Adobe recently updated Lightroom Classic's noise reduction, a significant change affecting how you batch process your images. Here's how to get the most from it.
Coming to you from Matt Kloskowski, this practical video covers the new noise reduction process clearly and simply, without leaving you chasing unnecessary details. Previously in Lightroom Classic, applying the AI-based Denoise feature to multiple images at once was an awkward process. You needed to switch to grid view, select multiple images, trigger the Enhance dialog, and produce duplicate DNG copies for each file you processed. It was cumbersome, time-consuming, and involved managing extra files you didn't really want cluttering up your folders. The update removes this complexity entirely, making batch processing as intuitive as any other adjustment you've made inside Lightroom over the past two decades.
Now, rather than producing additional copies, Denoise functions non-destructively on the original raw files inside Lightroom's Detail panel. Once you've pulled together a specific look or adjustment on one image—including noise reduction—you easily sync those edits collectively to numerous other images via a single button click. The Sync settings button gives you quick selections to apply specific edits (profiles, exposure tweaks, noise reduction)—the only settings you'll likely want to avoid syncing across many images would be crop adjustments, which typically should be done picture by picture. Kloskowski points out precisely how this sync method fits smoothly into your everyday workflow, highlighting the simplicity of selecting images, syncing adjustments, and moving on.
Kloskowski also briefly touches on another useful Lightroom option: Auto Sync. This lesser-used feature applies adjustments to multiple selected images simultaneously as you edit one master file. While it's not everyone's preferred approach—especially if you're not a planner—it's ideal when you know upfront that multiple images will share identical adjustments.
One common question Kloskowski briefly covers is whether you can selectively mask noise reduction using the new AI Denoise feature directly in Lightroom. Unfortunately, Lightroom Classic doesn't directly offer masking specifically for its AI-based noise reduction tool. He does, however, explain that there is a simple workaround involving Photoshop—a helpful tip if you need finer control over exactly where the noise reduction effect applies.
This updated noise reduction workflow is part of Adobe's ongoing improvements aimed at placing common sense simplicity back into Lightroom Classic editing, reducing steps and streamlining your process. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Kloskowski.
