Preference settings that do not write to any original image file

[BJB]

I have just started using LR2 but have used CS3 and 4 for a while. I use a mix of JPG and RAW images. Can you please steer me to the settings that make absolutely sure that LR does not write ANYTHING to my original files (JPG or RAW) without my consent? During either import or during editing.

I have read about the setting that determines whether image changes made by LR are automatically written to files or manually. My preferences is that any image changes are written to sidecar files unless I make a copy of the file and then write to THAT file. I apologize if I am using the wrong LR terms...

I also read that at one time LR wrote some "harmless" data into JPG files even upon opening (or was it importing into the Library, don't remember). But I don't want any of that happening. I am thinking my workflow would be either edits in CS4 saved as PSD files and any edits done only in lightroom, I would like to write to a COPY of my original. In "CS4-speak", it would be like a "save as".

I am picking up a lot from this forum. But this is something I don't want to mess up by trial and error.

Thanks,

BJB

 

[Brad Snyder]

Make sure Edit > Catalog Settings > Metadata tab:

Include Develop Settings in metadata..... is OFF, unchecked
Automatically write changes into XMP..... is OFF, unchecked
Write date or time changes into proprietary.... is OFF, unchecked.

Then pry the cntrl and S keys off of your keyboard. Or take extraordinary pains not to press Crtl-S with photos selected, as that will manually overide the second setting above. There's also a menu path to that via Library module menu > Metadata > Save Metadata to file....


Elaborating on the differences between filetypes, if you're using camera raw, and not DNG, sidecar files will always be used, and if the third item above is off, (date.time changes), the raw type will never be touched. The JPG type is less sacred, so you'll have to be careful with all the above. Typically, writing this data to documented RGB(non-raw) types presents no issues, but I'm sure you have your reasons. If you'd care to elaborate, I'm sure we'd be happy to discuss it to death with you.

 

[Mark Sirota]

Or make your originals read-only. I've never tested to see what LR will do with read-only JPEGs when you do something accidentally that would write to them, but I'd bet it will behave appropriately.

 

[BJB]

Thanks for the help! (And the chuckle!).

Got it on RAW. On JPEGS I don't like anything writing to originals (only) because for one thing I like to use sync software as one of my backup methods. It looks at file dates, etc. And I really don't want to overwrite originals that I have backed up. In case there is an issue. And then there is, and they are overwritten.

I have images of the hard drive too but that is one reason.

Further, if I do extensive work on a JPEG (and don't have the RAW), I'll save it in a non-destructive format and usually PSD if I might go back to it. Or a quickie JPEG if just for a quick print. Or a TIFF if done.

Anyway, it sounds like if I am careful with the above settings, and can control my fingers, I am good to go with JPEG's too.

I've thought about the read-only option. Never pulled that trigger though.

Thanks again for the great input.

BJB