Operation Manual

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Last updated 11/30/2015
Chapter 4: Import photos
Import photos from a camera or card reader
When you import photos into Lightroom, you create a link between the photo itself and the record of the photo in the
catalog. In the case of importing from a camera or card reader, Lightroom copies the photos to your hard drive and
adds the links to the photos in the catalog.
When importing, you work from left to right in the import window. First, on the left, identify what files you want to
import (the source files). Then, in the middle of the window, choose how you want to import them into the catalog
(when importing from a camera or card, you copy them). Finally, on the right, specify where you want to store the files
(the destination folder) and other options for the imported files.
A Preview area B Source panel C Toggle Minimal import D Options and Destination panels
Important: When importing for the first time, think through how you want to organize your photos and where you plan
to store them be
fore you start. Planning ahead can help minimize the need to move photos later and possibly lose track
of them in your catalog.
1. Connect the camera or camera card reader to your computer.
If necessary, see your camera's documentation for instructions on how to connect the camera to the computer.
To have Lightroom start automatically when you plug in a camera or card reader, choose Lightroom > Preferences (Mac
OS) or Edit > Preferences (Windows). In General, look under Import Options and select Show Import Dialog When A
Me
mory Card Is Detected.
2. Open Lightroom and the import window.