Library Filter - limited use?

[Kesswicklimey]

When I got a first look at version 2.' I though great, it will be better as a DAM program than before and may be able to stop using my other program.

However, when I start to try and use it I find a number if limitations: -
1. Not all fields are searchable.
2. In the metadata bit the fields you can choose are limited.
3. As noted in a previous post the text search can bring up unexpected results.

For example, I have been making use of the category field, and find it very useful, but find in lightroom that it is not a searchable field, and is not listed as a choice for the metadate filter.

A number of questions come to mind: -
1. Is it me who is not using the program correctly;
2. Are there work rounds;
3. Are Adobe likely to address some of these and improve the DAM side of the program; and
4. Is it possible that some of these can be resolved with a metadata plug-in.

All thoughts much appreciated.

 

[Clicio Barroso]

For example, I have been making use of the category field, and find it very useful, but find in lightroom that it is not a searchable field

It is.
Just search as text and voila!
Make sure you don't have other filter criteria turned on, though.

Regards,

 

[Kesswicklimey]

Clicio Barroso

Thanks for your reply.

I have just tried it again. If I go into text search, have 'Any Searchable Field' and type in one of my categories all the photos disappear, even though there was one there visible before typing the search word!

Is there something wrong with my system.

 

[Brad Snyder]

David, Welcome to LR Forums.

When I got a first look at version 2.' I though great, it will be better as a DAM program than before and may be able to stop using my other program.

However, when I start to try and use it I find a number if limitations: -
1. Not all fields are searchable.
True, don't know why.
2. In the metadata bit the fields you can choose are limited.
[COLOR=#''''ff]True, but with reasons. The EXIF data is presumed to be written by the camera and is immutable, except tweaking Capture Date.[/COLOR]
3. As noted in a previous post the text search can bring up unexpected results.

For example, I have been making use of the category field, and find it very useful, but find in lightroom that it is not a searchable field, and is not listed as a choice for the metadate filter.

A number of questions come to mind: -
1. Is it me who is not using the program correctly;
[COLOR=#''''ff]You're probably using the program correctly. But I'm not sure you're using the IPTC metadata correctly. IPTC is an international news/press standards organization. While I'm no expert, you'll find that most of the IPTC fields are code based and have specific permissible entries. For the most part these designated entries are numeric. The intent is to make the IPTC metadata language independent, so that all one needs is a local language conversion table, to sort news from around the world, from whatever language it originated.

Specifically Category, until recently was a one-digit numeric, which has lately been increased to three digits. A table translating some of that can be found here : http://www.ap.org/apserver/userguide/codes.htm

I don't know why LR allows an entry longer than 3-digits.
I don't know why LR has limited IPTC search capabilities.

If you intend to continue to use the IPTC fields, a great deal of background information can be located here: http://www.controlledvocabulary.com/ [/COLOR]
2. Are there work rounds;
[COLOR=#''''ff]Don't know.[/COLOR]

3. Are Adobe likely to address some of these and improve the DAM side of the program; and
[COLOR=#''''ff]Not before V3 at the earliest. (My opinion only)[/COLOR]
4. Is it possible that some of these can be resolved with a metadata plug-in.
[COLOR=#''''ff]That I don't know, perhaps some SQL workarounds monkeying with the database. (At your own risk)[/COLOR]
All thoughts much appreciated.

The proper use of the IPTC seems to be horrendously complicated for neophytes, particularly those working without a guide or mentor.

David Riecks, the gentleman behind the Controlled Vocabulary website above, also moderates a forum dedicated solely to keywords, metadata, and asset management. You can find that here:[COLOR=#''''ff]http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/controlledvocabulary/[/COLOR]. There's a controlled registration process, but they welcome new members.

Forgive the lecture, but you asked for all thoughts.

I see that Clicio posted a work-around while I was creating my magnum opus here. I had tried that method while composing my reply, and was unable to get it to work for Category. I just tried again, and still can't. Perhaps, Iim not doing correctly.

Edit: I see you can't either.

 

[Clicio Barroso]

I see that Clicio posted a work-around ...

I am MOSTLY SORRY!
Now I see it didn't work, it was a coincidence.
I had some pictures with the category field filled with a 3 digit number; I made a search for the number, and one picture popped up.
But...
The picture name had the same number on it.
Again, I am sorry for my carelessness in judging my search.
Brad and David are right; the search produces no results.

 

[Brad Snyder]

Clicio, not to worry.
I made the same mistake at first, but I got multiple hits, when only one should have shown, so after a minute of thought, it was obvious what happened.