Odd behavior when exporting from LRC to PL8 and re-exporting from PL8 to LRC

DxO PhotoLab
1

The odd behavior is as follows:

  1. After exporting raw file from LRC to PL8, if the PL8 is still open, it will not allow the export of additional images. PL8 must be closed first.
  2. When exporting back to LRC from PL8, the dng image does not automatically appear in LRC. I have to go back to LRC library and manually import the edited PL8 dng file.

I’ve deleted PL8 and all associated files and reinstalled at least 4 times now with no change.

Ive also deleted and reinstalled Lightroom Classic.

My computer is a MACBook Pro, M3 Chip, 36GB Memory, OS Sequoia 15.2

2

I’m doing this in Windows, and this may work differently in a Mac OS, but in Windows, we always want to highlight one or more images in LrC and then use LrC’s File > Plug-in Extras > Transfer to DxO Photo Lab 8. This works better to move Raw image files back and forth than Edit in>, or Export for many users. To return the PL8-edited image to LrC, towards the bottom right of PL8, open the down arrow there if you don’t see this option: Export to Lightroom, and choose that. In the next window that pops, if you don’t see these entries, open the arrows and select them: “Export to” should be to Adobe Lightroom Classic, “Action” should be Export as DNG (all corrections applied), and “Include” should be set to All. (Once you set these, they will stick in future exports from PL until changed.) If it works correctly, it may take a minute or so, but you’ll be returned to Lightroom with LrC on top, and the DxO edit will appear in the sending Lightroom image folder, adjacent to the original file when you are in Library module set to sort by Capture Date. Note that when it comes back you’ll first be sent to a DxO Collection folder in the column on the left. Unfortunately you can’t turn that annoying behavior off. You can keep deleting images in DxO Collection with no adverse effects. Just navigate in Library module back to the folder , on the left, that sent the image to PL and go from there.

If that doesn’t fix it, are you new to PhotoLab 8? If not, did this used to work correctly?

If in LrC, you go to File > Plug-in Manager, PhotoLab 8 appears there, yes? If not, try the suggestions here: Understanding the Plug-in Manager - Lightroom Killer Tips

If everything is right in Plug-in Manager, try the advice on this webpage (I know these two webpages were written for earlier versions of PL, but the advice should still apply on working from LrC): https://lenscraft.co.uk/photo-editing-tutorials/integrating-dxo-photolab-and-lightroom/

3

Thanks, but I’m not new to PL I am very familiar with how to use the plug-in. I am also very familiar with the export control. I appreciate your help.

4

I’m having this same problem on a Mac. all latest software, must QUIT PhotoLab before the file can be transferred to PhotoLab, then it opens and the file is transferred. Maybe it is not possible to transfer a file from Lightroom to PhotoLab if PhotoLab is opened… would be good to know if that’s true or if there is a fix.

5

It’s sounding more and more like it may be a compatibility issue with Sequoia 15.2. I would suspect DXO will have an update soon. I have a photographer friend having the exact same issue with the exact same equipment and software.

6

So, I received a response to my issue for DXO Support. They suggest that I try ‘refreshing or re-synchronizing the folder in Lightroom where the files are being saved.’

Does anyone have any idea what they are referring to?

7

Yes, in LRC Edit mode, right-click on the folder in the left panel and choose “Synchronize”.

8

Thanks. Aware of that. However, it does nothing to solve the problem. All it does is manually import the exported file back into Lightroom.

9

It’s a workaround that gets the job done in a few seconds, but it doesn’t change the fact that the images aren’t being imported automatically.

FWIW, I haven’t encountered this issue.

10

Thanks. what OS are you using on your MAC? I am using Sequoia 15.2. Others with other versions such as Sonoma are not experiencing this problem.

11

Still on Sonoma.

12

Yep. So far the issue appears to be Sequoia. Even though DXO states it’s compatible with that version.

13

Same Issue Sequoia 15.2 on a Mac mini M1
I open a ticket, but DXO doesn’t seem to see it as an issue and asked me to close the ticket.
It’s very annoying, having to close Photolab each time. !

14

DXO’s Website (and compatibility chart) states that Photolab 8 is compatible with MAC Sequoia. However, as many have stated that isn’t the case. They also show compatibility with the most recent Sony cameras. That also appears not to be the case. They have stoped responding to my requests for help. Turning out to be an awful expensive product with not so good (I’m being gentle) support.