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Lightroom Plugin Documentation

Upload photos directly from Adobe Lightroom to PikSend

Overview

The PikSend Lightroom plugin allows you to seamlessly upload photos from Adobe Lightroom directly to your PikSend galleries. This integration streamlines your workflow, enabling you to share your work with clients without leaving Lightroom.

Direct Upload

Upload photos directly from Lightroom

Easy Setup

Simple configuration with API keys

Pro Feature

Available for Pro plan subscribers

Installation

Follow these step-by-step instructions to install the PikSend Lightroom plugin on your system. The installation process is straightforward and takes just a few minutes.

Windows Installation

1

Download the Plugin

Visit the download page and click the download button. The plugin file will be saved as PikSend.lrplugin.

Note: You must have a Pro plan to download and use the plugin.

2

Locate the Lightroom Plugins Folder

Open File Explorer and navigate to one of these locations:

User-specific location (recommended):

C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Lightroom\Modules

System-wide location:

C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Lightroom\Modules

If the Modules folder doesn't exist, create it.

3

Copy the Plugin

Copy the PikSend.lrplugin folder to the Modules folder you located in step 2.

Important: Copy the entire .lrplugin folder, not just the files inside it.

4

Restart Lightroom

Close and restart Adobe Lightroom. The plugin will be automatically loaded on startup.

Verify Installation

In Lightroom, go to File → Plug-in Manager. You should see "PikSend" listed in the plugins. If it shows "Installed and running", the installation was successful.

macOS Installation

1

Download the Plugin

Visit the download page and click the download button. The plugin file will be saved as PikSend.lrplugin.

Note: You must have a Pro plan to download and use the plugin.

2

Locate the Lightroom Plugins Folder

Open Finder and navigate to one of these locations:

User-specific location (recommended):

~/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Lightroom/Modules

System-wide location:

/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Lightroom/Modules

Tip: To access the Library folder, press ⌘ + Shift + G in Finder and paste the path above.

If the Modules folder doesn't exist, create it.

3

Copy the Plugin

Copy the PikSend.lrplugin folder to the Modules folder you located in step 2.

Important: Copy the entire .lrplugin folder, not just the files inside it.

4

Restart Lightroom

Close and restart Adobe Lightroom. The plugin will be automatically loaded on startup.

Verify Installation

In Lightroom, go to File → Plug-in Manager (or Lightroom → Plug-in Manager on newer versions). You should see "PikSend" listed in the plugins. If it shows "Installed and running", the installation was successful.

Common Installation Issues

Plugin doesn't appear in Plug-in Manager

  • Verify you copied the entire .lrplugin folder, not just the contents
  • Check that the folder is in the correct Modules directory
  • Ensure Lightroom was completely restarted after installation
  • Try copying to the user-specific location instead of system-wide

Plugin shows as "Not loaded" or "Error"

  • Check that you're using a compatible Lightroom version (11.0 or later)
  • Verify the plugin files weren't corrupted during download
  • Try re-downloading and reinstalling the plugin
  • Check the Lightroom log file for specific error messages

Permission issues on macOS

  • Grant Lightroom full disk access in System Preferences → Security & Privacy
  • Use the user-specific Library folder instead of the system Library
  • Check folder permissions with Get Info (⌘ + I)

Configuration & Usage

Once installed, follow these steps to configure and use the PikSend Lightroom plugin to upload photos directly to your galleries.

Step 1: Generate an API Key

The plugin uses API keys to securely authenticate with your PikSend account. You'll need to generate an API key from your dashboard.

1

Log in to your PikSend account and navigate to Settings → API Keys

2

Click the "Create API Key" button

3

Give your key a descriptive name (e.g., "Lightroom Plugin") and optionally set an expiration date

4

Click "Create" and copy the generated API key immediately

⚠️ Important

The API key will only be shown once. Make sure to copy it before closing the dialog. If you lose it, you'll need to create a new one.

Quick Link: Go to API Keys page

Step 2: Enter API Key in Lightroom

Configure the plugin with your API key to establish the connection between Lightroom and PikSend.

1

In Lightroom, go to File → Plug-in Manager

2

Select "PikSend" from the list of plugins

3

In the plugin settings panel, paste your API key into the "API Key" field

4

Click "Verify Connection" to test the API key

Success! If the connection is verified, you'll see a confirmation message with your account details.

Step 3: Create a Gallery from Lightroom

Create a new PikSend gallery directly from Lightroom to organize your photos.

1

In the Library module, go to File → Plug-in Extras → PikSend → Create Gallery

2

Enter a gallery name and optional description

3

Configure gallery settings (password protection, expiration, download options, etc.)

4

Click "Create Gallery" to create it on PikSend

Tip: You can also use existing galleries from your PikSend account. The plugin will show a list of your galleries when uploading photos.

Step 4: Upload Photos

Select and upload photos from your Lightroom catalog to your PikSend galleries.

1

In the Library module, select the photos you want to upload

2

Go to File → Plug-in Extras → PikSend → Upload to Gallery

3

Select the destination gallery from the dropdown list

4

Choose export settings (quality, format, watermark, etc.)

5

Click "Upload" to start the upload process

Progress Tracking: The plugin will show upload progress for each photo. You can continue working in Lightroom while uploads are in progress.

Step 5: Manage Gallery Settings

You can manage gallery settings either from Lightroom or from the PikSend web dashboard.

From Lightroom

  • • Update gallery name and description
  • • Change password protection
  • • Set expiration dates
  • • Configure download options
  • • Enable/disable comments

From Web Dashboard

  • • All Lightroom settings plus:
  • • Custom branding and themes
  • • Advanced sharing options
  • • Analytics and statistics
  • • Client proofing features

Access your galleries: Visit your dashboard to manage all your galleries and view detailed analytics.

Best Practices

Export Settings

  • Use JPEG format for web galleries
  • Set quality to 80-90% for optimal balance
  • Resize images to 2048px on long edge
  • Apply sharpening for screen display

Organization

  • Create separate galleries for each client/project
  • Use descriptive gallery names
  • Set expiration dates for time-sensitive galleries
  • Enable password protection for client galleries

Performance

  • Upload in batches of 50-100 photos
  • Use a stable internet connection
  • Avoid uploading during peak hours
  • Keep Lightroom open during uploads

Security

  • Keep your API key secure and private
  • Set expiration dates on API keys
  • Revoke unused API keys
  • Use password protection for sensitive galleries

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with the PikSend Lightroom plugin, check these common problems and solutions. If your issue isn't listed here, contact our support team for assistance.

Common Errors and Solutions

Authentication Failed / Invalid API Key

Symptoms: Error message "Authentication failed" or "Invalid API key" when trying to connect or upload.

Solutions:

  • Verify you copied the entire API key without extra spaces
  • Check that the API key hasn't expired (check expiration date in dashboard)
  • Ensure the API key hasn't been revoked or deleted
  • Verify your Pro plan subscription is active
  • Try generating a new API key and updating it in Lightroom
  • Check your internet connection is working

Upload Failed / Timeout Errors

Symptoms: Photos fail to upload, timeout errors, or uploads get stuck at a certain percentage.

Solutions:

  • Check your internet connection speed and stability
  • Try uploading fewer photos at once (batches of 20-50)
  • Reduce export quality or image size if files are very large
  • Disable VPN or proxy if you're using one
  • Check firewall settings aren't blocking Lightroom
  • Restart Lightroom and try again
  • Try uploading at a different time (avoid peak hours)

Cannot Connect to PikSend Server

Symptoms: Error message "Cannot connect to server" or "Network error" when verifying connection.

Solutions:

  • Verify your internet connection is working (try opening piksend.com in a browser)
  • Check if PikSend is experiencing downtime (check status page)
  • Disable antivirus or firewall temporarily to test
  • Try using a different network (mobile hotspot, different WiFi)
  • Check system date and time are correct
  • Clear Lightroom's cache and restart

Gallery Not Found / Cannot Load Galleries

Symptoms: Gallery list is empty or shows "Gallery not found" error.

Solutions:

  • Verify you have created at least one gallery in your PikSend account
  • Click "Refresh Galleries" button in the plugin
  • Check that the gallery wasn't deleted from the web dashboard
  • Verify your API key has the correct permissions
  • Try logging out and back in to the plugin

Plugin Not Loading / Not Visible in Lightroom

Symptoms: PikSend doesn't appear in Plug-in Manager or menu items are missing.

Solutions:

  • Verify the plugin folder is in the correct Modules directory
  • Check that you copied the entire .lrplugin folder, not just contents
  • Ensure Lightroom version is 11.0 or later
  • Try reinstalling the plugin (delete and copy again)
  • Check Lightroom's log file for error messages
  • On macOS, grant Lightroom full disk access in System Preferences

Slow Upload Speed / Lightroom Freezing

Symptoms: Uploads are very slow or Lightroom becomes unresponsive during uploads.

Solutions:

  • Reduce the number of photos uploaded at once
  • Lower export quality settings (try 80% instead of 100%)
  • Resize images to smaller dimensions (2048px instead of full size)
  • Close other applications to free up system resources
  • Check your internet upload speed (use speedtest.net)
  • Pause other uploads or downloads on your network

How to Check Plugin Logs

Plugin logs can help diagnose issues. Here's how to find and check them:

Windows

C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Lightroom\Modules\PikSend.lrplugin\PikSend.log

macOS

~/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Lightroom/Modules/PikSend.lrplugin/PikSend.log

Tip: When contacting support, include the last 50-100 lines of the log file to help us diagnose your issue faster.

Still Need Help?

If you've tried the solutions above and still have issues, our support team is here to help.

Contact Form

Send us a message

Email Support

support@piksend.com

When contacting support, please include:

  • Your PikSend account email
  • Lightroom version number
  • Operating system and version
  • Plugin version number
  • Description of the issue and steps to reproduce
  • Relevant log file excerpts (if applicable)
  • Screenshots of error messages

System Requirements

Ensure your system meets these requirements before installing the PikSend Lightroom plugin.

Adobe Lightroom

Minimum Version:

Lightroom Classic 11.0 or later

Note: Lightroom CC (cloud-based) is not currently supported. Only Lightroom Classic is compatible.

Operating System

Supported Platforms:

  • Windows 10 or later (64-bit)
  • macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later

Storage

Disk Space Required:

5 MB for plugin files

Additional space needed for temporary export files during upload (varies by photo size)

Internet Connection

Recommended:

5 Mbps upload speed or faster

Faster upload speeds will significantly improve photo upload times

Account Requirements

Active PikSend Account

You must have a registered PikSend account

Pro Plan Subscription

The Lightroom plugin is a Pro feature. Upgrade to Pro to use it.

API Key

Generate an API key from your dashboard settings

Compatibility Notes

  • •The plugin is compatible with both Intel and Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) Macs
  • •Lightroom CC (cloud-based version) is not supported - only Lightroom Classic
  • •The plugin requires an active internet connection to function
  • •Some antivirus software may need to whitelist Lightroom for uploads to work

Changelog

View the complete version history and updates for the PikSend Lightroom plugin.

Download Latest

Version 1.0.0 (Current)

Latest Stable

Released: February 4, 2026

Initial Release

  • Direct photo upload from Lightroom to PikSend galleries
  • Secure API key authentication
  • Create and manage galleries from within Lightroom
  • Batch upload support with progress tracking
  • Customizable export settings (quality, size, format)
  • Support for Lightroom Classic 11.0 and later
  • Cross-platform support (Windows and macOS)
  • Comprehensive error handling and logging

Planned Features

We're constantly improving the plugin. Here are some features we're working on:

  • •Automatic update notifications within Lightroom
  • •Preset management for export settings
  • •Bulk gallery operations
  • •Enhanced metadata synchronization
  • •Support for video files

Note: This is the initial release of the PikSend Lightroom plugin. Future versions will be listed here with detailed changelogs. Check back regularly for updates!

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