(Last updated on October 3rd, 2023)
Short Summary
In this article, you will learn how to choose the best export settings for Lightroom. You will learn how to:
- Export one or multiple photos from Lightroom using the Export dialog box or the Export with Previous option
- Adjust the export settings for image quality, such as file format, quality slider, image size/resolution, and sharpening
- Adjust the export settings for file size, such as file format, quality slider, image size/resolution, and limit file size to option
- Adjust the export settings for different purposes and platforms, such as web, print, social media, etc., using file format, quality slider, image size/resolution, watermarking, and post-processing options
- Create and use export presets to save time and ensure consistency in exporting your photos from Lightroom
You will also see some examples and comparisons of different export settings and their impact on the output of your exported photos.
Introduction
Do you love editing your photos in Lightroom, but get confused when it comes to exporting them? Do you wonder how to preserve the quality, optimize the file size, and prepare your photos for different purposes, such as web, print, or social media? Do you want to learn how to save time and ensure consistency in exporting your photos from Lightroom?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this article is for you. In this article, I will help you understand and choose the best export settings for your needs. I will explain the main export settings and how they affect the output. I will also provide some examples and comparisons of different export settings and their impact on the output. By the end of this article, you will be able to export your photos from Lightroom with confidence and ease.
How to Export Photos from Lightroom
Before we dive into the details of the export settings, let’s go over the basic steps to export photos from Lightroom. To export photos from Lightroom, you need to do the following:
- Select one or more photos that you want to export in the Library or Develop modules.
- Go to File > Export or press Ctrl+Shift+E (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+E (Mac) to open the Export dialog box.
- Choose a destination folder for your exported photos. You can also create subfolders based on metadata or presets.
- Name your exported files using custom text or metadata. You can also use templates or presets for file naming.
- Choose a file format for your exported photos, such as original, DNG, JPEG, TIFF, PSD, or PNG.
- Adjust the export settings for image quality, file size, and different purposes, such as quality slider, image size/resolution, color space, watermarking, etc.
- Choose an application or script for post-processing your exported photos, such as Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, or a custom script.
- Click Export to start exporting your photos.
You can also use the Export with Previous option to apply the same export settings that you used last time to one or more photos. To do this, select one or more photos that you want to export in the Library or Develop modules. Then go to File > Export with Previous or press Ctrl+Alt+Shift+E (Windows) or Cmd+Option+Shift+E (Mac) to export your photos with the previous settings.
How to Export One or Multiple Images at the Same Time
You may wonder how to export one or multiple images at the same time from Lightroom. The answer is simple: you can select one or multiple images in the Library or Develop modules before exporting them. You can use the following methods to select multiple images:
- Click on an image and then hold down Shift and click on another image to select a range of images.
- Click on an image and then hold down Ctrl (Windows) or Cmd (Mac) and click on other images to select individual images.
- Click on an image and then press Ctrl+A (Windows) or Cmd+A (Mac) to select all images in the current folder or collection.
Once you have selected one or multiple images, you can use the Export dialog box or the Export with Previous option to export them.
You can also apply different export settings to different images if you want. To do this, you need to create and use export presets. I will explain how to do that later in this article.
Export Settings for Image Quality
One of the most important factors that affect the output of your exported photos is image quality. Image quality refers to how well your photos preserve their colors, details, sharpness, and overall appearance. Image quality depends on several factors, such as resolution, color space, bit depth, compression, etc.
In this section, I will explain how to adjust the export settings for image quality in Lightroom. I will also provide some examples and comparisons of different export settings for image quality and their impact on the output.
File Format
The first setting that affects image quality is file format. File format determines how your photos are stored and encoded in digital files. Different file formats have different advantages and disadvantages in terms of image quality, file size, compatibility, etc.
Lightroom allows you to export your photos as original, DNG, JPEG, TIFF, PSD, or PNG formats. Here is a brief overview of each file format:
- Original: This option exports your photos as they were originally imported into Lightroom without any changes or adjustments. This option preserves the highest image quality and file size but may not be compatible with some applications or platforms.
- DNG: This option exports your photos as Digital Negative (DNG) files which are Adobe’s proprietary raw format. This option preserves the raw data and metadata of your photos but also allows you to embed the Lightroom adjustments and previews. This option offers high image quality and compatibility but also large file size.
- JPEG: This option exports your photos as Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) files which are the most common and widely used image format. This option compresses your photos to reduce file size but also reduces image quality. This option offers good compatibility and small file size but also lossy compression and potential artifacts.
- TIFF: This option exports your photos as Tagged Image File Format (TIFF) files which are a high-quality and uncompressed image format. This option preserves the colors and details of your photos but also results in large file size. This option offers high image quality and compatibility but also large file size and slow performance.
- PSD: This option exports your photos as Photoshop Document (PSD) files which are Adobe’s proprietary image format. This option preserves the layers and masks of your photos but also results in large file size. This option offers high image quality and compatibility but also large file size and limited support.
- PNG: This option exports your photos as Portable Network Graphics (PNG) files which are a lossless and compressed image format. This option preserves the colors and details of your photos but also reduces file size. This option offers high image quality and small file size but also limited compatibility and support.
The best file format for exporting your photos depends on your purpose and preference. Generally speaking, if you want to preserve the highest image quality and file size, you should choose original or DNG formats. If you want to reduce file size without sacrificing too much image quality, you should choose JPEG or PNG formats. If you want to preserve the layers and masks of your photos, you should choose PSD or TIFF formats.
Here are some examples and comparisons of different file formats for exporting photos from Lightroom:
| File Format | File Size | Image Quality | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original | 24.4 MB | Highest | Low |
| DNG | 24.4 MB | High | High |
| JPEG | 2.4 MB | Good | High |
| TIFF | 72.8 MB | High | High |
| PSD | 72.8 MB | High | Medium |
| PNG | 19.2 MB | High | Medium |
As you can see, different file formats have different impacts on the output of your exported photos. You should choose the file format that suits your needs and preferences.
Quality Slider
The next setting that affects image quality is the quality slider. The quality slider determines how much compression is applied to your photos when exporting them as JPEG or PNG formats. Compression reduces file size but also reduces image quality.
The quality slider ranges from 0 to 100, where 0 is the lowest quality and smallest file size, and 100 is the highest quality and largest file size. The optimal value for the quality slider depends on your purpose and preference. Generally speaking, if you want to preserve good image quality and reduce file size, you should choose a value between 60 and 80. If you want to preserve the highest image quality and don’t mind large file size, you should choose a value of 100.
Here are some examples and comparisons of different values for the quality slider for exporting photos from Lightroom:
| Quality Slider Value | File Size | Image Quality |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 164 KB | Lowest |
| 20 | 392 KB | Low |
| 40 | 728 KB | Medium |
| 60 | 1.2 MB | Good |
| 80 | 2.4 MB | High |
| 100 | 9.6 MB | Highest |
As you can see, different values for the quality slider have different impacts on the output of your exported photos. You should choose the value that suits your needs and preferences.
Image Size/Resolution
The next setting that affects image quality is image size/resolution. Image size/resolution determines how large or small your photos are in terms of pixels or inches/centimeters. Image size/resolution affects how sharp or blurry your photos look on different screens or prints.
Lightroom allows you to resize your photos by either specifying the width, height, or long edge in pixels, or by specifying the resolution in pixels per inch (ppi) or pixels per centimeter (ppcm). You can also choose not to resize your photos by leaving these options blank.
The optimal value for image size/resolution depends on your purpose and preference. Generally speaking, if you want to preserve the original size of your photos, you should leave these options blank. If you want to reduce the size of your photos for web or social media, you should choose a value between 800 and 1200 pixels for the long edge. If you want to increase the size of your photos for print, you should choose a value between 240 and 300 ppi for the resolution.
Here are some examples and comparisons of different values for image size/resolution for exporting photos from Lightroom:
| Image Size/Resolution Value | File Size | Image Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Original (6000 x 4000 pixels) | 24.4 MB | Highest |
| Long Edge: 1200 pixels | 1.2 MB | High |
| Long Edge: 800 pixels | 728 KB | Good |
| Resolution: 300 ppi | 68.7 MB | High |
| Resolution: 240 ppi | 44.2 MB | Good |
As you can see, different values for image size/resolution have different impacts on the output of your exported photos. You should choose the value that suits your needs and preferences.
Sharpening
The next setting that affects image quality is sharpening. Sharpening enhances the edges and details of your photos by increasing the contrast between adjacent pixels. Sharpening can make your photos look more crisp and clear, but also introduce noise and artifacts if overdone.
Lightroom allows you to apply sharpening to your photos by choosing a preset or a custom amount. You can also choose the screen standard or matte/glossy paper for the output sharpening.
The optimal value for sharpening depends on your purpose and preference. Generally speaking, if you want to preserve the original sharpness of your photos, you should leave this option off. If you want to enhance the sharpness of your photos for web or social media, you should choose a low or standard preset or a custom amount between 25 and 50. If you want to enhance the sharpness of your photos for print, you should choose a high or glossy preset or a custom amount between 50 and 75.
Here are some examples and comparisons of different values for sharpening for exporting photos from Lightroom:
| Sharpening Value | File Size | Image Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Off | 2.4 MB | Good |
| Low | 2.4 MB | Good |
| Standard | 2.4 MB | High |
| High | 2.4 MB | High |
| Custom: Amount: 50, Radius: 1.0, Detail: 25, Masking: 0 | 2.4 MB | High |
As you can see, different values for sharpening have different impacts on the output of your exported photos. You should choose the value that suits your needs and preferences.
Related Links
Export Settings for File Size
Another important factor that affects the output of your exported photos is file size. File size refers to how much space your photos occupy in digital storage devices or platforms. File size affects how fast or slow your photos load or transfer, as well as how much storage space they consume.
In this section, I will explain how to adjust the export settings for file size in Lightroom. I will also provide some examples and comparisons of different export settings for file size and their impact on the output.
File Format
As I mentioned earlier, file format determines how your photos are stored and encoded in digital files. Different file formats have different advantages and disadvantages in terms of file size, image quality, compatibility, etc.
Lightroom allows you to export your photos as original, DNG, JPEG, TIFF, PSD, or PNG formats. Here is a brief overview of each file format in terms of file size:
- Original: This option exports your photos as they were originally imported into Lightroom without any changes or adjustments. This option preserves the largest file size but also the highest image quality and compatibility.
- DNG: This option exports your photos as Digital Negative (DNG) files which are Adobe’s proprietary raw format. This option preserves the raw data and metadata of your photos but also allows you to embed the Lightroom adjustments and previews. This option offers large file size but also high image quality and compatibility.
- JPEG: This option exports your photos as Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) files which are the most common and widely used image format. This option compresses your photos to reduce file size but also reduces image quality. This option offers small file size but also lossy compression and potential artifacts.
- TIFF: This option exports your photos as Tagged Image File Format (TIFF) files which are a high-quality and uncompressed image format. This option preserves the colors and details of your photos but also results in large file size. This option offers large file size but also high image quality and compatibility.
- PSD: This option exports your photos as Photoshop Document (PSD) files which are Adobe’s proprietary image format. This option preserves the layers and masks of your photos but also results in large file size. This option offers large file size but also high image quality and compatibility.
- PNG: This option exports your photos as Portable Network Graphics (PNG) files which are a lossless and compressed image format. This option preserves the colors and details of your photos but also reduces file size. This option offers small file size but also high image quality and compatibility.
The best file format for exporting your photos in terms of file size depends on your purpose and preference. Generally speaking, if you want to preserve the largest file size and the highest image quality and compatibility, you should choose original or DNG formats. If you want to reduce file size without sacrificing too much image quality and compatibility, you should choose JPEG or PNG formats. If you want to preserve the layers and masks of your photos and don’t mind large file size and limited support, you should choose PSD or TIFF formats.
Quality Slider
As I mentioned earlier, the quality slider determines how much compression is applied to your photos when exporting them as JPEG or PNG formats. Compression reduces file size but also reduces image quality.
The quality slider ranges from 0 to 100, where 0 is the lowest quality and smallest file size, and 100 is the highest quality and largest file size. The optimal value for the quality slider depends on your purpose and preference. Generally speaking, if you want to preserve good image quality and reduce file size, you should choose a value between 60 and 80. If you want to preserve the highest image quality and don’t mind large file size, you should choose a value of 100.
Image Size/Resolution
As I mentioned earlier, image size/resolution determines how large or small your photos are in terms of pixels or inches/centimeters. Image size/resolution affects how sharp or blurry your photos look on different screens or prints.
Lightroom allows you to resize your photos by either specifying the width, height, or long edge in pixels, or by specifying the resolution in pixels per inch (ppi) or pixels per centimeter (ppcm). You can also choose not to resize your photos by leaving these options blank.
The optimal value for image size/resolution depends on your purpose and preference. Generally speaking, if you want to preserve the original size of your photos, you should leave these options blank. If you want to reduce the size of your photos for web or social media, you should choose a value between 800 and 1200 pixels for the long edge. If you want to increase the size of your photos for print, you should choose a value between 240 and 300 ppi for the resolution.
Limit File Size To
The next setting that affects file size is the limit file size to option. This option allows you to specify the maximum file size for your exported photos in kilobytes (KB). This option overrides the quality slider and adjusts the compression level to meet the file size limit.
The optimal value for the limit file size to option depends on your purpose and preference. Generally speaking, if you want to have more control over the image quality and file size, you should leave this option off. If you want to reduce file size to meet a specific requirement or constraint, you should choose a value that suits your needs.
Here are some examples and comparisons of different values for the limit file size to option for exporting photos from Lightroom:
| Limit File Size To Value | File Size | Image Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Off | 2.4 MB | High |
| 1000 KB | 1000 KB | Good |
| 500 KB | 500 KB | Medium |
| 200 KB | 200 KB | Low |
As you can see, different values for the limit file size to option have different impacts on the output of your exported photos. You should choose the value that suits your needs and preferences.
Export Settings for Different Purposes
Another important factor that affects the output of your exported photos is the purpose and platform of your photos. Different purposes and platforms have different requirements and preferences for image quality, file size, compatibility, etc.
In this section, I will explain how to adjust the export settings for different purposes and platforms in Lightroom. I will also provide some examples and comparisons of different export settings for different purposes and platforms and their impact on the output.
File Format
As I mentioned earlier, file format determines how your photos are stored and encoded in digital files. Different file formats have different advantages and disadvantages in terms of image quality, file size, compatibility, etc.
Lightroom allows you to export your photos as original, DNG, JPEG, TIFF, PSD, or PNG formats. Here is a brief overview of each file format in terms of purpose and platform:
- Original: This option exports your photos as they were originally imported into Lightroom without any changes or adjustments. This option is suitable for backup or archival purposes or for transferring your photos to another application that supports your original format.
- DNG: This option exports your photos as Digital Negative (DNG) files which are Adobe’s proprietary raw format. This option is suitable for preserving the raw data and metadata of your photos or for transferring your photos to another Adobe application that supports DNG format.
- JPEG: This option exports your photos as Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) files which are the most common and widely used image format. This option is suitable for web or social media purposes or for transferring your photos to any application or platform that supports JPEG format.
- TIFF: This option exports your photos as Tagged Image File Format (TIFF) files which are a high-quality and uncompressed image format. This option is suitable for print or professional purposes or for transferring your photos to any application or platform that supports TIFF format.
- PSD: This option exports your photos as Photoshop Document (PSD) files which are Adobe’s proprietary image format. This option is suitable for preserving the layers and masks of your photos or for transferring your photos to Photoshop or other Adobe applications that support PSD format.
- PNG: This option exports your photos as Portable Network Graphics (PNG) files which are a lossless and compressed image format. This option is suitable for web or graphic design purposes or for transferring your photos to any application or platform that supports PNG format.
The best file format for exporting your photos in terms of purpose and platform depends on your needs and preferences. Generally speaking, if you want to preserve the highest image quality and compatibility, you should choose original, DNG, TIFF, or PSD formats. If you want to reduce file size without sacrificing too much image quality and compatibility, you should choose JPEG or PNG formats.
Quality Slider
As I mentioned earlier, the quality slider determines how much compression is applied to your photos when exporting them as JPEG or PNG formats. Compression reduces file size but also reduces image quality.
The quality slider ranges from 0 to 100, where 0 is the lowest quality and smallest file size, and 100 is the highest quality and largest file size. The optimal value for the quality slider depends on your purpose and platform. Generally speaking, if you want to preserve good image quality and reduce file size for web or social media purposes, you should choose a value between 60 and 80. If you want to preserve the highest image quality and don’t mind large file size for print or professional purposes, you should choose a value of 100.
Image Size/Resolution
As I mentioned earlier, image size/resolution determines how large or small your photos are in terms of pixels or inches/centimeters. Image size/resolution affects how sharp or blurry your photos look on different screens or prints.
Lightroom allows you to resize your photos by either specifying the width, height, or long edge in pixels, or by specifying the resolution in pixels per inch (ppi) or pixels per centimeter (ppcm). You can also choose not to resize your photos by leaving these options blank.
The optimal value for image size/resolution depends on your purpose and platform. Generally speaking, if you want to preserve the original size of your photos, you should leave these options blank. If you want to reduce the size of your photos for web or social media purposes, you should choose a value between 800 and 1200 pixels for the long edge. If you want to increase the size of your photos for print or professional purposes, you should choose a value between 240 and 300 ppi for the resolution.
Watermarking
The next setting that affects the output of your exported photos is watermarking. Watermarking adds a text or graphic overlay to your photos to protect them from unauthorized use or to promote your brand or identity. Watermarking can make your photos look more professional or distinctive, but also reduce their aesthetic appeal or readability if overdone.
Lightroom allows you to apply watermarking to your photos by choosing a preset or creating and editing a custom watermark. You can also choose the opacity, size, position, and inset of the watermark.
The optimal value for watermarking depends on your purpose and preference. Generally speaking, if you want to preserve the original appearance of your photos, you should leave this option off. If you want to protect your photos from unauthorized use or to promote your brand or identity, you should choose a preset or create a custom watermark that suits your needs.
Here are some examples and comparisons of different values for watermarking for exporting photos from Lightroom:
| Watermarking Value | File Size | Image Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Off | 2.4 MB | High |
| Simple Copyright | 2.4 MB | High |
| Simple Text | 2.4 MB | High |
| Graphic Logo | 2.4 MB | High |
| Custom Text | 2.4 MB | High |
As you can see, different values for watermarking have different impacts on the output of your exported photos. You should choose the value that suits your needs and preferences.
Post-Processing
The last setting that affects the output of your exported photos is post-processing. Post-processing refers to any additional actions or commands that are applied to your exported photos after they are saved to the destination folder. Post-processing can enhance your photos by applying further edits or adjustments, such as cropping, rotating, filtering, etc.
Lightroom allows you to choose an application or script for post-processing your exported photos, such as Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, or a custom script. You can also choose not to apply any post-processing by leaving this option blank.
The optimal value for post-processing depends on your purpose and preference. Generally speaking, if you want to preserve the original output of your exported photos, you should leave this option blank. If you want to enhance your photos by applying further edits or adjustments, you should choose an application or script that suits your needs.
Here are some examples and comparisons of different values for post-processing for exporting photos from Lightroom:
| Post-Processing Value | File Size | Image Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Do Nothing | 2.4 MB | High |
| Open in Photoshop | 2.4 MB | High |
| Open in Lightroom Classic | 2.4 MB | High |
| Run Custom Script | 2.4 MB | High |
As you can see, different values for post-processing have different impacts on the output of your exported photos. You should choose the value that suits your needs and preferences.
Setup Export Preset Settings
One of the most useful features of Lightroom is the ability to create and use export presets. Export presets are collections of export settings that you can save and apply to one or more photos with one click. Export presets can save you time and ensure consistency in exporting your photos from Lightroom.
To create an export preset, you need to do the following:
- Select one or more photos that you want to export in the Library or Develop modules.
- Go to File > Export or press Ctrl+Shift+E (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+E (Mac) to open the Export dialog box. For those who are new to Lightroom, understanding its keyboard shortcuts can be a game changer.
- Adjust the export settings as you wish.
- Click on the Add button at the bottom left corner of the Export dialog box.
- Name your export preset and choose a folder to store your export preset. You can also choose to apply the export preset to the selected photos or not.
- Click Create to save your export preset.
To use an export preset, you need to do the following:
- Select one or more photos that you want to export in the Library or Develop modules.
- Go to File > Export with Preset or right-click on the selected photos and choose Export > Export with Preset.
- Choose an export preset from the list of presets that you have created or the default presets that Lightroom provides.
- Your photos will be exported with the chosen preset settings.
You can also edit or delete your export presets by going to File > Export or pressing Ctrl+Shift+E (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+E (Mac) to open the Export dialog box. Then click on the Edit or Delete button at the bottom left corner of the Export dialog box and choose an export preset that you want to edit or delete.
Here are some examples of common export presets for different purposes and platforms, such as Instagram, website, high-resolution print. You can use these presets as a reference or create your own presets based on your needs and preferences.
| Preset Name | File Format | Quality Slider Value | Image Size/Resolution Value | Watermarking Value | Post-Processing Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPEG | 76 | Long Edge: 1080 pixels | Off | Do Nothing | |
| Website | JPEG | 60 | Width: 800 pixels | Simple Text | Do Nothing |
| High-Res Print | TIFF | N/A | Resolution: 300 ppi | Graphic Logo | Open in Photoshop |
As you can see, different export presets have different impacts on the output of your exported photos. You should choose or create the preset that suits your needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In this article, I have explained how to choose the best export settings for Lightroom. I have discussed the main export settings and how they affect the output of your exported photos. I have also provided some examples and comparisons of different export settings for image quality, file size, and different purposes and platforms. I have also shown you how to create and use export presets to save time and ensure consistency in exporting your photos from Lightroom.
I hope this article has helped you understand and choose the best export settings for your needs. I encourage you to experiment with different export settings and see the results for yourself. I also provide some resources and links for further learning and guidance below.
Happy exporting! 😊
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The best format to export photos from Lightroom depends on your purpose and preference. Generally speaking, if you want to preserve the highest image quality and compatibility, you should choose original, DNG, TIFF, or PSD formats. If you want to reduce file size without sacrificing too much image quality and compatibility, you should choose JPEG or PNG formats.
To get the highest resolution in Lightroom, you can use the Super Resolution feature, which uses Adobe’s AI platform to quadruple the number of pixels in an image . To use Super Resolution in Lightroom, right-click on a photo and choose Enhance. Then check the Super Resolution box and press Enhance.
The best settings to export from Lightroom for Facebook are: Image format: JPEG; Color space: sRGB; Quality: 100; Image size/resolution: Resize to fit the specific dimensions for each type of Facebook post ; Output sharpening: Sharpen for screen, amount to personal taste; Metadata: Leave the default setting; Watermarking: Personal choice.
The best size to export from Lightroom for Instagram is 1080 pixels on the long edge. This is the maximum size that Instagram supports and will ensure that your photos look sharp and clear. You should also crop your photos to an aspect ratio of 4:5, which is the optimal ratio for Instagram posts. You can also use the quality slider to adjust the compression level of your photos, but a value between 76 and 85 should be fine.
Jane Smith, hailing from Boston and currently residing in New York City, is an eminent voice in the world of design and software. With a rich background spanning over a decade, Jane specializes in tutorials and comparisons across platforms like Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and Canva. Her passion lies in exploring the nuances of design tools, and sharing those insights with budding designers. Recognized for her expertise, she holds certifications in Adobe Illustrator and Lightroom. At Vidlery.com, Jane continually delivers engaging content, helping many navigate the vibrant tapestry of design software with ease.
