To add images to Lightroom, you typically initiate an import process where you select the photos you want to bring into your catalog. Based on reference information from October 18, 2024, there are two primary ways to select what you want to add: by choosing a folder or by selecting individual image files.
Selecting Images or Folders to Add
Adding content, specifically image files, to your Lightroom catalog involves navigating to the location of your photos on your computer and choosing which ones you want to include.
Adding a Folder of Images
If you have all the photos you want to add organized within a single folder (or a folder with subfolders), you can select the entire folder.
- Steps:
- Navigate to the location of the folder containing the image files you wish to add.
- Choose this specific folder.
- Select Review For Import if you are using a Mac, or Choose Folder if you are using Windows.
This method is efficient for importing entire collections or sets of photos organized by event, date, or project.
Adding Specific Image Files
Alternatively, if the images you want to add are scattered across different locations or if you only want to add a few specific photos from a larger collection, you can select individual files.
- Steps:
- Navigate to the location of the image files you want to add.
- Choose one or more specific image files. You can typically select multiple files by holding down the Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac) key while clicking, or by clicking and dragging a selection box.
- Select Review For Import.
Using this method gives you granular control over exactly which photos are added to your Lightroom catalog.
Following these steps initiates the process where Lightroom prepares to import the selected images or folders, allowing you to review options before the final import occurs.
