magazine
2024.09.24

Switching Between Lightroom and Photoshop for Seamless Editing | Knowledge #116

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Cover photo by fujikko

Did you know you can easily switch between Lightroom and Photoshop? Even as the boundaries between them blur, Photoshop still offers advanced layer-based editing features that can be utilized to expand your creative expression.

This time, we introduce a seamless method to send images from Lightroom to Photoshop and back again after editing. Utilizing this approach will undoubtedly make your Adobe CC workflow more efficient.

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Photo by Tsubasa Mfg

Easy Transition from Lightroom to Photoshop

Transferring an image you started editing in Lightroom to Photoshop is surprisingly simple. Just right-click the image in the filmstrip (a list of thumbnail images displayed at the bottom of the screen) and select "Edit in" followed by "Edit in Adobe Photoshop 2024".

The edited image is imported directly into Photoshop, allowing you to continue with further edits while retaining the adjustments made in Lightroom. If a dialog appears, choose "Edit a Copy with Lightroom Adjustments".

Returning Photoshop Edits to Lightroom

Once you've finished editing in Photoshop, simply select "Save" from the "File" menu to reflect the edits in Lightroom. Be cautious not to choose "Save As," as it may break the file link.

This way, the image with Photoshop changes is copied back to Lightroom while maintaining the original Lightroom edits.

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Photo by まるう

Optimize Workflow with Repeated Edits

Since you can move back and forth between Lightroom and Photoshop as many times as needed, there's no worry if further editing is required. You can send the image back to Photoshop while reflecting changes in Lightroom.

Utilize this convenient method to dramatically enhance the efficiency of your photo editing workflow.