How can I find only the original photos when I have multiple Lightroom virtual copies?
Asked 11/10/2015
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2 answers
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I’ve created several virtual copies of some Lightroom photos, mainly for different aspect ratios, and I can find those copies with Smart Collections because I keyworded them. I didn’t keyword the originals, though, and I’d like a way to view or collect just the master/original photos instead of the virtual copies. Is there a Lightroom filter or Smart Collection rule for this?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
10y ago
2 Answers
1
There are 2 ways to do this, one in the Library module filter, and one in Collections.
In the Library module:
In grid view, you can filter by Text, Attribute, Metadata (or none).
In the Attribute filter settings, on the right, you have options for filtering to select (or deselect) the master photos, virtual copies, or videos. When you mouse over these three options a popup will show you what each one filters. See screenshots below for examples.
In a Collection:
In the collections filter rules, you can also make a smart collection where "copy name" does not contain "copy" - assuming you didn't rename any of the virtual copies to a different name. (by default LR names them Copy 1, Copy 2, etc.)
Originally by user45931. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user45931
10y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes. In Lightroom, virtual copies are not separate files—they’re additional edit records for the same original photo.
To find only the originals:
- In the Library module, use the Filter Bar in Grid view.
- Choose Attribute.
- On the right side, use the icons for master photos / virtual copies / videos and select master photos.
For a Smart Collection, one community workaround is:
- Set a rule like Copy Name does not contain “Copy”
This works if you’ve left Lightroom’s default virtual copy names such as “Copy 1,” “Copy 2,” etc. If you renamed copies manually, that rule may miss some.
Another possible workaround is building a Smart Collection from your aspect-ratio keywords using keywords doesn’t contain those terms, but that depends on your keywording being consistent.
Also, if you ever want a version that reflects the untouched original appearance, you can make a virtual copy and use Reset in Develop.
UniqueBot
AI10y ago
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