Issues using only one single folder?

[dr3m147]

Lightroom Version Number

Classic 10.1.1

Operating System

1. macOS 11 Big Sur

I'm just getting back to using LR/PS after giving up on Adobe when they moved to a subscription model. Yes, I've given in to the new world view...
Like others, I am restructuring my folders. I am torn between the recommended Year-Month structure and simply using a single folder for all. I've culled my images down to 30,000 from 90,000 so I expect I should plan for 100,000 at some point.

I am totally comfortable using filters, sorting, key words, and collections.

Are there issues using a single image folder just under my Mac's Pictures folder?

Thanks

 

[clee01l]

I think you are going to run into OS issues. How many files can be listed in ONE folder? If you have one folder, how is the grid view going to work? Take a look at the "All Photographs" special collection. Is that special collection useful?
"Folders" are a virtual concept of the Operating system. they take up no room in the file system. Lightroom offers more than 10 automatic date named folder schemes. Creating date named folders on import is automatic and painless.
If you lump everything into one huge folder and find there are problems, fixing this will be non trivial. Go with the automatic folder scheme

 

[dr3m147]

Thanks. I'll consider those for sure.

 

[BobT]

Agreed. Alternatively you could categorise by genre or something else but that can be done in keywording. I much prefer the automatic folders by date. Also, whenever you wish to "synchronise folders" to check for loose ends etc. you'll have no alternative but to do your entire collection at once.

 

[johnbeardy]

Avoid a single folder, stick to a simple date-based structure, and avoid feeling a need to restructure existing folders. You've already got the idea of using metadata for finding and gathering stuff, so just think of folders purely in physical storage terms, things like use of disc space, inclusion in your backup procedure, and ease of restoring.

 

[clee01l]

so just think of folders purely in physical storage terms, things like use of disc space, inclusion in your backup procedure, and ease of restoring.

Except that "folder" is an abstract concept too. File sectors are not even located in contiguous blocks on the disk much less in a common physical location on the disk.