Creating Simple Single Photo Layouts in Lightroom & Lightroom Mobile

Step-by-Step Video Tutorial

In a previous tutorial, I showed how to design beautiful collages and single-image layouts using the Print Module in Lightroom Classic. It’s a powerful tool, but what if you're using the cloud-based Adobe Lightroom or Lightroom Mobile?

Unfortunately, Lightroom doesn't offer the print module on the desktop or in mobile, but I do have a workaround for you.

The Video Tutorial

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Method 1: The Crop & Geometry Workaround (Lightroom Desktop & Mobile)

This method uses the Crop and Geometry tools to create a border and position your photo within the frame. It works in both the desktop and mobile versions of Lightroom.

How to Create a Layout in Adobe Lightroom (Desktop):

1. Select Your Crop Ratio: Start by opening the Crop tool. Choose the aspect ratio based on how you plan to share the photo, such as 9×16 for an Instagram Reel cover, 4×5, or a square.

2. Open Geometry Settings: In the editing panel, open the Geometry tab, and then expand the Transform options.

3. Unconstrain and Scale: Uncheck the Constrain Crop box. Now, use the Scale slider to reduce the size of your photo until you have the desired amount of space around the entire image.

4. Offset Your Photo: To reposition the image within the new blank space, use the Y Offset and X Offset sliders. Moving the Y offset up will shift the photo upward, giving you extra white space at the bottom.

5. Export Your Image: Once you are happy with the placement, close the Crop tool. You will see a transparent area around your image; this will become a solid white background when you export the photo as a JPEG.

How to Create a Layout in Lightroom Mobile:

The process on mobile is nearly identical.

1. Crop Your Photo: Tap on the Crop tool and select the aspect ratio you need, like 9×16.

2. Access Geometry Tools: Go into the Geometry settings and tap the pencil icon next to "Auto".

3. Scale and Offset: Just as you did on the desktop, scroll down to Scale the photo to create a border. Then, use the offset sliders to move the photo up, down, left, or right.

4. Apply and Export: Tap the check mark to confirm your changes. You now have the same layout created on the desktop, ready to be exported using the Share option.

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Method 2: The ‘Add Border’ Share Feature (Lightroom Mobile Only)

Lightroom Mobile offers another, even simpler method, though it provides less control over placement.

1. Open the Share Menu: Tap the Share icon.

2. Select "Add Border and Share": Choose this option from the menu.

3. Customize the Border:

   • You can select a border size that corresponds to different social media formats, like 9×16 for an Instagram story or a 4×5 post.

   • Adjust the thickness of your border using the slider.

   • You can also change the background color. Use the eyedropper tool to select a color directly from your photo for a coordinated look, or simply stick with white.

4. Save the Image: Once customized, tap the share icon again and save the image to your device.

It's important to note that with this method, you cannot offset your photo; it will always be centered within the border you select.

Thanks for watching, and I hope this helps you create beautiful, clean layouts no matter which version of Lightroom you use!

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Wanna learn more about Designing Layouts in Lightroom Classic?

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