Action Keys
Run a Lightroom command or preset from a shortcut you choose. Start by selecting the next photo.
For Lightroom Classic on macOS and Windows.
Requires an active trial or eligible license.
On this page: Choose a module · Understand ASK · Add an action · Help
1. Choose your module
In LrSuperKeys, open Develop > Actions. We’ll use Next Photo for your first shortcut.
Library has its own Actions tab. Assignments work in the module where you create them.
2. Choose how to trigger the action
The Action Speed Key (ASK) is a key you choose to hold while pressing another key to run an assigned action or Hot Key adjustment. It gives you another set of shortcuts without using the second key’s plain press.
ASK is optional. This exercise uses it to keep the second key’s plain press available. You can also assign ordinary keys or standard modifier combinations.
Find or change yours in General Settings > Keys & Speed Menu > Action Speed Key. Click the key field and press the key you want to use. The ⚡ symbol in an assignment means that chosen key; there is no special lightning key on your keyboard.
Example: after assigning ⚡N to Next Photo, hold your configured ASK and tap N to select the next photo. N by itself keeps its normal Lightroom behavior unless you assign it separately. ASK alone does not select an action.
Is ASK required? How is it different from a Speed Key?
ASK is optional. Action Keys can also use ordinary keys or standard modifier combinations. We use ASK in this exercise to keep the second key’s plain press available.
A Speed Key is held while scrolling or dragging to adjust a slider. ASK is held while pressing another key to run that key’s assigned action or Hot Key adjustment. ASK combinations use just ASK and one other key; leave out Shift, Ctrl, Alt/Option, and Command.
A quick tap of ASK on its own passes its original key to Lightroom. A longer hold on its own is suppressed.
3. Add and test an action
- Return to Develop > Actions. Click + Add Action Key.
- Click the key field under 1. Choose a key. Hold ASK and press an unused key, such as N. Choose another if a conflict appears.
- Click Pick an action…, search for Next Photo, and select it.
- Click Save Action Key.
Test the shortcut: return to Lightroom’s Develop module. With a photo selected and no dialog or text field open, hold ASK and press your chosen key. The next photo should be selected.
Other action types
What can I assign?
- Lightroom Task: a command or tool.
- Develop Preset: a saved editing look.
- Masking Preset: a masking tool plus local adjustments in Develop.
- Keyboard Shortcut: a shortcut sent to Lightroom.
- Macro: a sequence of actions and pauses.
Search or filter the picker. Available choices depend on the module.
Develop presets prompt for Active Photo Only, all selected photos, or Cancel when multiple photos are selected. Brushes and other interactive masking tools may require you to finish the selection.
View or edit assignments
Use Edit on an assigned row to change it, then save. Show your assignments under General Settings > Shortcut Guide > Show Shortcut Guide.
Action Keys, Speed Keys, and Hot Keys
Action Keys run actions. Speed Keys adjust while held. Hot Keys increase or decrease an adjustment. If an Action Key shares a binding with a Speed Key, a short press runs the action; a hold activates the Speed Key.
Troubleshooting
The shortcut does not run
Check the assignment is saved in the correct module. Keep Lightroom active, close dialogs, and finish text entry. Check LrSuperKeys is running and enabled. For an ASK assignment, hold your configured ASK and press the second key. Next Photo needs another photo in the current source. If it works, you have created your first Action Key. Action Keys are unavailable in Free mode.
A preset no longer works
Check the preset exists in Lightroom. If a Develop preset assignment offers Repair, select the intended current preset.
Contact support with your app version, Lightroom Classic version, operating system, and the step that failed.