Workarounds for using Photometer as an external editor

[Monviso]

There are many reasons to use Photometer as an external editor, including storage - keeping Photos or alternatives lighter.
It is currently not possible on MacOS - but according to the roadmap that should change.

There are a number of foibles. I thought it would be useful if we share tips on how to get round them.

I’ll start:

1. Editing from files. There is currently no way to edit a succession of photos. You have to save each one individually.
Issue: If you open a single photo, after you save it the view will return to the start of the folder, leaving you to scroll endlessly to find where you were.
Workaround: rather then just opening the file and editing, hit Select then Edit and apply some form of preset / workflow (eg enhance). The app then creates the .photo file which you can open, edit and save normally and the view will stay where it is.

2. Exporting jpegs to Photos.
Issue: If you select “Export as JPEG” and then “Save Image”, the jpeg is indeed saved to Photos BUT its file name is changed. If you save the photo several times (with or without changes to the edit), each time the app will create a new file name. This is clearly a problem if you want to maintain separate RAW and JPEG catalogues.
Workaround: Instead of “Save Image”, select “Save to Files”. File names are preserved. You can then import your pictures to Photos - or any other viewing app you use.

When exporting photos, remember that you can change the view (“View Options” in the 4 square icon) to “Kind”. This groups .photo files together and makes them easier to select.
Unfortunately it does not seem possible to restrict “select all” to that subsection, so you still have to manually select files. In “List” view it is easier to ensure that you don’t accidentally forget some.