While both Lightroom and Photoshop offer users various photo editing options, some tasks may require Photoshop's capabilities. In such cases, consider opening Lightroom photos in Photoshop.
Tutorial: Opening Lightroom Photos in Photoshop
1. Comparing Lightroom Classic, Lightroom CC, and Photoshop.
2. How to Open Lightroom Photos in Photoshop.
3. How to Open Lightroom CC Photos in Photoshop.
1. Comparing Lightroom Classic, Lightroom CC, and Photoshop
Both Lightroom Classic and Lightroom Creative Cloud are specialized photo editing software. Lightroom Classic utilizes local memory when exporting photos and features a slightly different interface compared to Lightroom CC.
=> Download Lightroom Classic here.
Lightroom CC operates seamlessly within the Adobe Creative Cloud ecosystem, synergizing with numerous other Creative Cloud applications and leveraging cloud storage for file storage, export settings, and cataloging. However, users must maintain an internet connection to save images to cloud services or export to local storage.
=> Download Lightroom CC here.
While Photoshop is renowned for professional photo editing, its scope extends beyond mere image manipulation. Leveraging tools such as layers, masks, brushes, Photoshop excels in refining the minutest details. Its primary function revolves around intricate image processing, serving diverse purposes beyond mere image enhancement.
=> Download Photoshop here.
2. Opening Photos in Photoshop from Lightroom
After importing photos into Lightroom Classic, you can easily perform preliminary edits using the Develop module. Then, select the photo you want to edit and open it in Photoshop to make further adjustments.
To do this, all you need to do is right-click on the photo and choose Edit In =>Open as Smart Object in Photoshop from the menu displayed on the screen. The Smart Object option helps maintain the quality of the edited image like the quality of the original image.
Additionally, another option, Edit in Adobe Photoshop 2023, allows you to edit a copy of the photo with three different options: edit in Lightroom, edit a copy of the original photo, or edit the original photo.
After selecting one of the two options, Photoshop will automatically open the image you have chosen. An important note here is that you should NOT close the Lightroom Classic window while editing the photo.
In the Photoshop window, your image will be a Smart Object (if this option is chosen) and displayed with a Smart Object icon on the layer thumbnail.
To edit the image, simply double-click on the Smart Object icon on the layer to open Camera RAW and directly edit your photo. Make your edits in Camera RAW and then click OK.
Once the photo editing process in Photoshop is complete, click on the X icon on the image tab. At this point, a message will appear on the screen, where you should find and click on the Save option.
Returning to the Lightroom Classic window, your freshly edited images will now appear before the original versions in the Lightroom Classic library.
This method preserves the original version and ensures no file overwriting occurs. Finally, select any export option to export your images from Lightroom Classic. You can also utilize Lightroom shortcuts for quicker operations, saving time.
3. Opening Lightroom CC Images in Photoshop
Similar to opening Lightroom images in Photoshop, after importing images into Lightroom CC, you can perform various edits and select images for Photoshop editing.
Next, right-click on the image and choose the Edit in Photoshop option. Keep the Lightroom CC window open on your system to maintain file connectivity.
Your image will open as a standard Photoshop project, and you can make any edits using Photoshop's tools. Additionally, you can add other effects if desired.
After completing edits, click the X icon on the image tab in Photoshop and select Save on the notification window displayed on the screen. This action will automatically reopen the Lightroom CC window.
Initially, your newly edited image will replace the original image in Lightroom CC. Click on 2 at the top right corner of the image; this action opens both the original and edited images in Lightroom CC and Photoshop, respectively.
Finally, select any export option you prefer to export photos from Lightroom CC, and you're done.
Currently, Lightroom also has versions available on Android and iOS, allowing users to edit photos easily. However, to use it, you need to have an account. Refer to how to register for a Lightroom account on Android, iOS here to get started.
- More Information: How to register for a Lightroom account on Android, iOS
So, Mytour has guided you through the detailed steps of opening photos in Lightroom in Photoshop for editing. Wishing you successful endeavors.