PSE Catalog (posted already in post processing and image editing)

[Suvv]

I did post this in the other forum but I did not get any replies, maybe it is one for the computer enthusiats?

I do not use elements very much but I have a question about the catalog.
I always assumed that the catalog file did not store copies of the pictures but was a type of index, however when I looked at backing up the catalog it was going to create a very large file which appeared to contain full size copies of all the photos.
So, when you import pictures into the catalog using organiser does it create full size copies of the pictures? meaning that you have 2 copies of each picture on the computer or does it only create full size copies when backing up the catalog?
Thanks in advance
Kev

 

[john.margetts]

As far as I remember, "back up the catalogue" does not mean the index as it does in Lightroom but actually backs up the pictures in the catalogue.