3 Major Improvements In The Latest Lightroom Desktop Update

 If you’re a photographer looking to maximize your editing workflow using Photoshop, the December 2024 update of Lightroom Desktop brings some awesome improvements (that I've been waiting years for). Let’s dive into the new features and enhancements that make this release a significant step forward for Lightroom users. 

How to Update

To access these new features, ensure your Lightroom Desktop is updated to version 8.1. Open the Creative Cloud desktop app, click the "Apps" button, and check for updates. If the update doesn’t appear, a quick system reboot can often resolve the issue.

Streamlined Photoshop Integration

One of the most anticipated updates in Lightroom Desktop v8.1 is the enhanced interoperability with Photoshop. Previously, Lightroom users could send only one image at a time to Photoshop, but this update introduces three new options:

1. Edit in Photoshop: Sends multiple selected images to Photoshop as individual documents.

2. Open as Layers: Combines selected images into a single Photoshop document, with each image on its own layer, perfect for compositing.

3. Open as Smart Object: Sends images to Photoshop as smart objects, retaining editing flexibility for advanced workflows like Camera Raw adjustments or non-destructive effects.

These improvements not only streamline the editing process but also enhance creative possibilities, whether you’re compositing images or experimenting with advanced layer effects. 

Lens Blur Enhancements

The Lens Blur tool receives several notable updates, further refining this powerful feature:

• Oval/Anamorphic Bokeh Shapes: Adds character to your specular highlights by simulating anamorphic lens effects.

• Cat Eye Slider: Mimics real-world optical distortion by narrowing bokeh shapes toward the edges of the frame, creating a realistic lens-like effect.

• Expanded Presets: New adaptive blur background presets provide additional creative options for crafting the perfect aesthetic.

Generative Remove After Cropping

A key improvement to the Generative Remove tool allows users to apply edits post-crop. Previously, Lightroom factored in the full uncropped image, leading to inconsistent results. Now, the tool focuses solely on the cropped area, making object removal more accurate and intuitive. 

Quality of Life Improvements

Several smaller, yet impactful updates enhance usability:

• File Extension Filtering: Easily filter images by file type (e.g., JPEG, TIFF) directly in your album, streamlining organization and selection.

• Accessibility Metadata: New fields for alt text and extended descriptions can be added to images, improving accessibility on supported platforms.

• Third-Party Controller Support: Enable hardware controllers, such as those by Loupedeck or Elgato, for a more tactile editing experience. 

Wrapping Things Up

With each update, Lightroom Desktop continues to bridge the gap between Lightroom Classic and modern workflows. Whether it’s the improved Photoshop integration, advanced lens blur features, or quality-of-life updates, Lightroom Desktop offers tools that empower photographers to focus more on their creativity and less on technical hurdles.

Lightroom Desktop Recognized as a 2024 Mac App of the Year

One last thing: I want to share some exciting news! Adobe Lightroom has been named the 2024 Mac App of the Year, a recognition of its outstanding design and functionality. This accolade celebrates the hard work of the Lightroom team and our commitment to creating a robust editing platform for photographers worldwide. To quote the Apple App Store editors, "In a year full of promises about creativity and AI, few visual tools helped creatives realize their vision like Lightroom."

Learn How To Use Lightroom Everywhere!

For a comprehensive guide on managing and editing your photos across all Lightroom platforms, check out my course, Lightroom Everywhere. This course has been updated with these new features and will help you get the most out of Lightroom.