Adobe has finally delivered on something photographers have long been asking for. At long last, Lightroom Classic supports PSB files! You'll need to update Lightroom to the latest version, however, since it's Version 9.2, February 2020 release.

If you are wondering why this update to Lightroom Classic is such a big deal, we're happy to explain further. 

What Is a PSB? 

A PSB is Photoshop's Large File Format. Here is Adobe's full definition of it: 

"The Large Document Format (PSB) file in Lightroom Classic supports documents up to 65,000 pixels in a long edge and a maximum dimension of 512 megapixels. As with the PSD file format, the file must be saved in Photoshop with the Maximize PSD, and PSB File Compatibility preference turned on.

Camera Raw 12.2 or greater is required to use Lightroom Classic's Edit in Photoshop feature with PSB images. PSB files do not sync across the Lightroom ecosystem."

Until this recent update, PSB files were not supported by Lightroom Classic at all. That created some challenges in the workflow for photographers who relied on Lightroom. 

Why Does This Matter?

As files become more sophisticated thanks to technology, we're saving large files that couldn't be imported or even see in Lightroom if they were PSBs. Strangely enough, although PSBs are by Adobe, they weren't supported in Lightroom. This created a challenge for photographers that rely heavily on Lightroom. They'd have to create a workaround just to see the PSB files. And that is a big waste of time. 

Now that Lightroom Classic supports PSB files, the workflow got less complicated if you're working with a large file. Because PSBs are significantly larger file sizes, thanks to this recent update, if you find yourself with a file larger than 2 GB, you can save it as a PSB, knowing it's supported in Lightroom Classic!   

Lightroom's workflow and integration with Photoshop have always been a big reason why so many photographers turn to it. Ease of workflow and efficiency matter greatly when you rely on photography to earn a living. This recent update will allow photographers to maintain (or got back to) an efficient workflow if they want to use PSB files and Lightroom Classic. That is a big deal, in our opinion!

Note: Learn more about PSB format, visit the Adobe Web Page.