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I have Photoshop Elements and Premier Elements and have been using them without using the Organizer. I want to start using Organizer, but I’m a bit overwhelmed about what my process should be.
What I have been doing: moving photos/videos from my camera to my hard drive (solid state) and importing individual photos/videos into PSE. I sometimes move photos/videos around in folders, or rename files/folders or remove entirely from my PC to an external drive. I’ve been doing all of this from File Explorer, rather than from within Organizer. (I realize now this wasn’t smart, and have deleted all of the “Missing Files” in the Organizer catalog.) I have a ton of questions about what to do next. Here are a few of them:
Here are a few quick answers to your questions:
1. Yes, it is best to use the Adobe Photo Downloader (APD) to import files from your memory card into the Organizer's catalog. The APD's dialog allows you to copy the files from the memory card and store them wherever you want on your computer. It really doesn't matter how you name the folders. My personal preference is to have a main folder (My Photos) with sub-folders named by the date the photo was taken. And as you have already discovere
...So, now to answer question 4. I know of no good books devoted solely to the Organizer but you may want to browse through the online user guide. Here are some general thoughts in no particular order:
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Here are a few quick answers to your questions:
1. Yes, it is best to use the Adobe Photo Downloader (APD) to import files from your memory card into the Organizer's catalog. The APD's dialog allows you to copy the files from the memory card and store them wherever you want on your computer. It really doesn't matter how you name the folders. My personal preference is to have a main folder (My Photos) with sub-folders named by the date the photo was taken. And as you have already discovered NEVER use Windows File Explorer to manage your files. Only use the Organizer's tools to move, rename or delete your media files.
2. In the APD, there is an option to stack raw+jpeg files, so you only have one file displayed in the catalog. Unfortunately, the raw file is usually placed on top and there is no option to change that other than to do so manually, one at a time. The stacking option can also be set in File>Preferences>Camera or Card Reader:
3. You can drag and drop files from one location to another using the Folders panel on the left. Make sure you are in View as Tree rather than View as List:
4. This question requires more time to answer but it's bedtime for me. I will come back to you in the morning with a further response and suggestions.
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Thank you for your quick and detailed response!! I’ve spent time this morning reading about stacking raw and jpeg and also a bit about version sets. I ended up posting a separate question related to raw files, forgetting that I had already asked about them here --- sorry! (I’m a bit blurry-eyed by now.) My biggest concern is that I’ll make a mistake in how I organize these files and make it difficult for myself in the future. If I use the auto stack raw + jpeg that you mentioned and later decide I don’t want them stacked, will I be able to unstack them easily, or will it be a time-consuming process?
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very helpful stuff as I am in the same boat as Christy2. Thank you. One question that Im almost embarassed to ask. What is "APD" ?
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thanks
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So, now to answer question 4. I know of no good books devoted solely to the Organizer but you may want to browse through the online user guide. Here are some general thoughts in no particular order:
If you tell us a little more about your specific needs, we can perhaps offer some additional advice.
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Okay… you’ve given me a lot to think about!! Thank you – I hope you know how helpful it is to an overwhelmed, confused beginner to receive such well thought out and thorough answers. After I have a chance to dig in a bit more, I’m sure I’ll be submitting more questions.
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I’m continuing to review my options for how to import and manage files in PSE Organizer. You’ve helped me already, but (as expected), I have more questions. First, I better provide an explanation of what I’m starting with (a bit of a mess, I’m afraid). Sorry if this is too much info, but I’m thinking you can just ignore anything that isn’t useful.
My current setup:
Here are some questions I do have now:
It’s probably obvious that I’m not sure what I’m doing – I may be missing some important aspects of this process. Please let me know if there are other things I should be thinking about, and also feel free to offer any suggestions you might have. I’d like to set up good habits now! (I hope I’m not asking too many questions -- I’m willing to read and study, but often can’t find the detailed answers I’m looking for.)
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@CHristy2 said: If I use the auto stack raw + jpeg that you mentioned and later decide I don’t want them stacked, will I be able to unstack them easily, or will it be a time-consuming process?
It is very easy. Also, be aware that there is a command to expand all of the stacks in the catalog so you can view all of the photos that are under a stack.
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Sounds good! Thanks.
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@seniornewbie asked: What is "APD" ?
The APD is the Adobe Photo Downloader. It is the dialog that appears when you use the Import>From Camera or Card Reader option. Clicking on the Advanced button in the lower left will take you to the dialog which has more options:
It looks like I didn't see the latest questions posted by the OP. When I get some time, I will come back and answer them as they may be useful for beginners to know.