Overview
Going from Lightroom to Instagram using a Desktop Computer is not normally possible. Instagram wants to stop people like photographers using Instagram as a free way to promote their business. Well, that’s what I believe anyway.
We need to make Instagram’s web servers believe we are on a mobile device, rather than a desktop computer.
But, even if you don’t want to use the method I’m going to show you now, you could take a longer route by using the Lightroom app on your mobile device.
The two methods for using your mobile device depends on your version of Lightroom you are using, Classic or CC.
Lightroom Classic
Make the collection sync with Lightroom CC by right-clicking on a collection header.
Then use the Lightroom App on your mobile device. This will give you access to your synced photos, allowing you to share the photos.
Lightroom CC
You are already syncing your photos to the Lightroom App on your phone. Go the Lightroom App on your mobile device, you can share to Instagram.
Instagram Size requirements
Instagram’s requirements can be summarised as follows:
- The maximum size any longest edge can be is 1080 pixels. If you upload a photo with a side longer than 1080 pixels, it will be downsized to 1080 pixels by Instagram.
- The square aspect ratio of 1080 by 1080 pixels, is the recommended size. Using 1080 x 1080 pixels will allow your image to be uncropped in the grid view of Instagram.
- You can use any crop ratio between 1.91:1 – 4:5. as long as the widest edge is 1080 pixels. This is difficult to visualise, but if the longest edge is 1080 pixels then the height can range from 566 to 1350 pixels for a landscape mode photo.
- Instagram doesn’t say if you can upload a portrait mode photo, with a height of 1080 pixels and width of between 566 to 1350 pixels. But, other sites say it’s possible. I’ve just never tried it to be honest.
If you go with any ratio other than square, your image will be cropped in the grid view of Instagram. Only by clicking on the image will you see the full image.
Exporting from Lightroom
Instagram doesn’t publish a lot of information about image size and resolution. If you want to read more on the Instagram site click here.
Crop to the aspect ratio
Lightroom’s crop tool does not crop to a given size like Photoshop’s crop tool. So we can only crop to the aspect ratio you want on export. If you don’t do this then only the longest edge will be respected on export.
This easiest way to do this is to enter the numbers as they are into the Custom box. For landscape mode images I believe that 1080 px Wide and 566 px High is ideal.
Export
Once you’ve cropped you need to Export (File > Export)
The important points are:
- JPG, of course, it’s a photo and you can’t export a gif from Lightroom.
- 100 Quality, you could use lower without noticing any major difference. But, why not use a 100 Quality, you’re not going to break Instagram’s file size restrictions with image 1080 pixels on the longest edge.
- sRGB – very important
- Resolution – put what you like as it doesn’t matter when using pixels as the measurement system. So, use 72 if you like.
- Always sharpen on export. Standard will be fine.
So as I’ve cropped at 10.88 x 5.66 aspect ratio the export dialogue box should look like this:
User-Agent Spoofing (Browser Spoofing)
Every web browser has the capability to enter develop mode. The develop mode allows web developers/designers to test websites.
One of the tools in the browser development mode is the ability to appear as a different device, than the one you’re currently using.
Common to all desktop web browsers is the Keyboard shortcuts are for
Windows systems:
Alt + Command + i
On a Mac:
Option + Command+ i
Any mention of the words Control and Alt is referring to the windows system.
Any mention of the words Command and Option are referring to a Mac system.
By the way, a non-USA Mac keyboards use Alt, not Option.
Google Chrome
The route is this:
- Go to View > Developer > Developer Tools (Alt/Option +Cmd/Ctrl + I)
- Below the menu pick a mobile device from the dropdown list below the bookmarks bar.
- Reload the page (Command/Control + R)
- Navigate to your Instagram page
- Click the plus icon
- Navigate to the location of the photo.
- Your photo will appear in a square box. If you’ve uploaded anything but a square photo you must click the double-headed icon
- Go next, add your info and “Share”
That’s it.
Safari
- Menu: Develop > Enter Responsive Design Mode
- Pick a phone or, Tablet
- Reload the page (Command + R)
- Navigate to your Instagram page
- Click the plus icon
- Navigate to the location of the photo.
- Your photo will appear in a square box. If you’ve uploaded anything but a square photo you must click the double-headed icon
- Go next, add your info and “Share”.
Firefox
- Menu: Tools > Web Developer > Responsive Design Mode
- Click on “No Device Selected” pick a mobile device.
- Reload the page (Command/Control + R)
- Navigate to your Instagram page
- Click the plus icon
- Navigate to the location of the photo.
- Your photo will appear in a square box. If you’ve uploaded anything but a square photo you must click the double-headed icon
- Go next, add your info and “Share”.
A lot of what you will see in the Developer mode will be meaningless unless you’ve done a bit of website development.
Thanks!
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