How to Revert to Original in Lightroom - Step-by-Step Guide
Ever wished you could undo a series of edits in Lightroom without losing your progress? Learning how to revert to original in Lightroom, whether it’s the original image or resetting specific adjustments, is a crucial skill for every photographer. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through various methods to revert images, manage multiple photos, and more – all designed to streamline your editing workflow and help you achieve your creative vision.
Key Takeaways
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Reset Button in Develop module allows for quick reverting of images.
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Right-click and reset method is a popular technique to revert an image from the Develop Module.
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Lightroom’s Auto Sync, History Panel, Snapshots & Custom Reset Presets provide users with multiple options to efficiently revert their original state while maintaining creative freedom.
Reverting to the Original Image in Lightroom
There are several ways to revert an original raw image to its original photo state, whether you want to start from scratch or experiment with different editing styles, especially when working with a photo in Lightroom Classic.
We will delve into three distinct methods to achieve this: the Reset button, the right-click and reset method, and using keyboard shortcuts for resetting.
Utilizing the Reset Button
The Reset button is located in the lower right quadrant of the Develop module and offers a quick way to revert an image to its initial state. Clicking this button removes all your edits applied in Lightroom, essentially taking your image back to the original version. The beauty of the Reset button is that it’s included in the History panel, allowing you to reverse the reset if you change your mind.
Initiating the Reset button is straightforward. Just head over to the Develop module and click the Reset button located at the lower right corner. As a result, your image reverts back to its initial state, with the History panel reflecting this change.
Right-Click and Reset Method
Another method to revert an image in Lightroom is the right-click and reset method. This technique is popular among photo retouchers, including a skilled photo retoucher, and can be performed from the Develop module.
Implement this method by following these steps:
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Right-click or Control+click the image in the Develop module, which brings up the context menu.
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From there, choose Settings > Reset, and your image will return to its original form.
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A confirmation dialog box will appear – click the Reset button to confirm.
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This action will remove any applied develop preset and add a new entry to the history steps in Lightroom.
Keyboard Shortcuts for Resetting
Employing keyboard shortcuts is a swift and effective approach to reset images in Lightroom. Press Shift + Control + R (Windows) or Shift + Command + R (Mac) to restore a photo to its original state. This action will update the history list accordingly.
You can also reset all adjustments made to a specific photo by pressing Ctrl + Shift Alt + O (Windows) or Command + O (Windows). Shift + Option + O (Mac). To reset the sliders, hold down the Alt/Option key and select the Reset command – this will update the history panel in Lightroom.
Managing Multiple Images: Bulk Reverting
Lightroom’s Auto Sync feature simplifies the process of reverting multiple images simultaneously. The Auto Sync feature enables users to apply changes made to one image to multiple selected images, making it easier to revert multiple images to their original state.
To revert multiple images at once, follow these steps:
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Select the images you wish to revert.
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Enable the Auto Sync switch in the Develop module.
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Apply the desired reset method – either by using the Reset button, right-click method, or keyboard shortcuts.
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The changes will be applied to all selected images, allowing you to revert multiple images at once.
Furthermore, the right-click method can be used to revert several images to their original state. Simply select the images and choose Settings > Reset All Settings from the context menu.
Navigating the History Panel
The History Panel, also known as the history palette, in Lightroom serves as a timeline of your editing process, allowing you to view and navigate different editing steps in the Develop module. By selecting a specific entry, you can easily jump to any point in the History Panel, offering a more in-depth understanding of your editing journey.
Be cautious when selecting a prior alteration and clicking the state, as doing so will reverse all modifications made afterward, including all my edits. The history state of adjustments and the state of adjustments are independent of one another, enabling you to track the editing process without affecting the current state of your image.
Working with Snapshots
Snapshots are a powerful feature in Lightroom that allows you to:
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Save a version of your image at a specific point in time for future reference.
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Work with Snapshots grants you the flexibility to save your editing instances for later use.
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Enhance your creative freedom in the editing process.
Creating a Snapshot is straightforward. Simply follow these steps:
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Go to the Snapshot Panel in Lightroom.
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Click on the ‘+’ icon.
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Name your Snapshot.
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Click Create.
This will save a version of your image at its current state, allowing you to experiment with different edits and easily return to a previous version if needed.
Snapshots are particularly useful when you want to compare different editing variations or showcase your new edits progress on your website, social media, or in client presentations.
Custom Reset Presets
Creating custom reset presets in Lightroom can help streamline your editing workflow, allowing you to revert specific adjustments or settings with just a few clicks.
Creating and using custom reset presets in Lightroom involves holding down the Alt and Shift keys (Windows) or Opt and Shift keys (Mac) during the application’s launch. This will prompt you to reset the preferences. Alternatively, you can navigate to Edit > Select the Presets tab, and click on the option to show the Lightroom Develop Presets folder.
Upon establishing your custom reset presets, you can effortlessly apply them to your images within the Develop module, thereby streamlining your editing process.
Virtual Copies: Experimenting Without Losing Progress
Virtual copies in Lightroom enable you to:
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Create different versions of your image
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Preserve the original edited version
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Experiment with various edits or presets without losing your initial progress
Creating a virtual copy is simple; just right-click on your image in the Library module and opt for ‘Create Virtual Copy.’’ A new, separate version of your image will appear in the Library, ready for you to experiment with different edits. You can also create virtual copies from the Develop module by selecting ‘Create Virtual Copy’ from the Photo menu.
Remember that virtual copies do not take up additional storage space on your computer, as they simply reference the same original raw file with different editing instructions.
Before/After Command: Comparing Edits
The Before/After command in Lightroom serves as a handy tool for gauging your editing progress and juxtaposing your edits with the original image. To use the Before/After command, press the ‘’ key to toggle between the original and edited versions of the photo.
For a more detailed comparison, press Shift + Y to activate the split-screen view, allowing you to see both the edited and original versions side-by-side. By using the Before/After command, you can easily evaluate your edits, ensuring that your final image aligns with your creative vision and maintains the integrity of the original shot.
Summary
In conclusion, Lightroom offers an array of tools and techniques for reverting images, managing multiple photos, and experimenting with edits without losing progress. By understanding and implementing these methods in your editing workflow, you’ll become more efficient, creative, and adaptable in your photo editing process. So, go ahead and explore the possibilities – your images will thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I revert all edits in Lightroom?
To revert all edits in Lightroom, use the Reset Adjustments option found by tapping either the Develop or Presets button and selecting the Reset button.
You can then choose which state to revert the image to: All for the original image or Basic Tones for adjustments made using the Develop controls.
What are the three main methods for reverting an image in Lightroom?
Reverting an image in Lightroom can be done via the Reset Button, Right-Click and Reset Method, or Keyboard Shortcuts.
How can I revert multiple images at once in Lightroom?
Revert multiple images at once in Lightroom using the Auto Sync feature in the Develop module to apply changes made.
What is the purpose of the History Panel in Lightroom?
The History Panel in Lightroom allows you to review and manage the different steps of editing your photos in the Develop module.
How do Snapshots differ from Virtual Copies in Lightroom?
Snapshots and Virtual Copies provide different methods for working with your images in Lightroom; Snapshots create a copy of the current state of an image, while Virtual Copies allow you to create multiple versions that all link back to the original.