Adobe Lightroom Classic 2024 for Mac: A Comprehensive Guide

Step 1: Create a Catalog and Import Photos

When you launch the software for the first time, it automatically creates a default catalog (usually located in the “Pictures” folder). It is recommended to create a separate catalog for different projects (File > New Catalog).

Import Photos:

1. Click the “Import” button at the bottom of the left panel, or use the shortcut ⇧Shift + I.
2. In the import window, select the source on the left (such as an SD card or folder).
3. In the middle, select an import method such as “Copy,” “Move,” or “Add.” It is recommended to use “Copy” to copy the photos to the specified location and add them to the catalog.
4. On the right, set the destination folder, file naming, add keywords, and apply an initial “Edit Preset” or “Metadata Preset.”
5. Click the “Import” button in the bottom right corner.

Step 2: Manage and Cull in the Library Module

After importing, all photos are displayed in the Grid View.

• Culling: Use the Filter in the toolbar (by flag, star rating, color label), or press ⌘Cmd + F for text search.
• Marking: Press P to mark as “Pick” (flag), press X to mark as “Reject”, press number keys 1-5 to set star ratings.
• Create Collections: In the left “Collections” panel, click the “+” sign to create a “Collection Set” or “Smart Collection” (auto-grouped based on rules).

Step 3: Edit in the Develop Module

Double-click the selected photo to enter Loupe View, then switch to the “Develop” module (shortcut D).

1. Basic Adjustments: In the “Basic” panel on the right, typically adjust in the following order:
   • White Balance (using the eyedropper tool or sliders).
   • Tone: Exposure, Contrast, Highlights, Shadows, Whites, Blacks.
   • Presence: Texture, Clarity, Dehaze, Vibrance, Saturation.
2. Local Adjustments:
   • Use the Graduated Filter (M), Radial Filter (⇧Shift + M), and Adjustment Brush (K) for local exposure, color, and other modifications.
   • Use the AI-driven “Mask” feature (click the “Mask” button or press ⌥Option + M) to select “Subject,” “Sky,” “Background,” or “Person” with one click for precise adjustments.
3. Details & Lens Correction:
   • “Details” panel: Apply sharpening (hold ⌥Option and drag the mask slider to view the range) and noise reduction (especially “Color” noise reduction).
   • “Lens Correction” panel: Check “Remove Chromatic Aberration” and “Enable Profile Corrections” to automatically fix lens distortion and vignetting.

Step 4: Sync Settings & Batch Processing

In the library grid or filmstrip, select multiple photos, click the “Sync” button in the lower right corner (labeled “Sync” in the Edit Photos module), check the settings you want to sync, and quickly apply the adjustments from the first photo to the others.

Tip: In the “Library” module, you can use the “Quick Edit” panel to apply presets or make simple batch adjustments.

Step 5: Export the Final Images

Select the photos you want to export, click “File” > “Export”, or use the shortcut ⇧Shift + ⌘Cmd + E.

1. In the “Export Location” section of the export dialog, set the destination folder and renaming rules.
2. In “File Settings,” select the format (e.g., JPEG, TIFF) and color space (sRGB for web, Adobe RGB/ProPhoto RGB for print).
3. In “Image Sizing,” set the resolution (typically 300 pixels/inch for printing) and long edge dimensions (e.g., 1920 pixels for web sharing).
4. In “Output Sharpening,” select “Screen,” “Matte Paper,” or “Glossy Paper” and the amount of sharpening.
5. You can click the “Add” button to save the current settings as a “User Preset” for quick access next time.
6. Click “Export”.