How to Export RAW Files From Lightroom

Instead of saving files conventionally, you must export RAW files using Lightroom. However, some editors find this process quite arduous at first. This guide demonstrates how to export RAW files from Lightroom to organize your real estate images for post-processing properly.

How to Export RAW Files From Lightroom

To export RAW files from Lightroom, you must first go to the Library Module, choose the necessary RAW file, and click the Export button at the bottom of the Library Module's left panel. From the Export window that pops up, pick the location where you need to save the exported RAW files.

Lightroom offers an extensive range of tools and features for all your image editing and processing needs. To save your files or publish them on any other platform, you would have to export them. Here are the steps to follow to export your RAW images from Lightroom.

Step 1: Choose the RAW Files You Need to Export

The first thing you need to do is to go to the Library Module to choose your RAW files for exporting.

1. Select any number of images from your entire catalog. You can either select one photo, some random pictures, or a complete group of images.
2. If you want to export only one RAW file, simply select that one file. Suppose you want to export randomly selected files from the collection. In that case, choose one of those files and then press the CTRL or Command key.
3. If you want to export a whole list or group of RAW files, select the first file from the list and press the Shift key. Then, click on the last file on the list. This will select every file in that particular group.

Step 2: Initiate the Export Command

After selecting the file or files you want to export, the next step is to initiate the export command. You can do this using different ways.

Using the Export Dialog

Navigate to the menu bar present on the top of your Lightroom interface, and click on File. This will open a drop-down menu for you. From this menu, select Export to open the Export Dialog.

Right-Clicking Any of the Selected Photos

Another method is to right-click on any of your selected images. This will produce a popup menu for you. From this menu, navigate to Export, and click on Export.

Clicking on the Export Button

The third method of initiating the export command is by clicking the Export button on the bottom left side of your Lightroom interface.

Step 3: Choose the Export Dialog Settings

As you click on export, the Export dialog box will appear. Here, you can configure the export settings for your files. 

When exporting RAW files, you do not have to worry about all the tabs in the export dialog. You may only have to configure some of the tabs.

1. First, I will open the tab for Export Location. Here, I have to select the location of the files where I want to export them.
2. Then, go to the File Naming tab. Here, you must maintain the same file name with the same extensions. 
3. The File Settings tab is another essential tab important while exporting RAW files. Go to this tab, and select Original for your image format. This will ensure that your images remain RAW.
4. Apart from these three tabs, the other sections do not hold much importance when exporting RAW files.
5. Now, click on Export.

Export Dialog Settings

In case you want to include other settings, here are other options you can use.

• Export Location: This tab allows you to set the final location for your exported file.
• File Naming: This tab helps you ensure that the file of your name remains consistent from the source to the destination.
• Video: The video panel section comes into play when you have selected videos for exporting from Lightroom.
• File Settings: Here, you can determine the format of your image file, depending on your requirements.
• Image Sizing: This panel allows you to change the size of your files. If you want your exported file to have a different size than the source file, you can do that through this tab.
• Output Sharpening: This panel allows you to adjust the sharpening of your exporting file based on its destination. 
• Metadata: The metadata panel allows you to have significant control over the amount of metadata included in your exported files.
• Watermarking: You can add watermarks to your files through this panel.

Why Do I Need to Export Images in Lightroom?

Multiple scenarios may exist where you want to export RAW files from Lightroom. Whatever it may be, you might be looking for ways to export your RAW files from Lightroom. Lightroom allows you to do that by following a simple exporting workflow. 

• Saving for later use: You can display the RAW images on any platform and save them for later use. Saving a file ensures that you have it as a backup and can use or share it anytime. Likewise, the export functionality in Lightroom refers to the saving operation on any other program.
• Lightroom works differently: Any work you do in the Lightroom workspace gets stored within the program. If you want to share or keep it, you must export it. That is why you must export your files when using Lightroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Now you know how to export RAW files from Lightroom. You will soon see that exporting RAW files from Lightroom will become a permanent part of your Lightroom workflow. Your editing and post-processing tasks will become easier and quicker.