To import photos from another catalog, you need to merge the contents of a source catalog into a destination catalog.
Here are the steps to import photos from one catalog into another:
Step-by-Step Guide to Importing a Catalog
The process involves choosing the catalog you want to add photos to first, and then selecting the catalog containing the photos you wish to import.
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Open Your Master Catalog: Start by opening the catalog that you want to be your primary or master catalog. This is the catalog where the imported photos and their data will reside.
- Choose File > Open Catalog and select the catalog that you want as the master (or primary) catalog. This is the catalog you want to add photos to.
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Initiate the Import Process: Once your master catalog is open, you'll use a specific command to bring in content from another catalog.
- Choose File > Import From Another Catalog.
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Select the Source Catalog: Navigate to and select the catalog file (
.lrcator.lrdbdepending on the software version) that contains the photos you wish to import.- Navigate to the catalog that contains the photos you want to add from.
After selecting the source catalog, the software will present you with options regarding how to handle the files and metadata. You will typically have choices on whether to copy, move, or add the photos to their current location, and how to handle duplicates and existing metadata.
What Happens During Catalog Import?
When you import from another catalog, the software doesn't just move image files. It also merges the catalog data associated with those images. This includes:
- Ratings, flags, and labels
- Keywords
- Metadata (like capture time, camera settings)
- Develop settings (edits you've made)
- Collection information (though this might vary depending on the import options)
This process is essential when you want to consolidate multiple catalogs or transfer specific projects or sets of images with all their associated work from one catalog to another.
