Long term photographer and tried Lightroom, even Apple's Aperture.. As I've a huge number of jobs in folders never saw the point of going back to import them all to a lightroom catalogue. My workflow for anyone who may have an interest is: Make a folder on my Mac with the job reference number. Import images (shot in RAW format)from card. In Bridge, batch rename, batch add generic metadata. (you can automate some of this), make selections (star rate keepers, delete the rest. Add specific metadata if needed. Back up that folder elsewhere. Then still in bridge go through selects, correcting exposure sharpness etc. then while still in Bridge export Jpegs. Deliver Jpeg files to client. Back up everything again (x2). A lot of the time I may not even open images in Photoshop, unless just to check them occasionally.
I use Bridge and have used it for many years for all the reasons mentioned in this video and more. I love it and it has improved over the years. I think it will only get better.
Great to see Bridge get some authoritative attention. It also has a Downloader module for transferring images from a card to a hard drive while adding user metadata to each image such as copyright and contact info. And it has a good Export module for batch exporting a folder of images, useful for a set such as from a time-lapse sequence once all the images are processed. It’s a pity Bridge doesn’t get a bit more update love from Adobe. Bridge’s programming group is off-shore and I suspect gets forgotten by Adobe HQ. The Bridge group was allowed one brief appearance at an AdobeMAX one year.
My primary workflow is importing to Lightroom Classic on my Mac Mini and doing some remote work on a laptop in Lightroom (cloud). I recently upgraded my laptop, and now I can do real photo editing on it. I'm just starting to use Bridge to do all the metadata and renaming that I can't do in Lightroom--I'm experimenting with renaming my output files according to submission guidelines for the Zoo where I volunteer as well as renaming my raw files to add a leading date before I import them. I haven't yet figured out how to work with images that are actually in Lightroom (cloud) because the originals aren't stored where they're easily accessible. I may find it isn't possible, or I may be able to use Lightroom connections--I use those for my photo portfolio.
Always use Bridge too. Could never get into using Lightroom even though I purchased LR updates 2X prior to Creative Cloud which I never used.. Haven't downloaded Lightroom with my subscription. I just find Bridge is easier to use.
I hardly ever use Lightroom, except if I’m converting film scans in Negative Lab Pro. All my RAW processing is done with Bridge and ACR. (I’m sure there are plenty of people shocked and stunned by this). One of the big advantages of Bridge that you didn’t mention is, you can use it without an Adobe subscription. You still need an Adobe account, but it can be downloaded and used for free. Unfortunately, you can’t use ACR without a subscription. So if you are using something like Affinity Photo, which doesn’t have any sort of cataloguing or batch viewing, you can open your RAW files in AP by right-clicking in Bridge and using “Open with”. RAW processing in AP is pretty rudimentary, but if you only need minor adjustments because you got exposure and WB right in camera, it does a great job. And its focus stacking is so much easier than Adobe’s.
Bridge is an awesome tool for graphic designer/photographers. The back and forth between Bridge and InDesign is quick, convenient and efficient. I have never even used Lightroom. I don't at all like the fact that photos have to be imported into Lightroom. If I were strictly a photographer I might feel differently, but I don't feel like I'm lacking anything with Bridge, Photoshop and Camera Raw, and being able to browse photos in Bridge and place them from there into InDesign is fantastic. I also use Bridge to download and rename photos from my cards. The 2023 Bridge kind of sucks, so stick with Bridge 12.
I use Bridge regularly, especially in conjunction with other CS apps. One thing that slightly annoys me: Lightroom is my first line editor, however, if I then go on to edit an image that has already bee through the develop module in LR, and then open it in ACR from Bridge or PS and make further changes, when I reopen it in LR there’s an ‘!’ On the image and it tells me further changes have been made and do I want to revert to the original or keep the new ones. Surely if ACR is the same in LR as in Bridge and PS, then these new should automatically merge or be added to the changes already made, and appear as such when reopened in LR?
Thats not everybodies workflow though. I work with Brdige differently than in Lightroom, also sometimes catalogues are being shared between editors, and coworkers. Its good LR prevents you from importing changes accidentally. That warning also includes other meta data changes, copyrights data keuwords etc, not just acr edits.
I've always found Bridge useful even if I also use LR. Like you said - just to get a quick look on a folder, but also on old/slow PC's that I don't want/need LR on but use for travel. My Surfac Go is one example that great for travel, but not really designed for a program like LR. I haven't had too much trouble with Bridge speed, but it's always been buggy. Now it seems much more stable, but unfortunately, I can't run two instances of Bridge anymore. I found that really useful for comparing folders on different drives.
Yep, I was one of those that some years ago scoffed at Bridge. I don't know exactly when I realized it was actually quite useful, but I did and I use it often now. No, it's not "either/or" with Lightroom, but "in addition to" in certain moments. If you have PS, you have Bridge, and, depending on your personal workflow, it can be very helpful. I think I'll pick up your Br course just because I don't ever remember having a tutorial on it and I'm sure there are features I could take advantage of. Thanks, Matt!
This video has saved me some time. I have been using bridge for years and I am now considering the latest photoshop and Lightroom. I nearly deided to remove my stand alone Photoshop and Bridge. After watching this it would be produdent to leave Bridge as Lightroom is not a file browser.
There's one point in here, Matt, that adds value and suppresses an inclination to cynicism. For me as a Windows user, there's not a lot more in Bridge than in the standard file Explorer with its View set to Extra Large Icons for most image formats, except RAW. Bridge adds its ability to give a preview of a raw file - and probably uses the JPEG preview that's generally encapsulated in raw files, rather than actually "raw processing" the raw contents. The one thing that makes it valuable is its ability to launch Adobe Camera Raw (ACR) so I can do raw processing outside Lightroom Classic (LrC). ACR really does the raw processing in both LrC and Ps and here's a correction: it is not the same as the "Develop" panel in LrC because Develop can do a lot more still when ACR is done raw processing. ACR is run as a plug-in in LrC too, but LrC hides this in the UI while Ps makes it very visible.
I've been using Bridge from the beginning of my involvement with Adobe Photography plan. There are different skills used with each program. My only challenge in the past is that keywords didn't seem to sync between the two. I haven't used this in bridge for a while, so this may have been corrected. Do you know if this has been corrected?
I'm a regular Bridge user and have been for a long time. It's a great "file browser", has a good rename function, and is an excellent front end for batch processing files in Ps. It is also a great tool for reviewing images to check that the batch is all the right size, has the right metadata. It use it more often that Lr.
Hey Matt, how nice this video is! I am a fan of your courses, I have been learning with you for several years, even though my native language is spanish! Another Bridge user as well!!! :) :) Best regards from Uruguay!
I use Bridge/ACR/Photoshop because I don't like the overhead of catalogs/importing of LR . Also Bridge is much easier to work with when using NAS drives. Also filtering your photos is easier than in LR. The only thing I find lacking in Bridge is Collection Sets.
I use Bridge as a file browser for Photoshop and to rename/resequence images prior to RAW editing. After editing I use it attach pertinent metadata to my images. I frequently edit RAW images in Capture One and export to Photoshop as a tif or psd file. After processing I access these images using Bridge. It’s essential to my workflow.
I'm a graphic designer who is also a photographer (some for work, but also a keen hobby photographer). I use Bridge all day, every day in doing my design work and love what it is able to do. Curiously I use Bridge and Camera Raw for my professional photography work but Lightroom for my personal work... I'm not sure why I make the distinction. I don't like the new Bridge 2023 interface and, after making several attempts at incorporating it into my daily workflow, I have re-installed Bridge 2022... I find it so much more useful and intuitive. Also, whilst I love what I can do with Bridge, I find it quite flaky and often crashes several times a day. This has been my experience with Bridge for many years and the 2023 version does little to fix it. I've spent hours on the phone with Adobe support people with no success... I've just learned to live with it. At the end of the day, I think Bridge is the reason I've persevered with Adobe generally and not switched to Affinity apps - I cannot find a visually-oriented file browser that offers the functionality of Bridge.
Great video. If I'm correct ACR has merge to photoshop for HDR, panorama, etc. but I can't find anything about creating a focus stack or opening in photoshop as layers. Got any suggestions?
As enthusiastic photographer, I like to edit my RAW files something just a touch, sometime more (multiple masks etc). I knew about Bridge, but I didn't pay attention on it. I used to open my RAW files straight in Lightroom. But, with the latest Lightroom updates, I discovered that on my system, to open like 10 RAW files in Lightroom became extremely slow down process (lacking disk space etc). So, searching other way to edit my RAW files, I discovered that I can open Adobe Camera RAW directly from Bridge -> so not any more Lightroom, not any more open Photoshop to open, after, ACR. This is by far the greatest advantage I found out so far. And, on my laptop/system, ACR open in this way is much much faster than Lightroom. Yes, I love the Bridge, I will use it as my main file explorer for RAW files. (of course, with all other nice functionalities that Bridge brings).
Matt, thanks for all your helpful videos. I'm trying to find a way in Bridge to print out a contact sheet showing the metadata of each photo, more than just the name of the photo. Any ideas?
Br has some bulk processing capabilities I've not seen in LrC. For example, load every image in a folder, apply an action in Ps, save to a new location, new name. If you want to make time-lapses from the top RH corner instead of the dead centre, this is your tool.
Great review, I love working with Bridge. The only thing that annoys me is that BR is using wired GeoData and not the ones from Camera so I need to reformat the Data and then enter it manually. Not that it matters right now since BR does not have a map anyway 🤷♂️
Very interesting and thank you for sharing your knowledge! I have to say that the only thing I use Bridge for is to batch rename files which I find amazing.
ACR has the Color Sampler bar, which LR does not. (At least I can't find it!) Bridge also supports multiple 'Content' panels, which I noted you were using. The one area where LR really shines is the speed of smart collections, because, I believe, of LR SQLite data engine.
Hey Matt, Seems a little history may be in order. PS in the 90's had a feature called the file browser. Oh my! It grew in features and upon the birth of LR it was clear that the gestation of LR was the file browser. Some thought FB would go away. No no no. It continued to develop and for many who grew up on PS the file browser was just the natural way to browse your photos. Bridge was a natural offshoot of the more forward-thinking file browser. I notice so many if not all of the earth shaking new AI features are in Br. Thanks for the content. Another use of Bridge is in edit workfflow one can move from PS back to Br for things normally in LR like changes to ones "basic" initial edit.
(I haven't read all 105 comments, sorry if this is a dupe) I like Bridge when browsing because there is a setting View->Show->Show items from subfolders. You can then turn off/on Show subfolders and various view options. This is a quick way to look at all items quickly.
Great video, I didn't know Bridge was a stand alone product until now. I still won't use it as Lightroom has worked perfect for me since 2008 but good to know it's available if needed.
Matt - great video. 100% agree with all of your Bridge advantages. I've tried using Lightroom multiple times and keep coming back to Bridge - mainly because of the import requirement, and I've always preferred ACR over the Develop Module (although that difference is all but gone). Unfortunately for me, Bridge is the bane of my life. It's incredibly slow. I have a very recent Windows desktop (i9-1300K, 64gb memory, RTX 3080Ti, etc.) and I spend over an hour every day waiting on Bridge. Maybe it's my folder structure (folders by year with psd's in the top and raw and jpg in subfolders) because I've had this issue for years - through 3 brand new computers. Every time I upgrade Bridge, it starts consuming over 99% of the CPU and will do so for hours on end, which makes doing anything in PS virtually impossible. This is with no other app running. It happens for about 3 weeks, then calms down and I can get things done again. I thought it might be my hard drive, so I have copied the folders I'm working in to a very fast M.2 card - no change. And Bridge cache is in the standard C: drive location, and C: is an SSD. I've logged countless bugs with Adobe on this issue but all I get from them is crickets. I do get a lot of likes from other users on the forums, so I know I'm not the only one. If anyone has any ideas on what I might do to fix this, I would REALLY appreciate your thoughts.
Like every adobe product, bridge sucks. They are sub-optimized and built in a really sloppy manner, full of bugs and issues. Not much you can do except hope for competition to catch up on features and build something faster/more stable. Been waiting for years.
I use Bridge to import my images and rename them at the same time using the batch rename feature under the tools menu. Also, as you mentioned a great way to view images on your drive/card without having to import into LR.
I love Bridge and never use LRC, for the whole import reason. Bridge, ACR and Photoshop work for me! I LOVE multiple tabs! My only complaint is about the Metadata. Under exposure mode it shows AV and TV (Canon) as Auto. I know LRC shows them differently - wish Adobe would make that fix. It would be really helpful. Great video.
Always been using Bridge> ACR>Photoshop for many years so I can't see why you need to use Lightroom except for a few features. The only one that I use in Lightroom is to publish my images to my website and Flickr. One of the main features of Bridge that you missed is the Carousal for quickly previewing all your images in turn to score them. If you don't know it press Ctrl A and then Ctrl B and quickly view your images using the arrow keys. Other excellent features in Export is where you can quickly export an image in any format you want to the folder you want, and to import images from your camera which was there before Lightroom appeared.
Yes, I also use both (Bridge/LR) for different tasks. I hate the need for importing photos into LR and also why it has different keyboard shortcuts for same tasks than Camera RAW :-/ Used to use Bridge+ACR exclusively, but recently switched to LR for the main editing process for few reasons. Bridge is also for me still much easier/quicker for filtering photos according to shooting metadata. And as I've noticed when I do HDR/Panorama (from 30+ D850 RAW photos) Bridge + Camera RAW is about a half quicker and generally the interface by that is more responsive/smoother than Lightroom - don't know why.
One thing I really like about Bridge is the preview ability. Windows does not preview Photoshop files in the preview pane. Bridge does. Windows now previews CR3 but when they didn't, Bridge did. I also like that I can put the folders I start in the most as favorites. I don't do a lot of actual work in Bridge, I use it more as a go-between for the computer folders and Lightroom.Photoshop.
Bridge has libraries can LR's library/catalog be imported to bridge? If there was a way to do this I would leave LR because with Bridge and Camera RAW what would LR have these two don't? Then run it all from PS. I remember back with PS CS5, Bridge was able to be placed in the side panel but don't see how to do this now. Then have Camera RAW also be able to set in the panel at the side this way it is as one more or less. It would be like LR going from module to module and no need to open a different app.
Hi Matt: Thanks for creating and sharing this video. I must admit that I don't use Bridge to its' fullest potential. I am a heavy user of keywords and I have found that there ares some issues with Keyword Structures between the two programs. Could you prepare a companion video to this one to discuss the most effective way to keyword using Bridge vs. LR? Thanks, Keith
I really like to use Bridge to look for textures or overlays to add to my images especially, but have found that if I don't purge the cache quite often, it slows my whole computer down with temp files. I
Bridge is just the thing to quickly plow through a bunch of images before deciding whether they go into the LR catalog or the bit bucket. It's also got some batch process capabilities that be useful occasionally. Only I wouldn't do a batch rename with it. It can give some flaky results.
Bridge is great for previewing images. Open a folder of images and select a photo. Tap the spacebar to see it full screen. Click the image to view at 100%. Scroll through the folder with the arrow keys and check images for focus and detail. Process a raw file in ACR. Then return to Bridge and select the same image. R-click to find Develop Settings > Copy Settings and then apply those setting to other similar raw files. Select images in the folder and press Command L (Mac). A slide show immediately begins to play. Slideshow Options are in the View menu.
Is there a way to see or filter only the LOCKED photos in bridge directly from the card or folder and than send only that to Lightroom or Photoshop? I’m waiting for this option in the import window in Lightroom for year!
I like the idea of using Bridge as a quick photo browser, my issue is that ratings, picks, etc are inconsistent between the two programs. First there is no Pick in bridge. If I star-rate an image or color code an image in bridge, then open that image from bridge into LR Classic, or open LR Classic separately, those colors and *ratings don't show up in LR. And the reverse is true as well.
I been using Bridge for more than 10 years. I tried lightroom but found that the import photo method to be troublesome. And when I reinstall my system/ or change new computer, I have trouble maintaining those catalogue thing and settings. For bridge , I just need to make sure my folders are as before. Less chances of screwing up. I think im just too oldschool... but i really want to get into lightroom, purely for the cloud/mobile lightroom editing workflow.
Bridge is great for culling images where you only look for a few keepers per shoot. You save the time of the importing and organizing steps,The import dialogue in LR can look a little intimidating. A more simple file browser within LR before you import into the catalogue would be nice ...
When I first started with lightroom when importing I used the Move system and many times seemed to have problems so I changed to the Add system. To make it easy to import ( for me at least ) I make a folder on an external drive and then transfer the photo's into that folder. I then take the memory card out of the computer or unplug the card reader since the photos are in the folder. I open lightroom and click on import, then on the left panel I find the folder I want and click on it, then at the top of the screen you have 4 choices, (copy as DNG, Copy, Move, Add) click on Add then go to the bottom right and click import. This way work's perfect for me.
This was my first time seeing what Bridge really is. My question is: as a sports photographer who may have 800 to 2000 images at the end of a game, could Bridge be an alternative to using Photo Mechanic to cull photos to edit. I just need to see the images on my computer quickly mark the ones I want to edit, then import them to Lightroom.
Can bridge be used for culling? Lightroom is amazing for culling but you can’t without importing everything into it. I don’t want to import those that I reject in culling however in Lightroom that isn’t an option. If bridge allows culling. Then I can only import the culled images into Lightroom and that would be awesome. However I dunno if bridge offers that.
Hi. Yes it can. Just point it to a folder and poke around the photos. You'll get the hang of it pretty quick or feel free to check out my mini course at mattk.com/course-list
My biggest issue with Bridge (or Adobe’s different apps in general) is that it doesn’t use the same shortcuts. In Lightroom, I go through my photos, and rate them 1-5, and I hit x to reject a photo. Why on earth is it different in Bridge? And in every Photoshop video you (and other lucky bastards) hit the bracket keys to change your brush size. On my Norwegian apple keyboard those key’s doesn’t exist, so I have to use the mouse, but of course not like in Lightroom where I can just scroll the wheel no… I need to use the sliders. Why can’t we get this a bit more uniformed, or even better… the option to customize the shortcuts…?
I will use this for a first pass and culling the images. Can I put a star rating on an image in Bridge and will it follow the data when I e. Image into Lightroom? I also create xmp sidecar files, will the data follow into those files. Thanks
I use Lightroom to rename files date_filename_CameraModel, for instance. I understand that is an import function, but does Bridge have the ability to make a template for renaming selected files, for instance? Also, trying to use both Bridge and Lightroom seems like you could really mess up the Lightroom file structure if you move files, rename files, or edit files.
Hi. You could just as easily mess up your file structure without bridge. If you don’t know that you shouldn’t mess around with your folder structure outside of LR, it doesn’t matter if you use Bridge or not and you’re likely to to muss up LR either way.
@@grahamh3796 great. I’ll take a look. Hope it allows appending, prepending, or better yet incorporating EXIF information in the name, ex. date and camera, like Lightroom does.
@@MattKloskowski Lightroom file structure is only slightly wonky. I don’t have a problem with it, but I’m thinking Bridge might provide a more flexible work flow as long as Lightroom does not get too weirded out, and it’s reasonably easy to sync with files added or edited externally.
I'm struggling to formulate my question.. IF I open 800 raw photos in Bridge, quickly cull through them ID the keepers. Is is better to delete the rejects from my card, then import into LR the keepers? OR. export the keepers to a watch folder that LR will pickup for me, and reformat the card in camera? .... I was told it is very VERY bad to delete photos from the card in Nikon Z9.... that doing this repeatedly my Z9 will damage the card. I hope this makes sense.
Hi. It really doesn't matter. All a personal preference. I delete bad photos as soon as I can personally. In fact, I've deleted photos from the card for 30 years. Imagine a camera company having to issue a statement that says "I know we put a delete feature in the camera... but you shouldn't use it as it will corrupt your card and you'll lose all your photos". Ludicrous right? Disregard that advice as it is wrong. Thanks!
been using Bridge ACR for over 10 years, even when dingdongs made fun of it ( I don't agree it was "very very slow"). I don't have LR, haven't bothered with it.
Don't use LR and never have since trying it. One of the reasons I don't like it is that you have to import photos and you can't move files outside of LR otherwise LR loses the link. Time consuming and basically I use PS in most of my editing so going through LR is additional wasted time (import, export to PS, import back to LR).In addition I use Bridge as a means of accessing and organising all of my media files (images, graphics, videos & audio).LR is basically just a cheap photo editor as an alternative to PS (when PS first came out it was expensive and LR was Adobe's answer to that).Now that it's a subscription, LR makes no logical sense.
If only Bridge could some how support Virtual Copies and a nested folder structure (for collections) I would gladly move away from Lightroom Classic (as I'm not a fan of importing and the database concept) and go back to Bridge. I found (when using Bridge briefly for a few weeks) that my workflow was so much faster, but I missed the ability to use VCs and create a folder st structure for Collections but that part wasn't that big of a deal, but the lack of something like VC's was a big thing that kept me in the LR Classic workflow. But I do think that setting up Smart Collections is a bit easier in Bridge, especially when you want it to search only a certain folder and/or folder and associated subfolders. It can done in LR Classic but it requires you to create some "conditions" in the smart collection to narrow down and limit the search target.
As for printing, I would disagree mostly. I haven't found anything better than the software that comes with Epson and Canon printers for printing. 100% better than LR in my opinion.
@@gosman949 Yes I was also thinking that after I typed this. That's actually what I do for now (as it doesn't require importing to see/cull images, and even light edits in ACR can be passed into LR Classic -- if you tell it to read the associated XMP file).
@@MattKloskowski Yes true, but I"m mainly talking about using VCs for creating variants of images, but perhaps using something else for printing (I am currently use the Canon Pro plug-in for PS, but being able to have virtual copies of different styles of the same images, which I can feed into PS for printing with the Printer mfr's software... although one can also do the same thing in LR. That's where I was going with the VCs thing as it relates to printing or just editing in general -- it's something that Bridge really doesn't have a solution for (other than just creating a separate file, or if you're using ACR, then snapshots but it's not quite the same with snapshots). I did use LR's printing system for a while until I found out about the CAnon plug-in for Photoshop which is better but prior to that I stayed away from "manually" printing images from within PS simply because of the complexity of it). Where I have been using Bridge exclusively is for culling (initial culling) and file naming, partially because I have this fear that excessive deleting and renaming photos in LR would trash the catalog over a long period of time, plus I'm not wasting time importing images which are trash right off the bat. In some respects, I wish Adobe would have created an independent Library catalog system that all Adobe apps could share (PS, LR, Illustrator, etc) that was it's own program, and then other Adobe apps would tap into the catalog system (sort of like how Mini Bridge was for Photoshop, but with the organization of LIghtroom's catalog). They could have kept LR Classic the way it is, it would just load a separate module (the Library module) as more of an add-in or direct tie-in to the catalog, which the catalog would be available to all ADobe products). This is sort of what I think Bridge was supposed to be, but isn't as developed as what LR has, and for some things, like video files, it's probably not necesary that level of organization or complexity, but it would be nice if we could just have ONE catalog system that is shared among all Adobe programs, and all other programs tap into that catalog through a plug-in basically.
I've always used Bridge/ACR/Photoshop, never Lightroom. From what I've learned of LR in your video I have no desire ever to use it; Bridge is far simpler.
@@MattKloskowski I like to do it before importing for say volume portraits or weddings. where I am using muliple cameras. I never knew LR could do that..
I don't see Why bridge exists. I mean, the file explorer on windows, and finder on mac, is plenty good enough to scramble through photos and files. What it may was, it's now obsolete.
Not at all. It was created to be a file browser for all of Adobe apps, not just Photoshop. You can visually see documents from Illustrator, InDesign, etc… Finder/Explorer doesn’t do a good job of displaying those visually.
If you try to preview the RAW files from the File Explorer, for instance, I don't think you can do it. Bridge offers all the details (the preview, the metadata etc) over those RAW files while you are scrolling them, like for any other file automatically recognized by the operating system. In other words, if you want to see the pictures from RAW files, without Bridge you need to physically open the file in Lightroom, or ACR etc.
The advantage of Bridge (or XnView) is that you can make the thumbnails as big as you want. File explorer only has the 3 options, and the biggest one isn't big enough.
Bridge displays all types of image files as large as you want to go. It also has a super useful function where you can click through using Ctrl-B and reject or delete images. If you need even larger, spacebar gives you a bigger preview, you can click with the mouse to get a 100% view temporarily, again you still have the option to reject/delete and star or label images as you go. Movies are also shown and you can scrub through them enough to see whether it's worth keeping or not before importing to your editor of choice.
I've also used ACDSEE as my default photo Browser. But this may replace it. while the product is good, this would save me extra $ each years for product updates.
Click on a photo, hit the spacebar and get a full screen preview that you can use scroll arrows to browse, all at full screen. Great for culling.
Long term photographer and tried Lightroom, even Apple's Aperture.. As I've a huge number of jobs in folders never saw the point of going back to import them all to a lightroom catalogue. My workflow for anyone who may have an interest is: Make a folder on my Mac with the job reference number. Import images (shot in RAW format)from card. In Bridge, batch rename, batch add generic metadata. (you can automate some of this), make selections (star rate keepers, delete the rest. Add specific metadata if needed. Back up that folder elsewhere. Then still in bridge go through selects, correcting exposure sharpness etc. then while still in Bridge export Jpegs. Deliver Jpeg files to client. Back up everything again (x2). A lot of the time I may not even open images in Photoshop, unless just to check them occasionally.
Click on a photo, hit the spacebar and get a full screen preview that you can scroll with arrow buttons. Great for culling.
I use Bridge and have used it for many years for all the reasons mentioned in this video and more. I love it and it has improved over the years. I think it will only get better.
Thanks for this illuminating video. And your easy, clear communication style makes learning a pleasure.
Great to see Bridge get some authoritative attention. It also has a Downloader module for transferring images from a card to a hard drive while adding user metadata to each image such as copyright and contact info. And it has a good Export module for batch exporting a folder of images, useful for a set such as from a time-lapse sequence once all the images are processed. It’s a pity Bridge doesn’t get a bit more update love from Adobe. Bridge’s programming group is off-shore and I suspect gets forgotten by Adobe HQ. The Bridge group was allowed one brief appearance at an AdobeMAX one year.
My primary workflow is importing to Lightroom Classic on my Mac Mini and doing some remote work on a laptop in Lightroom (cloud). I recently upgraded my laptop, and now I can do real photo editing on it. I'm just starting to use Bridge to do all the metadata and renaming that I can't do in Lightroom--I'm experimenting with renaming my output files according to submission guidelines for the Zoo where I volunteer as well as renaming my raw files to add a leading date before I import them. I haven't yet figured out how to work with images that are actually in Lightroom (cloud) because the originals aren't stored where they're easily accessible. I may find it isn't possible, or I may be able to use Lightroom connections--I use those for my photo portfolio.
I use Bridge since ever and I love it. From Bridge to ACR and then to Photoshop. Done! I never understood why people don't use it.
That's my workflow as well since the 80's when I started using Photoshop.
Always use Bridge too. Could never get into using Lightroom even though I purchased LR updates 2X prior to Creative Cloud which I never used.. Haven't downloaded Lightroom with my subscription. I just find Bridge is easier to use.
I hardly ever use Lightroom, except if I’m converting film scans in Negative Lab Pro. All my RAW processing is done with Bridge and ACR. (I’m sure there are plenty of people shocked and stunned by this). One of the big advantages of Bridge that you didn’t mention is, you can use it without an Adobe subscription. You still need an Adobe account, but it can be downloaded and used for free. Unfortunately, you can’t use ACR without a subscription. So if you are using something like Affinity Photo, which doesn’t have any sort of cataloguing or batch viewing, you can open your RAW files in AP by right-clicking in Bridge and using “Open with”. RAW processing in AP is pretty rudimentary, but if you only need minor adjustments because you got exposure and WB right in camera, it does a great job. And its focus stacking is so much easier than Adobe’s.
Bridge is an awesome tool for graphic designer/photographers. The back and forth between Bridge and InDesign is quick, convenient and efficient. I have never even used Lightroom. I don't at all like the fact that photos have to be imported into Lightroom. If I were strictly a photographer I might feel differently, but I don't feel like I'm lacking anything with Bridge, Photoshop and Camera Raw, and being able to browse photos in Bridge and place them from there into InDesign is fantastic. I also use Bridge to download and rename photos from my cards. The 2023 Bridge kind of sucks, so stick with Bridge 12.
Thanks Matt! I'm one of the dudes that rarely use Bridge even knowing that it's a great tool presently. So I will try to use it more often.
This was so useful, Matt. I hadn't taken a look at Bridge in years and years, but I can see now how it might work for me.
I use Bridge regularly, especially in conjunction with other CS apps. One thing that slightly annoys me: Lightroom is my first line editor, however, if I then go on to edit an image that has already bee through the develop module in LR, and then open it in ACR from Bridge or PS and make further changes, when I reopen it in LR there’s an ‘!’ On the image and it tells me further changes have been made and do I want to revert to the original or keep the new ones. Surely if ACR is the same in LR as in Bridge and PS, then these new should automatically merge or be added to the changes already made, and appear as such when reopened in LR?
Thats not everybodies workflow though. I work with Brdige differently than in Lightroom, also sometimes catalogues are being shared between editors, and coworkers. Its good LR prevents you from importing changes accidentally. That warning also includes other meta data changes, copyrights data keuwords etc, not just acr edits.
Thanks for the reminder to revisit Adobe Bridge. It is so much better than my first experience years ago.
I've always found Bridge useful even if I also use LR. Like you said - just to get a quick look on a folder, but also on old/slow PC's that I don't want/need LR on but use for travel. My Surfac Go is one example that great for travel, but not really designed for a program like LR.
I haven't had too much trouble with Bridge speed, but it's always been buggy. Now it seems much more stable, but unfortunately, I can't run two instances of Bridge anymore. I found that really useful for comparing folders on different drives.
Yep, I was one of those that some years ago scoffed at Bridge. I don't know exactly when I realized it was actually quite useful, but I did and I use it often now. No, it's not "either/or" with Lightroom, but "in addition to" in certain moments. If you have PS, you have Bridge, and, depending on your personal workflow, it can be very helpful. I think I'll pick up your Br course just because I don't ever remember having a tutorial on it and I'm sure there are features I could take advantage of. Thanks, Matt!
This video has saved me some time. I have been using bridge for years and I am now considering the latest photoshop and Lightroom. I nearly deided to remove my stand alone Photoshop and Bridge. After watching this it would be produdent to leave Bridge as Lightroom is not a file browser.
There's one point in here, Matt, that adds value and suppresses an inclination to cynicism. For me as a Windows user, there's not a lot more in Bridge than in the standard file Explorer with its View set to Extra Large Icons for most image formats, except RAW. Bridge adds its ability to give a preview of a raw file - and probably uses the JPEG preview that's generally encapsulated in raw files, rather than actually "raw processing" the raw contents.
The one thing that makes it valuable is its ability to launch Adobe Camera Raw (ACR) so I can do raw processing outside Lightroom Classic (LrC). ACR really does the raw processing in both LrC and Ps and here's a correction: it is not the same as the "Develop" panel in LrC because Develop can do a lot more still when ACR is done raw processing. ACR is run as a plug-in in LrC too, but LrC hides this in the UI while Ps makes it very visible.
I've been using Bridge from the beginning of my involvement with Adobe Photography plan. There are different skills used with each program. My only challenge in the past is that keywords didn't seem to sync between the two. I haven't used this in bridge for a while, so this may have been corrected. Do you know if this has been corrected?
I'm a regular Bridge user and have been for a long time. It's a great "file browser", has a good rename function, and is an excellent front end for batch processing files in Ps. It is also a great tool for reviewing images to check that the batch is all the right size, has the right metadata. It use it more often that Lr.
Hey Matt, how nice this video is! I am a fan of your courses, I have been learning with you for several years, even though my native language is spanish! Another Bridge user as well!!! :) :) Best regards from Uruguay!
Wow, thanks!
@@MattKloskowski Thanks to you Matt !!!
for being a wonderful teacher!
I use Bridge/ACR/Photoshop because I don't like the overhead of catalogs/importing of LR . Also Bridge is much easier to work with when using NAS drives. Also filtering your photos is easier than in LR. The only thing I find lacking in Bridge is Collection Sets.
I use Bridge as a file browser for Photoshop and to rename/resequence images prior to RAW editing. After editing I use it attach pertinent metadata to my images. I frequently edit RAW images in Capture One and export to Photoshop as a tif or psd file. After processing I access these images using Bridge. It’s essential to my workflow.
I'm a graphic designer who is also a photographer (some for work, but also a keen hobby photographer). I use Bridge all day, every day in doing my design work and love what it is able to do. Curiously I use Bridge and Camera Raw for my professional photography work but Lightroom for my personal work... I'm not sure why I make the distinction.
I don't like the new Bridge 2023 interface and, after making several attempts at incorporating it into my daily workflow, I have re-installed Bridge 2022... I find it so much more useful and intuitive.
Also, whilst I love what I can do with Bridge, I find it quite flaky and often crashes several times a day. This has been my experience with Bridge for many years and the 2023 version does little to fix it.
I've spent hours on the phone with Adobe support people with no success... I've just learned to live with it. At the end of the day, I think Bridge is the reason I've persevered with Adobe generally and not switched to Affinity apps - I cannot find a visually-oriented file browser that offers the functionality of Bridge.
Great video. If I'm correct ACR has merge to photoshop for HDR, panorama, etc. but I can't find anything about creating a focus stack or opening in photoshop as layers. Got any suggestions?
As enthusiastic photographer, I like to edit my RAW files something just a touch, sometime more (multiple masks etc). I knew about Bridge, but I didn't pay attention on it. I used to open my RAW files straight in Lightroom. But, with the latest Lightroom updates, I discovered that on my system, to open like 10 RAW files in Lightroom became extremely slow down process (lacking disk space etc). So, searching other way to edit my RAW files, I discovered that I can open Adobe Camera RAW directly from Bridge -> so not any more Lightroom, not any more open Photoshop to open, after, ACR. This is by far the greatest advantage I found out so far. And, on my laptop/system, ACR open in this way is much much faster than Lightroom. Yes, I love the Bridge, I will use it as my main file explorer for RAW files.
(of course, with all other nice functionalities that Bridge brings).
Matt, thanks for all your helpful videos. I'm trying to find a way in Bridge to print out a contact sheet showing the metadata of each photo, more than just the name of the photo. Any ideas?
Br has some bulk processing capabilities I've not seen in LrC. For example, load every image in a folder, apply an action in Ps, save to a new location, new name. If you want to make time-lapses from the top RH corner instead of the dead centre, this is your tool.
Great review, I love working with Bridge. The only thing that annoys me is that BR is using wired GeoData and not the ones from Camera so I need to reformat the Data and then enter it manually. Not that it matters right now since BR does not have a map anyway 🤷♂️
Very interesting and thank you for sharing your knowledge! I have to say that the only thing I use Bridge for is to batch rename files which I find amazing.
ACR has the Color Sampler bar, which LR does not. (At least I can't find it!) Bridge also supports multiple 'Content' panels, which I noted you were using. The one area where LR really shines is the speed of smart collections, because, I believe, of LR SQLite data engine.
Hey Matt, Seems a little history may be in order. PS in the 90's had a feature called the file browser. Oh my! It grew in features and upon the birth of LR it was clear that the gestation of LR was the file browser. Some thought FB would go away. No no no. It continued to develop and for many who grew up on PS the file browser was just the natural way to browse your photos. Bridge was a natural offshoot of the more forward-thinking file browser. I notice so many if not all of the earth shaking new AI features are in Br. Thanks for the content. Another use of Bridge is in edit workfflow one can move from PS back to Br for things normally in LR like changes to ones "basic" initial edit.
(I haven't read all 105 comments, sorry if this is a dupe) I like Bridge when browsing because there is a setting View->Show->Show items from subfolders. You can then turn off/on Show subfolders and various view options. This is a quick way to look at all items quickly.
Great video, I didn't know Bridge was a stand alone product until now. I still won't use it as Lightroom has worked perfect for me since 2008 but good to know it's available if needed.
Matt - great video. 100% agree with all of your Bridge advantages. I've tried using Lightroom multiple times and keep coming back to Bridge - mainly because of the import requirement, and I've always preferred ACR over the Develop Module (although that difference is all but gone).
Unfortunately for me, Bridge is the bane of my life. It's incredibly slow. I have a very recent Windows desktop (i9-1300K, 64gb memory, RTX 3080Ti, etc.) and I spend over an hour every day waiting on Bridge. Maybe it's my folder structure (folders by year with psd's in the top and raw and jpg in subfolders) because I've had this issue for years - through 3 brand new computers. Every time I upgrade Bridge, it starts consuming over 99% of the CPU and will do so for hours on end, which makes doing anything in PS virtually impossible. This is with no other app running. It happens for about 3 weeks, then calms down and I can get things done again. I thought it might be my hard drive, so I have copied the folders I'm working in to a very fast M.2 card - no change. And Bridge cache is in the standard C: drive location, and C: is an SSD. I've logged countless bugs with Adobe on this issue but all I get from them is crickets. I do get a lot of likes from other users on the forums, so I know I'm not the only one.
If anyone has any ideas on what I might do to fix this, I would REALLY appreciate your thoughts.
Like every adobe product, bridge sucks. They are sub-optimized and built in a really sloppy manner, full of bugs and issues. Not much you can do except hope for competition to catch up on features and build something faster/more stable. Been waiting for years.
I use Bridge to import my images and rename them at the same time using the batch rename feature under the tools menu. Also, as you mentioned a great way to view images on your drive/card without having to import into LR.
Good video! I like your stuff a lot - and it helps me in my work. Many thanks!
I love Bridge and never use LRC, for the whole import reason. Bridge, ACR and Photoshop work for me! I LOVE multiple tabs! My only complaint is about the Metadata. Under exposure mode it shows AV and TV (Canon) as Auto. I know LRC shows them differently - wish Adobe would make that fix. It would be really helpful. Great video.
Always been using Bridge> ACR>Photoshop for many years so I can't see why you need to use Lightroom except for a few features. The only one that I use in Lightroom is to publish my images to my website and Flickr. One of the main features of Bridge that you missed is the Carousal for quickly previewing all your images in turn to score them. If you don't know it press Ctrl A and then Ctrl B and quickly view your images using the arrow keys. Other excellent features in Export is where you can quickly export an image in any format you want to the folder you want, and to import images from your camera which was there before Lightroom appeared.
Catalogue is the big reason i use lightroom
Yes, I also use both (Bridge/LR) for different tasks. I hate the need for importing photos into LR and also why it has different keyboard shortcuts for same tasks than Camera RAW :-/ Used to use Bridge+ACR exclusively, but recently switched to LR for the main editing process for few reasons.
Bridge is also for me still much easier/quicker for filtering photos according to shooting metadata. And as I've noticed when I do HDR/Panorama (from 30+ D850 RAW photos) Bridge + Camera RAW is about a half quicker and generally the interface by that is more responsive/smoother than Lightroom - don't know why.
Great video... many thanks
One thing I really like about Bridge is the preview ability. Windows does not preview Photoshop files in the preview pane. Bridge does. Windows now previews CR3 but when they didn't, Bridge did. I also like that I can put the folders I start in the most as favorites. I don't do a lot of actual work in Bridge, I use it more as a go-between for the computer folders and Lightroom.Photoshop.
Bridge has libraries can LR's library/catalog be imported to bridge? If there was a way to do this I would leave LR because with Bridge and Camera RAW what would LR have these two don't? Then run it all from PS. I remember back with PS CS5, Bridge was able to be placed in the side panel but don't see how to do this now. Then have Camera RAW also be able to set in the panel at the side this way it is as one more or less. It would be like LR going from module to module and no need to open a different app.
Hi Matt: Thanks for creating and sharing this video. I must admit that I don't use Bridge to its' fullest potential. I am a heavy user of keywords and I have found that there ares some issues with Keyword Structures between the two programs. Could you prepare a companion video to this one to discuss the most effective way to keyword using Bridge vs. LR? Thanks, Keith
Hi. I don’t have one planned for TH-cam, but it is covered in my mini course. Thanks.
Thank you! I never use Bridge because I didn't like it but I will definitely have a look. 🙂
That was very interesting. Think I will give it a shot. Thanks
I really like to use Bridge to look for textures or overlays to add to my images especially, but have found that if I don't purge the cache quite often, it slows my whole computer down with temp files. I
That's why I switched to XnView.
Bridge is just the thing to quickly plow through a bunch of images before deciding whether they go into the LR catalog or the bit bucket. It's also got some batch process capabilities that be useful occasionally. Only I wouldn't do a batch rename with it. It can give some flaky results.
I've been using Bridge and Camera Raw forever.. Never did like Lightroom.
Bridge is great for previewing images. Open a folder of images and select a photo. Tap the spacebar to see it full screen. Click the image to view at 100%. Scroll through the folder with the arrow keys and check images for focus and detail. Process a raw file in ACR. Then return to Bridge and select the same image. R-click to find Develop Settings > Copy Settings and then apply those setting to other similar raw files. Select images in the folder and press Command L (Mac). A slide show immediately begins to play. Slideshow Options are in the View menu.
Definitely all great features. But this video was really about things Bridge could do that LR can't and all those can be done in LR as well. Thanks!
Is there a way to see or filter only the LOCKED photos in bridge directly from the card or folder and than send only that to Lightroom or Photoshop? I’m waiting for this option in the import window in Lightroom for year!
Bridge is wonderful 👍🏻😄
I like the idea of using Bridge as a quick photo browser, my issue is that ratings, picks, etc are inconsistent between the two programs. First there is no Pick in bridge. If I star-rate an image or color code an image in bridge, then open that image from bridge into LR Classic, or open LR Classic separately, those colors and *ratings don't show up in LR. And the reverse is true as well.
Check out my other bridge video on the channel and it can help with some of the things you mentioned
Nice thumbnail photo !
Martin 👍
I been using Bridge for more than 10 years. I tried lightroom but found that the import photo method to be troublesome. And when I reinstall my system/ or change new computer, I have trouble maintaining those catalogue thing and settings. For bridge , I just need to make sure my folders are as before. Less chances of screwing up. I think im just too oldschool... but i really want to get into lightroom, purely for the cloud/mobile lightroom editing workflow.
I’m a professional fashion photographer in Los Angeles I use bridge and Photoshop. I never use Lightroom!
Bridge is great when I have a couple of photos that I want to add gps coordinates to, I select the raw files and in the panel add the coordinates!
Bridge is great for culling images where you only look for a few keepers per shoot. You save the time of the importing and organizing steps,The import dialogue in LR can look a little intimidating. A more simple file browser within LR before you import into the catalogue would be nice ...
When I first started with lightroom when importing I used the Move system and many times seemed to have problems so I changed to the Add system. To make it easy to import ( for me at least ) I make a folder on an external drive and then transfer the photo's into that folder. I then take the memory card out of the computer or unplug the card reader since the photos are in the folder. I open lightroom and click on import, then on the left panel I find the folder I want and click on it, then at the top of the screen you have 4 choices, (copy as DNG, Copy, Move, Add) click on Add then go to the bottom right and click import. This way work's perfect for me.
I can now see using Bridge when I get that Nikon Z8 and have 2000 images to cull. But right now, LR is fine with portraits and landscapes.
This was my first time seeing what Bridge really is. My question is: as a sports photographer who may have 800 to 2000 images at the end of a game, could Bridge be an alternative to using Photo Mechanic to cull photos to edit. I just need to see the images on my computer quickly mark the ones I want to edit, then import them to Lightroom.
Hi. It could. Best way to find out if it works is try it. You can’t hurt anything so there’s no harm in just doing it to see if it does what you need.
Very helpful
Can bridge be used for culling? Lightroom is amazing for culling but you can’t without importing everything into it. I don’t want to import those that I reject in culling however in Lightroom that isn’t an option.
If bridge allows culling. Then I can only import the culled images into Lightroom and that would be awesome. However I dunno if bridge offers that.
Hi. Yes it can. Just point it to a folder and poke around the photos. You'll get the hang of it pretty quick or feel free to check out my mini course at mattk.com/course-list
For me, LR importing was cumbersome because I’m used to working with a file system. I didn’t use Adobe until I learned about Bridge.
My biggest issue with Bridge (or Adobe’s different apps in general) is that it doesn’t use the same shortcuts. In Lightroom, I go through my photos, and rate them 1-5, and I hit x to reject a photo. Why on earth is it different in Bridge? And in every Photoshop video you (and other lucky bastards) hit the bracket keys to change your brush size. On my Norwegian apple keyboard those key’s doesn’t exist, so I have to use the mouse, but of course not like in Lightroom where I can just scroll the wheel no… I need to use the sliders. Why can’t we get this a bit more uniformed, or even better… the option to customize the shortcuts…?
I happens the same with the bracket key on my spanish keyboard!!!
You can customise shortcuts in Bridge! Edit>keyboard shortcuts. I've used it to make the same shortcuts across the different programs I use.
@@pinewatersit Yes now you can... 😊
I will use this for a first pass and culling the images. Can I put a star rating on an image in Bridge and will it follow the data when I e. Image into Lightroom? I also create xmp sidecar files, will the data follow into those files.
Thanks
In a previous post Matt mentioned he has another video about Bridge that answers some of your questions.
Interesting, thanks.
Is editing in Bridge "destructive" - can you edit a raw file, come back to it later and undo the changes?
Hi. You don't edit in Bridge. Camera Raw does and that is never destructive. Thanks.
I use Lightroom to rename files date_filename_CameraModel, for instance. I understand that is an import function, but does Bridge have the ability to make a template for renaming selected files, for instance? Also, trying to use both Bridge and Lightroom seems like you could really mess up the Lightroom file structure if you move files, rename files, or edit files.
Hi. You could just as easily mess up your file structure without bridge. If you don’t know that you shouldn’t mess around with your folder structure outside of LR, it doesn’t matter if you use Bridge or not and you’re likely to to muss up LR either way.
Bridge has a batch re-naming function. Select the required photos, right click to bring up the menu and select batch renaming.
@@grahamh3796 great. I’ll take a look. Hope it allows appending, prepending, or better yet incorporating EXIF information in the name, ex. date and camera, like Lightroom does.
@@MattKloskowski Lightroom file structure is only slightly wonky. I don’t have a problem with it, but I’m thinking Bridge might provide a more flexible work flow as long as Lightroom does not get too weirded out, and it’s reasonably easy to sync with files added or edited externally.
When did Bridge become good? I abandoned it about a year ago for XnView, which doesn't hog memory. But maybe I'll give Bridge a try, again.
I'm struggling to formulate my question.. IF I open 800 raw photos in Bridge, quickly cull through them ID the keepers. Is is better to delete the rejects from my card, then import into LR the keepers? OR. export the keepers to a watch folder that LR will pickup for me, and reformat the card in camera? .... I was told it is very VERY bad to delete photos from the card in Nikon Z9.... that doing this repeatedly my Z9 will damage the card. I hope this makes sense.
Hi. It really doesn't matter. All a personal preference. I delete bad photos as soon as I can personally. In fact, I've deleted photos from the card for 30 years.
Imagine a camera company having to issue a statement that says "I know we put a delete feature in the camera... but you shouldn't use it as it will corrupt your card and you'll lose all your photos". Ludicrous right? Disregard that advice as it is wrong. Thanks!
Great video. I do wish you spoke slower however, I'll have to watch this at least 10 more times to catch everything you are saying. Thanks
Feel free to pause and rewind as much as needed.
Hello Matt can you read the keyword and tag colour on the lightroom from bridge search
Is anyway you can
Nope.
@MattKloskowski thanks if would be good you can use it on the bridge
Great video Matt alway keep them coming learn lot from your videos
I have been using Bridge from the beginning for almost everything and Lightroom for only a few things
been using Bridge ACR for over 10 years, even when dingdongs made fun of it ( I don't agree it was "very very slow"). I don't have LR, haven't bothered with it.
Don't use LR and never have since trying it. One of the reasons I don't like it is that you have to import photos and you can't move files outside of LR otherwise LR loses the link. Time consuming and basically I use PS in most of my editing so going through LR is additional wasted time (import, export to PS, import back to LR).In addition I use Bridge as a means of accessing and organising all of my media files (images, graphics, videos & audio).LR is basically just a cheap photo editor as an alternative to PS (when PS first came out it was expensive and LR was Adobe's answer to that).Now that it's a subscription, LR makes no logical sense.
I’ve always just used Bridge, ACR & Photoshop. I can’t see any reason to use Lightroom.
If only Bridge could some how support Virtual Copies and a nested folder structure (for collections) I would gladly move away from Lightroom Classic (as I'm not a fan of importing and the database concept) and go back to Bridge. I found (when using Bridge briefly for a few weeks) that my workflow was so much faster, but I missed the ability to use VCs and create a folder st structure for Collections but that part wasn't that big of a deal, but the lack of something like VC's was a big thing that kept me in the LR Classic workflow. But I do think that setting up Smart Collections is a bit easier in Bridge, especially when you want it to search only a certain folder and/or folder and associated subfolders. It can done in LR Classic but it requires you to create some "conditions" in the smart collection to narrow down and limit the search target.
Bridge is fine for culling images. But keep your LR for development and printing. If you haven't used LR for printing yet, you are missing out.
As for printing, I would disagree mostly. I haven't found anything better than the software that comes with Epson and Canon printers for printing. 100% better than LR in my opinion.
@@MattKloskowski I use to think that too. But I think I cracked the code.
@@gosman949 Yes I was also thinking that after I typed this. That's actually what I do for now (as it doesn't require importing to see/cull images, and even light edits in ACR can be passed into LR Classic -- if you tell it to read the associated XMP file).
@@MattKloskowski Yes true, but I"m mainly talking about using VCs for creating variants of images, but perhaps using something else for printing (I am currently use the Canon Pro plug-in for PS, but being able to have virtual copies of different styles of the same images, which I can feed into PS for printing with the Printer mfr's software... although one can also do the same thing in LR. That's where I was going with the VCs thing as it relates to printing or just editing in general -- it's something that Bridge really doesn't have a solution for (other than just creating a separate file, or if you're using ACR, then snapshots but it's not quite the same with snapshots). I did use LR's printing system for a while until I found out about the CAnon plug-in for Photoshop which is better but prior to that I stayed away from "manually" printing images from within PS simply because of the complexity of it).
Where I have been using Bridge exclusively is for culling (initial culling) and file naming, partially because I have this fear that excessive deleting and renaming photos in LR would trash the catalog over a long period of time, plus I'm not wasting time importing images which are trash right off the bat.
In some respects, I wish Adobe would have created an independent Library catalog system that all Adobe apps could share (PS, LR, Illustrator, etc) that was it's own program, and then other Adobe apps would tap into the catalog system (sort of like how Mini Bridge was for Photoshop, but with the organization of LIghtroom's catalog). They could have kept LR Classic the way it is, it would just load a separate module (the Library module) as more of an add-in or direct tie-in to the catalog, which the catalog would be available to all ADobe products). This is sort of what I think Bridge was supposed to be, but isn't as developed as what LR has, and for some things, like video files, it's probably not necesary that level of organization or complexity, but it would be nice if we could just have ONE catalog system that is shared among all Adobe programs, and all other programs tap into that catalog through a plug-in basically.
I don't use Lightroom specifically because I don't want to Import. I can do everything I need in PS without the trouble of importing.
I've always used Bridge/ACR/Photoshop, never Lightroom. From what I've learned of LR in your video I have no desire ever to use it; Bridge is far simpler.
I love Batch Rename
Great feature but that’s one that exists in LR too so it didn’t make it.
@@MattKloskowski I like to do it before importing for say volume portraits or weddings. where I am using muliple cameras. I never knew LR could do that..
I don't see Why bridge exists. I mean, the file explorer on windows, and finder on mac, is plenty good enough to scramble through photos and files. What it may was, it's now obsolete.
Not at all. It was created to be a file browser for all of Adobe apps, not just Photoshop. You can visually see documents from Illustrator, InDesign, etc… Finder/Explorer doesn’t do a good job of displaying those visually.
If you try to preview the RAW files from the File Explorer, for instance, I don't think you can do it. Bridge offers all the details (the preview, the metadata etc) over those RAW files while you are scrolling them, like for any other file automatically recognized by the operating system. In other words, if you want to see the pictures from RAW files, without Bridge you need to physically open the file in Lightroom, or ACR etc.
The advantage of Bridge (or XnView) is that you can make the thumbnails as big as you want. File explorer only has the 3 options, and the biggest one isn't big enough.
Bridge displays all types of image files as large as you want to go. It also has a super useful function where you can click through using Ctrl-B and reject or delete images. If you need even larger, spacebar gives you a bigger preview, you can click with the mouse to get a 100% view temporarily, again you still have the option to reject/delete and star or label images as you go.
Movies are also shown and you can scrub through them enough to see whether it's worth keeping or not before importing to your editor of choice.
Bridge has all the tools and is a gajillion times easier to learn and use than Lightroom.
I've also used ACDSEE as my default photo Browser. But this may replace it. while the product is good, this would save me extra $ each years for product updates.