Adobe Lightroom has long been celebrated for photo editing, but did you know it can also handle video? This guide walks you through every key step—from importing to final export—so you can transform raw clips into polished, professional‑looking videos.
Importing Video to Lightroom
Begin by adding your footage to Lightroom. Use the familiar File → Import dialog or simply drag the file into the Library panel. Remember that video files use extensions like .MOV (or .MP4, .AVI, etc.), unlike photo formats such as .JPEG, .DNG, or .TIFF.
Capturing Video Stills in Lightroom
Looking for that perfect frame? In the Library Module, open your video and click the circle icon beneath the play controls. Select Capture Frame to lock in a still image.
View the still in Grid View by clicking the icon on the far left of the screen. Right‑click to unstack the items and isolate the frame you just captured.
Color Grading Video in Lightroom
While the Develop Module doesn’t support direct video editing, you can still influence your footage’s look via the Library. Choose a representative frame—ideally one that reflects the overall tone—and edit it in the Develop panel. Most adjustments will propagate back to the clip, such as:
- White balance
- Contrast & vibrance
- Basic tone sliders
- Tone curves
- Black‑and‑white conversion
- Color calibration
Return to the Library, select both the edited still and its source video (hold Command/Control while clicking), then click Sync Settings. The changes that transfer will be applied to the entire clip.
Applying Presets to Video in Lightroom
Have a signature look? Lightroom’s quick‑develop panel lets you apply preset styles directly to videos. In the Library, open the Preset tab on the right and choose from the built‑in selections—or create your own.
To build a custom preset, capture a still that best represents your clip’s colors, edit it until you’re satisfied, then click the + icon in the Presets folder. Name it and hit Create. Apply the preset to your video and adjust as needed. If it’s not right, reset the settings with Right‑click → Develop Settings → Reset.
Trimming Video in Lightroom
Trim your footage straight in the Library. Click the gear icon on the playback bar, then drag the left or right sliders to cut the start or end. Lightroom keeps the original file intact; simply reset the sliders to restore the full clip.
Combining Videos in Lightroom
Merge multiple clips using the Slide Show Module. Set the source to Selected Photos, choose the clips you wish to combine, and apply a Crop to Fill template. Disable text overlays, but you can add background music via the Music menu.
Preview your composition before export. When ready, go to Slideshow → Export Video Slideshow and pick your desired settings.
Exporting Your Video From Lightroom
Export the finished clip just as you would a photo. In the Export dialog, set Quality to Max for the highest fidelity. For social‑media distribution, consider exporting in H.264 format at Medium quality to balance size and appearance.
Can You Edit Videos in Lightroom Mobile?
Lightroom Mobile currently lacks direct video editing capabilities. However, you can import video files from your device’s camera roll; they will sync to the desktop version where full editing is available.