bene
Established
Hi My raw files are killing my Computer's internal hdd. Is it possible to put the LR catalog and file in a External HDD and run from there?
I was thinking that 1 750gb extnal hdd a year should be just enough
I was thinking that 1 750gb extnal hdd a year should be just enough
johannielscom
Snorting silver salts
Yes you can. Just remember you NEED to have the catalog local. Import the files from the network drive, choosing the 'Import without copying' option.
Accessing the catalog on the network drive is possible by using a slightly complicated workaround, but LR slows down DRAMATICALLY when you do so, and the catalog might crash when you try to access it from multiple machines. So, best consider that a no-go.
BTW, when importing into LR and marking bad/failed shots for deletion and subsequently actually deleting them, you should be able to get under that 750Gb threshold...
Accessing the catalog on the network drive is possible by using a slightly complicated workaround, but LR slows down DRAMATICALLY when you do so, and the catalog might crash when you try to access it from multiple machines. So, best consider that a no-go.
BTW, when importing into LR and marking bad/failed shots for deletion and subsequently actually deleting them, you should be able to get under that 750Gb threshold...
DC1030
DC1030
No need to habe the catalogue local. You can put the catalogue files and the pictures on an external disc.
but never copy them just to the other volume, instead use the option "export as a catalogue".
If you don't do it that way yout have to actualise ALL links of ALL pictures, which will kill you...
but never copy them just to the other volume, instead use the option "export as a catalogue".
If you don't do it that way yout have to actualise ALL links of ALL pictures, which will kill you...
bene
Established
So I can just "clone" the External HDD and it should as backup?
squirrel$$$bandit
Veteran
I moved my whole collection to a slave drive (internally mounted, but same difference) and then pointed the library in the right direction and it found it no problem. but to be safe you might listen to DC1030.
degruyl
Just this guy, you know?
I keep my lightroom storage on an external drive. Catalog goes in the default location.
I use "move to ..." when importing, and everything just works.
On the other hand, I am moving initial scans, so the worst case is I am out ten minutes of work.
I use "move to ..." when importing, and everything just works.
On the other hand, I am moving initial scans, so the worst case is I am out ten minutes of work.
tom_f77
Tom Fenwick
It took me a while to figure out a way of doing this that worked the way I wanted it to. The procedure I've come up with goes something like this:
1. Do an "export as catalog" for all the folders, collections etc you want to move, specifying a path on your external drive.
2. When this has finished, copy the new catalog file back to your main drive, leaving the new copies of all your images where they are.
3. Restart Lightroom using this new catalog.
4. Run a "Render Standard Previews" job, which will generate a new set of previews alongside the new catalog on your main drive.
The result of all this is that you can show and sort your work and organise new collections etc when the external drive is not connected - very useful if you have a laptop, and only need the drive with your image files when you want to edit.
The catalog can reference multiple drives, so you can also import new images straight onto your machine when you are on the road, and then just drag the folders to the external drive from within Lightroom, letting it move image files for you which is always easier than moving them yourself and telling it what you've done later...
Some of this will not be important if you always intend to have your catalog drive with you, but if you use something like a Drobo for safe bulk storage at home you will find it pretty helpful, I think!
Good luck,
Tom
1. Do an "export as catalog" for all the folders, collections etc you want to move, specifying a path on your external drive.
2. When this has finished, copy the new catalog file back to your main drive, leaving the new copies of all your images where they are.
3. Restart Lightroom using this new catalog.
4. Run a "Render Standard Previews" job, which will generate a new set of previews alongside the new catalog on your main drive.
The result of all this is that you can show and sort your work and organise new collections etc when the external drive is not connected - very useful if you have a laptop, and only need the drive with your image files when you want to edit.
The catalog can reference multiple drives, so you can also import new images straight onto your machine when you are on the road, and then just drag the folders to the external drive from within Lightroom, letting it move image files for you which is always easier than moving them yourself and telling it what you've done later...
Some of this will not be important if you always intend to have your catalog drive with you, but if you use something like a Drobo for safe bulk storage at home you will find it pretty helpful, I think!
Good luck,
Tom