This may be off-topic but I did want to clarify a few things as a long-time user of LrC and a teacher for a couple of summers at a local JC. I think some people who do not use the software, and it looks like most do, simply don't understand what the software can do and then they say something that may not be quite correct and other readers will assume it is.
In relation to the first sentence, LrC, I use the Classic version so talking about that version, does not "load files" or add metadata as a "first step," than than the primary link to the application. The images we have in our folders stay where we put them and never load into the software but simply link from the folder to the software so that they show up and can be worked with. As we work with them metadata is added to the image, either within the image or in a separate small file, depending upon the file and what we have instructed the software to do. There is a portion of the process that does create lag time and that is when the thumbnail images are rendered, but even that can be set in various ways. Some people prefer to view images first in other software that they like better for a quick run-through and then import the images they like into LrC, remember, "import" actually means to link up the image, nothing is ever imported into the software.
When working with other software using LrC as a base, the image is opened from within LrC, worked on, saved, then exported back into LrC, it can then be sent to a different software package, too, if that is desired. This process creates multiple individual files that you can choose to keep or delete as per your working method. Sometimes I delete them and sometimes I keep them. All of the images stay together and you can "hide" the other images behind the one you want to see if you want to work that way. And, yes, it is a simple process. I use PS, Topaz and various other software this way a lot after deciding what I want to process. It's a very efficient way of working.
In relation to the third sentence regarding folder creation, as I've already talked about the importing process. LrC does not set up its own folders, you set up folders and then tell the software which folders you want it to link to. You completely control the folder set-up process. I have over 160,000 images, all linked to LrC, all in folders and I manage that process, not the software. The software simply does what I tell it to do.
Why do so many people use this particular software? For multiple reasons, of course, but also because it is a complete package that actually includes seven software modules, from organizing to creating and printing. Additionally, the software subscription comes with free fonts and several other tools that can be useful to a photographer. The software creates an ideal base program to use with other software that a photographer might like, such as Topaz or PS. And, it allows a photographer to set up a system to identify images using various metadata that allows the photographer to find a particular image within seconds. The organizing capabilities of the software are varied and many and everything is in one place so that makes working with images much easier. I've used many software packages and I've found LrC to be the one for me, but of course it's not for everyone as we all have different ideas about what we want to do with our images.
In relation to the first sentence, LrC, I use the Classic version so talking about that version, does not "load files" or add metadata as a "first step," than than the primary link to the application. The images we have in our folders stay where we put them and never load into the software but simply link from the folder to the software so that they show up and can be worked with. As we work with them metadata is added to the image, either within the image or in a separate small file, depending upon the file and what we have instructed the software to do. There is a portion of the process that does create lag time and that is when the thumbnail images are rendered, but even that can be set in various ways. Some people prefer to view images first in other software that they like better for a quick run-through and then import the images they like into LrC, remember, "import" actually means to link up the image, nothing is ever imported into the software.
When working with other software using LrC as a base, the image is opened from within LrC, worked on, saved, then exported back into LrC, it can then be sent to a different software package, too, if that is desired. This process creates multiple individual files that you can choose to keep or delete as per your working method. Sometimes I delete them and sometimes I keep them. All of the images stay together and you can "hide" the other images behind the one you want to see if you want to work that way. And, yes, it is a simple process. I use PS, Topaz and various other software this way a lot after deciding what I want to process. It's a very efficient way of working.
In relation to the third sentence regarding folder creation, as I've already talked about the importing process. LrC does not set up its own folders, you set up folders and then tell the software which folders you want it to link to. You completely control the folder set-up process. I have over 160,000 images, all linked to LrC, all in folders and I manage that process, not the software. The software simply does what I tell it to do.
Why do so many people use this particular software? For multiple reasons, of course, but also because it is a complete package that actually includes seven software modules, from organizing to creating and printing. Additionally, the software subscription comes with free fonts and several other tools that can be useful to a photographer. The software creates an ideal base program to use with other software that a photographer might like, such as Topaz or PS. And, it allows a photographer to set up a system to identify images using various metadata that allows the photographer to find a particular image within seconds. The organizing capabilities of the software are varied and many and everything is in one place so that makes working with images much easier. I've used many software packages and I've found LrC to be the one for me, but of course it's not for everyone as we all have different ideas about what we want to do with our images.
