

If I'm going to be importing files that are already on my system and not on a memory card, I'm probably already at that folder in my file manager.ĭragging and dropping files onto Lightroom opens the standard Import screen with just the dropped files checked for import. I work with files extensively all day, so being able to drag and drop files to Lightroom is very handy. I run a three-monitor desktop setup, with my left monitor being dedicated almost entirely to my file manager.
#Lightroom classic 2020 mac mac#

However, if you have a Photoshop Elements catalog, select Import a Photoshop Elements Catalog from the File menu, and I'm sure you can figure it out from there.

I'll admit I've never used this feature, so I don't know precisely what using it entails. So, if you need just a few images from another catalog, this feature makes it easy to import them while maintaining all of the edits and metadata like keywords. Surprisingly, this dialog is also resizable and has a preview feature (defaulted to off) that enables you to select which images to import. There are various options for which folders to import, options for handling new images (add, copy, and don't import), and what to do if there are duplicates of existing files. Selecting Import from Another Catalog from the File menu shows an open dialog for choosing a catalog file, after which the following dialog is displayed: I've never used this feature, but as I said before, I can see where it could be useful. Using this method also allows for more consistent file numbering if you're renaming files on import from multiple memory cards. Hold down the control key to select multiple source folders from different memory cards or drives. Instead of selecting your memory card folders under the Devices source area, choose your memory card folders from their location under the Files source area. Once the Import mode is active, you can import from multiple memory cards at the same time. I won't go over all the settings in the Import mode, but I do want to point out one lesser-known tip. Invoke the standard import method via the Import Photos and Video menu under the File menu, by pressing Ctrl+Shift+i on Windows and Command+Shift+i on MacOS, or by clicking the Import button in the lower-left corner of the Library module. The standard import method is perhaps the most used method for importing photos I use it for most of my imports. If you're a Lightroom Classic user, this is probably the method you learned first and probably still use the most. If files are consistently in known locations, getting them in and out of Lightroom can be a breeze. The method you use for importing not only can speed things up, but it can also help with your organization strategy. Whether it's importing from a catalog that someone sent you to tethering for a client, the faster you get your files into Lightroom, the sooner you'll be able to edit them. You may not need any of these other import methods now, but it's always good to at least know that they exist just in case you have the need later. These differing import methods each have their benefits and limitations, but most importantly, they help you work in a way that is best for your workflow.
