How do I set up a watched folder in Lightroom Classic?
What is a watched folder? So glad you asked. Read on.
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.
Setting up a Watched Folder Automation in Lightroom Classic
Step-by-step: 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 quietly watches in the background and imports anything new that lands in that folder.
Unexpected & Useful Ways to Use a Watched Folder in Lightroom Classic
☐ Phone-to-Lightroom automation.
Set your phone (or Dropbox/iCloud sync) to export edited photos to a specific folder ➝ Lightroom watches that folder ➝ your favorite mobile shots show up automatically, ready to tag or organize.
☐ Design Asset Tracker
If you’re creating graphics or layouts in Photoshop, Canva, or InDesign, save your final exports into a watched folder. Lightroom will pull them in so you can keep all your visual assets in one place.
(this is similar to my Analog setup)
☐ Client Upload Portal
Share a folder with your client (Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.). Ask them to drop in their selects or reference images - Lightroom watches the folder and brings everything into your catalog automatically.
☐ Tethered Alternative for Shoots
Not using Lightroom’s tether tool? (I use Nikon’s NX-tether).
Shoot into a folder your camera or capture software writes to. Lightroom will bring in each new photo as you shoot - ideal for flat lays, human touch or studio sessions.
☐ Scanner Companion
Scanning old photos or film? Set your scanner to save directly into a watched folder, and Lightroom will auto-import as you go - no dragging or importing needed.
☐ Moodboard or Inspiration Collector
Set up a watched folder for reference images - anything you drag in (screenshots, photography inspo, creative prompts) gets auto-added to Lightroom for easy browsing.
☐ Before & Afters Tracker
Want to keep track of the final edits you export? Have them land in a watched folder so Lightroom adds them right back into your catalog for comparison, archiving, or sharing.
☐ Social Media Publishing Queue
Create a folder for your blog or IG visuals - export to that folder ➝Lightroom watches ➝ you can keyword, caption, or sort them before scheduling.
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 a Wrap
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