How to Zoom in Lightroom (3 Simple Methods to Save Time)

Lightroom Zoom

This will be a relatively simple and straightforward tutorial; however, these simple tips will be VERY HELPFUL!

When I first learned Lightroom, I often wanted to zoom in on a particular spot, but I couldn't get close enough.  This frustrated me to no end!

Over time I learned HOW TO MASTER THE LIGHTROOM ZOOM FEATURE, so I want to pass on what I learned to YOU.

How to Zoom in Lightroom

When editing an image in the Lightroom Develop Module, you may often need to move in much closer (zoom in) to see a particular detail.  In Lightroom, there are three main ways you can zoom in:

1. The Keyboard Shortcut Method (my go-to)
2. Using the Zoom Tool in the Toolbar (my next favorite)
3. Using the Navigator Panel 

**If you only want a quick zoom in, one that isn't super close, you can click your mouse in the image, as long as you are not using a tool like the adjustment brush or clone/heal tool.

Method 1. Keyboard Shortcut Method

To zoom in quickly and easily, you can use this handy keyboard shortcut: CTRL and + key (PC) or CMD and  + key (Mac).  To zoom out, use the CTRL/CMD and the - keys.  If your first zoom doesn't get you to the magnification you desire, do it again; it will zoom in closer each time.

The keyboard shortcut is my go-to zooming method, but sometimes it will stop just shy of the 3:1 ratio (the largest zoom), which is why I am sharing the other two methods.

Method 2. Using the Zoom Tool in the Toolbar

With the zoom tool in the toolbar, not only can you zoom in just a bit, but you can also pick an exact ratio to go to, like 3:1 (super zoom).

I've found that the zoom tool often seems to be missing from users' toolbars (for whatever reason).  If yours is missing, you can add it to your toolbar by clicking the triangle to the far right and clicking on the word Zoom.

If your toolbar is missing in the Develop module, simply click the "T" key on your keyboard, and it will reappear.

Method 3. Using the Navigator Panel

The zoom feature in the navigator panel gives you the same ratios as in the toolbar, just in a different location.  Additionally, you can move around the image once it's zoomed.  I usually use the keyboard shortcut "Space Bar" to move around, but when I'm using specific tools, it won't allow me to, so that's when I utilize the Navigator panel. 

Bonus Tip

Once you've zoomed in to a certain point, you can then go back to the previous zoom state by clicking the "Z" key on your keyboard.  You can toggle back and forth between the two views every time you click the "Z" key.

Moving Around While Zoomed-In

Once you have zoomed in super close, the area you wanted to edit may no longer be visible.  When this happens, use the Navigator Panel to move to the desired spot, or you can simply hold down the space bar on your keyboard.  Holding down the space bar will activate the hand/move tool.  While holding down the space bar, click and drag over to the area you want to see.

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