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defaultcjsxynl1ymb9
Participant
April 22, 2021
Question

My image loses sharpness when I export more than once

  • April 22, 2021
  • 4 replies
  • 781 views

When I export a photo more than once, I notice the image loses sharpness. I am aware that resaving the image in JPEG can reduce the image quality but still does this even if I export it under a different name. I am unsure why this is?

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4 replies

Todd Shaner
Todd Shaner
Legend
April 23, 2021

Andrew his screenshots are of the actual exported JPEG files as viewed in Windows Photo application. He uses one for printing with Matte Paper High Output Sharpening and the other one for Web posting with Screen Standard or High Output Sharpening. Here's an example of two exported files resized to 2560 Long Edge with Screen Standard and Matte Paper High Output Sharpening at 100% Zoom View in LrC. The difference is pretty obvious.

 

Todd Shaner
Todd Shaner
Legend
April 22, 2021

In your Export module screenshot showing the print settings you have Output Sharpening set to Matte Paper High, which is the highest sharpening setting. Then you say:

 

"For web, I pretty much use the same settings apart from giving the file a custom name and change output sharpening to Screen>Standard or High (not entirely sure if it makes a difference)."

 

That is what's causing the difference in image sharpness you are seeing. The Screen sharpening settings provide less sharpening than the Glossy and Matte Paper settings. The order of sharpening amount is Standard (lowest), followed by Glossy Paper, and then Matte Paper (highest). Try it for yourself.

    TheDigitalDog
    TheDigitalDog
    Inspiring
    April 23, 2021

    The output sharpening to print isn't at all visisble in Lightroom Classic Todd. But you raise a good point that the OP may be viewing a sharpened (in Develop that is visisble) and exporting using different sharpening for print or screen as well and thus, the disconnect in the two previews. The output sharpening (print) is of course seen on the exported image itself but not in LR.

    Author “Color Management for Photographers" & "Photoshop CC Color Management/pluralsight"
    TheDigitalDog
    TheDigitalDog
    Inspiring
    April 22, 2021

    Be sure you view the two options at 1:1 (100%) zoom or greater when evaulating this kind of work. Plus, the only accurate module to preview this data is in Develop, again at 1:1 or greater. 

    Author “Color Management for Photographers" & "Photoshop CC Color Management/pluralsight"
    dj_paige
    dj_paige
    Legend
    April 22, 2021

    When you export the first time, do you then import or include the exported photo back into the catalog?

     

    When you export the second time, do you use the same settings in the Export dialog box?


    What software are you using to view the exported photos?

     

    Can you show us screen captures of the first export and the second export? (Use the "Insert Photos" icon to include the screen captures in your reply. Do not attach files)

    D
    defaultcjsxynl1ymb9Author
    Participant
    April 22, 2021

    Hi

     

    I just export my image into my gallery on my pc.

     

    On my second export, it depends what I want to do with my images as I had to create smart previews and move my raw files and back the catalog to an external hard drive to save space on my pc. Here are my settings I use for print:


     

    For web, I pretty much use the same settings apart from giving the file a custom name and change output sharpening to Screen>Standard or High (not entirely sure if it makes a difference).

     

    For viewing my images I just use Windows' default setting.

     

    Here are the first and second exports respectively, one for web and the other for print:

     

     

     

    I'm not sure if it shows up very well but there is a slight dip in sharpness in the second image. Thought I would also mention that for the second image I did link my external hard drive so that I could retrieve the full original file so that I could export the full resolution file instead of just exporting the smart preview.

     

    Thank you for your reply.

    dj_paige
    dj_paige
    Legend
    April 22, 2021

    As stated by @TheDigitalDog please show us both photos at 1:1 (or 100% zoom).

     

    You shouldn't have to "... I had to create smart previews and move my raw files and back the catalog to an external hard drive to save space on my pc." It seems like you are saying you are not using the same original on both exports, it seems like one is exported from the RAW and one is exported from a Smart Preview. If so, I can't understand why you would expect the same sharpness from both.

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