Simon DXO • Listen & Learn
DxO PhotoLab
Workflow
Learn how to build a simple DxO PhotoLab workflow and save 15% on DxO software through my exclusive creator discount. Bring together importing, rating, RAW editing, corrections, colour, sharpening and final preparation in Lesson 18 of DxO PhotoLab Zero to Hero.
Try PhotoLab Free Or Save 15%
Follow along with this course using the free DxO PhotoLab trial. If you decide to purchase, use my creator discount code SIMONSONGHURST to save 15%.
Try DxO PhotoLab Free
Welcome to Lesson 18 of DxO PhotoLab Zero to Hero. In this lesson we are bringing the course together into a practical editing workflow. Rather than looking at one isolated tool, this lesson is about understanding the order of operations and how each part of PhotoLab fits into a complete RAW editing process.
A good workflow helps you stay organised, make better decisions and avoid wasting time. Instead of randomly moving sliders, you work through a simple process: find the image, select the strongest frame, make technical corrections, balance exposure and colour, refine detail, then prepare the final file for export.
Organise
Start by browsing folders, rating images and choosing the photographs that are worth editing.
Edit
Work through exposure, white balance, contrast, noise reduction, optical corrections, colour and detail.
Prepare
Check the final image, compare versions and get ready for export, web, print or sharing.
Why Workflow Matters
Workflow is the difference between editing with purpose and editing by accident. When you are new to photo editing, it is tempting to jump between tools randomly, but this often creates confusion.
A Simple DxO PhotoLab Workflow
A beginner-friendly workflow might start with the Photo Library. Browse your folders, locate your images and rate your strongest photographs. Once you have a shortlist, move into the editing stage rather than trying to edit every frame from a shoot.
Next, apply technical corrections. This includes Optical Modules, lens correction and noise reduction with DeepPRIME where needed. After that, balance exposure, white balance and contrast. Then refine the look with colour, HSL, ClearView Plus, sharpening and any final adjustments.
Professional Tip
Do not start by trying to make the image look finished. Start by making it technically balanced. Once exposure, colour, noise and lens corrections are under control, creative decisions become much easier.
Order Of Adjustments
A useful order is: organise, rate, correct optics, reduce noise, balance exposure, adjust white balance, refine contrast, improve colour, crop, sharpen and then export. Some images may need a slightly different order, but this structure will work for many beginner edits.
Working With Virtual Copies
Virtual Copies are useful within a workflow because they let you test different directions. You might create one natural version, one black and white version, one warmer version and one crop for social media.
Keeping The Edit Natural
A good workflow also helps prevent over-editing. When each step has a purpose, you are less likely to push every tool too far. The goal is not to use every feature in DxO PhotoLab. The goal is to use the right tools for the image in front of you.
Lesson 18 Key Takeaways
- A workflow gives structure to the editing process.
- Start by organising and rating images before editing.
- Technical corrections should usually come before creative styling.
- Exposure, white balance and contrast create the editing foundation.
- Virtual Copies help you compare different creative directions.
- A good workflow helps prevent over-editing and saves time.
Continue The Course
Next we’ll move on to the final lesson: Exporting. This is where we prepare finished photographs for web, social media, print, delivery or archiving.
Course Index
Lesson FAQ
What is a DxO PhotoLab workflow?
A DxO PhotoLab workflow is the order in which you organise, edit, refine and prepare your photographs for export.
What should I edit first in DxO PhotoLab?
It is usually best to start with image selection, technical corrections, exposure and white balance before moving into more creative adjustments.
Why is workflow important for beginners?
A clear workflow helps beginners avoid random editing, save time and understand how different tools work together.
Search Topics Covered
DxO PhotoLab workflow
DxO PhotoLab editing workflow
RAW editing workflow
Photo editing workflow
DxO PhotoLab beginner tutorial
DxO PhotoLab course
Photography workflow
How to edit in DxO PhotoLab
Non-destructive editing workflow
DxO PhotoLab lesson 18
