Lightroom or Bridge?

I have two separate questions about Lightroom that maybe you experts out there can help with.

First, has anyone tried the Lightroom trial version and decided that Adobe Bridge does everything they want it to do and shelling out for Lightroom is unnecessary?

Secondly - I am currently trying out the trial version of Lightroom. Can anyone tell me how one can import the file names into the application? I have checked the help file but can't seem to make sense of it.

Answers to these questions (or just comments) would be truly appreciated.

Can no-one help?

Roy Mathers wrote in post #3018009
Can no-one help?

It has only been 45 minutes. Patience grasshopper.

Lightroom is awesome. After using Bridge/CS2 for about a year I have found that LR is my dream software (with still a couple minor things missing). I have yet to use Bridge since getting LR.

As to Importing the filenames you have lost me there. When you import the files everything comes with them unless you chose to rename your files when importing. Perhaps you want to display the filenames. Off the top of my head I can not remember where to change this but I am sure someone can get back to you soon. If not I will check back later.

I have used both and find myself in Lightroom (LR) all the time for all work, except sharpening, effects and printing. Bridge to me is a thing from now on that will accompany Photoshop (PS) and I don't have a need for it now that I am very familiar with my way around LR.

To get your original file names into LR upon import, simply change the import dialogue under the File Naming area to "Filename" in the Template box. You will see an example of the file name just above the box.

Let us know if you see it.

I suggest you get the full version of LR. Once you know your way around, it is so easy to work in. I find it great for when I want to turn the "light out" and show my wife something quick. I just hit shift-tab to get all the side dialogues out of the way, then hit "L" twice and lights out with the pic on the full monitor. Fabulous!

In2Photos wrote in post #3018061
It has only been 45 minutes. Patience grasshopper.

Sorry, but Im used to a whole host of quick replies to similar posts!

Roy Mathers wrote in post #3018085
Sorry, but Im used to a whole host of quick replies to similar posts!

Then perhaps a wuick search of those similar posts would have revealed your answers.

canoflan wrote in post #3018067
To get your original file names into LR upon import, simply change the import dialogue under the File Naming area to "Filename" in the Template box. You will see an example of the file name just above the box.

Let us know if you see it.

Thanks Canoflan - the trouble is, I can't find the template box or the edit command in the Import Photos box. What I want to do is to display the filenames in the grid viewer. Is this possible?

In2Photos wrote in post #3018098
Then perhaps a wuick search of those similar posts would have revealed your answers.

I did - and it didn't

Roy Mathers wrote in post #3018169
What I want to do is to display the filenames in the grid viewer. Is this possible?

If I understand you correctly, you should be able to right-click (Windows) in the upper portion of the grid and select File Name.

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

Roy Mathers wrote in post #3018169
What I want to do is to display the filenames in the grid viewer. Is this possible?

There are a couple of ways. The most direct one is right-clicking on any thumbnail (on the sides, not on top). From the drop down menu, go to the last one "view options" and at the top you'll have to check "Show Grid Extras" on the Grid View tab, and "Show info Overlay" on the Loupe View tab. Just check the different options you want to show on each one.
Hope it helps.

Eventually LR will probably be Bridge, I think.
But basically a lot more can be done with LR that you don't necessarily need PSCS. Of course it doesn't hurt.

Thanks Rick and Tom - it works. (The delay in replying was caused by the time difference over here ie I was asleep!)

Gregp - surely you still need PSCS for retouching etc?

Glad to help. FYI, in case you want to get that information out of the way at any point and just concentrate on the images, the J key will cycle through the different grid views allowing you to turn the info display off without actually doing so.

Thanks Rick, very useful. I always find that users (like yourself) of a program are much more help than the manual or help file!

No problem, Roy. That's what I love about these forums, you can always get some help!