LR Multiple Computer Setup

[Gr8Pix]

I am a very recent convert to LR and I apologize in advance for starting a thread on a topic that has been addressed in the past, but I wanted to explain my situation more fully to garner other members views before deciding on my configuration.

I have several thousand NEF files that I have accumulated since 2''4 that I store on an external hard drive. My backups to date have been on DVD. I would like to retain a copy of the NEF files as a copy, but would like to import the files into DNG format. At the moment I can hook up the drive to either my laptop or PC and work on the files in CS3. Having installed LR on both machines, I would like to configure the best work flow and hardware setup that my present resources will allow me. I have also purchased an additional external HD for backing up purposes. I primarily use my laptop while on the road. I would like to be able to edit my images using either computer then synching the files so the edited files are available from either machine.

Having decided to start with a clean sheet of paper I want to ensure that I get things right before jumping headlong into the project and the finding that I have created more problems than solutions for myself.

Any help on the two fronts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks and Happy Holidays.

 

[jkhasson]

syncing LR over two computers

This is a good topic for discussion. I've used both Foldershare (now Windows Live) and SyncbackSE to keep photo folders synchronized over two machines. I have yet to figure out how to get LR to see both locations as a single "database" of information. You'll have to gave the LR catalog files syncronized as well as have the photos in the same folder location on both machines. I think it'll work then, but I'm not sure.

 

[Victoria Bampton]

Hi Ambe, welcome to the forum!

For a start, well done for thinking ahead!

Your DVD backups of originals continue to be an excellent plan, regardless of whatever else you set up. 2 different kinds of media (i.e. DVD and hard drive) is a sensible safety net.

For simplicity's sake, your current setup could actually work quite nicely - put the LR catalog file on the external drive along with the photos, and just plug that drive into whichever machine you're using. Use your second hard drive to backup that external, and you're all set. That's probably the most simple and user-error proof option.

Other options - you can use file sync software to copy the same catalog back and forth, but then you do have to keep track of whether you've sync'd recently, otherwise you could overwrite something by accident. It's also possible to use Import/Export as Catalog to transfer parts of catalogs back and forth, but it does get a bit more complicated them.

 

[Victoria Bampton]

I have yet to figure out how to get LR to see both locations as a single "database" of information.

Run this bit past me again?

 

[Gr8Pix]

Thanks for your responses, Victoria and jkhasson. Hopefully I am thinking along the right lines as I convert over from my present configuration.

Regards.

 

[jkhasson]

Run this bit past me again?

My goal is to have two identical LR catalogs/databases and photo folders on two machines - my laptop and my desktop. I hope to be able to use LR on either machine, with each machine operating identically. To do this, I suspect I will have to have every photo and folder structure identical, including the LR catalogs.

Everything would be kept identical via file synchronization software.

I guess the ideal situation would be to have a networked NAS hard drive that contained all the photos and catalogs, and then access that drive from either machine. But, this would defeat my purpose of being able to work on photos while I'm on the road traveling, and then resync them upon my return.

Make any sense?

 

[Victoria Bampton]

Yep, that makes sense. You'll just have to be careful that you don't work on both catalogs between sync's, as the catalog will be copied as a whole, not just the changes.

 

[rhysbwaller]

is an automatic Identical Lightroom Install possible?

Hello

I too want to set up some level of synchronization between my notebook and desktop, but not for catalog and images, just the preferences, presets, and keywords.

scenario...

i take my laptop into the field, and want to import my images to a new catalog (DNG conversion, metadata preset, and rename), then rate/label and edit. when i get home, i merge the new catalog into my master that lives on the desktop. the catalog on the laptop is then deleted ready for the next job.

now if i create a new develop preset, or add keywords to the library, make a new adjustment brush etc etc... while in the field, or when editing at home, i want the other system to be updated automatically to keep the working environment identical.

i assumed synchronizing the folder (via Windows Live Sync) that holds the files (on mac ~library/application support/adobe/lightroom) would do the trick, but it appears not to auto-update the application)

im hoping this is a priority for Adobe if this is not already possible. i cant imagine im the only one who would give their right arm for this seamless working environment.

is this possible?

 

[Victoria Bampton]

Hi Rhys, welcome to the forum!

Keywords will be included in the catalog, so that bit would be manual if it changes regularly. If you've already set up your keywords, using Export Keywords would transfer them.

Presets, as you've noted, are in the application support folder, so sync'ing that should work. You'll also want preferences file (where your adjustment brush is stored), which is stored with all of the other preferences files (~/library/preferences/adobe.lightroom2.plist)

It could certainly be an interesting feature request, although most of it would be covered by just transferring a catalog back and forth with 'store presets with catalog' taking all but the preferences back and forth.

 

[calaf]

Adjustment brush presets

My current problem relates to adjustment presets.

I have downloaded various examples form Matt K for example, and dropped these into my catalog's Local Adjustments folder. These are working fine.

What we have on the PC is Lightroom installed, daughter has her own log in to the PC with an icon on her desktop pointing to Lightroom.

Encouraging my daughter to get involved, she now has her own catalog, as from two hours ago. It seems that with any catalog, initially the presets are missing. I have therefore copied them into her Lightroom settings folder, into the Local adjustments folder. I have restarted the machine, but the presets aren't visible in Lightroom.

Suggestions are welcomed, 14 year old daughters like the idea of teeth whitening and red lips!

Thanks in advance.

 

[Victoria Bampton]

Initial thought - go into Preferences and check that 'store with catalog' isn't checked.

 

[calaf]

I am indebted and in awe.
Such a simple thing...

Most impressive was the fact that having struggled with this importing, unzipping again, rebooting the computer etc, within five minutes the answer is provided!

Brilliant!

Many thanks again. Victoria.

 

[Victoria Bampton]

Phew, that's great Chris!

 

[Denis Pagé]

Chris, for a complete discussion about presets location, see here...