Not Using the Library

Bibble 5 is unique in that it allows you to use Asset Management if you'd like to, but it does not require you to use it.  Perhaps you already have an Asset Management application that you are happy with, or perhaps you manage your images using folders on your computer and don't want to change that structure.  With Bibble 5, any of these usage models are fine.

Just click the File System tab in the Browser Panel, and select the folder that contains the images you want to view and edit.  Bibble 5 will instantly load thumbnails for all the images in that folder, and you can start working right away - without having to import the images and without having to decide how to setup your image Catalog.

Some features require a Catalog; see the Understanding the Library chapter for details.

NOTE: You can build a Catalog from folders on your computer without moving any of the original images (called Master Files).  This is called Importing By Reference, and allows you to use the features listed above by building a Catalog without requiring Bibble to manage the Master Files.

File System Mode to Library Mode

You can import images into your Library at anytime in your workflow - you do not need to import your images first.  You can start working in File System mode, by browsing to a folder on your computer in the File System Tab within the Browse Panel.

If you decide that you'd like to use any of the features that require the Library, like Stacks for example, just right-click on the folder you are browsing in the File System Tab of the Browse Panel, and select Import Folder.  This will import the current folder to your Library in a new Catalog, optionally copying the Master Files to the Catalog, and will also import any image adjustments you've made as well as any  metadata changes or additions.

See the section on importing images for additional details on building a Library and importing your images into that Library.