Normally, when you start learning multiple computer programs, the process becomes easier and faster with every new program you learn because most share common features and concepts.
Previous experiences, however, do not always help us navigate and understand Lightroom because it is quite a unique program. Compared to Photoshop, I do not consider Lightroom to be a very complex application to learn; but, it takes time to understand its unique logic and the various concepts behind it.
It all starts with a user interface which, I find, can be confusing at times. The unique user interface is typically the first stumbling block for most newcomers.
Let me explain
Lightroom employs a modular structure (Library, Develop, Map, Print, Slideshow, Web). The biggest problem with Lightroom’s editing workflow is that I am forced to constantly switch from the Library Module to the Develop Module and back on multiple occasions. Since Lightroom is not a fast-running graphics program, the jump from module to module takes time. And, if you have to do it on multiple occasions in a short period of time, it breaks the flow of editing and can often be frustrating.
For example, if I am in the Develop Module and want to start working on another image that is not part of any Collections, I have to switch to the Library Module since the Develop Module does not display Folders. Once in the Library, I must locate the right folder and select the new image. If I want to continue editing, I then have to switch back to the Develop Module.
Like I said before, it is very frustrating.
Fortunately, there are some useful features in Lightroom that can help us overcome many unnecessary steps and speed up the entire editing workflow.
Here are a few of my favorite tips on how to overcome some of Lightroom’s navigational issues.
1. Recent Sources
This is probably a less obvious and less known navigational feature in Lightroom. But, at the same time, I find it to be the most useful for speeding up the workflow and saving an enormous amount of time.
This feature works in every module of Lightroom. When you click on the image file name above the film strip, you get a menu with the Recent Sources feature.
It shows you all the recent locations you have previously visited. It not only shows you the Collections, it shows Folders and Smart Collections as well.
The best feature of the Recent Sources functionality is that when you click on any source, it takes you there without switching modules.
This is huge!
For example, when you are in the Develop Module, you can select any folder from the Recent Sources list, jump to that folder, select a new image and keep editing without leaving the Develop Module interface.
2. Favorite Sources
Favorite Sources is like Recent Sources but with extended functionality.
It allows us to add any Folder, Collection or Smart Collection to the list of favorites. When the source is added to Favorites, it functions as Recent Sources but stays there permanently.
You have the options to add a new Favorite Source or remove existing one.
3. Go to Folder In Library
This is another one of my favorite functionalities because it helps me locate the physical location of any image.
When I am in the Develop Module, I access the images I want to edit by going to the Collection or Smart Collection from the Collection Panel. The actual location of the image on the hard drive is not always easy to pinpoint.
By right clicking (Option clicking on Mac) on any image and selecting the “Go to Folder in Library” option, you are telling Lightroom to take you to the physical location of the image.
Lightroom will then take you to the Library Module and will select the Folder where the image is located.
4. Go to Collection
In Lightroom, any image can be part of multiple Collections, which can often be difficult to keep track of.
The “Go to Collection” option serves two main purposes. First, when you right-click (option click on Mac) on any image and select the “Go to Collection” option, it will show you all the Collections that this particular image is part of.
Second, it allows us to select the Collection and jump to it without switching the module.
5. Show in Explorer
This is another huge time saver. By right clicking on any image in any module and selecting “Show in Explorer,” it will take you outside of Lightroom to reveal the file location in the file browser.
Conclusion
Navigating Lightroom can be frustrating and slow, but if you know and use these small but valuable "helpers", the sun will shine brighter and your blood pressure will be lower.
http://www.epaperindia.in/2017/01/5-favorite-tips-navigate-lightroom-like-boss/
#_TUTORIAL, #LIGHTROOM_TIPS
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