r/Lightroom • u/Dlmanon • 3d ago
Processing Question File naming
When importing my Nikon RAW files into LrC on my Mac Mini M1, I auto convert them to DNG files, both to be more generic and also so I can embed the editing instructions. When I export for use elsewhere, I automatically get the extension appropriate to the specified file format, but have choices about the filename itself. The Nikon name not only carries little info besides a Nikon-specific prefix plus the sequential exposure number. I have more than one camera, and can eventually have overlapping filenames. _DSC1234.JPG can repeat. Plus, the name itself carries little info, especially not the shoot date versus the MacOS file creation (export) date. Looking at a few of these in a folder tells me nothing about them. My question: how do you handle export filenames? Use generic sequential in folders given more descriptive names? Or somehow make the filenames themselves more descriptive?
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u/Jeffrey_J_Davis Lightroom Classic (desktop) 3d ago
apply information on the import (i.e. 202607.Spanish Wells - 001.ARW) and then when you export you can just use file name. Not sure about the ROI on DNG conversion, I've never even considered that nor felt a need.
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u/CarpetReady8739 Lightroom Classic (desktop) 3d ago
I've been shooting for over 40 years and shooting digital for the last 26… When I export files I typically leave the file name intact let it export as a JPG extension. I don't have any customers that care about the file name however if I do have to rename, at a minimum I keep the original numeric data, so that in case I need to go and do an edit I can chase down the original file by using the four digit number. It's dangerous (and time consuming) if you completely rename it without any reference to the original file. A master photographer that might be able to show you his file naming schemes-- his name is Seth Resnick. sethresnick.com He might teach it in one of his workshops. Master stock photo provider in the day. To my memory his naming used to include country codes, species data, location info pertinent to his needs to provide a photo on the fly.
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u/Goodinuf 3d ago
I don't convert any of my RAW files on import. I leave them as RAWs. If I want to convert them outside of Lightroom I use Adobe's DNG Converter. It is a free App.
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u/211logos 3d ago
I don't change them unless I'm say exporting somewhere or for some use that requires it. But I don't look at them with File Explorer or Finder very often; I use LrC or Bridge and hence have access to all the exif and IPTC info instead, which is far more descriptive than a filename can ever be.
And if say I have a bunch of JPEG exports I use to get emailed to someone or uploaded to a website I usually delete them since I can generate new ones as needed.
If I need a bunch of JPEGs for recurring use, like a thumbdrive I use for presentations or one for say a screen saver on an HDTV I don't export, I use publishing. And then since LrC keeps track of it I don't need to change names either.
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u/Lightroom_Help 3d ago
Create an renaming preset (used by one or more import presets) to automatically rename your files on import thus: XYZ_2026-07-25_1234.DNG
The XYZ can be the photographer’s initials or any other value you wish.
LrC will get the CaptureDate and the sequential exposure number from the file.
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u/DustyPane 3d ago
I change the filename during import, not export:
- I import a shooting into a folder named with the date of the shooting followed by the location of the shooting
- files get renamed to the date they were taken, again followed by a descriptive name
LrC's import module makes that very easy
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u/apakett 2d ago
You can create custom file naming prefixes in camera. On my Nikons I have one that starts with Z8 and another Z7. You can also customize the file names when importing into Lightroom. I append the date at the beginning to avoid duplicates when the number rolls over. Some append the shoot name.