5 Replies Latest reply: Jan 25, 2011 9:19 AM by Curt Y RSS

    Browse cached CDs without inserting them?

    Sverk Community Member

      I have a bunch of CDs that contain image files.

      Bridge obviously generates thumbnails when I insert a CD and select it, takes a while.

      And I see it stores them in a cache because when I insert that cd later the thumbnails are there right away, OK.

      But here is my question:

      Is there a way to browse the cached CDs without re-inserting them?

      And when I find a picture I want, can I then see what CD it is on?

      Would save lots of time and fuzz.

      Please help, thanks,

      Sverk

        • 1. Re: Browse cached CDs without inserting them?
          Sverk Community Member

          I should have added that I use CS4  Bridge and Photoshop.

          Aslo:  when I click Tools/Cache  the "Create and Export ..."  is greyed out.

          Sverk

          • 2. Re: Browse cached CDs without inserting them?
            Curt Y Community Member

            I don't think Bridge works that way.  Would be kind of like wanting to see the cache files for folder B when in folder A.

             

            You will have to copy them to a hd or insert the CD.

            • 3. Re: Browse cached CDs without inserting them?
              Sverk Community Member

              Tnaks Curt!

              Ok, so Bridge can't do that, yes, it's a pity because storing image files on remote media is not only common but also necesary nowadays.

               

              But, fortunately for me, I just discovered that a rival to Bridge, iMatch by Photools, does an excellent job on that:

              You feed it one CD at a time, iMatch creates thumbnails, optionally very small or as large as you choose, saves them in a cache file with one folder for each CD.  You give the folder a name that identifies the CD in your collection.

              You can then browse these CDs just like they were on your harddisk.  And when you want a picture, you can go the CD it's on right away.

              Works very well!

               

              Regards,

              Sverk

              • 4. Re: Browse cached CDs without inserting them?
                RWSP Community Member

                There are two ways that one can save and use Bridge's cached thumbnails and previews.  (This may be of limited interest since you've found a useful tool to accomplish what you need.)

                 

                My Bridge CS4 has a function: Edit > Export to JPEG.  In > Presets -  set Preview or Thumbnail, then > Export.  I don't believe this is an included function in Bridge CS4; it is an add-on you can download from Adobe Exchange.

                 

                Another method: you can copy the preview and thumbnail files direct from Bridge's cache files:

                 

                Navigate windows explorer to the Bridge cache (in windows 7: user > Appdata > Roaming > Adobe > Bridge CS4 > Cache .. in XP, under user - Application data).  Here you will find folders <256> and <1024> that contain the cached thumbnails and previews by folder.  Bridge creates its own internal cache management folder names.  Sometimes you may be able to recognize the source image folders, but not always.  Navigate Bridge to your external media and note what folders are created in the cache  <256> and <1024> folders.  (You may want to  regenerate the cache previews:  Tools > Purge Cache for folder...)  Once Bridge has created the thumbnails and previews for the folders(s), you can copy these folders to a location of your choice and rename them to identify the media and folders thereon.

                • 5. Re: Browse cached CDs without inserting them?
                  Curt Y Community Member

                  Robert,

                   

                  Good tip for users, may have need to use it myself someday.