5 Replies Latest reply: Feb 9, 2013 12:45 PM by Tnmike RSS

    Importing from HD to catalog

    Tnmike Community Member

      Using an iMac OS Lion 10.7.5.  When I import a folder from the HD to the Catalog in LR4, the file sequence changes.  The files on the HD were sorted and renamed in sequence using Adobe Bridge.  When the files appeared in LR4 the sequence has change drastically and in no apparent sequence.  There is no file name visible in Catalog.  Why has the sequence changed?

        • 1. Re: Importing from HD to catalog
          JimHess Community Member

          First of all, if you go to your view options and choose expanded cells, you can choose what you want displayed. Filename is one of the choices that you can make. I guess I should clarify that I'm referring to the view options in the Library module.

           

           

          To get your images to display in the "proper" order, you will have to change the sort order option that you will see at the bottom of the screen. There doesn't seem to be an option to choose a default sort order. And every time you import images Lightroom is going to change the sort order to "added order". So you will have to change it back to whatever you want each time you import images.

          • 2. Re: Importing from HD to catalog
            Jim Wilde Community Member

            When you import images, the thumbnails will appear in the Import grid in a set order, the default is Capture Time....i.e. even if you have "re-sequenced and renamed" the images before import they will usually appear in the order they were taken. When you then proceed with the import, all the new photos are placed into a special collection called "Previous Import" and that's the collection you will be in when the import has completed. As JimHess states, the default order for that particular collection is "Added Order", which will be exactly the same as Capture Time if you didn't change things in the Import Screen. However, you can easily change the order from Added Order to something else, such as File Name (which is probably what you want if you renamed the files in your preferred sequence).

             

            Going back to the Import Screen, you can change the grid order to File Name if you wish, so that you should then see them in your preferred order, and that's the order that Lightroom will import them.....so when the import is complete, the "Added Order" default of the Previous Import collection will be the same File Name order.

             

            Bottom line, if you want a different order to the default Capture Time then you need to select a different default either on the Import screen or post import.

            • 3. Re: Importing from HD to catalog
              JimHess Community Member

              I had completely forgotten that it's possible to set the sort order in the import dialog. I get so caught up in doing things quickly, and in my own way that I forget about some of the features.

              • 4. Re: Importing from HD to catalog
                Jim Wilde Community Member

                It's very limited though, Jim.....Capture Time, File Name, Media Type or Checked State.

                • 5. Re: Importing from HD to catalog
                  Tnmike Community Member

                  Thanks for your replies.  This is a great help.