Exporting Revealed
Pages: 1, 2, 3, 4
Burn the exported images to a disc
If you select this option, after export, you are prompted through the process of burning the files to a writable CD or DVD.
Open in Adobe Photoshop CS3 (or other designated editor)
Opens an exported image in the designated external editor after Lightroom applies the parameters (file format, bit depth, size, etc.) set in the Export dialog box.
Go to Export Actions Folder Now
This takes you to and opens the Export Actions folder where you can place any executable application, shortcut, or an alias of an executable application. If you do this, the next time you choose Export, the alias you added to the folder will be listed in the After Export menu of the Export dialog box. You can also add Photoshop droplets or script files to the Export Actions folder.
Making custom presets
Lightroom ships with three presets. You can modify these presets, create new presets based on the original presets, or create custom presets from scratch. The options in the Preset pop-up list will vary depending on your selections.
DNG stands for digital negative. Use Lightroom to export proprietary RAW data files—or JPEG or TIFFs— into DNG. (File→Export, or, in the Library module, Library→Convert Photo to DNG.) This will archive your photos, accompanying metadata, the original RAW file, and a full-size JPEG preview (if you wish) into an open format that is more likely to be compatible with future software applications.
You can revert to the original Export preset settings in Lightroom's Preferences. In the Presets tab, select Restore Export Presets. Your custom presets won't be affected. Here you can also select Store Presets in Catalog which will maintain your presets on a catalog-by-catalog basis.
DNG Export Options
Here are the choices you have in the Export dialog box when you choose to export a DNG file (circled).
JPEG Previews
Choices: None, Medium Size, and Full Size. Larger sizes increase total file size, but provide ready-to-print proofing.
File Extension:
Choose between an upper- and lowercase extension.
Interpolation Method
It's best to use Preserve Raw Image. Select Convert to Linear Image only if you know your RAW file contains unusual mosaic patterns not supported by all converters.
Options: Compressed (lossless)
Select this and your DNG file will be about a 1/3 smaller than the original RAW file with no tradeoff in quality.
Options: Embed Original Raw file
Select this, and an exact copy of the original RAW file is embedded within the DNG file, which becomes about 2/3 larger than the original file. At this time, you'll need the Adobe DNG converter to retrieve the embedded RAW file from the DNG file.
Peter Krogh
Mikkel Aaland is a professional photographer whose pioneering work in digital photography dates back to 1981. He is the author of nine books including the bestselling Photoshop Elements Solutions and O'Reilly's acclaimed Photoshop Lightroom Adventure. Visit his website at http://www.shooting-digital.com.
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