Multiple Photos: How to Color Grade Multiple Photos in Lightroom

Multiple Photos: How to Color Grade Multiple Photos in Lightroom,

Therefore, the key to color grading multiple pictures in Lightroom is batch editing—applying the edits from one photo to many others. In other words, there are a few primary ways to achieve this:

Multiple Image: How to Color Grade Multiple Pictures in Lightroom,

Method 1: Synchronize Settings (Lightroom Develop Module)

Therefore, this is the most common and powerful method for images within the same shoot or with similar lighting.

1. Edit the Master Photo: In the Develop module, edit one photo completely, including all your desired color grading adjustments (Color Grading panel, HSL/Color Mix, Tone Curve, Basic adjustments, etc.).
2. Select Multiple Photos: In the filmstrip (or the Grid view in the Library module), ensure your edited photo is still selected. Then, select all the other pictures you want to apply the grading to.
   • Tip: The edited photo should be the brightest (most active) selection.
3. Synchronize:
   • Therefore, in Lightroom Classic, click the Sync… button at the bottom of the Develop panel (or press Ctrl+Shift+S on Windows or Cmd+Shift+S on Mac).
   • In other words, in the Synchronize Settings dialog box that appears, make sure the Color and Color Grading settings (and any other settings you want to copy, like Basic Tone or White Balance) are checked.
   • Therefore, Click Synchronize.

Multiple Photos: How to Color Grade Multiple Images in Lightroom,

Step 2: Copy and Paste Settings:

Therefore, this is a good option when you are in the Library module or only need to copy edits to a few specific Pictures.

1. Copy Edits: In the Develop module, with your edited photo selected, copy the settings:
   • In other words, go to Settings > Copy Settings…
   • However, the OR press Ctrl+Shift+C (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+C (Mac).
   • However, in the dialog box, select the specific settings you want to copy (ensure Color and Color Grading are checked) and click Copy.
2. Select and Paste: Select the images you want to apply the grading to (in either the Library or Develop module).
   • In other words, go to Settings > Paste Settings.
   • However, the OR press Ctrl+V (Windows) or Cmd+V (Mac).

Multiple Photos: How to Color Grade Multiple Photos in Lightroom,

Method 3: Create and Apply a Preset:

In other words, if you want to reuse the same color grade on many different sets of photos over time, create a custom preset.

1. Create Preset: In the Develop module, with your edited photo selected:
   • However, go to the Presets panel on the left and click the + icon, then choose Create Preset…
   • However, give it a name and check only the specific settings you want the preset to control (e.g., just the Color Grading and Color settings, if you don’t want to affect Exposure or White Balance).
2. Apply Preset:
   • In the Library Module (Grid View): Select all the photos you want to edit. In the Quick Develop panel on the right, use the Saved Preset dropdown to select your new preset.
   • In the Develop Module: Select all the photos, and click the preset name in the Presets panel.

Important Note: Consistency Check:

However, Batch color grading works best when the photos were taken under the same lighting conditions. You might need to make small, individual adjustments to exposure, white balance, or shadows/highlights on some of the synchronized photos for a perfect result.