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Lightroom shortcuts

Lightroom Shortcuts

Lightroom shortcuts can unlock a whole new level of efficiency in your editing, giving you quick access to every panel, tool, and function you need.

Imagine speeding through tasks that once took minutes and focusing on the creative aspects that really matter.

Iโ€™ll walk you through significant shortcuts that simplify everything from navigating modules to adjusting settings with just a click or tap.

These time-savers will keep your workflow smooth and help you master Lightroom like a pro.

Ready to elevate your editing game? Letโ€™s dive into the world of Lightroom shortcuts that streamline your process.

Table of Contents

Lightroom shortcuts: Keys for navigating modules

Effortlessly switch between Lightroomโ€™s modules with these essential shortcuts, designed to keep your workflow fast and focused.

From the Library to the Develop module and beyond, these keys make moving through each editing stage seamless, so you can concentrate on bringing your vision to life.

Action Windows Mac OS
Go to Library module Ctrl + Alt + 1 Command + Option + 1
Go to Develop module Ctrl + Alt + 2 Command + Option + 2
Go to Slideshow module Ctrl + Alt + 3 Command + Option + 3
Go to Print module Ctrl + Alt + 4 Command + Option + 4
Go to Web module Ctrl + Alt + 5 Command + Option + 5
Go back / go forward Ctrl + Alt + Left Arrow / Ctrl + Alt + Right Arrow Command + Option + Left Arrow / Command + Option + Right Arrow
Go back to previous module Ctrl + Alt + Up Arrow Command + Option + Up Arrow

Keys for Working with Panels

Navigating Lightroomโ€™s panels can be seamless with a few essential shortcuts. These keys allow you to quickly show, hide, and manage panels, keeping your workspace organized and efficient as you edit.

Action Windows Mac OS
Show/hide side panels Tab Tab
Show/hide all panels Shift + Tab Shift + Tab
Show/hide toolbar T T
Show/hide Module Picker F5 F5
Show/hide Filmstrip F6 F6
Show/hide left panels F7 F7
Show/hide right panels F8 F8
Toggle solo mode Alt-click a panel Option-click a panel
Open a new panel without closing soloed panel Shift-click a panel Shift-click a panel
Open/close all panels Ctrl-click a panel Command-click a panel
Open/close left panels, top to bottom Ctrl + Shift + 0 – 5 Command + Control + 0 – 5
Open/close right panels, Library and Develop modules, top to bottom Ctr

Keys for Changing Views and Screen Modes

These shortcuts make it easy to switch between different views and screen modes in Lightroom, helping you focus on specific tasks or gain a broader perspective on your edits.

Quickly toggle modes, adjust overlays, and transition between screens to create a comfortable and efficient editing environment.

Action Windows Mac OS
Enter Library Loupe view E E
Enter Library Grid view G G
Enter Library Compare view C C
Enter Library Survey view N N
Open selected photo in the Develop module D D
Cycle forward / backward through Lights Out modes L / Shift + L L / Shift + L
Toggle Lights Dim mode Ctrl + Shift + L Command + Shift + L
Cycle screen modes F F
Previous screen mode – Shift + F
Switch between Normal and full-screen, hide panels Ctrl + Shift + F Command + Shift + F
Go to Normal screen mode Ctrl + Alt + F Command + Option + F
Cycle info overlay I I
Show/hide info ov

Pro Tip: These Lightroom shortcuts make switching between modules quick and efficient, but expanding your skills with Photoshop shortcuts is a great next step.

For example, knowing how to zoom in on Adobe Photoshop or how to learn the new layer shortcut in Photoshop can make a big difference when moving between Lightroom and Photoshop, helping you edit with speed and precision across both platforms.

Keys for Using a Secondary Window

The Lightroom shortcuts for using the secondary window are the same as the equivalent shortcuts in the Library module, with the Shift key added.

Action Windows Mac OS
Open secondary window F11 Command + F11
Enter Grid view Shift + G Shift + G
Enter normal Loupe view Shift + E Shift + E
Enter locked Loupe view Ctrl + Shift + Enter Command + Shift + Return
Enter Compare view Shift + C Shift + C
Enter Survey view Shift + N Shift + N
Enter Slideshow view Ctrl + Alt + Shift + Enter Command + Option + Shift + Return
Enter full-screen mode (requires a second monitor) Shift + F11 Command + Shift + F11
Show/hide Filter bar Shift + Shift +
Zoom in / zoom out Ctrl + Shift + = / Ctrl + Shift – Command + Shift + = / Command + Shift + –

Lightroom Shortcuts: Keys for Managing Photos and Catalogs

These shortcuts are designed to help you manage photos and catalogs effortlessly in Lightroom. From importing and organizing to deleting and exporting, these keys streamline every aspect of handling your photo library, making it easy to stay organized and efficient.

Action Windows Mac OS
Import photos from disk Ctrl + Shift + I Command + Shift + I
Open catalog Ctrl + O Command + Shift + O
Open Preferences Ctrl + , (comma) Command + , (comma)
Open Catalog Settings Ctrl + Alt + , (comma) Command + Option + , (comma)
Create new subfolder (segmented tethered capture) Ctrl + Shift + T Command + Shift + T
Hide/show tether capture bar Ctrl + T Command + T
Create a new folder in the Library module Ctrl + Shift + N Command + Shift + N
Create virtual copy (Library and Develop module only) Ctrl + โ€˜ (apostrophe) Command + โ€˜ (apostrophe)
Show in Explorer/Finder (Library and Develop module only) Ctrl + R Command + R
Go to next/previous photo in the Filmstrip Right Arrow / Left Arrow Right Arrow / Left Arrow
Select multiple folders or collections Shift-click or Ctrl-click Shift-click or Command-click
Rename photo (in Library module) F2 F2
Delete selected photo(s) Backspace or Delete Delete
Remove selected photo(s) from catalog Alt + Backspace Option + Delete
Delete selected photo(s) and move to Recycling Bin or Trash Ctrl + Alt + Shift + Backspace Command + Option + Shift + Delete
Delete rejected photo(s) Ctrl + Backspace Command + Delete
Edit in Photoshop Ctrl + E

Lightroom shortcuts: Keys for comparing photos in the Library module

These Lightroom shortcuts make it simple to compare photos side-by-side in the Library module, allowing you to switch views, toggle zoom, and refine selections quickly. Perfect for choosing the best shots and making adjustments efficiently.

Action Windows Mac OS
Switch to Loupe view E or Enter E or Return
Switch to Grid view G or Esc G or Esc
Switch to Compare view C C
Switch to Survey view N N
Switch from Grid to Loupe view Spacebar or E Spacebar or E
Swap select and candidate photos in Compare view Down Arrow Down Arrow
Make next photos select and candidate in Compare view Up Arrow Up Arrow
Toggle Zoom view Z Z
Zoom in / zoom out in Loupe view Ctrl + = / Ctrl + – Command + = / Command + –
Scroll up/down zoomed photo in Loupe view Page Up / Page Down Page Up / Page Down
Go to beginning/end of Grid view Home / End Home / End
Play impromptu slide show Ctrl + Enter Command + Return
Rotate photo right (clockwise) Ctrl + ] Command + ]
Rotate photo left (counterclockwise) Ctrl + [ Command + [
Increase/decrease Grid thumbnail size = / – = / –
Scroll up/down Grid thumbnails Page Up / Page Down Page Up / Page Down
Toggle cell extras Ctrl + Shift + H Command + Shift + H

Lightroom Shortcuts: Keys for Rating and Filtering Photos

These shortcuts make rating and filtering photos in Lightroom quick and efficient. Whether youโ€™re setting star ratings, adding color labels, or filtering by flags, these keys help you organize your photos seamlessly, allowing for easy sorting and selection in your library.

Action Windows Mac OS
Set star rating 1 – 5 1 – 5
Set star rating and go to next photo Shift + 1 – 5 Shift + 1 – 5
Remove star rating 0 0
Remove star rating and go to next photo Shift + 0 Shift + 0
Increase/decrease rating by one star ] / [ ] / [
Assign a red label 6 6
Assign a yellow label 7 7
Assign a green label 8 8
Assign a blue label 9 9
Assign a color label and go to next photo Shift + 6 – 9 Shift + 6 – 9
Flag photo as a pick P P
Flag photo as a pick and go to next photo Shift + P Shift + P
Flag photo as a reject X X
Flag photo as a reject and go to next photo Shift + X Shift + X
Unflag photo U U
Unflag photo and go to next photo Shift + U Shift + U
Increase/decrease flag status Ctrl + Up Arrow / Ctrl + Down Arrow Command + Up Arrow / Command + Down Arrow

Keys for Working with Collections

Working with collections in Lightroom becomes much more efficient with a few essential keystrokes. You can create new collections, add photos to Quick Collections, and organize your work effortlessly, keeping all your projects streamlined and accessible.

Action Windows Mac OS
Create a new collection in the Library module Ctrl + N Command + N
Add to Quick Collection B B
Add to Quick Collection and go to next photo Shift + B Shift + B
Show Quick Collection Ctrl + B Command + B
Save Quick Collection Ctrl + Alt + B Command + Option + B
Clear Quick Collection Ctrl + Shift + B Command + Shift + B
Set as target collection Ctrl + Alt + Shift + B Command + Option + Shift + B

Keys for working with Metadata and Keywords in the Library module

Managing metadata and keywords is essential for organizing your photo library in Lightroom. These shortcuts let you add, edit, and cycle through keywords and metadata quickly, making it easier to keep your collections well-ordered and searchable.

Action Windows Mac OS
Add keywords Ctrl + K Command + K
Edit keywords Ctrl + Shift + K Command + Shift + K
Set a keyword shortcut Ctrl + Alt + Shift + K Command + Option + Shift + K
Add/remove keyword shortcut from selected photo Shift + K Shift + K
Enable painting Ctrl + Alt + K Command + Option + K
Add a keyword from a keyword set to selected photo Alt + 1-9 Option + 1-9
Cycle forward / backward through keyword sets Alt + 0 / Alt + Shift + 0 Option + 0 / Option + Shift + 0
Copy/paste metadata Ctrl + Alt + Shift + C / Ctrl + Alt + Shift + V Command + Option + Shift + C / Command + Option + Shift + V
Save metadata to file Ctrl + S Command + S
Open Spelling dialog box – Command + :
Check spelling – Command + ;
Open Character palette – Command + Option + T

Lightroom Shortcuts: Keys for Working in the Develop module

Mastering the Develop module shortcuts in Lightroom can dramatically speed up your editing process. These significant keys allow you to adjust tones, apply presets, and fine-tune settings with ease, helping you achieve the perfect look for each photo efficiently.

Action Windows Mac OS
Convert to grayscale V V
Auto tone Ctrl + U Command + U
Auto white balance Ctrl + Shift + U Command + Shift + U
Edit in Photoshop Ctrl + E Command + E
Copy/paste Develop settings Ctrl + Shift + C / Ctrl + Shift + V Command + Shift + C / Command + Shift + V
Paste settings from previous photo Ctrl + Alt + V Command + Option + V
Copy After settings to Before Ctrl + Alt + Shift + Left Arrow Command + Option + Shift + Left Arrow
Copy Before settings to After Ctrl + Alt + Shift + Right Arrow Command + Option + Shift + Right Arrow
Swap Before and After settings Ctrl + Alt + Shift + Up Arrow Command + Option + Shift + Up Arrow
Increase/decrease selected slider in small increments Up Arrow / Down Arrow or + / – Up Arrow / Down Arrow or + / –
Increase/decrease selected slider in larger increments Shift + Up Arrow / Shift + Down Arrow or Shift + + / Shift + – Shift + Up Arrow / Shift + Down Arrow or Shift + + / Shift + –
Cycle through Basic panel settings (forward/backward) . (period) / , (comma) . (period) / , (comma)
Reset a slider Double-click slider name Double-click slider name
Reset a group of sliders Alt-click group name Option-click group name
Reset all settings Ctrl + Shift + R Command + Shift + R

Pro Tip: When working in the Develop module, knowing the Lightroom crop shortcut can save you time. Simply press “R” to open the crop tool, and use Shift + A to match your last cropโ€™s aspect ratio.

For precise perspective adjustments, explore the tilt shift Lightroom feature using the Guided Upright tool (Shift + T). These tools help you enhance your photos with streamlined control, creating clean, professional edits.

Lightroom shortcuts:ย Keys for Working in the Slideshow module

The Slideshow module shortcuts in Lightroom make it easy to present your photos with style. From playing and pausing slideshows to exporting them as PDFs or videos, these keys streamline the process, giving you quick control over every aspect of your slideshow presentations.

Action Windows Mac OS
Play slide show Enter Return
Play impromptu slide show Ctrl + Enter Command + Return
Pause slide show Spacebar Spacebar
Preview slide show Alt + Enter Option + Return
End slide show Esc Esc
Go to next slide Right Arrow Right Arrow
Go to previous slide Left Arrow Left Arrow
Rotate photo right (clockwise) Ctrl + ] Command + ]
Rotate photo left (counterclockwise) Ctrl + [ Command + [
Show/hide guides Ctrl + Shift + H Command + Shift + H
Export PDF slide show Ctrl + J Command + J
Export JPEG slide show Ctrl + Shift + J Command + Shift + J
Export video slide show Ctrl + Alt + J Command + Option + J
Create a new slide show template Ctrl + N Command + N
Create a new slide show template folder Ctrl + Shift + N Command + Shift + N
Save slide show settings Ctrl + S Command + S

Keys for Working in the Print Module

The Print module in Lightroom allows you to fine-tune print settings and layouts with ease. These shortcuts offer quick access to printing options, template settings, and essential display controls, helping streamline your printing process for the best results.

Action Windows Mac OS
Print Ctrl + P Command + P
Print one copy Ctrl + Alt + P Command + Option + P
Open Page Setup dialog box Ctrl + Shift + P Command + Shift + P
Open Print Settings dialog box Ctrl + Alt + Shift + P Command + Option + Shift + P
Go to first page Ctrl + Shift + Left Arrow Command + Shift + Left Arrow
Go to last page Ctrl + Shift + Right Arrow Command + Shift + Right Arrow
Go to previous page Ctrl + Left Arrow Command + Left Arrow
Go to next page Ctrl + Right Arrow Command + Right Arrow
Show/hide guides Ctrl + Shift + H Command + Shift + H
Show/hide rulers Ctrl + R Command + R
Show/hide page bleed Ctrl + Shift + J Command + Shift + J
Show/hide margins and gutters Ctrl + Shift + M Command + Shift + M
Show/hide image cells Ctrl + Shift + K Command + Shift + K
Show/hide dimensions Ctrl + Shift + U Command + Shift + U
Play impromptu slide show Ctrl + Enter Command + Return
Rotate photo right (clockwise) Ctrl + ] Command + ]
Rotate photo left (counterclockwise) Ctrl + [

Lightroom shortcuts:ย Keys for Working in the Web module

The Web module in Lightroom offers streamlined options for creating and exporting photo galleries for online sharing.

These shortcuts help you quickly preview, save, and customize web galleries, making it easy to showcase your work on the web with a professional touch.

Action Windows Mac OS
Reload web gallery Ctrl + R Command + R
Preview in browser Ctrl + Alt + P Command + Option + P
Play impromptu slide show Ctrl + Enter Command + Return
Export web gallery Ctrl + J Command + J
Create a new web gallery template Ctrl + N Command + N
Create a new web gallery template folder Ctrl + Shift + N Command + Shift + N
Save web gallery settings Ctrl + S Command + S

Keys for Using Help

These shortcuts provide quick access to help resources in Lightroom, making it easy to find guidance and support whenever needed. Whether youโ€™re looking up specific module shortcuts or accessing community help, these keys ensure assistance is just a step away.

Action Windows Mac OS
Display current module shortcuts Ctrl + / Command + /
Hide current module shortcuts Click Click
Go to current module Help Ctrl + Alt + / Command + Option + Shift + /
Open Community Help F1 F1

Frequently Asked Questions

Lightroom shortcuts FAQ image for quick and easy navigation tips

How can I view a list of all keyboard shortcuts in Lightroom?

To access a comprehensive list of keyboard shortcuts within Lightroom, press Ctrl + / on Windows or Command + / on macOS. This command displays a window with all available shortcuts for the current module.

Can I customize keyboard shortcuts in Lightroom?

As of now, Lightroom does not support the customization of keyboard shortcuts. Users must utilize the default shortcuts provided by Adobe.

What are the Most Commonly Used Shortcuts to Speed up Workflow in Lightroom?

  • G for Grid view
  • D for Develop module
  • E for Loupe view
  • R for Crop tool
  • F for Full-screen mode Mastering these shortcuts can significantly enhance editing efficiency.

Are there Shortcuts for Rating and Flagging Photos in Lightroom?

  • Press numbers 1 through 5 to assign star ratings.
  • Use P to flag a photo as a pick.
  • E for Loupe view
  • Press X to mark a photo as rejected. These shortcuts facilitate quick organization and culling of images.
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Conclusion

Mastering Lightroom shortcuts can make a world of difference in your workflow. Whether you’re toggling panels, managing photos, or using the Develop module, each shortcut brings you one step closer to an efficient, enjoyable editing process.

Personally, learning these shortcuts has saved me tons of time, letting me focus more on creativity and less on navigating menus.

If you’re just starting out or want to build up your skills, consider checking out my Photoshop Course and Lightroom Course for step-by-step guidance.

Those looking to upgrade their editing tools can explore Photoshop for detailed photo edits or Lightroom for batch editing and managing larger photo collections. Shortcuts like these are essential tools for taking your skills to the next level!

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