[2024] How to Select All in Lightroom + Shortcuts

In Lightroom, selecting multiple photos can be achieved by clicking on your initial image and then using the 'Shift' key for a continuous range or the 'Command'/'Ctrl' key for non-consecutive photos. This streamlined process allows for efficient batch edits, letting you apply changes to a group of images simultaneously, enhancing your editing workflow.

December 3, 2023
[2024] How to Select All in Lightroom + Shortcuts
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How Do I Select Multiple Photos In Adobe Lightroom

So, in case you didn't already know, unlike Photoshop, Lightroom still doesn't have the same intuitive drag-and-drop method for selecting multiple images. This might seem like a minor hiccup, but when you're dealing with hundreds or even thousands of photos, efficiently selecting a group becomes crucial. Why? Because batch editing, tagging, and organizing become a breeze when you can select multiple photos at once. This not only speeds up your workflow but also ensures consistency across your edits.

In the breakdown we've provided:

  • We first tackle the method to select a continuous range of photos, perfect for those sequences of shots where every image matters.
  • Next, we dive into the technique for selecting non-consecutive photos, giving you the flexibility to cherry-pick your favorites.
  • Finally, we touch upon how to apply edits across your selected images, turning a potentially hours-long task into a matter of minutes.

Selecting Multiple Photos in Lightroom: A Deep Dive

When you're immersed in the world of Lightroom, you'll often find yourself surrounded by a sea of images. Sometimes, you'll want to apply a specific edit or adjustment to a group of photos, and selecting them all at once can save you a ton of time. Let's dive into the process of selecting multiple photos in Lightroom, ensuring you have all the tools at your fingertips to make your editing process as smooth as possible.

What Is The Shortcut For Select All In Lightroom For Selecting A Continuous Range Of Photos?

Display of Adobe Lightroom with a single image from a vacation series highlighted.
  1. Locate Your Starting Image: Begin by finding the first image in the series you want to select. This could be the first photo from your recent vacation or the beginning of a specific photoshoot.
  2. Click on the Starting Image: Using your mouse or trackpad, click on this image. You'll notice it becomes highlighted, indicating it's selected.
  3. Shift and Click for a Range: Now, scroll to the last image in the series you want to select. Hold down the 'Shift' key on your keyboard (it's usually located above the 'Ctrl' key) and while holding it, click on the last image. Like magic, all the images between the first and last one you clicked on will be selected. For instance, if you started with the 5th image and ended with the 20th, all 16 images in that range are now highlighted and ready for your next move.
Multiple images from the 5th to the 20th in the series are highlighted, showing the 'Shift' click method of selection.

Selecting Non-Consecutive Photos

Sometimes, you don't want every image in a sequence. Maybe you only want to select every other image, or perhaps you're looking to pick out specific photos that caught your eye. Here's how you can do that:

  1. Start with the First Image: Just like before, click on the first image you want to select.
  2. Command or Ctrl is Your Friend: If you're using a Mac, hold down the 'Command' key (located next to the spacebar). If you're on a PC, it's the 'Ctrl' key. While holding down this key, click on any other images you want to add to your selection. For instance, after selecting the 2nd image, you might jump and select the 5th, then the 9th, and so on.
  3. Review Your Selection: As you make your selections, each clicked image will become highlighted. This visual cue confirms that you've successfully added it to your group of selected photos.
Demonstration of the 'Command' or 'Ctrl' click method, where non-consecutive images are selected.

Applying Edits to Your Selection

Now that you've got a group of images selected, you're in a prime position to make batch edits. Whether you're adjusting exposure, adding a specific preset, or tagging photos, your changes will apply to all selected images. This is where your vision truly comes to life. With everything set up correctly, you'll have all the avenues you'd ever want to achieve the right look.

The Lightroom interface showing batch edits being applied to a group of selected images with the exposure adjustment slider in use.