How to fix Lightroom "Edit in Photoshop" not working

Are you experiencing frustration with Lightroom's "Edit in Photoshop" option not working? You're not alone. Many photographers and creative professionals rely on the seamless integration between Lightroom and Photoshop for their editing workflow. But when this feature malfunctions, it can disrupt your creative process and cause unnecessary stress. The good news is that there are solutions available to fix this problem, and in this blog post, we will explore various methods to get Lightroom's "Edit in Photoshop" option back up and running smoothly.

Section 1: Update Both Apps to Their Latest Versions

One common reason for the "Edit in Photoshop" option not working is outdated software. Compatibility issues and transfer failures can occur when using older versions of Lightroom and Photoshop. To address this, it is crucial to update both applications to their latest versions.

To update Lightroom:

1. Open Lightroom and go to the Help menu.

2. Select "Updates" or "Check for Updates."

3. Follow the prompts to download and install any available updates.

To update Photoshop:

1. Open Photoshop and go to the Help menu.

2. Choose "Updates" or "Check for Updates."

3. Follow the instructions to install any available updates.

Updating the apps ensures that you have the latest bug fixes, performance improvements, and compatibility enhancements. It is always a good idea to keep your software up to date, as it can often resolve various issues.

Section 2: Use the "Export" Option as an Alternative

If updating the applications doesn't solve the issue, another workaround is to use the "Export" option in Lightroom as an alternative method to transfer your images to Photoshop.

Here's how to export the image from Lightroom and open it in Photoshop:

1. Select the image you want to edit in Lightroom.

2. Go to the File menu and choose "Export" or use the shortcut Cmd+Shift+E (Mac) or Ctrl+Shift+E (Windows).

3. In the Export window, choose the desired file settings and location.

4. Enable the option to open the exported file in Photoshop.

5. Click the "Export" button to export the image and automatically open it in Photoshop.

While this alternative method may not be as seamless as the "Edit in Photoshop" option, it should still allow you to transfer your images from Lightroom to Photoshop for editing. Remember to save your edits in Photoshop separately from the original file to ensure your changes are preserved.

Section 3: Try Using the "Edit in Photoshop" Option in Lightroom

Lightroom offers its own built-in "Edit in Photoshop" option, which can be an effective solution for some users experiencing issues with the external "Edit in Photoshop" option.

To use the "Edit in Photoshop" option within Lightroom:

1. Select the image you want to edit in Lightroom.

2. Go to the Photo menu and choose "Edit In."

3. Select "Edit in Adobe Photoshop" or "Edit in Adobe Photoshop Beta" from the drop-down menu.

4. Lightroom will open the selected image directly in Photoshop or Photoshop Beta for editing and saving.

This internal option ensures a direct and seamless transition between Lightroom and Photoshop, eliminating any potential issues caused by external integration.

Section 4: Check for Unavailable Original Files or Missing Photos

If the "Edit in" option is greyed out or unavailable in Lightroom, it may indicate that the original files are missing or disconnected Smart Previews exist. In such cases, it is essential to check for missing photos and reconnect them to resolve the issue.

To check for missing photos and disconnected Smart Previews:

1. In Lightroom, navigate to the Library module.

2. Look for any photos with an exclamation mark (!) icon, indicating that the original file is missing.

3. Right-click on the missing photo and choose "Locate Missing Photos."

4. Navigate to the folder where the original file is stored and select it.

5. Lightroom will reconnect the missing photo, and the "Edit in" option should become available again.

If you are using Smart Previews, ensure that they are up to date and properly connected to the original files. Rebuilding or reconnecting Smart Previews can help resolve any issues related to their disconnection.

Dealing with Lightroom's "Edit in Photoshop" option not working can be frustrating, but it is not a problem without a solution. By following the methods outlined in this blog post, you can resolve this issue and regain the seamless integration between Lightroom and Photoshop that you rely on for your editing workflow.

Remember to first update both Lightroom and Photoshop to their latest versions. If that doesn't resolve the issue, utilize the "Export" option as an alternative method. Additionally, try using Lightroom's built-in "Edit in Photoshop" option for a direct transfer between the two applications. Lastly, check for unavailable original files or missing photos and reconnect them if necessary.

By exploring these solutions, we are confident that you will be able to fix the Lightroom "Edit in Photoshop" not working issue and continue with your creative endeavors without any hindrance. Happy editing!