Using a ssd

[Jonathan Cross]

I have an M1 iMac and a MacBook Air, both of which have ports that will handle 1000MB/s portable SSDs. I would like to run LR Classic from both with the same catalog. I do not like or want to use the cloud. I am thinking of using an appropriate 4TB portable SSD for both raw images and catalog. I would use a separate usb stick for the catalog backup which I always do on exit. I keep separate multiple backups of both images and catalog and do not delete images from a camera until backed up.
 
I can then run LR on both machines with common data and catalog. I can print to a wireless 13”x19” printer from both.

Does anyone know of any downsides to doing this?


Jonathan

[digitaldog]

If you store all associated files and necessary docs (for example, presets, use DNG, etc), yes, you can have one SSD with everything necessary and move it from Mac to Mac. You'll need to use the Store Presets with Catalog option for one, again, that stores those presets on the drive, not deep within the Library. Profiles are also an issue that DNG should solve as they are within the DNG, but you should test this with new, imported images. You may need to sync your profiles and such on both machines. You'll need the LR application preferences to be in sync as well. The downside is complication syncing whatever needs to be on both machines, but otherwise, it is doable.

[Jeremy Roussak]

I use Dropbox to sync Camera Raw and Lightroom settings between my desktop and laptop. Works very well.

Jeremy

[Jonathan Cross]

Thanks Andrew; certainly doable for me. Thanks also, Jeremy, but I do not use Dropbox and want to keep it all local.
Jonathan