Editor's note: This month only – enroll in the 2023 Lightroom Classic Secrets email course! Limited time only – click the link to learn more or enroll. Thanks for reading, Andrew.
Adobe has announced that powerful new masking tools are coming to Lightroom Classic later this month.
I recommend that every photographer learns how to make local adjustments in Lightroom Classic. They’re a powerful tool that can make any photo better. I’m excited about this update, and I think you should be too.
Learn more: How to Make Better Photos With Local Adjustments in Lightroom Classic
So what can we expect from the new update? Here’s a summary.
1. New AI based masks
The use of artificial intelligence in post-processing software is increasing. Adobe has already applied it in Photoshop with the Select Subject and Select Sky commands.
These are now coming to Lightroom Classic.
2. New Masks panel
The current local adjustment tools move to a new Masks panel, along with all the new masking tools.
It’s going to be easier to see mask overlays, and organize and keep track of all your local adjustments.
3. Mask groups
You’ll be able to invert, combine or subtract masks. That makes it a lot easier to work on photos like the one below.
For me, this is the most interesting aspect of the new masking tools. I’m looking forward to bringing you plenty of practical examples of how to use them.
4. Global range masks
Currently, you can only apply a range mask inside a local adjustment. After the update you’ll be able to apply them across the entire photo.
5. Available across the Lightroom ecosystem
These new tools will be available across the Lightroom ecosystem. You’ll see then in Adobe Camera Raw (ACR), the Lightroom app and Lightroom for mobile as well as Lightroom Classic.
You can catch up with the Adobe announcement here, where there’s also a short video explaining some of the new features.
Adobe will start pushing out the update on October 26.
Ebook updates
If you own my ebooks Mastering Lightroom Classic: Book Two – The Develop Module or Mastering Lightroom Classic: Book Four – Black & White I’ll add the new masking tools, with examples of how to use them, to both books and send out a free update within a couple of weeks.
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