Lightroom Keyboard Shortcuts for Streamlined Photo Editing Workflow

Lightroom keyboard shortcuts that can greatly improve your efficiency and streamline your workflow.

Lightroom Keyboard Shortcuts for Streamlined Photo Editing Workflow

Using keyboard shortcuts in Adobe Lightroom can dramatically speed up your photo editing process. Here are some key shortcuts to optimize your workflow:

1. Library and Develop Navigation

• G: Switch to Grid view (Library Module)
• D: Switch to Develop Module
• E: Switch to Loupe view (Library Module)

1. Basic Editing Controls

• R: Crop Tool
• K: Adjustment Brush
• Q: Spot Removal Tool
• M: Graduated Filter
• Shift + R: Radial Filter

1. Quick Viewing and Comparing

• Y: Toggle Before & After view
• **: View original photo
• L: Lights out mode for focusing on the image

1. Rating and Flagging

• P: Flag as Pick
• X: Reject photo
• 1-5: Apply star ratings
• 0: Remove star rating

1. Copy and Paste Settings

• Ctrl/Cmd + C: Copy selected settings
• Ctrl/Cmd + V: Paste settings to another photo

1. Zoom and Navigation

• Z: Zoom in/out
• Ctrl/Cmd + +/-: Zoom incrementally
• Space: Drag image when zoomed in

1. Reset and Undo

• Ctrl/Cmd + Z: Undo last action
• Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + Z: Redo last action
• Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + R: Reset all settings

These shortcuts help photographers enhance efficiency, allowing for a more streamlined and faster editing workflow.

Lightroom Keyboard Shortcuts

General Lightroom Keyboard Shortcuts

• G: Grid View (Library Module)
• E: Loupe View (Library and Develop Module)
• D: Develop Module
• Tab: Hide/Show Side Panels
• Shift + Tab: Hide/Show All Panels
• \ (Backslash): Toggle Before/After View in Develop Module

Importing and Exporting

• Ctrl + Shift + I (Cmd + Shift + I on Mac): Import Photos
• Ctrl + Shift + E (Cmd + Shift + E on Mac): Export Photos
• Ctrl + Shift + S (Cmd + Shift + S on Mac): Sync Settings

Navigating and Organizing

• P: Flag Photo as Pick
• X: Flag Photo as Reject
• U: Unflag Photo
• 1-5: Rate Photo (1 to 5 Stars)
• 6-9: Apply Color Label (Red, Yellow, Green, Blue)
• Ctrl + A (Cmd + A on Mac): Select All
• Ctrl + D (Cmd + D on Mac): Deselect All

Editing Photos Lightroom Keyboard Shortcuts

• R: Crop Tool
• K: Adjustment Brush
• M: Graduated Filter
• Shift + M: Radial Filter
• Q: Spot Removal Tool
• Y: Toggle Before/After View (Side by Side)

Zoom and View

• Z: Toggle Zoom (Library and Develop Module)
• Space: Toggle Zoom (when holding down)
• L: Lights Out Mode (Toggle Dim and Off Background)

Working with Collections

• Ctrl + N (Cmd + N on Mac): Create New Collection
• Ctrl + Shift + N (Cmd + Shift + N on Mac): Create New Collection Set

Panels and Interface

• F: Full-Screen Mode
• Ctrl + \ (Cmd + \ on Mac): Show/Hide Filter Bar
• Ctrl + , (Cmd + , on Mac): Preferences
• Ctrl + Alt + 1 (Cmd + Option + 1 on Mac): Show/Hide Left Panel
• Ctrl + Alt + 2 (Cmd + Option + 2 on Mac): Show/Hide Right Panel

Miscellaneous

• Ctrl + Z (Cmd + Z on Mac): Undo
• Ctrl + Y (Cmd + Y on Mac): Redo
• Ctrl + S (Cmd + S on Mac): Save Metadata to File
• F2: Rename Photo

Utilizing these shortcuts can significantly enhance your workflow, allowing you to focus more on your creative process and less on navigating the software.

General Tip

Before we start, note that there is no “Ctrl” button on a MacBook; instead, use the “Command” button as an alternative.

Accessing and Customizing Adobe Lightroom Keyboard Shortcuts

Before diving into shortcuts, it’s helpful to know how to access and customize them to suit your workflow:

• MacOS: Command + Option + /
• Windows: Ctrl + Alt + /

Customizing shortcuts to fit your workflow can greatly enhance your efficiency.

Basic Navigation and Organization Adobe Lightroom Keyboard Shortcuts

Crop & Rotate (C)

• MacOS: C
• Windows: C

Quickly access the Crop & Rotate tool, essential for framing your photos just right.

Detail (D)

• MacOS: D
• Windows: D

Enhance the fine details in your images with a single keystroke.

Edit (E)

• MacOS: E
• Windows: E

Jump straight into the Develop module for in-depth editing with the “Edit” shortcut.

Full Screen (F)

• MacOS: F
• Windows: F

Maximize your workspace with the “Full Screen” shortcut, eliminating distractions.

Grid (G)

• MacOS: G
• Windows: G

Effortlessly switch to the Grid view for quick navigation through your photo library.

Info (I)

• MacOS: I
• Windows: I

Retrieve detailed information about your photos using the “Info” shortcut.

Keywords (K)

• MacOS: K
• Windows: K

Add keywords efficiently to organize and categorize your imag

Cut, Copy, and Paste Adobe Lightroom Keyboard Shortcuts

• MacOS: Command + X, Command + C, Command + V
• Windows: Ctrl + X, Ctrl + C, Ctrl + V
• Streamline your photo organization by cutting, copying, and pasting with ease.

Undo and Redo

• MacOS: Command + Z and Shift + Command + Z
• Windows: Ctrl + Z and Shift + Ctrl + Z
• Correct and redo your actions effortlessly, maintaining full control over your editing process.

Using these Adobe Lightroom Keyboard Shortcuts will greatly enhance your efficiency, allowing you to focus on the creative aspects of your photo editing.

Additional Common Adobe Lightroom Keyboard Shortcuts

Minimize

• MacOS: Command + M
• Windows: Ctrl + M
• Minimize Lightroom to the taskbar or dock when needed.

Auto Tone

• MacOS: Shift + A
• Windows: Shift + A
• Quickly apply an automatic tone adjustment to your images.

Edit in Photoshop

• MacOS: Shift + Command + E
• Windows: Shift + Ctrl + E
• Transfer your photos seamlessly to Photoshop for advanced editing.

Rotate Left (CCW) and Rotate Right (CW)

• MacOS: Command + [ and Command + ]
• Windows: Ctrl + [ and Ctrl + ]
• Correct the orientation of your images with ease.

Zoom In and Zoom Out

• MacOS: Command + = and Command + –
• Windows: Ctrl + = and Ctrl + –
• Inspect details or get a better overview of your photos using these shortcuts.

Select None

• MacOS: Shift + Command + A
• Windows: Shift + Ctrl + A
• Deselect all photos quickly, useful when starting a new selection or project.

Paste Selected Settings

• MacOS: Shift + Command + V
• Windows: Shift + Ctrl + V
• Apply settings from one photo to another effortlessly with this shortcut.

Preferences

• MacOS: Command + ,
• Windows: Ctrl + ,
• Customize your Lightroom experience by accessing preferences directly.

Search

• MacOS: Command + F
• Windows: Ctrl + F
• Quickly find photos or access various functions using the search shortcut.

Action	macOS Shortcut	Windows Shortcut
Crop & Rotate	C	C
Detail	D	D
Edit	E	E
Full Screen	F	F
Grid	G	G
Info	I	I
Keywords	K	K
Cut	Command + X	Ctrl + X
Copy	Command + C	Ctrl + C
Paste	Command + V	Ctrl + V
Undo	Command + Z	Ctrl + Z
Redo	Shift + Command + Z	Shift + Ctrl + Z
Minimize	Command + M	Ctrl + M
Auto Tone	Shift + A	Shift + A
Edit in Photoshop	Shift + Command + E	Shift + Ctrl + E
Rotate Left (CCW)	Command + [	Ctrl + [
Rotate Right (CW)	Command + ]	Ctrl + ]
Zoom In	Command + =	Ctrl + =
Zoom Out	Command + –	Ctrl + –
Select None	Shift + Command + A	Shift + Ctrl + A
Paste Selected Settings	Shift + Command + V	Shift + Ctrl + V
Preferences	Command + ,	Ctrl + ,
Search	Command + F	Ctrl + F

Panel and Module-Specific Adobe Lightroom Keyboard Shortcuts

Expand/Retract Light Panel (Command + 1 / Ctrl + 1)
Toggle the Light Panel to quickly access and adjust exposure, contrast, and brightness settings, streamlining your photo editing process.

Expand/Retract Color Panel (Command + 2 / Ctrl + 2)
Toggle the Color Panel to easily modify color balance, saturation, and hue, allowing for precise color corrections and enhancements.

Expand/Retract Effects Panel (Command + 3 / Ctrl + 3)
Access the Effects Panel to apply and adjust creative filters and post-processing effects, giving your photos a unique look.

Expand/Retract Details Panel (Command + 4 / Ctrl + 4)
Quickly access the Details Panel for fine-tuning sharpening and noise reduction, ensuring optimal image clarity and quality.

Expand/Retract Optics Panel (Command + 5 / Ctrl + 5)
Toggle the Optics Panel to correct lens distortions, chromatic aberrations, and vignetting, enhancing the overall image quality.

Expand/Retract Geometry Panel (Command + 6 / Ctrl + 6)
Easily access the Geometry Panel to correct perspective issues, straighten lines, and fix distortion, perfect for architectural and landscape photography.

Open Presets Panel (Shift + P / Shift + P)
Instantly open the Presets Panel to apply predefined editing settings for quick and consistent enhancements across multiple photos.

Show/Hide Histogram (Command + 0 / Ctrl + 0)
Display or hide the Histogram to analyze the tonal distribution of your image, aiding in accurate exposure and contrast adjustments.

Action	macOS Shortcut	Windows Shortcut
Expand/Retract Light Panel	Command + 1	Ctrl + 1
Expand/Retract Color Panel	Command + 2	Ctrl + 2
Expand/Retract Effects Panel	Command + 3	Ctrl + 3
Expand/Retract Details Panel	Command + 4	Ctrl + 4
Expand/Retract Optics Panel	Command + 5	Ctrl + 5
Expand/Retract Geometry Panel	Command + 6	Ctrl + 6
Open Presets Panel	Shift + P	Shift + P
Show/Hide Histogram	Command + 0	Ctrl + 0

These shortcuts will help you efficiently manage and access different panels and tools in Adobe Lightroom, allowing for a more streamlined editing workflow.

Brush and Adjustment Adobe Lightroom Keyboard Shortcuts

Efficient photo editing in Adobe Lightroom Keyboard Shortcuts is all about speed and precision. Knowing the right shortcuts can dramatically enhance your workflow, especially when working with brushes and adjustment tools. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the most useful shortcuts for managing these features:

1. Adjustment Brush

• Shortcut: K (MacOS: K, Windows: K)
• Description: The Adjustment Brush tool allows you to make selective adjustments to specific areas of your photo. Use this shortcut to quickly activate the tool for tasks such as adjusting exposure, clarity, and more.

2. Graduated Filter

• Shortcut: M (MacOS: M, Windows: M)
• Description: Apply a Graduated Filter to adjust exposure, contrast, and other settings across a gradient. This tool is ideal for enhancing skies or creating gradual transitions in your images.

3. Radial Filter

• Shortcut: Shift + M (MacOS: Shift + M, Windows: Shift + M)
• Description: The Radial Filter is used for circular adjustments. It’s perfect for creating vignettes or focusing attention on a specific area of the photo while gradually transitioning the effect outward.

4. Spot Removal Tool

• Shortcut: Q (MacOS: Q, Windows: Q)
• Description: Use the Spot Removal Tool to correct blemishes, dust spots, and other imperfections in your photo. This shortcut provides quick access to clone or heal options.

5. Brush Size Increase

• Shortcut: [ (Left Bracket) (MacOS: [, Windows: [)
• Description: Increase the size of your brush to cover larger areas more efficiently. This is useful for broad adjustments or applying effects to larger portions of your image.

6. Brush Size Decrease

• Shortcut: ] (Right Bracket) (MacOS: ], Windows: ])
• Description: Decrease the size of your brush for more detailed work. This allows for precise adjustments and fine-tuning in specific areas of your photo.

7. Brush Feather Increase

• Shortcut: Shift + [ (MacOS: Shift + [, Windows: Shift + [)
• Description: Increase the feathering of the brush edge to create smoother transitions and softer edges. This is useful for blending adjustments seamlessly into the surrounding areas.

8. Brush Feather Decrease

• Shortcut: Shift + ] (MacOS: Shift + ], Windows: Shift + ])
• Description: Decrease the feathering of the brush for more defined and sharper edges. This is useful when you need more control over the areas you are adjusting.

9. Brush Flow Increase

• Shortcut: Ctrl + [ (MacOS: Ctrl + [, Windows: Ctrl + [)
• Description: Increase the flow of the brush to apply more color or intensity with each stroke. This shortcut helps in making more pronounced adjustments.

10. Brush Flow Decrease

• Shortcut: Ctrl + ] (MacOS: Ctrl + ], Windows: Ctrl + ])
• Description: Decrease the flow of the brush for lighter, more gradual application of adjustments. This is ideal for subtle enhancements.

11. Brush Density Increase

• Shortcut: Option + [ (MacOS: Option + [, Windows: Alt + [)
• Description: Increase the density of the brush to make more substantial adjustments. This is useful for applying more pronounced effects in your edits.

12. Brush Density Decrease

• Shortcut: Option + ] (MacOS: Option + ], Windows: Alt + ])
• Description: Decrease the density for a lighter effect. This is ideal for subtle touch-ups and gradual changes.

13. Show/Hide Brush Overlay

• Shortcut: O (MacOS: O, Windows: O)
• Description: Toggle the visibility of the brush overlay to see where your adjustments are applied. This helps in ensuring accurate placement of your edits.

14. Reset Brush Settings

• Shortcut: Option + Click (Brush) (MacOS: Option + Click (Brush), Windows: Alt + Click (Brush))
• Description: Quickly reset the brush settings to their default values. This is useful when you need to start fresh with your brush adjustments.

15. Auto Mask Toggle

• Shortcut: Option + Click (Brush) (MacOS: Option + Click (Brush), Windows: Alt + Click (Brush))
• Description: Toggle the Auto Mask feature to automatically constrain brush strokes to edges, making it easier to edit areas with defined boundaries.

16. Toggle Adjustment Brush Mask

• Shortcut: Command + Option + M (MacOS: Command + Option + M, Windows: Ctrl + Alt + M)
• Description: Show or hide the mask overlay for Adjustment Brush edits, providing a visual representation of where adjustments are applied.

These shortcuts are designed to help you work more efficiently in Adobe Lightroom Keyboard Shortcuts, allowing you to make precise adjustments and corrections quickly. Mastering them will enhance your editing workflow, making it easier to achieve professional results.

Action	macOS Shortcut	Windows Shortcut

Adjustment Brush

K

K

Graduated Filter

M

M

Radial Filter

Shift + M

Shift + M

Spot Removal Tool

Q

Q

Clone/Heal Tool

Q

Q

Brush Size Increase

[ (Left Bracket)

[ (Left Bracket)

Brush Size Decrease

] (Right Bracket)

] (Right Bracket)

Brush Feather Increase

Shift + [

Shift + [

Brush Feather Decrease

Shift + ]

Shift + ]

Brush Flow Increase

Ctrl + [

Ctrl + [

Brush Flow Decrease

Ctrl + ]

Ctrl + ]

Brush Density Increase

Option + [

Alt + [

Brush Density Decrease

Option + ]

Alt + ]

Show/Hide Brush Overlay

O

O

Reset Brush Settings

Option + Click (Brush)

Alt + Click (Brush)

Auto Mask Toggle

Option + Click (Brush)

Alt + Click (Brush)

Toggle Adjustment Brush Mask

Command + Option + M

Ctrl + Alt + M

Conclusion

These are the Adobe Lightroom Keyboard Shortcuts I personally use in my daily work to enhance efficiency and streamline my editing process. While there are many shortcuts available, mastering these can significantly improve your workflow. If you find Lightroom challenging or if you’re exploring other options, consider checking out some Lightroom alternatives. Additionally, for those looking to use Lightroom on mobile devices, you can safely download the Lightroom APK from lrapk.pro.

I hope you find these Adobe Lightroom Keyboard Shortcuts helpful and that they make your photo editing experience more productive and enjoyable.