Applying Settings to multiple images in Lightroom Classic

You can apply settings to multiple images at a time in Lightroom Classic through various methods. This helps save time and ensures consistency across your photo edits. The following methods apply to multiple settings, of course, or specific ones, so if you have a sequence of images, they are an efficient way to apply targeted adjustments. For example, on a garden or architecture shoot, I often want to adjust specific colours using the Colour Mixer tool and have those applied over several images for a consistent look. So these options are employed practically every time I open Lightroom.

1. Using Sync Settings from the Develop Module

1. Select the Images: Go to either the Library Module or the Develop Module and select the photos you want to edit. You can hold down Ctrl (Windows) or Cmd (Mac) and click on the images to select multiple.
2. Enter the Develop Module: After selecting the images, click the Develop Module if you’re not already in it.
3. Apply Settings: Adjust your settings as desired (e.g., exposure, contrast, colour).
4. Sync Settings:
   • Click on the Sync button in the bottom right corner.
   • A dialogue will appear allowing you to choose which settings to sync (e.g., Basic, Tone Curve, HSL).
   • Click Synchronise to apply the selected adjustments to all selected images.

2. Using the Copy and Paste Settings Method

1. Edit One Image: First, make all your desired adjustments to a single image.
2. Copy Settings: Right-click on the edited image and select Develop Settings > Copy Settings. You can choose specific adjustments to copy or select all.
3. Select Images: Highlight the images you want to apply the settings to.
4. Paste Settings: Right-click on the selected images and choose Develop Settings > Paste Settings. The adjustments will be applied. Note: using the Copy and Paste buttons in the left-hand side panel of the Develop Module only applies the settings to the first image in a selection, see here for more info.

3. Creating and Applying Presets

1. Create a Preset:
   • After editing an image, click on the + icon in the Presets panel on the left-hand side panel.
   • Save the settings as a new preset after selecting which adjustments to include.
2. Apply Preset:
   • Select multiple images in the Library or Develop Module.
   • Go to the Presets panel and click on the one you created to apply it.

4. Using Quick Develop in the Library Module

I don’t use this option often, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to. It can be a useful option to apply the Auto tone control if some of your images are out of sync density-wise. I use manual exposure, and changing lighting conditions, from clouds, for example, can have that effect, so the Auto tone control is often a good baseline to start editing from.

1. Select Images: In the Library Module, select multiple images.
2. Use Quick Develop Panel: On the right side, find the Quick Develop panel.
3. Adjust Settings: Make changes to settings such as exposure, contrast, and white balance. The adjustments will apply to all selected images.