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View Full Version : Two Machine Lightroom Users -- I need your help!

ibdb
24th of September 2007 (Mon), 20:35
I use LR on a laptop and a desktop. My standard workflow is to do the initial load from my CF card to the laptop, using LR to rename the files to my naming standard. I do some preliminary rating and editing of the files on the laptop, always making sure I have LR write any changes to XMP, and use SynchToy to copy all files over to the desktop for final work. I do not duplicate the catalog and copy it back and forth -- each machine has its own catalog in my normal workflow, since the laptop typically holds pictures for a much shorter duration.

Here's the problem. I have a bunch of files I'm working on right now that I have rated (stars) and labeled (colors). I had LR write the ratings and labels to XMP. I synched the files from the laptop to the desktop. I imported the files on the desktop. The ratings appeared as they should have, BUT the color labels did not import. :cry:

I know that the color label information did get written correctly, because I could view the files with the correct color labels if I used CS3 Bridge. In no circumstance, however, does LR display the color label information. I tried creating a new catalog on the desktop and reimporting the files, in case there was something wrong with the desktop's catalog, but it still didn't work.

I even tried to export the pictures in question on the laptop into a new catalog, then synch the whole new catalog from the laptop to the desktop. Still nothing. :cry:

Is anybody else using color labels on two machines, and having it work the way I'm trying to use it? I can work around the lack of labels, but it makes me wonder if there's something else that I'm not seeing that LR is also messing up.

Thoughts? Suggestions? Similar issues?
nutsnbolts
24th of September 2007 (Mon), 20:38
The best thing to do is "EXPORT CATALOG"

I have a catalog for all my pictures (stored on external HD) and I have a catalog on my laptop which I would do my edits, changes, ratings, etc. Once I'm done, I would export the entire catalog (including the images) and do an import catalog into the desktop which will transfer all the images in the proper folders and other necessary information.
ibdb
24th of September 2007 (Mon), 20:55
The best thing to do is "EXPORT CATALOG"

I have a catalog for all my pictures (stored on external HD) and I have a catalog on my laptop which I would do my edits, changes, ratings, etc. Once I'm done, I would export the entire catalog (including the images) and do an import catalog into the desktop which will transfer all the images in the proper folders and other necessary information.
I've basically done that trying to troubleshoot this -- with the exception of duplicating all the images exporting the catalog. I'm looking at 6+ GB of images, and if I have to duplicate 6+ GB each time I change the color label information, synch it all across again, and reimport again, it will be a real pain in the *&^.

Another problem with that approach is that I might be working on the images on either machine at any one point in time. I should be able to just synch the XMP files from one place to another, without having to duplicate the RAWs. Doing it that way, I might only need to transfer a couple hundred KB of data, not 6+ GB.

I'm also trying to avoid that because the laptop might only hold things from the last month. The desktop might hold things for three to six months. I don't want to have to track multiple catalogs on the desktop if I don't have to. Especially if every time I change a color label, I have to create a whole stinkin' new catalog, export everything again, etc.
In2Photos
24th of September 2007 (Mon), 21:34
Are you having trouble in 1.1 or 1.2? Perhaps this is a bug from the upgrade or a bug that was fixed during the upgrade.
ibdb
24th of September 2007 (Mon), 21:37
Are you having trouble in 1.1 or 1.2? Perhaps this is a bug from the upgrade or a bug that was fixed during the upgrade.
1.2.

Don't think I'd tried it with 1.1.
ifonline
24th of September 2007 (Mon), 21:58
Are you using the same label set on both machines? The wording of the label descriptions has to be exactly the same.
ibdb
24th of September 2007 (Mon), 22:11
Are you using the same label set on both machines? The wording of the label descriptions has to be exactly the same.
BINGO!


That was it. The label set on the desktop had been changed to review, while the laptop was at default. I don't ever remember changing the desktop, but at some point I must have.

Thank you!!!
ifonline
24th of September 2007 (Mon), 22:21
Yay. I'll send the address where my prize money can be sent. ;)
EOSAddict
25th of September 2007 (Tue), 03:42
Glad you got it sorted! It works for me no issue.