Lightroom -> Photos workflow

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Level 1

8 points

Lightroom -> Photos workflow

This question was asked and answered multiple times. The answer was: there isn't a workflow that works like this. Tell me what I've misunderstood:

Photos can use referenced files. The files are not stored in the Photos database. Edit directions, edited versions, and thumbnails are stored in the Photos database.

Lightroom uses referenced files. It can store the edit directions in the original file, but stores other information in its database.

So, while I can see no way to share the edits between the two programs, it seems like the file can be shared. I'm unaware if adding LR edit directions to the xmp data in the original file will make that file unusable to Apple.

Thoughts?

MacBook Pro 15", macOS 10.15

Posted on Mar 14, 2020 4:11 PM

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Answer 1

markwmsn

Level 6

16,715 points

Mar 14, 2020 8:14 PM in response to Dan Connors

In theory, Photos can use referenced files, but it really doesn't do it very well, and it has almost no tools to correct things if they go wrong. We see a steady stream of people here with problems arising from use of referenced files.

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Answer 2

Old Toad

Level 10

215,346 points

Mar 15, 2020 10:38 AM in response to Dan Connors

Additionally you should read this user tip: Disadvantages of a Referenced Library in Photos for Mac.

Why do you want to use both systems? You should choose one DAM (digital asset management) app and stick with it.

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Answer 3

Dan Connors Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 15, 2020 11:08 AM in response to Old Toad

The original question came from a professional photographer who wished to share his photos with his family so they could use his photos in their projects. He had chosen Lightroom as his DAM, but wanted a convenient way to share. Using referenced photos in Photos may implement that desire. Thanks for the link on Referenced photos. I see it is more than 3 years old. Still the same story?

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Answer 4

Old Toad

Level 10

215,346 points

Mar 15, 2020 11:31 AM in response to Dan Connors

Yes, it's even more relevant today as the new Photos is not as good with reference photos as was iPhoto. They just are not designed for that as Aperture was.

Your friend can copy the photos he wants to share and add them to a Photos library created just for that purpose, sharing. It will have to be designated as the System Photo Library OR just add them to an email and send the full sized versions.

If the size is too big to email normally he can use the Mail Drop feature of Mail. Copy them to a folder, zip the folder and email it to them. The following tells how:

Add an email attachment in Mail on iCloud.com - Apple Support

Mail Drop limits - Apple Support

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Answer 5

Dan Connors Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 15, 2020 11:46 AM in response to Old Toad

Thanks!

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