How to Transfer Lightroom Catalog to New Computer (2026 Guide)

Getting a new computer doesn't mean you have to rebuild your Lightroom library from scratch. If you want to transfer Lightroom catalog to new computer, you can move your catalog, photos, and related files with a migration tool or an external drive.

This guide covers two simple methods to help you move your Lightroom workflow safely and continue editing on your new computer.

What You Need to Transfer

Before moving your Lightroom catalog, make sure you know which files you need.

Data	What it contains	Should you transfer?
.lrcat catalog	Edits, metadata, collections, and photo locations	Yes
Original photos	RAW and other image files	Yes, if needed
Previews	Lightroom-generated previews	Recommended
Catalog backups	Previous catalog backups	Optional
Lightroom Classic	The application itself	Install on the new PC

Method 1: Transfer Lightroom Catalog with EaseUS Todo PCTrans

If you want the easiest way to transfer Lightroom catalog to new computer, EaseUS Todo PCTrans can simplify the migration by transferring files and applications between two PCs.

Step 1. Set Up the Old PC

• First, install and launch EaseUS Todo PCTrans and select Data Transfer on the left panel of the main interface.

• Select "Transfer Directly" and click "Next" to continue. 

Step 2. Set Up the New PC

• Download and launch EaseUS Todo PCTrans on the new computer; select "This is New PC" and click "Next".

• Select "Transfer directly" and click "Next" to continue. 
• Select "Network" and click Next to continue. This will automatically scan the old PC. (Make sure the two PCs are connected to the same LAN.)

• Select the target PC and click Connect. Then, it will take some time to scan and analyze the data in old PC.

Step 3. Select the Apps to Transfer

• On the new PC, select the applications you want to transfer. Then, click "Transfer" to start.

After the transfer finishes, open Lightroom Classic on the new PC and check that your catalog and photos are available.

Method 2: Transfer Lightroom Catalog with an External Drive

An external HDD or SSD gives you more control over the migration. This method can also be useful when you have a large Lightroom photo library. Here'sa quick shot for this method:

On Your Old Computer

1. Open Lightroom Classic.

Launch Lightroom Classic and make sure you know which catalog you are currently using.

2. Find your catalog.

Go to:

• For Windows: Edit > Catalog Settings > General > Location > Show
• For macOS: Lightroom Classic > Catalog Settings > General > Location > Show

This opens the folder containing your active catalog.

3. Copy the catalog folder.

Connect your external drive and copy the complete Lightroom catalog folder.

Include:

• .lrcat catalog file
• Previews
• Catalog backups, if needed

If you also want to move your photos, copy the corresponding photo folders to the external drive.

On Your New Computer

4. Install Lightroom Classic.

Install Adobe Creative Cloud and Lightroom Classic on your new computer.

5. Copy the catalog to the new PC.

Move the Lightroom catalog folder from the external drive to your preferred location, such as the Pictures folder.

6. Open the catalog.

Find the .lrcat file and double-click it to open the catalog in Lightroom Classic.

EaseUS Todo PCTrans vs. External Drive

Both methods can help you move a Lightroom catalog, but they suit different workflows.

Feature	EaseUS Todo PCTrans	External Drive
Ease of use	Very easy	Moderate
Learning curve	Low	Higher
Transfer speed	Depends on network	Usually faster with SSD
Extra cost	May require paid software	No extra cost if you own a drive
Network required	Yes	No
Large photo libraries	May take longer	Generally suitable
File control	More automated	More manual
Risk of missing files	Lower for beginners	Higher if paths are missed
Best for	Simple PC migration	Large libraries and more control

Choose EaseUS Todo PCTrans if you want a simpler migration process with less manual file management. For those who have a large photo library, already own suitable storage, or want more control over where your files are placed, an external SSD or hard drive is a better choice. Meanwhile, if you have large RAW libraries, an external SSD might also make it easier to move both the catalog and photo files together.

Final Thoughts

If you need to transfer Lightroom catalog to new computer, you have two practical options. EaseUS Todo PCTrans is convenient when you want a simpler PC-to-PC migration. An external drive gives you more direct control and can be particularly useful for large photo libraries.

Whichever method you choose, back up your catalog first and verify that Lightroom can access your catalog and photos before deleting anything from your old computer.

FAQs About Transfer Lightroom Catalog to New Computer

Can You Move a Lightroom Catalog to an External Hard Drive?

Yes. Close Lightroom, back up your catalog, and copy the complete catalog folder to the external drive. Then open the .lrcat file from its new location and confirm that everything works correctly. For better performance, many users prefer keeping the catalog on an internal SSD while storing large photo files on an external drive.

How Do I Export My Entire Lightroom Catalog?

To export the entire Lightroom Classic catalog:

1. Open the Library module.
2. Select All Photographs.
3. Go to File > Export as Catalog.
4. Choose a destination and catalog name.
5. Decide whether to include original files and previews.
6. Click Export Catalog or Save.

Including original files creates a more complete migration package, but it also requires considerably more storage space.

Where Are Lightroom Classic Catalogs Stored?

By default, Lightroom Classic catalogs are usually stored in the Pictures/Lightroom folder. To find your active catalog:

1. Open Lightroom Classic.
2. Go to Catalog Settings.
3. Select the General tab.
4. Check the Location field.
5. Click Show to open the catalog folder.

You can also search your computer for files ending in .lrcat.

Do I Need to Keep Old Lightroom Catalogs?

You usually don't need to keep every old catalog. Keep your current active .lrcat file because it contains your latest edits, keywords, collections, and other catalog information. For backups, keeping the three or four most recent copies, or monthly backups for about a year can provide a reasonable balance between safety and storage space.

Can I Use the Same Lightroom Catalog on Two Computers?

Yes, but the same Lightroom Classic catalog should not be open on two computers at the same time. If you store the catalog and photos on an external SSD, you can connect the drive to whichever computer you are using. For cloud-synced storage such as Dropbox, make sure synchronization is completely finished before opening the catalog on another computer.