Is there a way to change the default catalog settings in LR 2.5?

[dcatiller]

I create a new Lightroom catalog for each job that I shoot, and like to use different settings than the defaults. For example, I disable lR back up (I use another method) and I like to save the adjustments in XMP files. I know these are not much work to change, but I'd like to be able to set the options somewhere as new defaults, so I don't have to bother with it. Does anyone know of any registry entries or other ways to change these and other catalog defaults?

Thanks,
Doug

 

[sizzlingbadger]

Hi welcome.

My opinion is not to use multiple catalogs so I can't help much with your request.

 

[dj_paige]

This is clearly one of the disadvantages to using more than one catalog.

 

[jid9p80vph]

Perhaps you can create a new, empty catalog, change the settings to the way you like them, and then create a copy of that catalog each time you need a new one? A sort of catalog template?

 

[Brad Snyder]

What marcb recommends is the standard workaround. Another common workaround this is used for is the limitation of Identity Plates being stored with the catalog, rather than globally.

Note that Paige and Nik also make valid points re: commonly accepted Lr practice. The single vs. multiple catalog debate is of long-standing, and continues unabated...

 

[dcatiller]

Wow, thanks for all of the quick replies. I'm going to use the template idea, as it's easy and suits my needs.
I'm new to the single vs. multiple catalog debate, but I find a real benefit to having an editing catalog for each job in LR, then using a catalog tool for a main catalog (for now I use iMatch). That's to cool thing about all of these powerful tools, you can use them how you need to. Thanks again!

Doug