Earlier this month (June 2025), Adobe released an update to Lightroom Classic (Lightroom and Camera Raw too), that allows us to non-destructively use the DeNoise feature. That means, we no longer are forced to have DeNoise create a duplicate DNG file of our raw file to apply DeNoise. Instead, it works directly on your original raw file (remember DeNoise only works on raw photos, not JPG or TIFF).
Anyway, the problem came up that some people like to batch process the DeNoise feature and because of the way we used to have to do it, we actually batch processed DeNoise in a very different way than we batch process everything else in Lightroom Classic.
But, you’ll be happy to know, you can still Batch Process DeNoise and it’s actually simpler, and follows the same process that you’ve used to Batch/Sync changes across multiple photos in Lightroom for the last 20 years. Enjoy!
PS: I understand that this process does force Lightroom Classic to complete the sync process, before you can use it to edit those or any other photos. Very few people batch noise reduction, but I do understand that it can be a time issue for the few of you that do. But this video will show you a small workaround for those of you that need this feature.
PSS: Lightroom and Camera Raw users: Syncing is the same as it’s always been. I didn’t include it in this video because nothing has changed. You sync DeNoise the same way you sync everything else.
Below are some cheat sheet notes for the video if you prefer reading it. Thanks!
How Lightroom’s New Noise Reduction Update Actually
Improves Your Workflow
Recently, Adobe made a change to how noise reduction works in Lightroom Classic (I covered it more in depth here) — and to be honest, it caused some uproar. A lot of people weren’t happy. But once you understand what changed (and why), I think you’ll find it’s actually a smart move.
In this post, I’ll explain the update, how it affects batch processing, and how you can now sync noise reduction just like every other adjustment in Lightroom.
What Changed With Denoise in Lightroom Classic?
Before this update, applying the Denoise feature meant Lightroom had to create a new DNG file. You couldn’t apply it to the original RAW file — it was a destructive process with duplicates cluttering up your catalog.
Now, Denoise can be applied non-destructively right to the original RAW photo. No DNG copy. No clutter. That’s a win.
Why It Matters for Batch Editing
The real problem was in how we applied Denoise to multiple images. Until now, if you wanted to batch it, you had to:
Switch to Grid view
Select your images
Right-click > Enhance
Manually choose Denoise for each one
End up with duplicate DNGs
It was clunky, and unlike how syncing normally works in Lightroom.
With the new system, we’re back to the familiar sync process we’ve used for years — which means you can apply Denoise across multiple photos just like any other edit.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply and Sync Denoise
Let me walk you through how this works in the new update:
Select a photo and start editing:
Choose an adaptive profile
Adjust shadows, exposure, and highlights
Crop (optional)
Scroll to the Detail panel and turn on Denoise. It now processes right on the RAW file — no DNG needed.
Once processed, you can adjust the Denoise amount and sharpening sliders as usual.
How to Sync Denoise to Other Photos
Ready to batch apply Denoise? Here’s how:
Use the filmstrip at the bottom to shift-click and select multiple photos.
The one that’s slightly brighter is your “most selected” image — that’s the one Lightroom will copy settings from.
Click the Sync button in the bottom right.
Inside the Sync dialog:
Turn on Denoise under the Detail section
Select any other edits you want to sync (like profiles or white balance)
Uncheck Crop unless the crop works for every image
Click Synchronize
Lightroom will go through and apply Denoise and your chosen edits to every selected photo. It takes time — especially with Denoise — so be patient.
What Does Auto Sync Do?
Next to the Sync button, there’s a little toggle for Auto Sync.
If it’s turned on, any edits you make will be applied to all selected images in real-time. Great if you select your photos before editing.
I usually do it the other way — edit one photo, then think, “Yep, I want this on the rest,” and sync afterward. Either way works — it’s just personal preference.
Can You Mask Denoise to Part of the Photo?
One common question I get: “Can I apply AI Denoise to only part of an image?”
Short answer: No, not directly in Lightroom Classic. Denoise is global.
But there’s a Photoshop workaround. It involves layering the Denoised image and masking it manually. If you want to learn that method, I’ve got a free video you can check out here (insert your link).
Bonus: Want to Learn More About Editing Wildlife Photos?
You probably noticed some wildlife shots in the examples above. If you’re into wildlife photography and want help editing those tricky scenes — harsh light, strong shadows, bright highlights, and messy distractions — I’ve got a full course that covers it.
It’s affordable, beginner-friendly, and walks you through how to handle exactly those challenges. Check it out here (Course Link).
Final Thoughts
Love it or hate it, Lightroom’s Denoise update simplifies the workflow and brings consistency back to how we sync edits. No more DNG duplicates. No more strange batch processes.
Now we can get back to doing what we’ve done all along — syncing changes the way Lightroom always intended.