When it comes to editing, Lightroom is a popular creative platform from Adobe. We know it’s possible to tweak and touch up photos, but can we edit video in Lightroom? Not only is it possible, but we can also walk you through how to edit video in Lightroom!
Importing Video to Lightroom
Start by importing your video to Lightroom editor; it should be easy because you use the same process as you do when importing a photo. Either select File, then Import, and choose the video file or use the drag and drop feature.
Note that the file name extension for video files is different from photos. A video will have the file name extension of MOV instead of JPEG, DNG, TIFF, etc.
Capturing Video Stills in Lightroom
Is there a particular frame in your video that you absolutely love? You can use Lightroom to capture that frame and convert it to a still photo!
In the Library Module, pull up your video file. Select the circle icon at the bottom of the play menu to access more frame options. Choose Capture Frame to select the still photo you want.
View the still frame in Grid View. To access Grid View, click on the far left icon at the bottom of your screen.
Right-click to unstack the photos. Go out of Previous Import to view the still photo.
Color Grading Video in Lightroom
As noted previously, you cannot edit videos in Lightroom’s Develop Module. However, if you select the video in the Library Module, there is some cool video editing, like adjusting white balance, that you can do in Lightroom.
Make sure you use the All Photos at the top of Lightroom’s Library Module. Using the method you just learned to do a capture frame from your video, choose a frame that best represents the tone and color of your entire video.
Edit the still photograph in the Develop Module. Note that not all adjustments will transfer, like lens correction and clarity, but most of them do. Some of the changes you can make include:
- White balance
- Contrast and vibrance
- Basic Tone
- Tone Curves
- Apply treatments, like converting to Black and White
- Calibration
Leave the Develop Panel and return to the Library Module. Select your edited photo with the video file. To select both at the same time, hold down the Command/Control key on your keyboard and click the photo and video.
Click on Sync Settings. Select Synchronize. Any edits that can transfer from your edited photo automatically apply to your video.
Applying Presets to Video in Lightroom
Do you have some favorite presets in Lightroom that mark your style? If you want to apply those presets to your video, you can do so through the Library Module with the quick develop menu.
Tip: If you accidentally move into the Develop Module and attempt to edit your video, it’s not supported, and Lightroom gives you a message to that effect.
In the Library Module, apply your favorite presets by selecting the Preset tab in the quick develop menu on the right side of your screen. Lightroom actually features several presets for video editing; however, you can also create a custom preset for your video.
Select a still from your video that best represents the colors and tone. Click on the image and choose capture frame as you previously learned. Make adjustments to the still frame. Once you achieve the look you want for your entire video, you can create a preset.
Go to the Preset folder and click the + button to select an existing folder or create a new one. Name the preset to reflect your changes and click Create.
Return to Lightroom’s Library Module, choose your video and apply your new preset. It’s that simple!
Don’t love the preset? That’s fine; you can remove it with a few clicks. Right-click on the video, select Develop Settings, then Reset.
Trim Video in Lightroom
Video editing often requires some trimming. Thankfully you can easily do that editing in Lightroom.
On the playback bar, click on the gear to reveal more options. Drag your slider from either side to trim your video. The left takes time off the beginning, and the right removes it from the end.
Note: You can get your full-length video back at any time. Lightroom doesn’t delete any of the trimmed videos. All you have to do is slide the bars back to their original positions.
Combining Videos in Lightroom
What if you want to combine a few video clips into one video? You can use Lightroom’s Slide Show Module to accomplish this video editing feat!
At the bottom where it says All Film Strip, you want to choose Selected Photos instead. Select the video clips you edited and want to combine into one video.
In the Template Browser, under Lightroom Templates, select Crop to Fill.
Make sure you turn off any text overlays. However, you can add music by heading to the Music menu and clicking the + button. Choose a song from your computer.
Don’t forget to test your video editing results. To view your video before exporting it, use the Preview feature in Lightroom’s Slide Show Module.
Once satisfied with the slideshow you created, you just need to export it as a video. Click on the Slideshow menu and choose Export Video Slideshow.
Exporting Your Video From Lightroom
Exporting videos from Lightroom is just like the process for photos. In the Export menu, we suggest that you set the Quality to Max for the best results. However, if you plan to share your video on social media, like Facebook, you may want to shrink it to H.264 and choose Medium for quality.
Can You Edit Videos in Lightroom Mobile?
Unfortunately, Lightroom Mobile is limited when it comes to video files. You cannot edit a video on a mobile device.
It doesn’t mean that you can’t edit videos from your mobile device in Lightroom. You can import video files from your device’s camera roll into Lightroom Mobile. Once you import them, the video files should show up on your computer version of Lightroom. You can then handle editing with Lightroom on your computer.
