How to Easily Use the Lightroom Before and After Tool
Editing photos can be tricky, especially when you want to see how your changes truly affect an image. Sometimes, it’s hard to tell if an adjustment improves the photo or makes it worse. Many photographers end up guessing, which can waste time and slow down the creative process.
Lightroom’s Before and After tool solves this problem. It allows you to compare your original image with the edited version instantly, giving you a clear view of your changes.
With this tool, you can make smarter editing decisions, save time, and feel more confident about your final images. In the following guide, we’ll explore how to use this feature in Lightroom Classic and Lightroom CC.
Things to Know Before You Begin Comparing Images
Before you start using the Before and After tool in Lightroom, it helps to know a few key points. These tips will make your comparisons easier and prevent confusion.
The tool only works in the Develop module. You cannot use it in the Library or other modules. To access it, select the photo you want to edit, then click the Develop module at the top of the screen.
The Before and After tool shows the changes you make during your current editing session. It does not show edits from previous sessions or other photos. Some adjustments, like metadata changes or crop overlays, may not appear in the comparison.
Remember that the tool is temporary. Using it does not change the final image or export. You can switch between Before and After views as much as you like without affecting your saved photo.
Different Ways to Compare Before and After Images in Lightroom Classic
Comparing before and after images in Lightroom Classic helps you see the impact of your edits clearly. There are several ways to view these changes, each offering a unique perspective. Keep reading to explore the methods in detail.
1. Select View Module
First, make sure you are in the Develop module. This is where all the editing tools are available.
Next, locate the View Modes. These modes let you see how your adjustments affect the photo. They are useful for comparing your edits with the original image.
To find the Before and After option, look at the toolbar or use the shortcut keys. This will show your photo side by side with its original version.
Finally, choose the view you like from the list. You can switch between different layouts to see which one helps you evaluate your edits best.
2. Click on Y|Y
You can quickly see a before-and-after view by using the Y|Y button. It is located at the bottom left of the Develop module.
If you don’t see the button, click the small triangle next to it. Then choose View Modes to make it appear.
Once visible, click Y|Y to compare your original image with the edited side by side.
The Before/After and Left/Right Split
The Left/Right split view lets you see how your edits change an image. On the left side, you see the original photo. On the right side, you see your edited version. This view makes it easy to compare changes side by side.
You can switch to this view by pressing the Y key. Pressing Y again returns you to the normal edited image view. This method is useful when you want a clear look at what adjustments worked and what needs more tweaking.
The Before/After and Top/Bottom Option
Lightroom Classic lets you compare your edits with the original image using the Top/Bottom view. This option is useful for seeing the full effect of your adjustments on landscape images.
In this view, the top half shows the Before version, while the bottom half displays the After version. This clear split helps you judge the changes in exposure, color, and detail without guessing.
To access the Top/Bottom view, open the dropdown menu in the toolbar and select it. You can also use a keyboard shortcut: press Alt + Y on a PC or Option + Y on a Mac. This makes switching views quick and keeps your workflow smooth.
The Magical Backslash Key () to Switch Between Images
The backslash (\) key is a quick way to toggle between the Before and After views of your image. You don’t need to click through the toolbar every time.
Press the key once. You will see the Before view appear, showing your image as it was before any edits. Press it again, and the After view returns. There is no visual indicator for the After view, so the image looks like your final edit.
Using this shortcut makes checking your progress faster and keeps your workflow smooth.
Create Virtual Copies to View In-between Edits
Sometimes, you want to see how a single change affects your photo without losing your other edits. Creating a Virtual Copy lets you do this easily.
A Virtual Copy is a separate version of your image. It keeps all your edits but lets you make new changes without altering the original. This is helpful when you want to compare specific adjustments, like sharpening or color changes, without comparing the full edit.
To create a Virtual Copy, right-click on your photo and select Create Virtual Copy. You will see a duplicate appear in your library. Now, you can adjust this copy while keeping your original intact.
With the Virtual Copy, you can use the Before and After view to compare only the changes you are testing. This method makes it easy to evaluate edits step by step, helping you see exactly what each adjustment does.
7. Choose Copy History Step Settings
Sometimes you want to see how your photo looked earlier in the editing process. Lightroom Classic lets you compare your current edits to a previous step without losing your work.
To do this, open the History panel. Find the step you want to compare. Right-click on it and choose Copy History Step Settings. This copies that step into the Before view. Now you can see your current edits alongside the earlier version.
If you want to return to your current image, just select the most recent History step. Your history stays intact, so you can go back to any previous edits anytime. This method is useful for checking progress or deciding which edits to keep.
8. Use the Shortcut Keys
Keyboard shortcuts can save you time while using the Before and After tool. They let you work without clicking through menus.
Press Shift + Y to see your image side by side. The left shows the Before version, and the right shows the After version. This view makes it easy to spot changes.
Use Shift + Tab to hide all panels. This gives you more space to see your image clearly. It is helpful when you want a bigger view of your edits.
When you want to go back to the normal Develop module view, press D. This brings back all panels and tools, letting you continue editing smoothly.
Conclusion:
Using the Before and After tool in Lightroom helps you see your edits clearly. You can spot what works and what needs more change. Different view options and shortcuts make comparing images fast and simple. Virtual Copies and History steps give extra control for detailed edits. By using these features, you can edit with more confidence and save time. Keep practicing, and this tool will become a natural part of your workflow.
FAQs:
How do you do before and after in Lightroom?
In Lightroom, you can see a photo’s before and after by pressing the backslash () key. This shows the original image and your edits. You can also use the “Before/After” button in the toolbar to view side-by-side or split-screen comparisons.
How do I use the transform tool in Lightroom?
The Transform tool helps fix perspective issues, like tilted buildings or leaning lines. You can find it in the Develop module under the “Transform” panel. Click the type of correction you want or use “Guided” to draw lines on your image for precise adjustment.
Should I use Photoshop before or after Lightroom?
It depends on your workflow. Usually, Lightroom is used first for overall color, exposure, and basic edits. Photoshop is used for detailed retouching, removing objects, or advanced effects.
How do I compare two photos side by side in Lightroom?
Use the “Survey” or “Compare” view in the Library module. Select the photos you want to compare, then press “C” for Compare view. Lightroom will show one as the main image and the other as a reference side by side.
Do professional photographers use Lightroom or Photoshop?
Most professionals use both. Lightroom is great for organizing and editing large batches of photos. Photoshop is used for detailed retouching or complex edits that Lightroom can’t handle.
