The shortcut to create a virtual copy in Adobe Lightroom varies slightly depending on whether you are using a Mac or Windows operating system.
Creating a Virtual Copy in Lightroom
A virtual copy is a copy of your master photo file within Lightroom that does not duplicate the actual image file on your hard drive. Instead, it's a separate set of instructions (settings) for the same original file, allowing you to create multiple different edited versions of one image without taking up extra disk space.
The Virtual Copy Keyboard Shortcut
Based on the provided reference, the specific keyboard shortcuts are:
| Operating System | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Mac | Command + “ |
| Windows | Control + “ |
Using this shortcut will instantly create a virtual copy of the selected image(s).
Where the Shortcut Works
This useful shortcut is functional across several key modules within Lightroom Classic, including the:
- Library module
- Develop module
- Map module
Default Behavior and Unstacking
By default, when you create a virtual copy using the shortcut, Lightroom automatically stacks the newly created virtual copy directly with its master file in the grid view. This helps keep your library organized by grouping related versions of an image together.
If you need to separate the virtual copy from its master file (unstack them), you can use another shortcut:
- Mac:
Command + Shift + G - Windows:
Control + Shift + G
Understanding and utilizing the virtual copy shortcut is an efficient way to manage multiple edits of a single photograph within your Lightroom catalog.
