Lightroom offers a range of tools that can simplify your workflow and make editing more efficient. These tips are practical, easy to apply, and especially helpful for repetitive editing tasks.
Coming to you from Mickey Pullen with Eastern Shore Photo Instruction, this detailed video outlines a variety of tips, tricks, and time-saving techniques for Lightroom users. The first tip focuses on solo mode, which reduces clutter by allowing you to view only one panel at a time. You can activate it by right-clicking on any panel header and selecting solo mode. If you need multiple panels open temporarily, holding the Option key lets you toggle additional panels on or off without permanently disabling solo mode. This small adjustment makes navigating Lightroom’s interface less cumbersome.
Another useful tip is customizing and reordering the Develop panel to fit your workflow. By right-clicking a panel header and selecting "Customize Develop Panel," you can hide tools you rarely use and reorder the remaining ones. After saving your changes, Lightroom will prompt you to restart to apply them. This feature lets you focus on the tools you use most frequently while keeping your workspace organized.
Shortcuts can also speed up your workflow significantly. Pullen highlights several keyboard shortcuts, such as the Tab key to hide side panels and the L key to dim the interface, making it easier to evaluate your image without distractions. For quick navigation, the E key switches to Library mode, G takes you to Grid mode, and D opens the Develop module. These shortcuts help you move between tasks with fewer clicks, making editing faster and smoother.
The video also covers tools like the Crop tool and its overlays, which can help you refine your composition. Pressing the O key cycles through overlay options, and holding the Command key activates a straightening tool for aligning horizons. For zooming into specific areas, you can use Shift or Command to define your zoom level and location. These tools are especially handy for inspecting details or correcting alignment. That's just the start, so check out the video above for the full rundown from Pullen.
