". It is on the Adobe servers.


I would use the 'storing originals locally' option but there is a problem connected to it. I don't have enough space on my laptop to store all photos on it. That is one of the reasons why I went for the Lightroom CC cloud option: to free up space on the laptop. I would still like to have a local, non-cloud backup of my photos. So I tried storing my originals on an external drive using the tick box in Lightroom CC. Then, however, when the drive is not connected to my laptop and I want to edit photos on it, Lightroom CC does not load the 'on the fly' originals from the cloud, which is unfortunate. So that option does not work for me.

But I might have found a solution for my problem: I guess I could simply use the Adobe Downloader app. I will try this at some point in the next week and then update this thread. It might help others.

Here is the link to the downloader app: Download synced Lightroom photos and videos from the cloud to a computer

Cheers!

3 replies

B
Brode2
Known Participant
June 24, 2020

I think I worked out a solution: to have a local backup and cloud backup of all my photos.  I have an IMAC and Time Machine.  The Time Machine gives me an external backup and the Apple Cloud a cloud based one.  Apple cloud only backs up the Documents and Desktop folders, so I had to move my Pictures folder (where I keep my photos for LR) to the desktop, then point LR to it.  It took 2 days to upload to the Apple cloud (I pay for 2TB storage), and it seems to be working with the added bonus that all my photos are now available to all my Apple devices.  The downside is the uploading of changes to anything on my desktop, especially pictures, slows down my computer (I think).  Wouldn't it be nice if Adobe could figure out how to allow cloud storage of LR files, while still using the LR Classic interface?

    99jon
    99jon
    Legend
    March 15, 2019

    I think this comes back to why we make backups when choosing a cloud solution.

    In most cases cloud storage is safer than local storage. Redundancy in cloud architecture ensures that any individual failure has a fall-back path. At least for the most reputable providers.

    So if I get a computer crash or total disk failure I can simply get it repaired, or buy a new computer and install LRCC again. None of my data is lost.

    A backup would provide some comfort for accidental deletion from the cloud which is why there have been so many requests for a re-cycle bin in LRCC.

      Franckl2704
      Franckl2704
      Participant
      September 1, 2021

      I cannot be totally agree with your answer.

      Adobe don't provide any docuementation on how our data are stored in the cloud ... we are in the fog ...

       

      Do they use redundancy of data ?

      How do they garantee the integrity of data (i.e. against ransomware) ?

       

      Anyway, totally trusting the cloud is not a good practice if you want to conserve your data ... doing a backup is simply a best practice.

       

      If you want more info, please check theses posts: 

      https://community.adobe.com/t5/lightroom-ecosystem-cloud-based-discussions/lightroom-cloud-based-library-backup/td-p/12322430

      https://community.adobe.com/t5/lightroom-ecosystem-cloud-based-discussions/ransomware-and-lr-coud-files/td-p/12106630

       

       

      Sahil.Chawla
      Adobe Employee
      Sahil.Chawla
      Adobe Employee
      March 14, 2019

      Hi Tristan,

      As you're looking to back up the Lightroom CC library, could you please check this thread and us know if it helps?

      How can I backup my Lightroom CC library | Photoshop Family Customer Community

      Regards,
      Sahil

      T
      Tristan HessAuthor
      Inspiring
      March 14, 2019

      Hi Sahil,

      Thank you for your reply! The thread unfortunately didn't help me.The only thing I could find in it is some kind of workaround/hack with a wi-fi capable external drive. Also, the mentioned workaround only works for backing up as you import new pictures to Lightroom CC. I am looking for a function that allows me to back up my already existing Lightroom CC library.

      Is there such a function? It would be great if it would be possible to download the entire content of the cloud to a local drive in a YYYY-MM-DD folder structure. I would do that maybe four times a year just to have an additional backup unrelated to the cloud.

      Cheers,

      Tristan

      JP Hess
      JP Hess
      Inspiring
      March 14, 2019

      If you don't store the originals locally using that option, I don't believe there is a way for you to backup your entire online "catalog". It is on the Adobe servers.

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