Trying to figure out how to convert RAW files to JPEG using Lightroom Classic? Maybe you’ve set the camera to RAW mode by mistake. Maybe someone else has sent you the files. Or maybe you’re just starting out with using RAW files.
Taking a RAW file and ending up with a JPEG (or JPG) is a simple thing to do in Lightroom Classic, but there’s something to wrap your head around first for it to make sense. It’s how Lightroom Classic works on a fundamental level.
What I mean by that is that Lightroom is a non-destructive editor. It tries to avoid changing the original file. It treats the original file a kind of master negative in the way that back in film days, the film or slides were the masters that were used to create derivative prints or copies.
So rather than convert the original RAW file into a JPEG file, the way that Lightroom tackles this kind of task is that you make another copy, this time in JPEG format.
So the RAW file stays present in the main catalog. If you want to convert it to JPEG, you’ll need to export it and choose JPEG as the output format. That will create a new JPEG version and keep the original RAW file untouched.
How to Export a RAW File as a JPG
There’s actually a few of different ways to do it in Lightroom Classic. You could, for instance, use the Print module. But using the Export function is by far the quickest and easiest, and it makes the most sense most of the time. It also simplifies it if you want to batch process the conversion of multiple images at once.
1. With the RAW file or files selected in the Library module, go to File > Export.
2. From the left side, go the Lightroom Presets. This isn’t technically required–you’re more than welcome to make your own preset or not use a preset–but since this full-size JPG preset is already built-in, we may as well take advantage of it to speed things up.
Click on the Burn Full-Sized JPEGs preset.
3. But there’s one important change to make. From the top menu where it says “Export To”, change that from CD/DVD to Hard Drive.
4. Choose whatever options you want for the Export Location, File Naming, File Settings, Image Sizing, and Output Sharpening panels.
If you want to stick closest to the “convert” idea, leave the image sizing option unchecked to create a JPG at the same size as the source.
5. Hit the Export button at bottom right.
6. Your files will now be processed and saved as JPGs in whatever location you set for the Export Location.
Bill says
Hmmm…the title of the article sounds like a person is able to convert WITHIN Lightroom…to change a RAW file to a JPG…so there’s no way to do that? You have to an export and then re-import?
Thanks…
Stephanie says
I would like to shoot in RAW but when I edit and save my RAW images as JPG I end up with image degradation. Is there a way around that? Is this different that shooting RAW+JPG? I need a higher quality finished product so the images can be printed larger and still have good quality.
David says
If you’re using RAW, it doesn’t replace the original RAW with a JPG version. It’s a core principle of Lightroom and other non-destructive editors. You can export a derivative JPG version if you like, in which case the quality will be determined by the quality settings you export at.
Ariane says
Hello, I am not sure if I got this correctly. Is this the process I need to follow if I want to convert my presets into file so I can send it to emails? Then from emails they can easily import them to their LightRoom Mobile?
David says
No, this is only for image files.