5 Replies Latest reply: Sep 10, 2008 12:51 PM by hrh gracie RSS

    Keyword Search in LR2

    hrh gracie Community Member
      Just started using LR2. In LR 1.4, keyword searches are on the left, just like the metadata, and all the other searches in the library. It worked fine, and was similar to the way I have Bridge configured.

      In LR2, it appears keywords have been moved to the right, and are now bizarre to search by... Clicking on a keyword DOESN'T find the records, it just sits there. I have to click on a little arrow on the far right, and then I get a set of dropdowns that make my preview space even SMALLER to find records by keyword......

      PLEASE tell me there's a way to configure the placement of these palettes so I can put them back on the left and HOPEFULLY have them work as Bridge does. And that there's a way to turn OFF this bunch of dropdowns that show up in the preview area except when I need them......
        • 1. Re: Keyword Search in LR2
          dcrebelxt Community Member
          Pretty much, No. No way to change it, unfortunately. From that filter bar, if you select 'None' the bar goes away, I believe. But I agree, it kinda takes up space that I'd rather actually see images in. But I've gotten used to it now. I bet dual-monitor folks would love to move that to a second screen.

          Also, be sure you don't accidentally click the 'invisible' checkbox that appears to the left of the keyword when you hover over it... it will apply that keyword to the selected image. While that's not a bad idea necessarily, I wish there were a way to turn THAT off too - to avoid accidental keywording of images. While they're at it, they could add a REALLY useful box of some sort next to keywords that would allow quick & dynamic AND searches; and allow drag and drop of keywords to images to apply (and vice-versa... currently only one of those methods works.)

          I think keywording and searching ease of use is one area that's been neglected up to now. The filter bar shows they've given it 'some' attention; but not as much as it deserves.
          • 2. Re: Keyword Search in LR2
            john beardsworth Community Member
            I tend to use smart collections for all such finding by keywords. After all, if I have the need to search for it once, I'll probably need to do so again before too long, so I may as well save the search criteria. If I don't know what I'm looking for and simply want to explore the jungle, then I might use the filter panel.

            John
            • 3. Re: Keyword Search in LR2
              hrh gracie Community Member
              Thanks guys. I really wish there was more configurability in Lightroom. One of the things that makes PS more useful for me is the ability to pick palettes, and shove things over to the second monitor, resize palettes, and all that. It's really annoying to be so restricted in Lightroom.

              Oh, and I've ALREADY hit the invisible button... I didn't know WHAT I did, but all of a sudden I had a bunch of stuff linked...

              Part of my problem at the moment is that I'm doing 1-time searches... I shot racing events over 4 days, and I keyworded by race team in Bridge when I did the initial examination. Now I want to select the images from all 4 days by race team, process them, export, and put on a private web page so the teams can examine and buy the images. Unfortunately, this means trying to select by keyword, which I'm finding really difficult and frustrating.

              OH well... At least I don't have to go ask this over in the DAM forum, sinc John would be likely to answer over there and he's hanging out over here!
              • 4. Re: Keyword Search in LR2
                John Kjellberg Community Member
                dkperez, I recommend striking F1 in LR2 and checking out the videos by Julieanne Kost. They are really good and might save you a lot of time if I understand you right.

                John (yes, me too)
                • 5. Re: Keyword Search in LR2
                  hrh gracie Community Member
                  Seen videos. Read tutorials. I'm using the keywording, but even after this much time I find it cumbersome and non-intuitive with the limitations on configuration imposed in LR. Again, referring to Bridge - very convenient to be able to move the thumbnails, preview, keywords, metadata, folders, etc., around on the monitor to fit the way the user works.

                  It would be nice if more configurability could be provided in a very soon version.