Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
Using variants is a powerful way to create multiple versions of one image without the need
to duplicate the original file on disc.
This not only saves on disc space but is a much more efficient workflow.
With this image we'll start by making some basic corrections to the white balance and exposure.
Using these adjustments as a start point, I can go on to make a new variant.
A variant can either be a clone of the current image including all adjustments
or a new variant which contains no adjustments at all.
Go to the image menu and choose 'clone variant' or use the shortcut F3.
The variant is now shown alongside the original each with a number.
Select 'multi view' and shift click on the second variant.
I'll now select the second one.
As an example we can change a selected variant to a black and white image.
To make another variant, repeat the process as earlier.
Using variants in this way makes it very easy to experiment with different looks on an image.
Remember each one can have individual adjustments and even ratings.
To make managing a large quantity of variants easier, they can always be collapsed into one thumbnail.
Click on the icon in the top left-hand corner of the primary variant.
The primary variant will always be the one that appears at the top of the stack.
To promote a variant higher up the stack, right click on it and choose 'promote'.
To demote a variant right click again and choose 'demote'.
To change the primary variant right click once more and choose 'pick'.
This will send the chosen variant to the top of the stack.
Remember: creating variants does not duplicate the original and waste hard drive space.