Viewing Before and After Images in Adobe Lightroom

As you become more comfortable and proficient with photo editing in Adobe Lightroom, one of the features you'll find invaluable is the ability to view your image both before and after edits. This functionality allows you to compare the original, unedited image with your current edited version, which can give you a good idea of how your edits are progressing and whether or not you're satisfied with the changes you've made.

This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to utilize this feature in Adobe Lightroom.

Where to Find the Before and After Views

The before and after views in Lightroom can be accessed from different areas within the software:

1. In the Develop Module: This is the most common place you'll use the before and after views. In the Develop Module, you'll find this feature in the toolbar located below your image. If you don't see the toolbar, press 'T' on your keyboard to toggle its visibility.
2. In the Library Module: You can also access a before and after view in the Library Module, specifically in the Quick Develop panel. This is useful when you're making quick, broad adjustments to your images.

How to Use the Before and After Views

Using the before and after views is quite straightforward. Follow these steps:

1. Open an image in the Develop Module: Select the image you want to edit and open it in the Develop Module.
2. Begin making your edits: As you apply your adjustments, you can check your progress by comparing the current version of your image with the original.
3. Click on the 'Before/After' button: You'll find this on the bottom toolbar. Clicking it will split your image into two halves - the left side shows the original image (before) and the right side shows the edited version (after).
4. Choose your preferred view: Lightroom offers different before and after views. You can choose from 'Left/Right' split view, 'Top/Bottom' split view, and 'Side by Side' view. You can switch between these views by clicking on the arrow next to the 'Before/After' button and selecting your preferred option.
5. Toggle between the before and after views: If you want to quickly switch between the full before and after views, you can press the backslash ('') key on your keyboard. Pressing this key will switch the full image view between the before and after versions.

Why Use the Before and After Views?

The before and after views can be extremely useful in your photo editing workflow. Here are a few reasons why:

• Track Your Progress: As you make adjustments to your image, it's easy to lose track of how much your photo has changed. The before and after views allow you to see these changes clearly.
• Reevaluate Your Edits: Sometimes, you may find that you've over-processed your image. Comparing the edited image with the original can help you notice this and scale back your edits if necessary.
• Presentation: If you're showing your work to a client, the before and after views can be an effective way of demonstrating the improvements you've made to an image.

Adobe Lightroom's before and after views are an invaluable tool in your editing process. It's a feature that you'll find yourself using often, regardless of whether you're a professional photographer or a hobbyist. So the next time you're editing an image in Lightroom, make sure to make good use of this feature to help you create the best image possible.