Your keyword database

[andyz]

Many years ago I wanted a database so I could enter keywords and find photos. That predated any use by me of Photoshop. I have CS4 now.

The database I found then was CyPics and it uses Access to run. It has limits, but has done OK for me. Until now. I just went to Win 7 and it seems like many files are not registering in my database as I transferred the files from the old Win XP to Win 7.

So the question, if you're using PS/Bridge for your database of keywords, how happy are you with it? If I have to re-enter names, places, events, etc. perhaps I should do the extra step and convert to something that I assume ??? can be backed up and restored and moved to a new PC when the time comes.

[rwwright]

did you just describe why people use lightroom???

[srwatters]

Or PhotoMechanic or any other decent image browser/organizer (iPhoto, etc.).

[jeffkohn]

My suggestion would be to choose an application that used XMP keywords, since it's somewhat of a standard and supported by several applications (including Bridge). IMHO getting locked into a proprietary database is not the way to go, as you're just now learning the hard way.

[andyz]

I've touched so little of PhotoShops potential I can't imagine trying to incorporate Lightroom. I'm not hearing a resounding cheer for Bridge though.

[RKEnnis]

I'd highly recommend Lightroom for photo organization and key-wording. The fact that you're not using PS to it's full potential isn't a good reason to avoid LR. LR may well meet your needs better than PS. LR really isn't considered a replacement for PS, but rather a compliment to it.

With all that said, you CAN import keywords into bridge. It will import a plain text file of keywords, including hierarchal keywords. The file I tested has the sub keywords indented with tab characters in the text file.

If your existing keywords are in MS Access, there is a good chance you can export them into an appropriately formatted text file for use with Bridge. If you need help with that let me know. (I assume you would still have to re-keyword all your photos though, if your current solution isn't writing XMP keywords.)

Now for MY question: Where are folks on this forum getting their keyword lists? I've been developing my own, but I'm not completely happy with what I've come up with so far. I know there are some large pay keyword lists, but I'm looking for something free that I can add to and customize.

Any ideas for good keyword lists (preferably free)?

[andyz]

Finally got some time to mess with this. Using some built in features of CyPics to find the photos properly on the new drive the database file is complete and there was no work beyond telling it to repair itself.

It may not be the best option with what is available in today's market, but it works and it is paid for.