Ronjonron

I will sometimes use an external editor for my HDR's, such as HDR Efex Pro or Photomatix Pro 2. The resultant HDR images are not automatically saved to the original LR previous import from which they originated. They will either wind up in a separate file (HDR pro...) or at the very end of ALL my photos in the catalog (Photomatix Pro). This is inconvenient. Other editors, such as PS, Topaz 2, do send the saved edited image back to the previous import, which is much handier for my workflow. Can I fix it such that ALL my external editors will send the edited image back to the previous import?

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

That feature is an aspect of the programming of the external editing software. You have a few LR operations to make things 'better'.

1. Review your external edit definition and assure you're passing the image in the ProPhotoRGB, regardless of the image file format.

2. Assure you check the box, Stack with Original, in the panel for External Editing Preferences.

3. In your LR Library view, consider sorting the order by Capture Time. Therefore, the 'newest' image appears in a stack with the original image, not sorted to the latest 'added order' of images into the catalog.

You'd have to clarify your meaning of sending a file back to the previous import. When you invoke your external editor, a new file should be created and sent to your external editor. The image file will be in the same folder as the image imported into LR. That new file is automatically added to the LR catalog, and if you adjust the sort order, it should appear next to the original image in the LR library, including using the LR stack feature. If you save and close the image in the external editor, all those edits should visually appear in LR, again after the external editor is closed and the file saved from that editor.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

As Paul says, the order of "Edit In.." events is normally for Lightroom Classic to make a copy image file that is in the catalog, in the folder where the original is. Be sure you are in a folder, not a collection! Anything you do to it will normally be viewable when you return to LrC.

However, for a variety of reasons, that may not always be convenient. Outside of Lightroom Classic, you can put image files in any folder you want. Do what ever you want with it. Make a variety of copies. Then, when you open LrC, find that folder, right click and pick Synchronize. It will find the files in the folder that have not yet been put in the LrC catalog and import them.

Read up on Synchronize!

SalvageDiver Loc: Huntington Beach CA

In each of your external editors, check 'preferences' or 'settings' for an option to save to a 'specific folder' or 'to the originating folder'. If it does then select the 'originating folder' option.

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

Have you tried the Synchronize Folder setting? There are some applications that don't seem to, at times, want to return the file back as hoped. In the Library Module, click the folder, go to Library at the top menu bar and then choose Synchronize Folder. A box will pop up and tell you if there are any images that need to included. These images would already be in the folder so will not be moved, just added.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Did you read my post two up from yours?

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

Probably quickly but most have missed what you are talking about. Not sure it hurts anything if someone says the same thing, perhaps they say it differently. Are you a post monitor this morning?

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

You are right that it does not hurt to repeat. "Post monitor"? Did I break a rule?

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

Not that I know of (nor did I)...as there seems to be no rules on this forum!