Migrating Lightroom/Photos to a new computer: I purchased a new iMac to replace one that is over 10 years old. I have all of my photos on a 2T external hard drive and another external...

conigk

I purchased a new iMac to replace one that is over 10 years old. I have all of my photos on a 2T external hard drive and another external to back up my machine using Apple's Time Machine. I also have a cloud back up with Carbonite. I am hoping I can just transfer everything on the old computer to the new one using Time Machine but I wonder if Lightroom will be able to "find" my images. Does anyone have similar experience of knowledge that they would be willing to share?

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

You'll have to install the LR software and then replace the new LRCAT file with your existing LRCAT file (that is, the entire "Lightroom" folder containing the LRCAT file). After that, if all the image files have all the same locations, LR will not know it resides on a new computer.

If you've created any presets and haven't updated the LR parameter to store these in the same location as the Catalog, you'll have to find and copy these files from the old equipment and copy to new. LR has a 'find' option in the parameter area to open a Window that shows you where your Presets are located.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

LR stores the path to each image. So since your files are all on an external drive, you only have to be sure that the name of the drive remains the same when you hook it up to the new computer. Then LR will be able to see all your images without any problems because you haven't changed the path.

If you're using the same version of LR, you just move the catalog onto the new computer. When you double click on the catalog, it should see everything.

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

conigk wrote:

I purchased a new iMac to replace one that is over 10 years old. I have all of my photos on a 2T external hard drive and another external to back up my machine using Apple's Time Machine. I also have a cloud back up with Carbonite. I am hoping I can just transfer everything on the old computer to the new one using Time Machine but I wonder if Lightroom will be able to "find" my images. Does anyone have similar experience of knowledge that they would be willing to share?

Detailed instructions here: https://www.lightroomqueen.com/how-move-lightroom-to-new-computer/

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

CHG_CANON wrote:

You'll have to install the LR software and then re... (show quote)

Thank you for being such a great resource to all of us! The thought of buying a new Mac had terrified me. I'm calmer now.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

mizzee wrote:

Thank you for being such a great resource to all of us! The thought of buying a new Mac had terrified me. I'm calmer now.

Glad to help. Lightroom is a complex software, but is still just software that behaves in predictable ways when you understand it's subtle ways of doing things. Success and best wishes in your migration journey.

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

DirtFarmer wrote:

LR stores the path to each image. So since your files are all on an external drive, you only have to be sure that the name of the drive remains the same when you hook it up to the new computer. Then LR will be able to see all your images without any problems because you haven't changed the path.

If you're using the same version of LR, you just move the catalog onto the new computer. When you double click on the catalog, it should see everything.

I'm not an expert, but I think both actions would be necessary. Moving the old LRCAT file to the new computer AND insuring that the external drive has the same letter name.

mjmoly

CHG_CANON wrote:

You'll have to install the LR software and then re... (show quote)

I've upgraded machines at least three times over the past ten years and followed this general process each time. It works fine. You just may need to "point" the LR on your new machine to where the catalogues are stored. It's really quite slick. And it you have any problems Adobe can help you.