Output Sharpening In Lightroom: Everything You Need To Know

Introduction

If you’re a photographer, you know that the final step in the editing process is output sharpening. This is the process of adding a little bit of extra sharpness to your images before you export them. Adobe Lightroom makes it easy to sharpen your images with a tool called output sharpening.

What is Output Sharpening?

Output sharpening is the process of adding sharpness to an image just before it is printed or displayed on a screen. It is different from capture sharpening, which is applied to an image as soon as it is imported into Lightroom. Output sharpening is designed to compensate for the loss of sharpness that occurs during the printing or display process.

Why Do You Need Output Sharpening?

Without output sharpening, your images can appear soft and lacking in detail. Output sharpening is essential for ensuring that your images look their best when printed or displayed on a screen. It can help to bring out the details in your images and make them look more vibrant.

Types of Output Sharpening in Lightroom

There are three types of output sharpening available in Lightroom:

Screen Sharpening

Screen sharpening is applied to images that will be displayed on a screen, such as a computer monitor or a mobile device. This type of sharpening compensates for the way that images are displayed on screens, which can cause them to appear softer than they actually are.

Matte Paper Sharpening

Matte paper sharpening is applied to images that will be printed on matte paper. This type of sharpening compensates for the way that ink is absorbed by the paper, which can cause images to appear softer than they actually are.

Glossy Paper Sharpening

Glossy paper sharpening is applied to images that will be printed on glossy paper. This type of sharpening compensates for the way that light reflects off of glossy paper, which can cause images to appear softer than they actually are.

How to Apply Output Sharpening in Lightroom

To apply output sharpening in Lightroom, follow these steps:

Step 1: Select Your Image

Select the image that you want to sharpen in the Lightroom Library module.

Step 2: Go to the Export Dialog

Click on the Export button in the Library module to open the Export dialog.

Step 3: Choose Your Export Settings

Choose your export settings, including the file type, size, and destination folder.

Step 4: Choose Your Sharpening Settings

Under the Output Sharpening section, choose the type of sharpening that you want to apply (screen, matte paper, or glossy paper). You can also adjust the amount of sharpening that is applied.

Step 5: Export Your Image

Click the Export button to export your image with the output sharpening applied.

Tips for Applying Output Sharpening in Lightroom

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when applying output sharpening in Lightroom: – Use the appropriate type of sharpening for your output medium (screen, matte paper, or glossy paper). – Be careful not to over-sharpen your images, as this can cause them to look unnatural. – Preview your sharpening settings before exporting your image to ensure that it looks the way you want it to. – Always apply output sharpening as the final step in your editing process.

Conclusion

Output sharpening is an essential step in the editing process for photographers. It can help to bring out the details in your images and make them look their best when printed or displayed on a screen. With Lightroom’s output sharpening tool, it’s easy to apply the right amount of sharpening for your output medium. Just remember to use the appropriate type of sharpening, preview your settings, and apply it as the final step in your editing process.