Using FTP Presets

Creating multiple web sites or keeping a web site and a test site with Adobe Lightroom® means using multiple FTP locations to upload the site.  Unlike many programs, Adobe Lightroom® provides the ability to upload directly to a web server as well as export to a hard disk location.  Using multiple FTP locations with Adobe Lightroom® is easy to accomplish when using FTP Presets.

NOTE:  If the FTP Server shows Custom, then the FTP Preset has been edited, but has not been saved.  Be sure to save the FTP Preset so that it can be used again.

Configure FTP File Transfer Dialog used to edit FTP Presets

Here the FTP Settings can be edited or a new FTP Preset can be customized and saved.  The following describes each of the items in the dialog box.

Preset - The name of the FTP Preset as shown in the Upload panel in Adobe Lightroom®.

Server - The web address of the ftp server.  This is normally the web address input into an FTP Program.

Username - The username used to access the Server.  This is normally the username input into an FTP Program.

Password - The password associated with the Username.  This is normally the password input into an FTP Program..

Store password in preset - When checked, will store the password with the preset.  Checking this item is recommended unless using a public computer or a computer where others have access and can see the password.

Server Path - The physical path on the Server where files are to be stored.  This is the customization part of the FTP Presets.  On the same web server, this is the only item that is changed in order to upload files to different custom locations.

NOTE:  Notice the directory slash ('/') at the beginning of the Server Path.

Protocol - The choices are FTP or SFTP.  For most applications, FTP should work.

Port - By default this is set to port 21.  Unless your FTP Server has a different port setup, leave this item at the default setting.

Data Transfer Mode - The choices are Not Passive, Passive and Enhanced Passive.  Leaving this set at the default item, Passive, should work in most situations.

After editing the items in the dialog box, notice that the preset name has the text '(edited)' beside it.  This indicates the settings have changed since the dialog box was opened.  Two choices exist once an FTP Preset has been edited or created.

Configure FTP File Transfer dialog preset saving choices

Clicking on the Preset drop down box will show all of the current FTP Presets in Adobe Lightroom®.

CRITICAL:  Clicking on any of the Presets at this point will erase all of the edits and load the selected preset into the dialog box for more editing.  Unless you wish to lose all the changes made, do not click on any of these items.  Only click on one of the two menu items at the bottom as discussed below.

The two menu items at the bottom have the following effects:

Save Current Settings as New Preset - This menu item accepts a name in for a new FTP Preset and saves the settings under that name.  Be sure to type something meaningful so that you remember where the setting stores files on your web server.  When finished, press the CREATE button to save the settings or the CANCEL button to discard the settings.

New Preset naming dialog

Update Preset "name of preset" - This menu item saves all of the changes made to the currently selected FTP Preset and updates it for those changes.

When completely finished, press the OK button to continue or the CANCEL button to discard all the work.

TIP:  Use the EXPORT button to save a backup copy of what is uploaded to your web site.  First upload to a test web site and check to see if all works as expected.  Then export the same settings to a backup disk drive location.

The last item to discuss about the Upload panel is the subfolder option.

The Put in Subfolder item determines whether uploading to the web site uses the strict path saved in the FTP Preset or whether the files are uploaded to a subdirectory within the strict path saved in the FTP Preset.  Keeping the checkbox blank will save all files in that preset location.  Checking the box will first find the subdirectory entered and then upload the files.

NOTE:  Notice that unlike the Server Path in the Configure FTP File Transfer dialog box, the subfolder blank does not require a directory slash ('/') in front of the sub directory.   The directory slash is required between subdirectories, however.

Multiple paths can be entered such that the files are uploaded to a subdirectory several levels down.  For example, a single level subdirectory such as 'images' can entered or a more complex subdirectory such as 'images/slideshows/monoslideshow/aboutmepage'.  Each of these subdirectories will work with this setting.

TIP:  When uploading to a few subdirectories on a regular basis, create additional FTP Presets for those subdirectories.  For example, in LRG Complete©, the 'galleries' and 'pages' subdirectories are used regularly.  Thus, create a preset for your website named, 'My Web Site' and then two additional ones named 'My Web Site Galleries' and 'My Web Site Pages'.  To accomplish this, add the galleries and pages text to the end of the server path.  Doing this means the Put in Subfolder item can remain unchecked and the FTP Preset will upload the files to this dedicated subdirectory.