View one photo in the Loupe
The Loupe shows one photo as large as the window allows, with its edits applied. Use it to judge sharpness and expression before you rate.
Open the Loupe
Section titled “Open the Loupe”Select a photo in the grid and press L (by default), or click the Loupe button in the toolbar. Press G or Esc to go back to the grid.
The strip above the photo has the four view buttons, the zoom controls, and the file name with the photo’s ISO, aperture, shutter speed, focal length and size. The filmstrip sits below it, and the info panel on the right adds a histogram.
| To | Do |
|---|---|
| Fit the whole photo | Fit in the strip, or F (also Ctrl+0 and Alt+0) |
| Fill the window | Fill in the strip |
| See it pixel for pixel | 1:1 in the strip, or Alt+1 |
| Zoom to 200%, 300% or 400% | Alt+2, Alt+3, Alt+4 |
| Switch between Fit and 100% where the pointer is | Z |
| Zoom a step | + or =, and − |
| Zoom about the pointer | Ctrl+wheel |
All keys here are the defaults. The slider in the strip zooms from Fit up to 1600%, and you can type a percentage in the field beside it. Double-click the slider to return to Fit.
To pan a zoomed photo, drag with the middle mouse button, or hold Alt and drag with the left one.
Step through photos
Section titled “Step through photos”Press Right or Left for the next or previous photo, and Home or End for the first or last, in the order of the filmstrip. You can also click a photo in the filmstrip. The rating keys (0 to 5) and B for the Quick Collection act on the photo you see.
Right-click the photo for its menu: open it in Edit, copy, paste or reset its edits, rotate, make a virtual copy, rate, label, add it to a collection, or show it in the file system.
Technical details: the viewer background
The fill behind the photo is a neutral 20% gray by default. Change it from the right-click menu under Viewer Background, or in File › Preferences… › Edit under Viewer. It never affects the photo, but a mid gray is the safest ground for judging tone.