3 Replies Latest reply: Oct 26, 2012 11:36 AM by Heirloom Bob RSS

    How do I resize a photo within LR 4.2?

    Heirloom Bob Community Member

      I want to resize a photo within LR so the resulting file size is reduced? Is the only way to create an Export Preset?

       

      Bob

        • 1. Re: How do I resize a photo within LR 4.2?
          JimHess Community Member

          You don't necessarily have to create an export preset, but to get a smaller image it will be necessary to export a copy. You can crop images in Lightroom, but that doesn't reduce the file size because all of the image data is retained. Your original images are your master files. And while you may need a smaller version for e-mail or for other purposes, the idea is to leave your master images intact in case other purposes arise that require something different.

          • 2. Re: How do I resize a photo within LR 4.2?
            richardplondon Community Member

            LR relies entirely on an external file saved on disk, to supply the image content that you see. This includes how many pixels big it is: that is inherent in the external source data. LR is not in the business of saving any "actual" changes to that, only overlaying and previewing adjustments that have been based on that.

             

            However LR can (as you say) export-process a new file copy with different pixel dimensions, at any time.

             

            If the file on disk changes, for example if it is edited in Photoshop, then LR reflects the changed content (it has no other choice anyway). This includes, if you were to resample (resize) it, changing the pixel dimensions. The image would still look basically the same inside LR, but 1:1 view would now constitute  a different magnification onto the original composition, and detail sensitive aspects such as sharpening and NR would need to be reconsidered. But this is very much not the Lightroom "way" - images are very much thought of in camera-original terms, even when external editing in PS is included, and re-sizing for web and print are entirely a matter of OUTPUT settings.

             

            LR delivers different image resolutions, in much the same way that the PS "save for web and devices" function does.

            • 3. Re: How do I resize a photo within LR 4.2?
              Heirloom Bob Community Member

              Thanks for the advice. I lost sight of the fact that LR keeps the original file intact in spite of the changes I make within LR. I have simply created an Export Preset, to Export File to the same folder and limit the file size to 5 MB. Viola! Original is still intact and I have a smaller file size copy. All is good now. Many thanks.