The best Lightroom export settings depend on where the photo will be shown. For the web and social media, export a JPEG in the sRGB color space at a modest size. For print, export at full resolution with the color space your print lab asks for. Create one preset for each purpose so you are not guessing every time.
The Settings That Matter
- File format: JPEG is the standard for sharing. TIFF or high quality JPEG is common for print, depending on what the lab accepts.
- Color space: sRGB is the safe choice for screens. Some print labs prefer sRGB too, while others accept wider spaces, so check their instructions.
- Quality: a value of roughly 70 to 85 often balances size and detail for the web. Use 90 or higher when quality matters more than file size.
- Image size: set the long edge in pixels for screens, and set the resolution in pixels per inch for print.
- Sharpening: output sharpening adjusts for the medium. Choose Screen for web use and Matte or Glossy paper for print.
- Metadata: decide whether to include location and camera data. For public posts, many photographers remove location details.
Step by Step: Exporting
- Select the photos in the Library or Develop module.
- Open the Export dialog from the File menu or with the keyboard shortcut.
- Choose an export location and a clear naming pattern, such as a date followed by a sequence number.
- Pick the file format, quality and color space from the table below.
- Set the size and resolution.
- Turn on output sharpening that matches the use.
- Save the settings as a user preset and click Export.
General Guidance by Use
| Use | Format | Color Space | Size Guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Website or blog | JPEG | sRGB | Long edge near 1600 to 2400 pixels |
| Social media | JPEG | sRGB | Follow the platform recommended dimensions |
| Print at home or lab | JPEG or TIFF | As the lab requests | Full size, 240 to 300 pixels per inch |
| Archive or editing later | TIFF or original raw | Wide space | Full size |
These values are general guidance. Platforms change their preferred sizes, so confirm current details on each site.
Common Mistakes
- Exporting at full size for the web, which slows pages down.
- Forgetting to set sRGB, which can make colors look dull on other screens.
- Resizing twice, once in Lightroom and again in another app, which softens detail.
- Overwriting files. Use a separate export folder so originals stay intact.
FAQ
Why do my exported photos look different from Lightroom?
Usually the cause is color space or a screen that is not color managed. Export in sRGB for screens and compare on more than one device.
Should I add a watermark?
That is a personal choice. Lightroom can add one during export, but a small, unobtrusive mark generally keeps attention on the photo.
The Short Version
Use sRGB JPEG with a limited size for web and social, and full size at the lab requested color space for print. Save a preset for each case, so every export is consistent.
