Why Are Lightroom Exporting So Small? The Shocking Reason Revealed!

Have you ever spent hours meticulously editing your photos in Lightroom, only to find that your exported images are disappointingly small? The frustration of “why are Lightroom exporting so small” is a common one, and it can be incredibly disheartening. This blog post will delve into the reasons behind this issue and provide you with a comprehensive guide to troubleshooting and optimizing your Lightroom export settings for stunning, high-resolution images.

Understanding the Problem: Why Small Exports?

The first step in solving any problem is understanding its root cause. Why are your Lightroom exports coming out smaller than expected? The answer lies within Lightroom’s export settings, which can be easily overlooked or misconfigured. Here are some common culprits:

• Incorrect Resolution: Lightroom allows you to set the output resolution of your exported images. If you accidentally select a lower resolution (measured in pixels per inch, or PPI), your exports will appear small.
• Image Size Limits: Some platforms, like social media or websites, impose limitations on image file sizes. If you’re exporting for these platforms, Lightroom might automatically downscale your images to fit within their size restrictions.
• Export Presets: Lightroom offers pre-defined export presets that can be helpful for common tasks, but they might have default settings that aren’t ideal for your specific needs.
• File Format: Different file formats (like JPEG, TIFF, and PNG) compress images differently. JPEGs, known for their smaller file sizes, can lead to a reduction in image quality if you’re exporting at lower quality settings.
• Output Sharpening: Lightroom allows you to apply sharpening during the export process. However, over-sharpening can result in artifacts and a decrease in apparent image size, especially when viewed at smaller scales.

Troubleshooting Your Lightroom Exports

Now that we understand the potential causes, let’s dive into troubleshooting your Lightroom exports to pinpoint the exact problem.
1. Check Your Output Resolution:

• Navigate to the “Export” dialog box in Lightroom.
• Under “Image Sizing,” verify the “Resolution” setting.
• Ensure the resolution is set to a value that meets your desired output size. For high-quality prints, aim for 300 PPI or higher. For web use, 72 PPI is generally sufficient.

2. Review Your Export Presets:

• Open the “Export” dialog box and click on the “Presets” dropdown menu.
• Examine the presets you’ve created or are using.
• Pay close attention to the “Image Sizing” and “Output Sharpening” settings within each preset.
• If you’re using a pre-defined preset, consider creating a custom preset with settings tailored to your specific needs.

3. Analyze Your File Format and Quality:

• In the “Export” dialog box, under “File Settings,” select the desired file format.
• For high-quality images, consider using TIFF or PNG. These formats offer lossless compression, preserving image detail.
• If you’re working with JPEGs, ensure the “Quality” setting is high (around 80-100%). Lower quality settings lead to increased compression and smaller file sizes, often at the expense of image quality.

4. Experiment with Output Sharpening:

• While sharpening can enhance image detail, excessive sharpening can lead to unwanted artifacts and a reduction in perceived image size.
• Adjust the “Amount” and “Radius” settings in the “Output Sharpening” section of the “Export” dialog box.
• Start with a lower sharpening amount and gradually increase it until you achieve the desired result.

Optimizing Your Lightroom Exports for Maximum Quality

Once you’ve identified and addressed the root cause of your small exports, it’s time to optimize your Lightroom settings for maximum quality. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Choose the Right Resolution:

• Determine the intended use of your images.
• For high-resolution prints, aim for 300 PPI or higher.
• For web use, 72 PPI is generally sufficient.

2. Select the Appropriate File Format:

• If you need the highest quality, use TIFF or PNG.
• For web use, JPEGs are a good choice, but ensure you select a high-quality setting (80-100%).

3. Optimize Sharpening:

• Apply sharpening judiciously.
• Use a lower sharpening amount for web use and a higher amount for prints.
• Experiment with different sharpening settings to find the sweet spot for your images.

4. Consider File Size Limitations:

• If you’re exporting for specific platforms with file size limits, adjust your resolution and file format accordingly.
• You can use Lightroom’s “File Size” setting to control the maximum file size of your exports.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Export Techniques

For those seeking to unlock the full potential of Lightroom’s export capabilities, here are some advanced techniques:
1. Using Export Presets Effectively:

• Create custom export presets for different scenarios (e.g., web, print, social media).
• Save time and ensure consistency across your exports.

2. Utilizing the “Export to Collection” Feature:

• Export specific images or entire collections to streamline your workflow.
• Organize your exported files efficiently.

3. Exploring the “Watermark” Options:

• Add watermarks to your images to protect your copyright and branding.
• Customize the appearance and placement of your watermarks within Lightroom.

The Final Touch: Refining Your Workflow

By understanding the root cause of “why are Lightroom exporting so small” and implementing the troubleshooting and optimization techniques discussed, you can ensure your Lightroom exports consistently meet your expectations. Here are some final tips to refine your workflow:

• Save Your Edits: Always save your edits as a DNG file or a Smart Previews file to avoid losing your work.
• Preview Your Exports: Before exporting a large batch of images, test a few to ensure the settings are correct.
• Keep It Simple: Don’t overcomplicate your export settings. Stick to the basics and focus on achieving the desired outcome for your images.

Beyond the Export: A World of Possibilities

Lightroom’s export capabilities are just one aspect of its powerful suite of tools. From RAW processing and image editing to organizing your photo library and creating stunning presentations, Lightroom empowers you to elevate your photography.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: What is the best resolution for exporting photos?
A: The best resolution depends on the intended use of your images. For high-quality prints, aim for 300 PPI or higher. For web use, 72 PPI is generally sufficient.
Q: How do I create a custom export preset in Lightroom?
A: In the “Export” dialog box, click on the “Presets” dropdown menu and select “New Preset.” Give your preset a name and customize the settings to your liking. Click “Create” to save the preset.
Q: Why are my exported images blurry?
A: Blurry exports can be caused by several factors, including low resolution, excessive sharpening, or compression artifacts from JPEGs. Review your export settings and ensure you’re using a high enough resolution, appropriate sharpening settings, and a high-quality JPEG setting.
Q: Can I export multiple images at once in Lightroom?
A: Yes, you can export multiple images at once in Lightroom. Simply select the images you want to export and then open the “Export” dialog box. You can also export entire collections or folders.
Q: How do I add a watermark to my exported images?
A: In the “Export” dialog box, navigate to the “Watermark” section. Click on the “Edit” button to customize the appearance and placement of your watermark. You can add text, logos, or even custom designs.