Can I Format?

Download and run

1. Download Can I Format for Windows (64-bit). Earlier versions are on the releases page.
2. Unzip it anywhere, such as your Documents folder.
3. Run Can I Format.exe from the unzipped folder.

Add a library

A library is where your imported photos and videos are: a Lightroom catalog or a folder. The first time the app opens, it asks for one.

1. Click Add a library.
2. For a Lightroom catalog, click its .lrcat file. For a folder, open it and click Use this folder.
3. Click Index now on the new library.

Check a card

1. Plug in the card. It appears under Cards by its name. If it doesn't, click Refresh.
2. Click Check this.
3. Once the scan is complete, your report opens automatically.

Read the results

• Safe to format means every file on the card is in your library. You can format the card in your camera.
• Not safe to format lists what's missing, grouped by where it's missing from, such as "312 files missing from catalog".

Below the verdict is the card's folder tree, with problem folders opened. Click a folder to see its files and whether each one is in your library.

Where to go next

• Libraries: add additional libraries.
• Rules: configure what is safe for your scans.
• Import missing files: set up automatic imports for missing files.