Editing side by side in Lightroom is typically done using comparison views to evaluate your adjustments against the original photo or another image. This process helps you make precise edits by directly seeing the impact of your changes.
Lightroom Classic offers dedicated comparison tools to facilitate this side-by-side workflow.
Utilizing the Side-by-Side Comparison Tool
According to Method 2, you can easily access a comparison view after working on your photo:
- Start in the Develop Tab: Begin your editing process in the Develop module of Lightroom Classic. This is where you make all your adjustments to the image.
- Perform Your Edits: Make the desired tweaks and adjustments to your shot using the various panels like Basic, Tone Curve, HSL, etc.
- Activate the Comparison Tool: After you've finished editing, click the button beneath the photo to activate the comparison tool. This button is specifically designed for viewing images side by side or in other comparison layouts.
- Choose Your View: Once the comparison tool is active, you can change between different types of side-by-side comparison in Lightroom, such as viewing the edited version next to the original (Before/After).
Common Side-by-Side Views in Lightroom Classic
Lightroom Classic provides a few key comparison views accessible via buttons below the main image area or keyboard shortcuts:
- Compare View (C): Displays two selected images side by side. Useful for comparing different photos or different edits of the same photo. You can often edit the active image while viewing the other for reference.
- Reference View (R): Shows your current photo alongside a specific reference photo you've selected. This is invaluable for tasks like matching colors or tones between different images. You edit the current photo while the reference remains static.
- Before/After Views: Several options allow you to see your current edited version next to the original state of the image. These are crucial for evaluating the effect of your entire set of edits.
By using these comparison tools, especially the method involving clicking the button below the photo as described, photographers can effectively use side-by-side views to refine their edits and ensure consistency across their work.
