3 Import Settings in Lightroom (You Should Change Today)

3 Import Settings in Lightroom

(You Should Change TODAY)

When I first starting using Lightroom several years ago, a BIG mistake I made was not understanding how important the import feature was.

One of my missions at Pretty Presets, through our live webinars, the Lightroom Lab workshop, and our blog tutorials, is to educate new Lightroom users on the awesomeness of the Lightroom Library and file management features, which includes the import process.

All that said, here are 3 simple settings you should change today (or check to make sure you have selected) and why they will make importing and accessing your images easier the next time you import photos in Lightroom.

Select These Import Options in the Preferences Menu:

The settings I'm highlighting are found in the Preferences menu, which you find on a Mac by clicking on Lightroom (top left corner), then Preferences, or on a PC by clicking Edit, then Preferences.

Once you're in the Preferences menu, click on the General tab, if you don't land there automatically.

Then, under the "Import Options" make sure these three choices are selected:

1. Show import dialog when a memory card is detected. This will open up the import screen automatically as soon as you connect a memory card or a camera via a USB cord.
2. Select the current/previous import collection during import. This is SUPER helpful because it shows only those images you just imported as soon as the import is completed. If this isn't selected you'll have to isolate those particular images via keywords you added or by library filters. 
3. Treat JPEG files next to RAW files as separate photos. Selecting this option isn't a deal breaker, but it will solve the problem many LR users have when they shoot JPEG + RAW, then later hunt and hunt in LR but can never find the JPEG files. If this isn't selected, the two files are nested, with the RAW file given priority and the JPEG hidden.

Conclusion

By taking a minute of your time RIGHT NOW to make sure these settings are selected, you will save yourself lots of time down the road! 

Do you have any questions or comments about these 3 Import Settings  in Lightroom (You Should Change Today)?  Leave us a comment below - we would LOVE to hear from you!  And PLEASE SHARE this post using the social sharing buttons (we really appreciate it)!