Export from Lightroom to Photoshop #11

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of exporting photos from Lightroom to Photoshop and back, ensuring that your edits remain intact. By following these steps, you'll learn how to effectively switch between the two applications, making the most of their unique features while keeping your original files safe.

Step 1: Open Photo in Photoshop from Lightroom

1. Select the Photo: In Lightroom, navigate to either the Library or Develop module.
2. Right-Click: Locate the photo you want to edit and right-click on it.
3. Choose Edit In: From the context menu, select “Edit In” and then choose “Photoshop CC”.
4. Photoshop Opens: The selected image will automatically open in Photoshop, ready for your edits.

Step 2: Edit Your Photo in Photoshop

1. Make Your Edits: Use Photoshop’s tools such as layers, text, and graphics to enhance your image.
2. Save Your Work: Once you are satisfied with your edits, go to the top menu and click on “File”, then select “Save”.
3. Return to Lightroom: The edited image will automatically appear back in Lightroom as a PSD file, preserving all your Photoshop adjustments.

Step 3: Returning to Photoshop for Further Edits

1. Select the PSD File: If you want to go back to Photoshop for further editing, select the PSD file in Lightroom.
2. Choose Edit Options: Right-click on the PSD file and select “Edit In”.
   • Edit a Copy with Lightroom Adjustments: This option flattens layers and creates a new copy for editing.
   • Edit Original: This option retains all layers and adjustments for continued editing in Photoshop.
3. Select Your Preference: Choose one of the options based on whether you want a flattened image or the original layered file.

Step 4: Understanding When to Use Each Program

• Use Lightroom for:

  • Basic adjustments and enhancements.
  • Organizing and cataloging photos.
  • Batch processing images.

• Use Photoshop for:

  • Advanced editing tasks such as removing distractions.
  • Adding graphics, text, or complex adjustments.
  • Working with layers for detailed image manipulation.

Conclusion

By mastering the workflow between Lightroom and Photoshop, you can enhance your photography editing process significantly. Remember to save your work in Photoshop to keep your edits accessible in Lightroom. This non-destructive method allows you to maintain the integrity of your original files while taking advantage of the unique features of both applications. Happy editing!