It's Lightroom 2.0 Baby! (Beta that is)
Hey folks! I bet I’ve got one heck-of-a surprise for you today. Ready for it? Adobe has released Lightroom 2.0 beta to the public (no, this is not a belated April fools day joke). Today kicks off Photoshop World and not only is Adobe going to demo the 2.0 beta but they’re letting everyone have it and download it for free. The first question everyone’s going to be asking is what’s it all about. I’ve included my top 10 favorite features in 2.0 right here. However, NAPP has an entire learning center website all set up with videos (by Scott Kelby and myself) on all the new features. I’ll give you the links at the end of the post.
First, the top 10 list1) Localized Corrections (AKA: Dodge and Burn) – If Lightroom 2 came out and this was the only new feature I’d upgrade in a heartbeat. Localized Corrections is the non-destructive dodging and burning that we’ve all wanted for so long. But I have to say this – it’s so much more. It goes WAY beyond what I expected from dodging and burning in Lightroom (which is why it’s called Localize corrections and not just dodge and burn) and I think you’re going to love it.
2) Better Photoshop Integration – Now you can open your files as Smart Objects, Merge to Panorama or even export straight to Photoshop’s HDR from Lightroom.
3) Post-crop vignetting – if you’ve ever tried to darken the edges of a cropped photo with the lens vignetting slider you’ll know it doesn’t really work. That’s where the post-crop vignette comes in.
4) Multiple Monitor support – can you say “Finally!”?
5) Picture Packages in the print module.
6) Output Sharpening in the print module and it really works this time around. I’ve seen tests compared to Lightroom 1 and the print sharpening is noticeably better.
7) Smart Collections – Collections were great in LR 1 but smart collections make using collections a lot easier.
8.) Printing directly to a JPEG file in the Print module. So if you send your photos off to a lab now you can save the files right from within Lightroom’s Print module.
9) Suggested Keywords – Get this… Lightroom will start suggesting keywords to you once you start keywording your photos. It’s weird to explain so make sure you stop by NAPP’s learning center to see it in action.
10) OK, I’m going to give you two here. First there’s a new filter panel in the Library module that makes getting to your photos easier and faster because it’s right there with your photos (instead of tucked away on the left side panels). Next, the Slideshow and Web modules both have Content panels as well as Collection panels. So now you can very quickly switch slideshows without having to jump back to the Library module and choose different photos.
Now for the links to find out moreI know I promised some links so here they are:
– Download Lightroom 2 beta here
– NAPP’s online learning center
– John Nack’s Blog
– Scott Kelby’s blog
Kelby Training Online Training Course
If you’re already a Kelby Training subscriber then you can also check out my Lightroom 2.0 beta Power Session. It covers all the new features in Lightroom 2 beta and you have access to it immediately as a subscriber.
As you can imagine, with Photoshop World this week and Lightroom 2 beta launching things are pretty crazy and sure to get crazier. I’ll have a lot more news, tips and tutorials as the weeks go on so make sure you stay tuned. Thanks for stopping by and thanks so much to all of the Photoshop World attendees who’ve already came by and introduced themselves. Take care!
I’ve never used Lightroom because I never thought it necessary! After reading this blog I might change my mind. Does anybody have any comments on what is the very best thing about Lightroom?
Well, I have been waiting for the upgrade to V2, though I didn’t bother with the beta version. I looked at the NAPP video’s on V2 and while all the new features are great, the three principal reasons for upgrading, in order of their priority, are:
1) the Adjustment Brush
2) the Filter Bar
3) Smart Collections.
Now back to editing my last shoot….
I can not load either LR 1.41 or Beta 2. About 1 second after launching, a message appears saying Lightroom has to shut down. I use updated XP and have no trouble with LR 1.31 or any other program. I have spent the last two weeks trying: removing the pref file, removing and reinstaling all LR programs, defraging, reg clean and probably other things I could think of. Does anyone have any cures for this? Thanks jc
Hey Matt,
I enjoy your Lightroom Killer Tips. Can you tell me how you made your ” Matt Kloskowski Photography Template that accompanies your photos that you share with us on the lightroomkillertips website?
Was this a tip or an article that I missed from a previous week?
Please let me know your formula for your template.
Thanks in Advance,
Todd
Hey Matt,
I know this is completely off-topic for your LR Killer Tips blog, but could not find another way to contact you. I went to send you an email through the NAPP site about a tutorial you did a while back on creating a calendar for your desktop. (we had messaged a few ties in the forums)…but I know how busy you are and that this site takes up a good portion of your time.
Well…as you likely already know – I did a video version of that for Windows a little later. That has also evolved into a little template project for me using Photoshop (sorry, not LR – many many layers here), which was completed this evening when I finally had some time to get back to it and clean a few things up. Anyway, the video for it is over on my blog – feel free to dissect it or share with others at your leisure (both in QT and flash versions)…
Keep doing everything you guys do at NAPP with LR and PS – the training and resources are second to none!
Oh yeah, the link (for others if interested) is http://www.canonblogger.com – thanks again for the inspiration and genesis of the template idea! PS Guys “Rock the How-ski!”
I think “Lens Correction” feature (something like DxO has) is one of the most important features in my opinion – because now whole LR’s RAW workflow is weaken by making you to switch to PS (or other third-party software) to fix almost always present lens distortions, the switch that strips files of their RAW data by making LR convert files to TIFFs or PSDs for feather editing. So if (almost?) all lens corrections could be done inside of LR 2, photographs in most case could be kept in their native RAW formats – witch would lead to a lot more flexible work environment.
Can this feature be added to LR 2? If DxO can do it – why LR can’t, right?
Comments:
1. Post-crop vignetting is worthy of its own upgrade.
2. The new sharpening features kick complete @ss.
3. Dual Monitor Support should be renamed “Here, Show These Images to Your Clients,” ’cause that’s the only thing I can figure this feature (in its current state) is useful for. Adobe, PLEASE give us TRUE dual monitor support, where we can…well that brings me to…
4. Custom Adjustment Panels are a MUST. I am so tired of scrolling up and down through the side adjustment panels. Why can’t we move these things wherever we want them? Why can’t we re-arrange the listing order? WHY CAN’T THEY BE MOVED TO THE SECOND MONITOR? Photoshop is so much better at this, so I know it can be done. How about a little (optional) tear-off panel for each adjustment setting that can be re-ordered or moved wherever we like?
5. Can we PLEASE have a Levels adjustment like Photoshop has, where we can manually set a white point and a black point? I would love to be able to specify a (repeatable) black clipping point, like I can with the levels control in Photoshop.
I was using 1.3.1 and cannot import either the catalog or the collections. Is this correct?
Given the cautionary notes from Adobe http://blogs.adobe.com/lightroomjournal/
I guess the main use for the Beta is just to play around…not to do editing you want to save….or can you? If not, can’t imagine using much….even testing much…am I missing something?
Hi Matt,
I wanted to re-visit a lesson that I believe you taught over at kelbytraining.com It had to do with using custom files under the identity plate function to create borders/layers in Lightroom. For the life of me, I can’t find the lesson anymore. Can you or anyone direct me to the right lesson again? Specifically..it was using ornamental textured files from istockphoto.com to overlay on the final print. Thanks for any help. Love the site and I’m addicted to Lightroom!!
Other than that though. I love the program. It’s just incredible how much better (and faster) than Aperture, LR is (for my purposes at least).
Chris,
I’m having the same JPEG consistency problem. In my case, everything I export to JPEG from Lightroom 2.0 is significantly darker.
Hey James,
As of right now, you cannot import 1.x catalogs into 2.0. The way I understand it, they did this intentionally since it is Beta. They didn’t want anybody having Beta type issues that ended up affecting the entire catalog. Once the final version is released, you will be able to do that.
As for me, I am loving the new version and can’t wait for the final release. This has pretty much everything I was hoping for in a version 2. The print to Jpeg and localized corrections work fantastic. The only issue I’m having so far is that on export to Jpeg, I don’t seem to be getting the same color consistency as I did with 1.3. Hopefully, this will be resolved by final release though.
Cheers
Adobe says 2.0 will expire in August. You guys are saying 30 days. Which is correct?
With the new 2.0 print module with variable sized images will it have the ability to add simple text titles/captions? Hope so as I do miss that feature. I am a complete convert to LR and the 2.0 improvements sound great.
HOw do I get all my lightroom 1.3 catalogue into lightroom 2.0?
Anyone know how to do this?
Hi John B, ah sometimes I wonder how I can be so thick! Thanks mate; that is the answer.
CS
Hey all,
Sounds like good news. On the other hand, they sucked big time w/1.4.1 and now they’re talking about 2.0, sigh…
Looks like one can say bye bye to the free 1.4-1.9 updates… And if one wants to hang on CS2 it’s too bad 🙁 Hoping for the best.
Cheers – Flo.
Hey Matt,
Any word on if they are going to add a album maker anytime soon or if there are any plug-in’s for it?
Thanks for all your hard work. I love LR
Casey Figlewicz
Matt seems to say that you can’t Export an existing catalog in the L/R 2 Beta but I have found that you can Import and existing catalog.
Hank
Re; captin spin above
I found out the problem from somebody on Adobe Forum. You have to check the little boxes to the left of your paper profile in the dialog box that comes up after you pick “other ” under color management. I was just clicking on the paper profile and than clicking OK. It’s so obvious once you know but I l tried everything else for a day and as half until I got clued in. ( well the boxes were tiny, tiny and my eyesight ain’t what it used to be :
I’d really like to see the network or multiple computers share the same catalog support in this newer version. I think it’s already such a great product.
They still haven’t fixed the time stamp issue!! How long does it take them to fix this? I still have images from Europe that are 12 hours off. Even the free MS viewer gets it right.
The email I got from Adobe mentioned selective sharpening, but I don’t see it. Any tips on this?
Matt,
Re John B above, I have the same problem.
all the best
CS
Matt, we need a video ASAP going over all the new great features of 2.0.
Hey Stan,
Installing the beta version will leave your 1.3 well alone, so you’re safe to go ahead :o)
Cheers,
Glyn
ps> Matt…hope you don’t mind me jumping in there ;o)
Will installing the Beta interfere with Lightroom 1.3 that I already have installed?
does anyone know where I can find a resource to get info about color management in LR2. I just can’t seem to make the thing to use my Epson paper profiles. I can’t get past “manage by printer”
Finally I can create my pano’s easier.
I just had a quick look and the improvements are awesome. I also love the localised corrections, paint with light on raw images, awesome.
Some cool improvements, but i would rather have better raw conversion for high end cameras like the Nikon D3 than a minor interface upgrade. Apart from the local tools that’s not a significant upgrade. From what i’ve read on Adobe’s website, the raw conversion engine on the 2.0 beta is the same as 1.3.1. Let’s hope the new ACR comes to the rescue, otherwise i’ll be forced to stick with C1.
I love LR’s interface and workflow, but getting the right colors out of the D3 is nearly impossible! 🙁
Sweeeet. I like the dodge and burn tools, PLUS cropped virgnette…
Thanks Matt!
Hello All,
Just wanted to let everyone know that the beta installs alongside 1.3.1. It doesn’t use any of your 1.3.1 catalogs. In fact, Adobe recommends you continue to use 1.3.1 for your critical edits. Just feed a few test files into the beta and try out the new features. Great Work!
I take it Camera RAW hasn’t been updated for LightRoom 2.0 yet
“Raw (Please visit http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/cameraraw.html
for a full list of raw file support. File support for Lightroom 2 beta, aligns with Lightroom 1.4.1 and Camera Raw 4.4.1 which may not be available at the time of this release.) Important File”
Hi all, I thought I would import a jpej and play with the beta. This froze the LRBeta when loading and all I could do was force quit. Then it happened again. Intel 24inch iMac 10.5.2.
Oh dear, I guess this is what a beta is all about. Bit sad though.
C.S.
I agree with the other poster who talked about integration with third parties. I think tools like Nik Sharpener and NeatImage do a much better job at their respective tasks than Adobe. Not sure how it could be done without Photoshop plug in support but I’m sure there’s a way with another plug in architecture.
hey matt!
just one question about the new vignettes-panel:
in the NAPP-tutorial i can see a little menu called “style:” where “corner” is selected.
in my version (PC) there is nothing.
is it an older version of the beta you used for the tutorials or is it a newer version?
and…..whats all about this menu? instead of “vignetting” corners can you make a frame for example?
thanks!
adios,
theo
Little disappointed that Adobe didn’t include a simple perspective control or a warp tool to control distortions. Surely if it’s possible to create non-destructive localized dodging/burning it would be possible to control your perspective what every architectural photographer was hoping for… well, maybe in 3.0…
Matt Stec Photography
Matt, how do you get access to previous catalogues? I tried importing but LRBeta said it can’t import catalogues from LR1.3.1 without converting it to beta 2.. This seems strange, what am I missing here. I am reluctant to convert my catalogue to beta 2, does this affect the catalogue in 1..3.1?
thanks
Captain Spin.
Finally they did something about output sharpening! Whiehoo!
Matt –
It’s been said before, but I’ll voice it again – we all would love to know how it works alongside the current 1.3.1. I’d like to know I’m safe before I install anything new.
I really need this program to work cross platform and on a network. How difficult could this be? Doesn’t Adobe hire the best geniuses in the world? Surely they can handle this little task.
Matt! I love it! The new features are awesome. I knew Adobe wouldn’t disappoint us. I am thrilled that Kelby Training is up and running with these videos to get us up to steam, and the very day that the beta version is released. Love Kelby Training!!
Do you know if we use this beta version and start to create a new catalog, once the release is issued, will it just update the beta and our catalog, or will we have to start all over. Any insight into this aspect would be so appreciated.
BTW, I just wanted to let you know I LOVE your new book on Layers too. You are one of my favorite instructors as well as Scott. I watched the videos on Layers on Kelby, and knew when your book came out it was a must buy. Thanks for all you do!
Charity
Any improvement in noise reduction? Integration with 3rd party noise reduction programs?
Anyone else having trouble getting the Learning Center vids to load?
Oops, I was trigger happy and visited the Adobe Labs site – the beta is just that and meant to be run separately. I hope that it will be a free upgrade!
What a nice surprise!! Can/should one upgrade 1.3 to the 2.0 beta or can one run the two releases separately? Will 2.0 be a free upgrade? Thanks! –Dilip
Thanks for update and hope all is going well at PS WORLD.
Just took it for a test run and love it.
Especially the non destructive local edits, FINALLY the ability to print to jpeg file, cropped vignetting and multiple Monitors.
As Scott K would say – SWEET
I did run into a “Out of memory” message while in the develop module ( I have 4G of RAM). Also some of the user develop module presets did not appear to render the same as under 1.3.1, maybe user error 🙁
I also tested some of my Print Module “Framing” Templates that I created in 1.3.1 and they appear to function as planned.
Thanks for the demo video update and looking forward to the final stable release.
Hi Matt!
Can the beta be installed in parallel to the current version? I have some not-so-pleasant memories of the pre-1.0 beta that I don’t care to repeat, now that my library is considerably larger and has tons of corrections. I fully expect to upgrade once the RTM-release is out, but I’m a bit weary of feeding my whole library to a beta… thoughts on this?
peace,
Tormod
What about Network.. I NEED the option to use one catalog from several computers..
The Smart Collections and bolean search is one of the best things! Can’t wait until official releas later this year! 🙂 🙂
Does the update include a brush feature with edge detection like Aperture does?
Now if we can just have exporting slideshow to flash and movie! Pretty please!
I can’t seem to get the print management to load the premium luster profile for my R2400. After I select premium luster in the dialog box that pops up when I choose “other ” it keeps flipping back to ” managed by printer” when I click OK unlike my 1.3.1 version. I’ve got win XP and haven’t changed anything. Anybody have any ideas. I am probably overlooking something very basic.
Finally some needed changes in LR 🙂 Pano och HDR in Lightroom will be SO great 🙂
Will there be a charge to upgrade once the beta is over?
Of all the neat features, I’m going to love the faster switch to Photoshop the most. No more drumming my fingers while it writes out the intermediate file!
I guess if I read the release, I would have known that it runs along with 1.3.1 so my catalogues are safe.
Oh, Wow!!
Sounds great. Wouldn’t it be nice if all of us who have suffered through LR 1’s growing pains were to get the final release free?
Just dreaming.
I wonder, can this be loaded without killing LR1.3.1? Wouldn’t want to destroy my catalogues if I have to revert.
I knew it !!!! Just to sit and wait let them do their job, give feedback and enjoy!
There was never a reason to switch to Aperture just enjoy what you have and boys and girls from Adobe will do what they are paid for. Great stuff.
Oooh the Filter options are suburb !
But please oh please add a filter per collection or a filter if in ‘a’ collection or not ( or in one or many collections ) !!
Awesome, cannot wait to get home and try! Thanks Matt
Hey Matt, Cannot locate the online course for update – please point in right direction!
Crash
Me neither, nor can I find the shorter courses mentioned in this week’s episode of PSTV.
LR keeps getting better: thanks for keeping us up to speed, Matt!
Balliolman 🙂
Thanks Matt, but i couldnt find the online course for LR 2.0 in the kelbytraining site??
can’t wait to try it out and great job on getting the NAPP resource center up and running with LR2.0!
i’m very happy with the new functionalities like multiple monitor and print to jpg!
just one minor comment – i couldnt see the online course for LR 2.0 in the kelbytraining site.
Wow, these are good news. I hope, the 2.0 final will follow soon 🙂
Wow, the retouch seciton is really a killer add… It was the thing that I need. Humm, do you have an idea of the price of LR2.0 for Lightroom 1 customers ?
Awwwwwwwwsome!
Hey Matt,
Fantastic news or what :o)
Thanks for the update … I’m off to download the Beta and give it a go.
Geez … if things are this good now, what does the future hold :o)
Enjoy PSWorld,
Glyn
Please tell me that they have expanded the Web module, adding in the ability to customize web templates and then save them! If they haven’t, please ask them to do so before it’s released the end of June.
wowowowow!
WOW!!! very good news!.. cant wait to give it a whirl!
Wow exciting!! And to think I was considering switching to Aperture 2.1… 😉