Today’s Question: I normally export my processed and sharpened images from Lightroom as either a sharpened print or projected final image. Do you consider this an appropriate workflow for sharpening.
Tim’s Quick Answer: Yes, absolutely. Printing from the Print module in Lightroom Classic with sharpening applied or exporting a derivative file with sharpening represent totally appropriate workflow for preparing images for output.
More Detail: Yesterday’s question related to a workflow for sharpening in the context of Photoshop, while today’s question focuses on Lightroom Classic. In Photoshop the workflow is a little more complicated. It provides a little more control, but that doesn’t necessarily translate into better output.
In Lightroom Classic you don’t have as much control as you do in Photoshop, but you can still achieve excellent results. When printing or exporting in Lightroom Classic, for example, instead applying a sharpening filter to an image that has been prepared for output, you choose between Low, Standard, and High options for the strength of the sharpening. You can also choose the type of output, with options for Screen for images that will be shared digitally, and Matte or Glossy for printed output.
These sharpening options in Lightroom Classic are relatively straightforward, but they also represent good algorithms that produce good output sharpening. It may take a little trial and error to find the right settings for various types of output, but once you have the experience to make the right decision for the circumstances, it provides a streamlined workflow.
