Sunday, July 1, 2012

Adding a border in Lightroom

1) Print Module
http://blogs.adobe.com/phosphors/2011/10/photo_borders_in_lightroom.html

My fav method:
Print module
*** Print Setup -> Select/create a dummy printer with 0 margins.  Add 4x6, 5x7" with 0 margins.  (Existing printers don't allow me to have 0 margin, so it adds extra margin as in Fig1)
Image settings on right panel
select Stroke (color and size)
Print Job -> Save as JPEG
Just adding a solid color border I don't need special border from photoshop (as in 2 links above)





Pic on the left: Using Method 1. Note the extra stuff outside the border


Pic on the right: Using Method 1 with dummy printer that allows 0 margin














Downside:
- I can't export as exact 800x600.  My print job is specified by paper size + dpi.
To have 800px for web-posting with border, use 6 inch * 300px/inch = 1800 px.    800px/6in = 133px/inch.


*** Always use 300dpi for actual printing.  



2) Print Module with identity plate
http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-add-a-photo-border-in-lightroom
http://www.adobe.com/designcenter-archive/lightroom/articles/lir1at_borders_print.html
Both methods above are the same.  (using photoshop border in lightroom print module)



3) Adding border by vignetting 
http://www.mcpactions.com/blog/2009/05/24/rounded-corners-border/
Since border=vignette here,  this is useless if I want to add a separate vignette unless I can stack different vignettes.
TODO: See if I can stack presets for the same adjustment.  I think no.


Using Method 3) Vignetting. Perfect black border, but no vignetting






I wish I don't have to go thru Print menu.  I wish adding border is a preset and can be exported together in library module.