Lightroom Secrets

Lightroom Q&A #1

We’ve had some great questions come in in response to Got Questions? Just Ask! I’ll try to keep up so keep them coming! Let’s dive right in…

Q: Do I need to use the Adobe Bridge at all if I have Ligthroom and CS4? How does Lightroom replace the bridge (I’ve never used it b4)?

A: Perhaps the most basic difference between Lightroom and Bridge is how each approaches file management. Lightroom is a database oriented approach while Bridge is a navigational approach. Bridge will show you all file currently resident on your drive. Lightroom only shows you files that you have specifically imported into the catalog. Furthermore, Lightroom only allows certain file types into the catalog (i.e. – photography related files such as JPEG, RAW, etc.)

Bridge was designed with support for the entire Creative Suite in mind and is an excellent resource for that. While it is true that you can reproduce a lot of the Lightroom functionality in Bridge, Lightroom provides a more focused and cohesive view of a photographer’s workflow. There is a logical flow from module to module and action to action that is just not present in Bridge. If you have Lightroom and Photoshop or Photoshop Elements then you’ve got pretty much all you need for a full and complete photographic workflow and there is no need to ever open Bridge. However, if you also work with these files in Illustrator or InDesign or Flash or… then you will need Bridge. Bridge will make your life easier when working with multiple Creative Suite applications.

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Got Questions? Just Ask!

Do you have questions about Lightroom? Can’t find the answers out there on the web? Have no fear! We’re going to try something new at Lightroom Secrets – Reader Q and A! Send me your questions. I will compile and answer them here on the site.

So if you have a Lightroom related question you can send it to questions [at] lightroomsecrets [dot] com or send out a tweet using the hashtag #LRSQA. Operators are standing by…