Lightroom 2.0 Beta Released!

April 2nd, 2008 | Filed in: Lightroom News, News |

Lightroom 2.0 Beta Screen

Adobe has today released Lightroom 2.0 Beta, which contains a lot of new features that are all user-requested. The beta version is available from the Adobe Labs from today and on and it is downloadable on a 30-day trial if you don’t have a 1.x license, if you do just enter it and your copy is good through Aug. 31. Also note that it is indeed a beta version and shouldn’t be used in production environments.

What’s New

Unbeatable Photoshop CS3 Integration:

Open files in Photoshop as Smart Objects.

Select multiple images to merge as a panorama

Merge multiple exposures into a single Photoshop HDR image

Load multiple files (or virtual copies of a single file) into Photoshop as separate layers in a single document

Selective image editing that rocks:

Lightroom 2 adds a Retouch tool right within the Develop module. That means you can paint regions of the image to dodge, burn, saturate/desaturate, adjust contrast, and more. Edits are stored as metadata, just as all other LR adjustments are stored, and are applied directly to your raw images.

Other goodness:

Library Module:

Streamlined Library layout

Smart Collections (based on search criteria)

Powerful Filter Bar to search and refine images

Suggested Keywords for simplified keywording

10,000 pixel size limit raised to 30,000 pixels

Output-based collections

Multiple monitor support:

Four flexible modes for an alternate window: Grid, Loupe, Compare, Survey

Live Loupe mode

Export functionality:

Auto-add exported images to the Lightroom catalog

Auto Output Sharpening for images on export

Develop Module:

Non-Destructive Localized Correction for dodging and burning specific areas of an image

Post-Crop Vignette

Basic Panel Keyboard Shortcuts

Improved Auto Adjustment

Improved memory handling through 64-bit support on OS X 10.5 and Vista 64-bit.(Not limited to develop module)

Print Module:

Picture Package for multi-page layouts

Print Module output directly to JPEG

Enhanced Print Sharpening

16-bit Printing for Mac OS X 10.5