To filter virtual copies in Adobe Lightroom Classic, you utilize the Library Filter Bar, specifically the Attribute tab. This allows you to quickly narrow down your view to see only your virtual copies.
Here's a step-by-step guide:
Filtering for Virtual Copies
The process involves accessing the Library Filter Bar and selecting the appropriate filter option.
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Open the Library Filter Bar:
- Ensure you are in the Library module.
- Open the main library filter bar at the top by pressing the backslash key (\).
- Alternatively, go to
View > Show Filter Bar.
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Navigate to the Attribute Tab:
- Once the filter bar appears, click on the Attribute tab.
- As mentioned in the reference, you'll see options for flags, star ratings, and color labels here.
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Select the Virtual Copy Filter:
- Within the Attribute tab, look for the section labeled "Kind".
- In the Kind section, you will see icons representing different types of files: Master Photos, Virtual Copies, and Videos.
- Click on the icon that represents Virtual Copies. It looks like a stacked photo icon with one corner slightly offset.
Once you click the Virtual Copy icon, Lightroom Classic will immediately filter your current view (folder or collection) to display only the virtual copies within it. Master photos and other file types will be hidden.
Understanding the Library Filter Bar
The Library Filter Bar is a powerful tool for organizing and finding images. It allows you to filter based on various metadata and attributes.
- Text Tab: Filter by file name, metadata, keywords, etc.
- Attribute Tab: Filter by flags (Picked, Rejected, Unflagged), star ratings (0-5 stars), color labels, and file kind (Master, Virtual Copy, Video).
- Metadata Tab: Filter by camera settings, date, location, lens, and much more.
By using the Attribute tab's 'Kind' filter, you can specifically isolate virtual copies for review, editing, or management.
Why Use the Virtual Copy Filter?
- Organization: Easily see which images have virtual copies.
- Workflow: Focus only on the variations you've created for an image.
- Cleanup: Quickly identify and manage virtual copies you no longer need.
Remember to turn off the filter when you are finished by pressing the backslash key (\) again or clicking "None" in the filter bar options to see all your photos again.
