Best Lightroom and Photoshop Editing Techniques for Printing
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Written by: Camila Sanchez Checa
So you've captured the perfect moment, and now you're ready to bring it to life as a photo album or as a piece of wall art. But before you go and print out your images, there are some crucial editing steps you should take to make sure they look as beautiful as possible. In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential adjustments in Lightroom and Photoshop that will make your prints stand out.
Color Space: The Foundation of Print Quality
Before diving into specific adjustments, you have to make sure you're working in the right color space. For printing, Adobe RGB or ProPhoto RGB are generally recommended over sRGB, as they offer a wider color gamut. In Lightroom, you can set this in the Export dialog, while in Photoshop, go to Edit > Convert to Profile.
Resolution: Sharpness Matters
For high-quality prints, you should aim for a resolution of 300 DPI (dots per inch). In Lightroom's Export dialog or Photoshop's Image Size settings, make sure your image meets this standard for your intended print size.
Brightness and Contrast: its all about balance
Prints often appear a little darker than what you see on screen. To compensate, try applying these changes:
In Lightroom: Increase the Exposure slightly (usually by +0.1 to +0.3) over its original value
In Photoshop: Add a Brightness/Contrast adjustment layer and increase brightness by 10-15%
Boost contrast slightly to add depth to your prints, but be careful not to lose detail in shadows or highlights.
Saturation and Vibrance: Color That (subtly) Pops
Prints can sometimes appear less vibrant than digital images. To counteract this:
In Lightroom: Increase Vibrance slightly (around +10 to +15)
In Photoshop: Add a Vibrance adjustment layer and increase by 10-15%
Remember, subtle adjustments can often get you the best results.
Sharpening: Crisp Details
Apply output sharpening specifically for print (but make sure to not over do it!):
In Lightroom: In the Export dialog, choose "Sharpen For: Matte Paper" or "Glossy Paper" depending on your print medium
In Photoshop: Use the Smart Sharpen filter (Filter > Sharpen > Smart Sharpen) with a low Amount (around 50%) and a high Radius (1-2 pixels)
Noise Reduction: You want it smooth
Noise that's barely noticeable on screen can become pronounced in prints. Apply noise reduction:
In Lightroom: Use the Noise Reduction slider in the Detail panel
In Photoshop: Use the Reduce Noise filter (Filter > Noise > Reduce Noise)
Soft Proofing: Preview Your Print
Use soft proofing to simulate how your image will look when printed:
In Lightroom: Enable soft proofing in the Develop module and select your printer/paper profile
In Photoshop: Go to View > Proof Setup and select your printer/paper profile
This allows you to make final adjustments based on how the print will actually appear.
Save a Print-Specific Version
Always save your print-edited photo as a separate file. This preserves your original edit for digital use while optimizing a version specifically for print.
Editing for print requires an extensive understanding of how digital images translate to physical media. By following these steps, you can make sure that your memories look their absolute best, whether they're displayed in one of our photo albums, as a standalone print, or as a piece of wall art.
Remember, the key to great prints is subtlety in your edits. Small adjustments can make a big difference, bringing out the best in your images without it looking over-the-top. Once those changes have been made, you’re ready to see your beautiful photos in print! Browse through our website and find out which album, print or wall art option is right for you. Happy printing!