Exporting photos for web, Instagram and print
The right export settings keep images sharp and colors accurate everywhere. Sizes, formats and color spaces for each use.
A beautiful edit can look soft or dull online if exported incorrectly. Each destination needs specific settings.
- Portrait feed posts: 1080 × 1350 pixels (4:5)
- Square: 1080 × 1080
- Stories and Reels: 1080 × 1920 (9:16)
- JPEG, sRGB, quality 80 to 90, sharpening for screen
Websites
Export at 2000 to 2500 pixels on the long side for full-width images and smaller for thumbnails. Use JPEG or WebP at quality 70 to 80 to keep pages fast. Name files with descriptive keywords.
Client galleries
Export full resolution JPEGs at high quality, sRGB, for downloads and printing at a lab.
Export TIFF or maximum quality JPEG at 300 pixels per inch at the final print size. Ask the lab whether they want sRGB or Adobe RGB.
Watermarks
Small, subtle watermarks protect images without distracting. Avoid large central marks.
Export presets
Save presets for each destination in Lightroom to export correctly with one click.
Next: The tone curve explained: precise control over contrast
