How do I set up a watched folder in Lightroom Classic?
You can set up a watched folder in Lightroom Classic using its Auto Import feature. This allows Lightroom to automatically import any new photos that appear in a specific folder, without you having to do it manually.
It’s a simple automation that quietly runs in the background—perfect for keeping your workflow smooth and your favourite photos at your fingertips.
Why I Use It
I’ve been prepping for my upcoming Analog Editing class—gathering images from both my MacBook and Studio Mac. I want all the edited photos to land back in Lightroom Classic, ready to review or share.
This is where the watched folder automation comes in. It keeps things synced, simple, and easy to find.
And just a sidenote: I’ve started documenting these little systems I use—because if they make life easier for me, maybe they’ll help you too.
Setting up a Watched Folder Automation in Lightroom Classic
How to Set Up a Watched Folder in Lightroom Classic
☐ In Lightroom Classic Library
➝ File ➝ Auto Import ➝ Auto Import Settings
☐ Tick ‘Enable Auto Import’
➝ Under Watched Folder, click Choose and pick your EMPTY folder — or create one just for this.
➝ Under Destination Folder, select where Lightroom should move the files once they’re imported (e.g. a folder named Analog).
☐ Optional Extras
➝ Apply a Develop preset, metadata preset, keywords, or a rename rule if helpful.
☐ Click OK
➝ Lightroom quietly¹ watches in the background and imports anything new that lands in that folder.
¹ ‘Quietly’ in the literal sense — not being poetic here.
Summary:
To auto-import photos in Lightroom Classic, enable Auto Import and choose a watched folder. Lightroom will quietly import new files that appear in that folder, saving you time and clicking around looking for lost photos.
That’s it for today’s simple but significant workflow tip.
If it saves you even a few clicks, I’d love to know in the comments below.
xx
Kim
p.s.
More details on the Analog Editing workshop - HERE
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If you’ve never used Auto Import in Lightroom Classic, this is your nudge.
Here’s how to set it up, why I use it, and how it can simplify your workflow too.