The module names and desktop steps below refer to Lightroom Classic. Lightroom on desktop, mobile and the web uses a different interface.
1. Importing Photos to Lightroom
Start by bringing your photos into Lightroom. Connect your camera, memory card or hard drive and then click the "Import" button. You can group your images into folders, add the necessary metadata and make previews for quick viewing inside the program.
2. Culling Images and Selecting the Finest Photos for Retouching
The Library module allows you to go through your photos and flag the best ones for editing. Use the Loupe view and Compare view to zoom in and compare your photos closely so that you can make good choices about which pictures to keep and edit.
3. The Preservation of The Original Images
Lightroom Classic records edits without overwriting the source image. This applies to supported JPEG and TIFF files as well as raw files. Keep backups of both your original files and catalog.
4. Basic Adjustments
In the Develop module, start with white balance and Exposure, then adjust Highlights, Shadows, Whites and Blacks. Use Clarity and Vibrance only where they support the look you want.
5. Color Grading and Using Creative Profiles
A creative profile provides a starting colour treatment. Try it on a representative image before applying it to a whole set. For a warm theme, compare skin tones and neutral objects after changing the profile. Use Color Grading to adjust shadows, midtones and highlights separately.
6. Selective Adjustments and Defining Specific Areas in an Image
Open Masking for local adjustments. Brush, Linear Gradient and Radial Gradient let you control different areas of the photo.
A Linear Gradient suits a gradual adjustment across a sky. A Radial Gradient creates an elliptical area, while Brush lets you paint a mask by hand. Inspect the overlay before adjusting the selected area.
7. Retouching Tools and Disposing of Unwanted Elements
Use the Remove tools to address dust spots, blemishes or distracting objects. The available options depend on your version and the selected removal mode.
Check the corrected area at 100% magnification. Repeating textures, edges and complex backgrounds can need further adjustment.
8. Refining Masks and Correcting Lens Effects
Refine a mask with colour or luminance ranges when a broad selection affects too much of the image. Lens corrections address optical effects such as distortion and vignetting; they serve a different purpose from local masks.
9. Batch Processing
Edit one representative photo. In the Develop module, select it along with the other images and keep the edited photo active as the source. Click Sync, choose the settings to copy and confirm with Synchronize. Exposure, white balance and local masks may need individual adjustments when the lighting or framing changes.
10. Presets and Plugins
Presets save a selection of editing settings for reuse. Apply a preset as a starting point, then review the result against your chosen theme.
Plug-ins extend specific Classic workflows, such as publishing or export. Check compatibility with your installed version before adding one.
11. Exporting Images from Lightroom
Export a copy with settings suited to its destination. For web use, check pixel dimensions, file format, compression and colour space.
For print, use the printer or lab’s requested dimensions and colour profile. Increasing the resolution setting alone cannot restore missing detail.
12. Syncing Across Devices
Lightroom Classic synchronizes selected collections with Lightroom apps. It uploads Smart Previews rather than the original files. Adobe’s sync FAQ explains the supported workflow; it is not a cloud backup of the entire Classic catalog.
Lightroom Classic Modules
- Library Module: Sort, rate and add metadata to your photos.
- Develop Module: Adjust tone, colour and selected areas of a photo.
- Map Module: View and add photo locations on a map.
- Book Module: Design and make photo books according to your requirements.
- Slideshow Module: Arrange photos into a presentation and export a slideshow.
- Print Module: Get ready and fine-tune your images for printing.
- Web Module: Create a web photo gallery.