Your folder counts every file, but Narrative counts photos. So it's normal for a project to show fewer photos than your folder has files. Here are the usual reasons, and what to do about each one.
A filter is on
Filters hide photos without removing them. Check your rating, First Pass and folder filters, and clear any you don't need. Learn how to use filters.
Your folder count includes XMP files
Narrative saves your ratings in small XMP files next to your RAW photos. Your folder counts these as files, but they aren't photos. Learn about XMP files.
RAW and JPEG pairs show as one photo
If you shoot RAW + JPEG, files with the same name, like IMG_0001.CR2 and IMG_0001.JPG, show as one photo in Narrative. Your folder counts them as two.
The same happens when two cameras save photos with the same file name. Learn how to split photos that share a file name.
Near-identical duplicates are stacked
Narrative can stack near-identical duplicates, so you only see one photo from each group. The others are still in your project.
To see a stack, click the duplicates icon on the stacked photo.
To unstack everything, click the duplicates icon and choose Unstack all duplicate groups in project.
To stop stacking when you import, go to Preferences and set Duplicate stacks to Don't stack near-identical duplicates.
Some files aren't supported
Narrative imports RAW, JPEG and HEIC photos. Videos and other files, like PNG, TIFF or PSD, aren't imported. See which cameras and file types Narrative supports.
Duplicates were skipped when you imported
If you chose Don't include duplicates when you imported from a memory card, Narrative skipped photos it had already copied. Learn about adding more photos to a project.
Still missing photos?
If none of these explain it, contact our support team. Tell us how many photos you expected, how many Narrative shows, and what kind of files they are.