Split one LR DB in two. How?

[Bas Stekelenburg]

Dear colleagues,
I need to make a “shift” in the huge amount of photo’s in LR: two databases?
Reason is, that I do not want  all people (clients and friends alike) to see all thinks I’ve photographed, like nudes, disabled people, and other more or less private subjects. On the other hand, I am very happy with the one-and-only database my photo’s are in, no more searching and struggling among DVD’s, CD’s and older files on hard disks, like in the old days. Now I realize that I better had started with two, or maybe more databases; one general and one private, or per client, but I did not.
What is the best way to “export” some of my series out of one LR database to another LR database?

Bas

[genemcc]

Hi Bas!

The easiest way is to select all of the images you want in a new catalog. It's a good idea to save this as a collection so you can easily reselect them. Once selected go to the FILE menu and choose EXPORT AS CATALOG...

When the dialog box shows up name your new catalog and choose a location to save it. At the bottom of the dialog are three check boxes. Check EXPORT SELECTED PHOTOS ONLY so only your selection goes to the new catalog. If you are going to keep your images on the same drive they are currently on then make sure to UNcheck EXPORT NEGATIVE FILES. Lastly, you can decide to INCLUDE AVAILABLE PREVIEWS by checking the third box. If you don't then LR will recreate them for you.

Check you new catalog to make sure everything is there.

Now go back to your original catalog. Two choices now (1) Make a new catalog with the other images and keep the original intact or (2) delete the images you just exported to the new catalog leaving the other images. Your choice. I'd create a new catalog with the other images and then just file the original away for safekeeping.

[Bas Stekelenburg]

Very clear and very fast!

Thank you Gene for this complete answer; topic closed...
Bas