In previous tutorials, we created export presets for print-sized images, web-sized images, unstamped screen resolution images and rejected images.  You need to go through each of those tutorials before starting this one, because we will be exporting all of our images out of Lightroom 4 by using those Export Presets.

Watch the video or continue reading the article below!

Watch the Video

A Small Recommendation

The duration of the export process will be based on the speed of your computer and the size of your Lightroom catalog. During the export process, we recommend that you do not use your computer at all since Lightroom will be using a lot of resources to export your images. As a result, your computer will be sluggish and it will be difficult to get any work done on your computer. Plan ahead to start your export process during some “down time”, so you do not waste time waiting for Lightroom to finish exporting.

How to Export Print-Sized Images

First, we are going to export the images in our catalog as print-sized images.  We only want to export our “keeper” images and not our “reject” images, so use your filters in Lightroom to view only your flagged images. Then, select all of the flagged photos by pressing “Ctrl + A” or “CMD + A”.

Next, right-click on your images and select “Export” from the menu. Then select “Export” from the menu again. (Or, just hit “Ctrl+Shift+E”)

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At the left of the export dialogue box, we will see all of the export presets that we previously created. Select “01_PrintSized” from the list.

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Export Location
After we have selected the Print-Sized Image Export Preset, we need to choose a folder location for our exported images. In the Export Location settings, click on “Choose” for “Folder.” Then, select the folder that contains the entire catalog. Once you have found that folder location, click on “Select Folder.”

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Finally to begin the export process, click on “Export” at the bottom right of the Export Dialogue Box. As the images are exported from RAW to JPG, Lightroom will automatically put these print-sized images into the Subfolder “01_PrintSized.”

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How to Export Web-Sized Images

Next we are going to export the same flagged “keeper” photos in our catalog as web-sized images. Once again, bring up the Export Dialogue Box by either right-clicking on your images in the Grid View or by pressing “Ctrl + Shift + E.” From the Export Dialogue Box, select “02_WebSized” from the export presets list to export our flagged photos as web-sized images.

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Export Location
If necessary, in the Export Location settings go to the dropdown menu from “Folder” and select the same folder you selected for print-sized images. The last location you exported to is going to be the first at the top of the dropdown menu.

 

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TIP!
Your export preset is capable of automatically re-choosing the same folder over again, if you originally created this preset using a folder that no longer exists now!  Just save the preset using a dummy folder on your desktop, and then delete the folder after you create the preset.  This will save you from having to re-select your Export Location more than once per job!

Once you have verified the designation of the export location for your web-sized images, click on “Export” at the bottom right of the Export Dialogue Box to export your flagged photos as web-sized images. Your web-sized images will be in another subfolder called “02_WebSized.”

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How to Export Unstamped Screen Resolution Images

Now, we are going to export our flagged photos as unstamped screen resolution images. Once again, bring up the Export Dialogue Box and select “03_ScreenUnstamped” from the export presets list, and repeat the previous steps for beginning the export process.

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How to Export Rejected Images

To export the rejected images in our catalog, we first need to change our filters to hide the “keepers”, and display only the “rejects”. Make sure you are still in the Grid View Mode (press “G”) and click on the first flag in the Filter to turn off the Flag Filter. Then, click on the last flag to turn on the Rejected Flag Filter.

Reset Develop Settings
Press “Ctrl + A” to select all of the rejected photos in our catalog. Then press “Ctrl + Shift + R” to reset all of the develop settings that may have been applied to the rejected photos. We want our images to be how they were when they were first imported from the camera because we may need to make adjustments to the photos in the future. Then, we will export these rejected images out as JPEGs. If we need to make any adjustments, we want the photos in their JPEG format and unprocessed from Lightroom.

Export Location
After you have reset all of the develop settings, bring up the Export Dialogue Box. Make sure all of your rejected images are still selected. Then, select “04_ExportedRejects” from the export presets list.

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For the export location, select the same folder that you chose for your print-sized images, web-sized images and unstamped screen resolution images. Then, click on “Export” at the bottom right of the Export Dialogue Box. When you export your rejected images, they will be in the Subfolder “04_ExportedRejects.”

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Conclusion & Learn More!

We hope you have enjoyed this tutorial on how to export your entire catalog from Lightroom 4. Remember that Lightroom will be using a lot of resources during the export process, so your computer will run much slower than usual. During the export process, avoid using your computer until all of your images are finished exporting.

To learn more about the SLR Lounge Workflow System Workshop on DVD or to purchase it, click on this link.

To purchase the Lightroom 4 Workshop Collection which includes A-Z Tutorials, the Preset System, and Workflow DVD, click here.