Separating derviatives from originals using Lightroom 2 and external editor

[dtraughber]

When using Lightroom 2, I am making derivatives with Nik Software as a plug-in. In Lightroom 2, I choose Photos > Edit in > (then choose the external editor), then choose “Edit a Copy with Lightroom Adjustments” in the pop-up window.  Since I am editing RAW files (not converted to DNG), “Edit a Copy” or “Edit Original” is not an option. Then I choose, also in this window, “Stack with original”. After the editing process in Nik Software, the derivative tiff file is included in the original folder alongside the original in Lightroom.

To separate the derivatives from the original files, I filter using text = tif, select all, and drag and drop the derivatives into a derivatives folder (made in Lightroom) on another drive.  The “problem” is that the corresponding original file moves WITH the derivative file to the other drive. To keep this original file with the original folder, it has to be moved back from where it came. All the file moves are done within Lightroom.

I cannot find out why the original file travels with the derivative, or what consequence there is if the original is separate from the derivative file.

I’ve read through books by Martin Evening and Scott Kelby on Lightroom 2, and did a search in the DAM Forum, but can’t find out how to separate originals and derivatives in Lightroom 2, keeping the files separate, without moving the original file twice. This is not good!

Can someone please tell me why the original file moves with the corresponding derivative when the derivative is moved in Lightroom 2?  The originals and derivatives are together in one catalog but on different drives. It’s easy enough to find the original from a derivative since the file name is the same, but with a different extension. This situation makes me nervous--moving an original file twice because of the way Lightroom handles it (or the way I am mis-handling it).

Thank you in advance for any enlightenment on this situation.

Dadre Traughber

Mac Pro, 4  1TB internal drives, many external drives and a gazillion dvds for backup

[BobSmith]

Lightroom 3 makes this process much simpler by giving you more options.  If you want derivatives separated you can easily do so.

When saving an Export preset in Lightroom 3 you have the option of setting the "location" as "Choose folder later".  So I save a preset called Raw to CS5 with that option chosen along with file format, color space, bit depth and so forth that I normally use.  If I right click a file and then choose export and my preset, the first thing that happens is a Finder dialog comes up (Mac) asking me where I want to put the file.  After I choose the location Lightroom creates the exported file(s) at that location then opens them in Photoshop.  It's just as convenient as right clicking and choosing "Edit" but I get to say where the created file goes.  Very handy and it lets me keep my raw file buckets free of derivatives.

The main issue I see with putting derivatives with raws is that if you use the "bucket" system ala the DAM Book then your buckets sizes get thrown all out of whack.  You also now have modified folders of what would otherwise be mostly untouched folders.  That complicates backups and data verification a bit.  It's plenty manageable but more complicated.  I like simple.

Bob Smith

[dtraughber]

Thank you Bob for your reply. I do have Lightroom 3 but can't use it yet on the big computer as it's still running Tiger OS.

They say "when the student is ready, the guru appears...". Reckon I must have been ready, for I found the answer right under my nose in The DAM Book, pp 355-357. Had highlighted sentences before, but forgot to go back for reference at the time I needed it.

Yes, I do use buckets, and that was part of the concern. I like simple too! It's not simple getting to the simple state though, is it?

The beauty of having a problem is that it presents the opportunity to learn. Right after I posted this query I found the answer. Wish life was always that easy....

One thing I did notice from experimenting is that if "Stack with original" is checked, the original moves with the derivative file.

Thanks again! 

Dadre

[kzdyb]

Dadre, I just came across this post as I am searching for a way to keep my buckets free from derivatives. I liked your idea where you drag and drop them out of the bucket into a derivative bucket. How is this working out for you? Could you explain what you ended up doing? I really do not want to have to export and import the derivatives and liked your idea....

Thanks,
Kevin