LR does not use collections "as a basis for the folder hierarchy it creates", because it does not create a folder hierarchy for its collections. You have misunderstood something. Collections, and keywords, are virtual organization ... their organization does not exist as separate folders and files; their organization exists in Lightroom.

I am not aware of any plug-in (maybe I'm wrong) that exports photos into a folder hierarchy to match the keyword hierarchy -- and in fact this defeats the purpose of keywords, which are a way to organize without using folders, and if you want to add multiple keywords to a photo, you don't need multiple copies of the photo.

Perhaps you could explain why you want this feature, maybe we could think of a different way to accomplish your goal.

It seems you undestand what I am trying to do with folders and keywords etc...Like you suggest I use keywords and NOT detailed folder hierachies to order and sort my images but am enquiring about the option to replicate my keyword hierachy in folders when exporting for giving images to clients that dont have keyword sorting facilties......

No, I didn't really understand what you were trying to do, but now you have explained it, so I do understand.

I am mystified by "clients that don't have keyword sorting facilities". Every client that has a Windows or Mac (and probably UNIX) computer has such capability, right there in their operating system. I can take a bunch of photos in Windows Explorer, and sort and/or filter them by keyword. Except Windows calls them Tags. I have no idea what they are called on a Mac or in UNIX.

How could I know you are not familiar with this using your operating system to search for keywords?

A possible solution is for you to learn and also teach your clients

Hi Glen,

can't be of any help in this topic. 

Just wanted to say that it happens quite often in this forum that you'll get an answer telling you that what you're trying to do makes no sense. People don't answer your question but question why you want to do something and you end up feeling stupid because you've asked a "stupid" question and you're not an workflow/computer/photo expert.

I bet you asked for a simple "yes you can do by clicking here..." or "impossible because..." or "wouldn't it be an alternative to work so and so..."

I don't like the attitude of some posting here.

Oli

PS: dealing with cusomers is about service, right!? I would be happy to provide folders by keyword when asked by a customer and possible with a few clicks in LR ;-)

You're welcome ;-)