You can edit photos using Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop
Elements, or another application from within the Library or Develop
module in Lightroom. Lightroom automatically uses Photoshop or Photoshop
Elements as an external editor if you have either application installed
on your computer. You can designate other applications to function
as external editors, as well as set file format and other options,
in the External Editing preferences. See Specify external editing preferences.
Lightroom provides several ways to edit photos in Photoshop CS4
or later. You can simply edit them in their current format, or open
them as a Smart Object. You can also merge a series of
shots into a panorama, merge to HDR, or open two or more photos
as one layered image in Photoshop. When you save edits to a photo in
Photoshop, Lightroom automatically imports the new photo into the
catalog. See Open photos in Photoshop or Photoshop Elements.
To edit your photo using Photoshop or Photoshop Elements from
within Lightroom, you must have one of those applications installed
on your computer. Then, follow these steps:
1. Select a photo to edit.
In
the Lightroom Library or Develop module, select the photo you want
to edit. Then, choose Photo > Edit In >
Edit In Adobe Photoshop or Edit In Adobe Photoshop Elements.
If you’re opening a camera raw file in Photoshop CS4 or
later, Photoshop opens the photo directly. If you’re opening a TIFF,
JPEG, or PSD file, choose to open a copy of the photo with Lightroom
adjustments applied, or open a copy of the original photo.
2. Edit in Photoshop or Photoshop Elements.
Perform your desired edits in Photoshop or Photoshop
Elements, and when you’re ready to commit to them, choose File >
Save.
3. Return to Lightroom.
Switch
back to Lightroom. In the Library Grid view, a new version of your
photo appears next to the original. The new photo contains the edits
you made in Photoshop or Photoshop Elements. The original photo
is untouched.
Important: When saving from Photoshop
or Photoshop Elements, be sure to turn on the Maximize Compatibility
option so that Lightroom can read the images. Photoshop CS3
and later automatically save PSD files from Lightroom with maximum
compatibility.
