CHAPTER TWO
IMPORTING AND ORGANIZING PHOTOS
A well-organized photo library is the foundation of an efficient workflow in Lightroom Classic. In this chapter, we explore the initial processes of importing photos and videos and organizing them in a way that makes them accessible. You'll learn how to find your way around the Library module, where sorting, filtering, and operating on images is easy. We'll cover how to create and manage collections for better organization, apply keywords and metadata for easy searching, and use rating and flagging tools to identify your best shots quickly. Mastering these techniques will help streamline your editing process and keep your growing photo library in order.
Importing Photos and Videos
Importing in Lightroom Classic doesn't just refer to getting files into the program, but to establishing a link between the original media files and the Lightroom catalog-a database that maintains information on the location of each file, its metadata, and any edits. The result of this non-destructive editing model is that the original files are never altered, and edits are all stored in the catalog.
Starting the Import
To initiate the import process, press the "Import" button at the bottom left of the Library module. This will open the Import window, which contains three main sections:
? Source Panel (Left): You select the source of the files you wish to import, i.e., a camera memory card, external hard drive, or a folder on your computer. ? Preview Grid (Center): This panel displays thumbnails of the media files available for import and allows you to select or deselect items individually. ? Destination and Options Panel (Right): This panel allows you to specify how and where the files are to be imported, for example, file handling, renaming, applying presets, and destination folders.
Importing Photos and Videos from a Camera or Card Reader
When importing directly from a camera or card reader, Lightroom Classic copies the media files to a location on your hard drive and imports them into the catalog. Here are the steps:
- Connect the Device: Plug in your camera or insert the memory card into a card reader that is connected to your computer. Lightroom Classic should detect the device and show its contents in the Source panel.
- Choose the Source: Click your card reader or camera in the Source panel. If your media files are in multiple folders, check the box "Add Subfolders."
- Select Import Method: At the top middle of the Import window, click "Copy" to copy the files from the source to your destination.
- Preview and Select Files: Your media files appear as thumbnails in the Preview Grid. By default, all files are selected for importing. Deselect the thumbnails of files you do not wish to import.
- Set File Handling Options:
? Build Previews: Choose the type of previews Lightroom is to build-Minimal, Embedded & Sidecar, Standard, or 1:1. Larger previews take up more space but make viewing and editing quicker. ? Build Smart Previews: Enable this to create smaller versions of your files for offline editing when the original files are not available. ? Don't Import Suspected Duplicates: Stops Lightroom from importing files that appear to have already been imported into the catalog. - Apply During Import:
? Develop Settings: Apply a preset to the files being imported, useful for adding some adjustments to a batch of images as a standard. ? Metadata: Add metadata templates that include information like copyright details, contact information, or shooting conditions. ? Keywords: Assign keywords to describe the content of your media, aiding in future searches and organization. - Specify Destination:
? Destination Folder: In the Destination panel, choose where on your hard drive the files should be copied. ? Organize: Decide how to organize the imported files within the destination. Options include organizing By Date or Into One Folder. - Begin Import: After all settings have been made, click on the "Import" button at the bottom right-hand corner to initiate the process. Lightroom will copy the files, apply any settings indicated, and import them into the catalog.
Importing Photos and Videos from a Hard Drive
If your media files are already stored on your computer or external drive, you can import them without moving them to another location:
- Select Source: In the Source panel, navigate to where your media files are located.
- Select Import Method: Select "Add" in the upper center of the Import window. This tells Lightroom to add the files to the catalog but not to move or copy them.
- Set File Handling and Apply During Import Options: As with importing from a camera, set up your settings for previews, metadata, and keywords.
- Click all "Initiate Import": Click "Import" to add the files to your catalog.
Working With Video Files
Lightroom Classic supports many video file formats, including AVI, MOV, MP4, and more. Videos can be imported the same way as photos. Once imported, videos can be previewed by double-clicking them in Grid view to jump to the Loupe view, where playback controls become available.
Import Presets for Efficiency
To simplify the import process, Lightroom Classic provides the ability to create Import Presets:
- Set Desired Import Settings: Set all options in the Import window to your liking.
- Save as Preset: At the bottom of the Import window, click on the "Import Preset" dropdown menu and choose "Save Current Settings as New Preset." Give your preset a suitable name.
- Apply Preset in Future Imports: In future import sessions, choose your saved preset from the "Import Presets" drop-down to apply your preferred settings in one go.
Troubleshooting Common Import Issues
You may encounter some issues while importing photos and videos into Lightroom Classic 2025. Being aware of these likely issues and their solutions in advance can provide you with a trouble-free workflow.
? Missing or Disconnected Files: If Lightroom can no longer find the original files after import, then it may be that the source drive was unplugged or the files have since been moved. To remedy this, plug in the drive again or use the "Find Missing Folder" option within the Library module. ? Duplicate File Errors: If "Don't Import Suspected Duplicates" is enabled, Lightroom will skip files that it determines are already in the catalog. If you know a file needs to be re-imported, disable this option or locate and manually delete the duplicate. ? Unsupported File Formats: While Lightroom Classic supports most image and video formats, some proprietary RAW formats or older video codecs may not be supported. Check Adobe's website for supported formats or convert the files to a compatible format with Adobe DNG Converter or a third-party tool. ? Slow Import Performance: Importing large batches of high-resolution images or videos can affect performance. To enhance the process: - Choose "Minimal" or "Embedded & Sidecar" for previews.
- Import smaller batches.
- Close unwanted applications running in the background to free up system resources.
? Damaged Files or Card Errors: If some files cannot be imported by Lightroom, the files may be damaged. Try opening them in another application or use data recovery software when importing from a damaged memory card. Using the Library Module
The first step in your management of the images in Lightroom Classic is to import them into the Library module. The import process allows a means for Lightroom to reference your images so that you can organize, edit, and export them as needed.
- Starting the Import Process: Begin by clicking the "Import" button in the bottom left of the Library module. This will open the Import window where you select the source of your photos, such as a camera memory card, external hard drive, or a folder on your computer.
- Selecting Photos to Import: In the left side of the Import window, navigate to the device or folder containing your images. Lightroom will display...
