Lightroom Tip - Use Virtual Copies to Avoid Duplicating Images


Lightrooms Virtual copy capability is really powerful. If you want to produce image variations, say a black and white or a toned version, you can do this without duplicating the original file.
Just right click on the thumbnail and select 'Create Virtual Copy'. You can do this from the Photo main menu item as well.

virtual_copy_menu
right click on the thumbnail to create virtual copy

The virtual copy is identified with a small page-turn icon in the bottom left hand corner of the thumbnail.
Lightroom is really good at managing virtual copies and will automatically put a new virtual copy into a stack with the original image.

Lightroom virtual copy
virtual copy with icon

You can now select the virtual copy and edit away whilst keeping your original intact. This is great for making black and whites an other variations.

Hope you find this useful.

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