The Lightrum program allows you to edit photos in a few clicks. Despite this, the application is quite complicated to master. How to use Lightrum? This question is asked by many novice users.
It is impossible to create clear instructions, because every photographer needs certain options. This article describes the main features of the application and how to work with tools.
Lightroom program: how to use a beginner
First you need to run the utility. Then you should import the images for processing. To do this, click on the "file" button on the top panel. After that, you need to open the "import photos and videos" section. In the left part of the window that appears, select the source.
Pictures located in the specified folder will be displayed in the center. Then you need to select pictures for editing. The developers of the program did not set limits on the number of downloaded files. The user can add even 1,000 pictures. Switching the image display modes is carried out using the button on the toolbar.
The upper area of the window contains additional options such as copying, moving and adding files normally. Settings are in the right sidebar. If you wish, you can immediately apply presets to downloaded pictures. This will simplify the work with the application. The user will only have to export the edited file.
Library module
In this section, you can view the added pictures, compare them with each other, make notes and make simple adjustments. There are several modes of displaying photographs: “grid”, “magnifying glass”, “comparison”, “review”. In order to consider the details, you can enlarge and move the picture. All items on the toolbar are configured separately. The user has options for rating, rotating the image, overlaying the grid, marking people in the photo, etc.
If necessary, you can use the function to compare two images. Both pictures move synchronously. Images are enlarged to the same extent. This makes it easier to find defects. Here the user can also rate pictures and make notes.
When comparing three or more images, only image viewing will be available. How to use “Lightroom” if the program settings are too complicated for a novice photographer? In the “library” section, you can perform simple cropping, as well as adjust the white balance and color tone. There are no familiar sliders here, so you should not count on accurate correction.
Beginner photographer has options for adding descriptions, specifying keywords, changing the shooting date and other metadata.
Correction module
How to use "Lightroom" if you want to study in detail the capabilities of the program? To do this, go to the "correction" section. Here is an advanced image editing system. Photos must have the correct proportions and composition. When editing a picture, the user can use the “crop” tool.
Using the slider, the horizon in the image is aligned. When cropping, a grid is displayed that makes it easier to set the composition. How to use “Lightroom” if you want to erase unwanted objects from a photograph? To do this, select the stain removal tool. Then you want to select the unwanted object.
If the user was not satisfied with the patch selected by the program, then he himself can specify the desired area in the picture. In the right toolbar there are sliders of size, feathering and opacity.
Other settings
How to use "Lightroom" if you want to eliminate the red-eye effect? You can remove a defect using a special tool. To start, you should highlight the eye. Then you need to set the size of the pupil, as well as the degree of blackout. In order to perform point correction of the picture, you need to choose the method of masking.
How to use a brush in Lightroom? First you need to configure the tool. To enlarge the brush, hold down the Ctrl button and scroll the wheel of the computer mouse. Then you need to adjust the pressure, feathering and density. The user needs to select a site for editing.
If necessary, you can remove the noise and add sharpness to the picture. In order to switch to the eraser, you should hold down the Alt key. For the entire image, you can adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, exposure, sharpness, shadows, and light. Experimenting with parameters is recommended.
How to use presets in Lightroom
All installed plugins are displayed in the left toolbar. To apply the settings, you need to double-click on the name of the preset. To create your own plugin, you need to set the parameters, and then hold down the buttons Ctrl + Shift + N. A window will open in which you can specify the name of the preset. Next, click on the "create" button.
Module "map"
Using this section, you can select images from the same place. The numbers on the map indicate the number of photographs taken in this area. By clicking on them, you can view pictures and metadata. If you double-click on the image, the “corrections” section opens.
Other modules
The program allows you to make albums with digital photos. To complete this task, go to the "book" module. All pictures from the current library will be added automatically. The user is given the opportunity to change the format of the future book, size, type of cover, image quality, print resolution. Photos requiring a description are appended with text.
Here you can also set the font, writing style, size, opacity, color and alignment. You can add any picture as a background. The finished book is exported in a user-selected format. If desired, you can enable the "slide show". In the print section, select the printer, image resolution, and paper type.
You may notice that using Photoshop, Lightrum and other graphic editors is not so difficult. The main problem is the development of libraries. Beginners do not understand where to look for pictures downloaded at different times. The rest of the application is user friendly enough.