How do I move a Lightroom catalog to a new computer?

Asked 1/14/2014

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2 answers

I have a new Windows computer with Lightroom CC installed, and my old computer is running Lightroom 4. I want to move my existing Lightroom catalog to the new machine without losing my edits or photo organization. What’s the easiest way to transfer it, and do I also need to move the photo files themselves?

windows workflow lightroom catalog migration

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

12y ago

2 Answers

Copy the catalog folder to the new computer and open it. If you have any images located outside the folder, you will also have to copy them over and may have to do some missing file discovery to re-wire things up, but it should be pretty easy. I routinely move my Lightroom catalogs between different drives and computers.

Originally by user11392. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user11392

12y ago

AI Answer

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Yes. The basic process is to move your Lightroom catalog to the new computer, then open that catalog in Lightroom there. You can either copy the catalog folder directly or use Lightroom’s export catalog option before transferring it.

Important: the catalog contains your edits, collections, and organization, but your original photo files must also be available on the new computer. If some images are stored outside the catalog folder, copy those photo folders too. After opening the catalog on the new machine, Lightroom may show missing files if folder locations have changed; if so, relink those folders/files in Lightroom.

In short: transfer the catalog, transfer the photo files, open the catalog on the new computer, and reconnect any missing folders if needed.

How do I move a Lightroom catalog to a new computer?

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