Export Settings in Lightroom for High-Quality Images

When delivering images to clients, maintaining the highest possible quality is important! Here are the best lightroom export settings for delivering images to clients. Whether the images are intended for prints, personal archives, or professional portfolios, proper export settings in Lightroom ensure that your work looks professional and retains all of the hard work you put into editing. Here’s a detailed guide to exporting high-quality images for client delivery:

1. Export Location and File Naming For Exporting To Clients

Export to your desired folder and location.
Consistent and professional file naming improves organization and makes it easier for clients to identify specific photos:

• Use a clear format, such as: ClientName_ProjectName_SequenceNumber.jpg
• Avoid generic names like IMG1234.jpg to prevent confusion.

Example: Smith_Wedding_001.jpg

Recommendation: Tailor file names to each project for clarity and professionalism. You can also add your business name to the end of the image name.

2. Image Format For Delivering Images To Clients

The file format determines the type of image file you’ll deliver. The choice often depends on how the client intends to use the images:

• JPEG: Ideal for general use and widely compatible with devices and software. It provides high-quality results while maintaining manageable file sizes.

3. Quality Settings, Keep It 100. (Unless they ask otherwise!)

The quality slider in Lightroom controls the compression level of JPEG files:

• 100 (Maximum Quality): Ensures no visible compression artifacts and retains the best image details.
• Lower settings (e.g., 80-90) may reduce file size but risk slight degradation in quality, which isn’t ideal for professional client delivery. This may be helpful for some resizing for web.

Recommendation: Always set the quality to 100 for client deliverables to preserve every detail.

4. Color Space, SRGB is standard.

Color space determines how colors are represented in the image file. Choosing the right color space ensures accurate color reproduction across different devices and mediums:

• sRGB: Standard for most digital displays and printing services. Ensures consistent color rendering across various platforms. Use sRGB for all-purpose deliverables.

5. Resolution, 300 PPI For Client Delivery.

Resolution affects the clarity of the image when printed:

• 300 PPI (Pixels Per Inch): Industry standard for high-quality prints. Ensures sharp, detailed output at standard print sizes.
• Lower resolutions (e.g., 72 PPI) are sufficient for screen display but not for print.

Recommendation: Always export at 300 PPI for print-quality images.

5. Image Sizing, Keep The Full Resolution!

If the client needs images in their full resolution, avoid resizing. This preserves the native dimensions and maximum detail of your photos.

• Uncheck “Resize to Fit”: Export the image at its full resolution, especially for printing or archival purposes.
• If resizing is necessary (e.g., for specific dimensions requested by the client or for resizing for web), use the Long Edge method and input the desired pixel count.

Recommendation: Leave the original resolution intact unless the client specifies otherwise.

6. Sharpening

Lightroom offers output sharpening options tailored to different mediums:

Recommendation: Choose the appropriate sharpening option based on the print medium and set the amount to Standard for a natural look.

7. Metadata

Metadata includes information about your photo, such as camera settings, copyright details, and location data. Including metadata can help certain clients understand technical details but may not always be necessary.

Why Follow This List For The Best Lightroom Export Settings for Delivering Images to Clients?

Delivering high-quality images reflects your professionalism and ensures client satisfaction. Proper export settings:

• Preserve the details and colors you’ve worked hard to edit.
• Ensure compatibility with printing services and viewing platforms.
• Provide your clients with versatile, ready-to-use files.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be confident that your images look stunning, whether displayed on a wall, in an album, or on a screen.

Pro Tip: Save these settings as an export preset in Lightroom to streamline your workflow for future projects. Click on add on the bottom left and create your new preset!

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Happy Editing,

Marissa