How do I clear my catalog and imports and start from scratch (New catalog and importing all old photos)?

[danielg50178951]

Like most new users, I jumped the gun and didn't fully comprehend Lightroom's file management/editing system before I started. As a result things are very disorganized. I keep all of my photos in a folder on my desktop called "photos". I'd like to start from scratch and clear my lightroom catalog and clear all imports and then re-import all the raw, non-edited photos. Is this possible? If so, how? Thanks.

[ManiacJoe · Accepted solution]

Yes, it is certainly possible. Using the menu, /file/new catalog/

The real question is how bad are things really organized?

While a "photos" folder on your "desktop" is not a great idea, moving that one folder to a better location is a really simple task:

Using Explorer/Finder, drag-n-drop the "photos" folder to a new location.

In LR, go to the Folders panel, right-click on the now missing "photos" folder, and do a "find missing", navigate to the new location.

Now, if your "photos" folder contains 1000 images, when it should contain subfolders, then you do have a need to reorganize.

[dj_paige]

Agreeing with ManiacJoe

You could simply use the tools available to become better organized, rather than starting all over from scratch and losing whatever work you have done so far.

In particular, you need to use keywords and other metadata as your organizing tool. By adding keywords and other metadata to your photos, and then using them later to search for your photos, it simply doesn't matter what folder the photos are in, or where in your folder hierarchy the photos are.

[rachelb32235401]

I have the same problem.  Jumped the gun and I want to start over.  Bought Scott Kelby's LR book. Trying to fix it is too complicated.  How do I clear everything out so I can start over.  My photos are on 2 external hard drives.

[dj_paige]

To start over, use File->New Catalog lets you start over with a brand new empty catalog.

Advice: Ignore everything Scott Kelby says about organizing. It's terrible advice unless you are a high-end professional photographer like he is. Much better and highly recommended advice can be found in The DAM Book.

[rachelb32235401]

Thanks. That was easy! Now I'm reorganizing and adding photos to my external drive so that everything is in one place before I continue with LR.