How do you batch apply lens correction in Lightroom?

Batch applying lens correction in Lightroom is efficiently done by creating a Develop preset and applying it to multiple selected images.

Applying lens corrections across numerous photos is a common task for photographers. It ensures consistency and automatically fixes distortions, chromatic aberration, and vignetting introduced by specific lenses. Lightroom simplifies this process using presets and batch processing capabilities.

Steps to Batch Apply Lens Correction

The most effective way to batch apply lens corrections is by following these steps:

1. Create a Develop Preset: This is the foundational step. According to the reference provided, you start by selecting a photo that hasn't been adjusted yet. Then, you go to the Develop module. In the Lens Corrections section on the right panel, navigate to the Profile tab. Here, you will find the essential checkboxes:

   • Remove Chromatic Aberration: Check this box to automatically remove color fringing often seen in high-contrast areas.
   • Enable Profile Corrections: Check this box. Lightroom will then automatically detect the lens used (based on the photo's metadata) and apply corrections for distortion and vignetting specific to that lens model.

   Note: While in the Develop module, you can also ensure that no other adjustments are selected when creating the preset, unless you intend to apply those as well.

2. Save the Preset: Once you have the desired lens correction settings enabled on your sample photo, you need to save them as a new Develop preset.

   • Go to the Develop module menu.
   • Choose Develop > New Preset....
   • Give your preset a descriptive name (e.g., "Lens Correction - Auto").
   • In the New Develop Preset dialog box, ensure that only the "Lens Corrections" option is checked (or "Lens Correction" and "Remove Chromatic Aberration" depending on your Lightroom version and exact menu structure). Uncheck all other options unless you want to include them in this preset.
   • Click Create. Your new preset is now saved in the User Presets section.

3. Select Multiple Images: Switch to the Library module or stay in the Develop module if you prefer. Select all the photos you want to apply the lens correction to. You can do this by:

   • Clicking the first image, holding down the Shift key, and clicking the last image to select a contiguous range.
   • Holding down the Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac) key and clicking individual images to select non-contiguous photos.
   • Using Ctrl+A (Windows) or Command+A (Mac) to select all photos in the current view (folder, collection, etc.).

4. Apply the Preset: With the images selected, there are several ways to apply the preset:

   • Using the Presets Panel (Develop Module): If you are in the Develop module and have multiple images selected in the filmstrip, you can find your new preset in the Presets panel on the left. Simply click on the preset name to apply it to all selected images.

   • Using the Sync Button (Develop Module): Apply the preset to the most selected image (the one with the brighter white border). Ensure other images are selected. Then click the Sync... button at the bottom of the right panel. In the Synchronize Settings dialog box, ensure that only "Lens Corrections" is checked (and "Process Version" might be helpful), and then click Synchronize.

   • Using Quick Develop (Library Module): In the Library module, with images selected, use the Quick Develop panel on the right. You can choose your preset from the Saved Preset dropdown menu.

   • Using Settings Sync (Library Module): Apply the preset to one image in the Library module. Select all images you want to sync. Click the Sync Settings... button at the bottom of the grid view. Check "Lens Corrections" and any other settings you wish to copy, then click Synchronize.

Comparison of Batch Application Methods

While multiple methods exist, using a saved preset is generally the most flexible and repeatable.

Method	Module(s)	Ease of Use	Control Over Settings	Best For
Apply Preset (Panel)	Develop	High	Applies Preset Exactly	Quick application of specific settings
Sync Settings (Develop)	Develop	Medium	Granular control over synced settings	Copying specific adjustments from one image
Quick Develop (Preset)	Library	High	Applies Preset Exactly	Fast application without entering Develop
Sync Settings (Library)	Library	Medium	Granular control over synced settings	Copying specific adjustments in grid view

By creating and utilizing a dedicated lens correction preset, you can dramatically speed up your workflow, ensuring all your photos benefit from these essential adjustments with just a few clicks.