Lightroom Classic can get cluttered quickly if you’re managing a large catalog of folders and collections. Finding the ones you access frequently can become frustrating, especially if your organization style is all over the place. There are a few quick tricks you can use to make your go-to folders and collections stand out, saving you time and hassle.
Coming to you from Anthony Morganti, this practical video shows you how to use color labels and favorite sources to keep track of specific folders and collections in Lightroom Classic. Morganti begins by explaining how to assign a color label to a folder or collection. Right-click on the folder, select “Add Color Label to Folder,” and choose a color that makes it pop. The result is a highlighted bar next to the folder name, so it’s easy to spot in the sidebar. He recommends this method for frequently accessed folders that otherwise get lost in a long list.
Another tip from Morganti is setting a folder or collection as a favorite. This feature makes it possible to jump to your favorite sources from any part of the catalog. First, ensure the filmstrip is visible by pressing the F6 key. Then, click on the dropdown menu in the filmstrip, select “Add to Favorites,” and the folder will now appear under a separate “Favorite Sources” menu. You can set multiple folders or collections as favorites and remove them just as easily by clicking “Remove from Favorites” in the same menu.
The video continues with Morganti walking through examples of using these features on a collection he often accesses for his photography tutorials. He points out how useful this can be when you need to switch back and forth between different sets of images, such as portfolio selections or client edits. If you’re in a different folder and need to quickly access your favorites, the shortcut is just a click away.
Morganti also discusses the value of using these organizational tools for simplifying a chaotic workspace. If your catalog is overwhelming or hard to navigate, using color labels and favorite sources can make a significant difference. This is especially useful when working with seasonal projects or categorizing by year or type of shoot. His tips are aimed at reducing the visual clutter, so you can focus more on the creative process instead of scrolling through endless lists.
To see these techniques in action and how Morganti applies them to his own workflow, check out the video above for the full rundown from Morganti.
