7 ways to use Lightroom and Photoshop together

When editing your photos, you’ll likely choose Adobe Lightroom or Adobe Photoshop. Since both tools are relatively complex, it is better to focus on learning one for a few months before doing the same with the other.

Once you achieve proficiency in both of these platforms, it is worth considering utilizing them in conjunction. The simultaneous usage of Lightroom and Photoshop provides numerous advantages. You can apply more comprehensive edits to your images, eradicate unwanted elements from photographs, and much more. Here are several ways in which you can integrate Lightroom and Photoshop for optimal results.

1. Image preview

Preview images in Lightroom
Preview images in Lightroom

When it comes to editing your images, it’s important to carefully consider which images you want to modify and which ones you want to delete. Among Adobe’s editing tools, Lightroom Classic stands out as the optimal choice for this task.

When selecting a drive to import photos into Lightroom, you have the option to double-click on a photo to preview it in its full size. Once you have chosen the desired photos to add to the application, simply click the “Import” button to begin editing.

Before importing photos into Lightroom, you can utilize the Zoom In/Out slider located at the bottom right corner to adjust the zoom level. This allows you to examine if the photo is blurry and identify any other undesirable aspects before proceeding to edit in Lightroom and Photoshop.

2. Image editing

After finishing the initial editing in Lightroom, there may be other issues that cannot be fixed using this application. In such cases, you can utilize Photoshop to remove these defects.

In Photoshop, there is a diverse range of editing tools available for use. For instance, the “Patching” tool enables the replacement of specific areas within an image. Additionally, there is a “Spot Healing” option, similar to the one found in Lightroom.

In addition, Photoshop provides the “Erase Brush” and “History Brush” tools, which are helpful in achieving desired results. Furthermore, there are various features available to lighten or darken specific portions of your photograph.

3. Initial color grading

Color Grading Wheel in Adobe Lightroom
Color Grading Wheel in Adobe Lightroom

When it comes to editing the original portion of your photo, Adobe Lightroom is the ideal starting point. This platform offers several features for making overall adjustments to your image, such as the “Vibrance” and “Saturation” sliders. Furthermore, you can fine-tune individual colors using the “HSL” section.

The color wheel in Lightroom is widely regarded as the most influential tool when it comes to altering colors in photos. It provides the capability to enhance specific colors for highlights, shadows, and neutral tones. Additionally, there is a separate wheel available for adjusting the overall image.

By utilizing the Color Grading sliders, you have the ability to enhance the brightness of particular areas within the image. Once this is done, your photograph will be prepared for additional editing in Photoshop.

4. Do More Advanced Color Corrections in Photoshop

Color Balance slider in Photoshop
Color Balance slider in Photoshop

Once you have made your initial color edits in Lightroom, you have the option to enhance the colors in your photos further using Photoshop. While you can utilize the Auto Color tool for automatic adjustments, it can be much more enjoyable to manually adjust them yourself.

One of the most valuable features in Photoshop for color correction is the “Color Balance” tool. With this tool, you can make adjustments to the greens, vibrant reds, and yellows in the shadow areas, neutral tones, and highlights of your photo.

In Photoshop, you have the ability to combine and modify colors. Additionally, you can enhance your images with a range of warming and cooling filters. To access these tools, simply navigate to “Photo > Adjustments” on the toolbar located at the top of the interface.

5. Add multiple photos to a project

Please utilize the videos available on YouTube at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkhrYzj0WeU.

If you wish to utilize your photos in various contexts, it is important to skillfully apply your creativity based on where you intend to use them. For instance, you may consider using Photoshop to design Instagram stories.

If you are interested in creating collages, Instagram carousels, or any other type of content that involves multiple images, it is recommended to use Photoshop. Prior to utilizing tools such as banners to achieve the desired outcome, you can make adjustments to your original photograph in Lightroom.

After completing your projects in Photoshop, you have the option to export them in various formats such as JPEG, PNG, and several others.

6. Make Simple Edits in Adobe Lightroom

Basic Adjustments in Adobe Lightroom
Basic Adjustments in Adobe Lightroom

Adobe Lightroom is an incredibly handy tool for making quick and easy edits to your images. Within Lightroom, you’ll discover a plethora of useful tools to help you make adjustments. For instance, with just a few sliders, you can alter the brightness and contrast of your photos. Additionally, you can effortlessly modify the camera lens profile and enhance the sharpness of your images.

Regardless of whether you are using Lightroom Classic or Lightroom Creative Cloud, you have the ability to adjust the texture, transparency, and opacity of your photos according to your preferences.

7. Import directly from Lightroom CC

Editing Lightroom files in Photoshop
Editing Lightroom files in Photoshop

If you are using Lightroom Creative Cloud, you can still edit your photos directly in Photoshop through the app. You will need to open Lightroom CC to make the edits, but there is no need to save the file and open a new program from the beginning.

To import photos from Lightroom CC to Photoshop, you have to go to the File menu and choose “Edit in Photoshop.” This will prompt the computer to open the Photoshop application, enabling you to proceed with editing the image.

FAQ about 7 ways to use Lightroom and Photoshop together

Utilizing both Lightroom and Photoshop provides exceptional advantages for editing photographs. Lightroom specializes in image processing and organization, while Photoshop concentrates on intricate editing and the creation of unique effects. The integration of these two tools enables the development of superior photo compositions with a vast array of customization options and creative possibilities.

To convert photos from Lightroom to Photoshop, follow these steps:
– Open Lightroom and choose the photo you wish to edit.
– Right-click on the photo and select “Edit in” from the displayed menu.
– Then, select “Open as Layer in Photoshop”.
– Lightroom will automatically convert and open the image in Photoshop, while the original image remains saved in Lightroom.

How can I utilize advanced editing tools in Photoshop? Photoshop provides a wide range of powerful editing tools including Layers, Masks, Brushes, and Filters. These tools can be used for tasks like adjusting color and contrast, eliminating blemishes, applying special effects, and much more. It is advised to familiarize yourself with these tools and gain proficiency in utilizing them to achieve the desired editing effects.

After making edits in Lightroom, it is possible to merge photos with Photoshop by transferring them from Lightroom to Photoshop to make intricate adjustments, apply special effects, and produce one-of-a-kind creations. Once the editing process in Photoshop is complete, the photo can be saved and Lightroom will automatically update the new version in your library.

Photoshop provides a wide range of special effects including shadow, hole, lighten, and many others. Once you have created the desired effect in Photoshop, you can save the image in a Lightroom-compatible format, such as JPEG or TIFF, and import it into Lightroom for further editing and management purposes.

Why not exclusively utilize Photoshop instead of using Lightroom?

While Photoshop provides a wide range of powerful editing tools, Lightroom is primarily focused on photo management and batch editing. If you have only a few individual photos and don’t require extensive management, using Photoshop alone may be sufficient. However, incorporating both tools will allow you to make more comprehensive edits and efficiently manage your photos.

To gain a deeper understanding of Lightroom and Photoshop, you can enroll in online courses and utilize the wide range of learning materials available on the internet. Both Lightroom and Photoshop offer abundant online educational resources, such as video tutorials on YouTube and photography-oriented websites. By leveraging these resources, you will become proficient in both software applications.

Additionally, you have the option to participate in online forums and community groups dedicated to photography, where you can engage in discussions and information-sharing about Lightroom and Photoshop. These platforms provide an opportunity to connect with fellow photographers, address any challenges or concerns related to the software, seek guidance through asking questions, and share your own experiences. By actively participating in these forums, you can expand your knowledge, enhance your proficiency in using Lightroom and Photoshop, and ultimately improve your skills in these editing tools.

Keywords about 7 ways to use Lightroom and Photoshop together

1. How to utilize both Lightroom and Photoshop simultaneously to create unique color effects.
2. Mastering basic editing in Lightroom, followed by advanced editing in Photoshop.
3. Generating gradients and selections in Lightroom, then applying special effects using Photoshop.
4. Step-by-step instructions for creating graphic effects through layering in Photoshop, with overall editing done in Lightroom.
5. Adjusting image resolution in Lightroom, and performing detailed editing and reproduction in Photoshop.
6. Maximizing the use of Lightroom’s cloud tools to sync data with Photoshop for seamless editing.
7. Creating RAW image files in Lightroom, then converting them into high-resolution formats like PSD, JPEG, or TIFF using Photoshop for printing or design purposes.

If you have any questions regarding 7 Ways to Use Lightroom and Photoshop Together, please feel free to ask. Your questions and comments will assist us in enhancing future articles.

The article “7 ways to use Lightroom and Photoshop together” has been compiled by me and my team using various sources. If you found this article helpful, please show your support by liking or sharing!


“Please write it in English.”