You can batch edit RAW files in Lightroom primarily by applying presets during import or by synchronizing adjustments across multiple selected photos.
Here's a breakdown of the methods:
1. Applying Presets During Import:
This allows you to apply a specific set of adjustments to all your RAW files as they're being imported into Lightroom.
- Go to Preferences: Navigate to Lightroom's Preferences (Edit > Preferences on Windows, or Lightroom Classic > Preferences on macOS).
- Select Import: Within the Preferences window, click on the "Import" tab.
- Choose Raw Defaults: Find the "Raw Default" option. By default, this is usually set to "Adobe Default."
- Select a Preset: Change "Adobe Default" to a preset of your choice. This can be a built-in Lightroom preset or a custom preset you've created. Custom presets are highly recommended for consistent batch editing.
- Import your RAW files: When you import your RAW files, the selected preset will automatically be applied to each file.
2. Synchronizing Adjustments:
This method allows you to edit one RAW file and then apply the same adjustments to other selected RAW files. This is useful when you have photos taken in similar conditions.
- Edit a Photo: Select a RAW file and make all the necessary adjustments in the Develop module.
- Select Multiple Photos: Select the edited photo and all the other RAW files you want to apply the same adjustments to. You can do this by holding down the Shift key to select a range or the Ctrl/Cmd key to select individual photos.
- Synchronize: Click the "Sync..." button at the bottom of the Develop module.
- Choose Adjustments: A dialog box will appear, allowing you to choose which adjustments you want to synchronize. You can select all or specific adjustments. Make sure the settings you want to sync are checked and that the settings you don't want to sync are unchecked.
- Synchronize: Click the "Synchronize" button. Lightroom will then apply the selected adjustments from the edited photo to all the other selected photos.
Example Scenario:
Imagine you've shot a series of landscape photos at sunrise. They all have similar lighting and exposure. You can edit one of these photos to achieve your desired look and then synchronize those adjustments across all the other photos from the same sunrise shoot.
Tips for Effective Batch Editing:
- Create Custom Presets: Develop your own presets tailored to different shooting conditions or your personal style. This will make batch editing much faster and more consistent.
- Use Graduated Filters and Adjustment Brushes Carefully: These localized adjustments might not work well when synchronized across photos with different compositions. Be prepared to tweak these adjustments individually after synchronization.
- Review After Synchronization: Always review each photo after synchronizing adjustments to ensure that the adjustments work well for each image individually.
By mastering these techniques, you can significantly speed up your RAW file editing workflow in Lightroom.
