Close Lightroom Classic.
- Lightroom Classic User Guide
- Introduction to Lightroom Classic
- Workspace
- Import photos
- Organize photos in Lightroom Classic
- Process and develop photos
- Develop module basics
- Create panoramas and HDR panoramas
- Flat-Field Correction
- Correct distorted perspective in photos using Upright
- Improve image quality using Enhance
- Work with image tone and color
- Masking
- Apply local adjustments
- HDR photo merge
- Develop module options
- Retouch photos
- Cure red eye and pet eye effects
- Use the Radial Filter tool
- Adjustments with Lens Blur
- Edit and Export in HDR
- Remove Tool
- Viewing photos
- Export photos
- Work with external editors
- Manage catalogs and files
- Maps
- Photo books
- Slideshows
- Print photos
- Web galleries
- Keyboard shortcuts
- Content Authenticity
- Lightroom and Adobe services
- Troubleshooting
- Technical Support
- Performance Guidelines
- Technical issues
- GPU Issues
- Startup Issues
- Rendering Issues
- Stability Issues
- Miscellaneous Issues
- Workflow Issues
Issue
When you launch Lightroom Classic, you encounter the error "The Lightroom catalog cannot be opened because another application already has it opened."
Solution
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Go to the folder where your catalog file [yourcatalogname].lrcat is saved. By default, Lightroom Classic saves catalogs in the following folders:
- Windows: \Users\[user name]\Pictures\Lightroom
- Mac OS: /Users/[user name]/Pictures/Lightroom
where [user name] is the user id with which you are logged in.
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Move the [yourcatalogname].lrcat.lock file to the Trash (macOS) or Recycle Bin (Windows), if it is present at this folder location.
Hoiatus.Do not delete or move the main [yourcatalogname].lrcat file.
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Relaunch Lightroom Classic.
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If your catalog opens successfully, you can empty the Trash (macOS) or Recycle Bin (Windows).
More information
When Lightroom Classic is running with a catalog open, it creates a [yourcatalogname].lrcat.lock file next to the [yourcatalogname].lrcat file. This file ensures that there is no other access to the catalog in use. When you exit Lightroom Classic, the lock file is deleted automatically.
However, if Lightroom Classic is not shut down properly, the .lrcat.lock file remains in the same folder as the .lrcat file, which prevents Lightroom Classic from opening.