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Jp_508
Jp_508
Inspiring
January 12, 2017
Answered

How to import a Raw Files to Photoshop then back to Lightroom

  • January 12, 2017
  • 4 replies
  • 2472 views

I have 2 images that I imported into PS from LR, did a layer mask & want to re-import the new finished raw image back to LR for a tad more adjustments, then save as a jpg. Is it possible to do this? Can't figure out how, I can save the file as a jpg then import into LR again in jpg format to do the adjustments but this adds to my workflow. Can anyone shed some light on this for me....Thanks-Jerry

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer D Fosse

As long as you keep Lightroom open, it will keep track of the file and automatically add the edited PSD to the catalog.

If you close Lightroom while you work in Photoshop, you'll have to import it manually later.

Just so we're clear, you don't save "to" Lightroom. You save to disk as normal. The Lightroom catalog is just a record of where your files are, along with any adjustments and tags.

Save to jpeg once at the very end, don't use it as a working file format. Jpeg compression is destructive, non-reversible and cumulative. The purpose of the jpeg format is to save bandwidth for web and mail delivery only.

4 replies

Jp_508
Jp_508Author
Inspiring
January 14, 2017

Thanks you for your response, appreciated...Jerry

Randy Hufford
Community Expert
Randy HuffordCommunity Expert
Community Expert
January 12, 2017

Hi Jerry

The key to this workflow is in Lightroom under preferences/external editing. I attached a screen shot of my setup. The setup is dependent on your workflow and your usage of the image. My workflow is specifically making prints so I have setup the preferences for this workflow. Lightroom is a non  destructive editing program. What this means is that it never edits or makes changes to your original RAW file, this is the same as Adobe Camera RAW available thru bridge. This allows you to return to the original file. The advantage of this workflow is that as new tools get improved and invented re:sharpen, lens corrections, camera profile etc. you can always return to your original file and reprocess the image using newer tools. You can also see this tutorial from Colin Smith at Lightroom crash course. Ultimate beginners guide to Lightroom - PhotoshopCAFE

In a nut shell when you edit in Photoshop and than save it, automatically adds PSD file back into LR as a PSD and you can than do more LR tweaks to this file. Than once your are happy with results in LR you export as a JPEG thru the file/export menu.

    Jp_508
    Jp_508Author
    Inspiring
    January 14, 2017

    Thanks for the advise, will check that out....Jerry

    Benjamin Root
    Benjamin Root
    Legend
    January 12, 2017

    Photoshop is a raster image editor, so you can't save out a raw file. You're best option for that would be TIFF or PSD. However, I'd like to suggest another, possibly better option..The Camera Raw filter. That's right, the Camera Raw filter - or the equivalent the Develop Module in Lightroom - can be used on any image layer in Photoshop internally, without need to even save the file. You can go one step further by turning all the layers of your PSD into a Smart Object (which you can edit the contents of at any time by double clicking the thumbnail) and open that SO directly in the Camera Raw filter. It will be applied as a Smart Filter, which can be refined at any time by double clicking the Camera Raw Smart Filter.

    Hope this helps!

    Jp_508
    Jp_508Author
    Inspiring
    January 14, 2017

    Photoshop is a serious learning curve, thanks for the tip...Jerry

      D Fosse
      Community Expert
      D FosseCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
      Community Expert
      January 12, 2017

      As long as you keep Lightroom open, it will keep track of the file and automatically add the edited PSD to the catalog.

      If you close Lightroom while you work in Photoshop, you'll have to import it manually later.

      Just so we're clear, you don't save "to" Lightroom. You save to disk as normal. The Lightroom catalog is just a record of where your files are, along with any adjustments and tags.

      Save to jpeg once at the very end, don't use it as a working file format. Jpeg compression is destructive, non-reversible and cumulative. The purpose of the jpeg format is to save bandwidth for web and mail delivery only.

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