Choose Edit > Catalog Settings (Windows) or Lightroom Classic > Catalog Settings (Mac OS).
Last updated on
Sep. 13, 2024
- Lightroom Classic User Guide
- Introduction to Lightroom Classic
- Workspace
- Import photos
- Organize photos in Lightroom Classic
- Process and develop photos
- Develop module basics
- Create panoramas and HDR panoramas
- Flat-Field Correction
- Correct distorted perspective in photos using Upright
- Improve image quality using Enhance
- Work with image tone and color
- Masking
- Apply local adjustments
- HDR photo merge
- Develop module options
- Retouch photos
- Cure red eye and pet eye effects
- Use the Radial Filter tool
- Adjustments with Lens Blur
- Edit and Export in HDR
- Remove Tool
- Viewing photos
- Export photos
- Work with external editors
- Manage catalogs and files
- Maps
- Photo books
- Slideshows
- Print photos
- Web galleries
- Keyboard shortcuts
- Content Authenticity
- Lightroom and Adobe services
- Troubleshooting
- Technical Support
- Performance Guidelines
- Technical issues
- GPU Issues
- Startup Issues
- Rendering Issues
- Stability Issues
- Miscellaneous Issues
- Workflow Issues
Plan your backup strategy
Lightroom Classic allows you to schedule regular catalog backups when you exit the software. Backups executed from Lightroom Classic include only the catalog file. You must independently back up your edited photos and anything exported from Lightroom Classic.
Performing frequent, regular catalog backups is only part of what should be a comprehensive backup strategy. When formulating a backup strategy:
- Remember that the more frequently you back up your catalog and photos, the less data you stand to lose when a crash or corruption occurs.
- If possible, store the backup copies of your photos and catalog on a separate hard disk from your working files.
- Consider using dedicated backup software to automate the process and synchronize changes between your working and backup files.
- If you’re worried that your backup files might be accidentally erased, create redundant backups on additional disks, or on read-only media such as DVDs.
- For greater security, store your backup disk in a separate location from your working disk, preferably offsite or in a fire-proof safe.
- Consider making copies of your photos when you import them. Remember that this gives you only a copy of your original photos, not your edited photos. See Back up photos during import.
- Windows: \Users\[user name]\Pictures\Lightroom\[catalog name]\Backups\
- Mac OS: /Users/[user name]/Pictures/Lightroom/[catalog name]/Backups\
Note:
Running Mac OS X Time Machine™ backup or restore operations while Lightroom Classic is in use is not recommended.
Schedule catalog backups
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In the Backup area of the General panel, choose an option from the Back Up Catalog pop-up menu:
When Lightroom Next Exits
Backs up the catalog the next time you exit Lightroom Classic, and then the Back Up Catalog option switches to Never.
Every Time Lightroom Exits
Backs up the catalog every time you exit Lightroom Classic, so changes from every working session are always backed up.
Once A Day, When Exiting Lightroom
Backs up the catalog the first time you exit Lightroom Classic each day. If you exit Lightroom Classic more than once a day, additional changes are not backed up until the next day.
Once A Week, When Exiting Lightroom
Backs up the catalog once a week. If you exit Lightroom Classic more frequently, additional changes are not backed up until the next week.
Once A Month, When Exiting Lightroom
Backs up the catalog once a month. If you exit Lightroom Classic more frequently, additional changes are not backed up until the next month.
Never
No backups are performed by Lightroom Classic. (Not recommended.)
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Exit Lightroom Classic when a catalog backup is scheduled in your Catalog Settings.
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In the Back Up Catalog dialog box, click Back Up to back up the catalog at the default location and quit Lightroom Classic.
Optionally, select any of the following before you click Back Up:
Backup Folder
Shows you the default location where Lightroom Classic saves backups. Click Choose to back up to a different location.
Test Integrity Before Backing Up
Checks for catalog corruption before Lightroom Classic completes the backup. Testing integrity increases the time it takes to back up the catalog but reduces the risk of data loss.
Note:You can also test catalog integrity when you open a catalog. In the General panel of the Preferences dialog box, select When Starting Up Use This Catalog > Prompt Me When Starting Lightroom. Then, start Lightroom Classic. In the Select Catalog dialog box, select Test Integrity Of This Catalog and then click Open.
Optimize Catalog After Backing Up
Cleans up and reorganizes your database file to make it run faster and more efficiently.
Skip Until Tomorrow
If you've opted to back up your catalog once a day, click to postpone the operation for a day.
Skip Until Next Week
If you've opted to back up your catalog once a week, click to postpone the operation for a week.
Skip Until Next Month
If you've opted to back up your catalog once a month, click to postpone the operation for one month.
Skip This Time
Click to postpone the backup until the next time you quit Lightroom Classic.
The Lightroom Classic CC Back Up Catalog dialog box
The Lightroom Classic CC Back Up Catalog dialog box
Back up a catalog manually
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Choose Edit > Catalog Settings (Windows) or Lightroom Classic > Catalog Settings (Mac OS).
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Choose Back Up Catalog > When Lightroom Next Exits.
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Close the window and then quit Lightroom Classic.
