Lightroom vs Lightroom Classic : Which one is Best For you in 2024
When trying to make the selection between Lightroom vs Lightroom Classic, many photographers often find themselves in a state of confusion. It’s not surprising, as both options have their strengths, but figuring out which one is suitable for your editing needs can be tricky. In my own experience, I’ve encountered many professional photographers still scratching their heads over the difference between the two. Some feel lost even after they’ve made their initial selection, unsure which editing tool fits their specific requirements.
The truth is, that choosing the right tool depends heavily on your video editing experience and budget. Some prefer Lightroom’s more straightforward interface, while others enjoy the deeper control offered by Lightroom Classic. In either case, understanding the features of both tools and having a clear sense of your editing needs is key to making the right decision. Trust me, once you’ve taken a moment to reflect and get the right guidance, you’ll find that one of these tools will feel just right for you.
What’s Adobe Lightroom Classic?
Adobe Lightroom Classic is a traditional desktop app, first developed on February 19, 2007, designed to offer a comprehensive editing experience. It stores image files directly on a hard drive or external drive, giving users full control over their files on their computer. Known for its focus on RAW editing, it includes multiple modules for tasks such as organising, developing, and printing. Users can also create slideshows, books, and web galleries, making it ideal for professionals looking for structured, offline workflows.
However, while videos can be edited both online and offline, the app lacks the ability to synchronise editing across mobile or tablet devices. For photographers who value a reliable system with detailed functionality over cross-device accessibility, Lightroom Classic remains a powerful and responsible choice.
What’s Adobe Lightroom / Lightroom CC?
Lightroom CC, part of Adobe’s creative cloud, is a cloud-based editor designed for seamless online editing. It allows users to sync their work automatically, making it possible to switch between multiple devices like phones and tablets without losing progress. While its interface is more simplified and less powerful compared to Lightroom Classic, it still provides efficient image organisation tools. For example, users can manage albums and folders easily using its AI-based keyword search tool, which saves time and simplifies workflows.
However, the features of Lightroom CC are more limited when it comes to advanced editing tasks. For photographers or editors who prioritize accessibility and flexibility over depth, Lightroom CC provides a practical, modern solution. Its ability to adapt to various devices makes it ideal for those constantly on the go.
Lightroom vs Lightroom Classic
| Features | Lightroom Classic | Lightroom |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Desktop only | Desktop,Mobile,Tablet |
| Keywords Search tool | No | Yes |
| Synchronization with Other Devices | No | Yes |
| Price | $19.99/Month | $9.99/Month |
| Users | Professional Photographers | Casual Photographers |
| Plugins Integration | Yes | No |
| Magnification Ratio | 11:1 | 2:1 |
| Watermark | Yes | Yes |
| Flexibility | More | Less |
| Storage Location | Hard Drive or External Drive | Creative Cloud |
| Photo Enhancing | Yes | Yes |
| Interface | Complex | Simplified |
| Export File Types | JPEG, TIFF, DNG, PSD, Original | JPEG, TIFF, DNG, PSD, Original |
| Editing Limitations | Advanced Editing | Limited Editing |
| Virtual Copy Creations | Yes | No |
| Web and Slideshow Modules | Yes | No |
| Book Modules | Yes | No |
Features of Lightroom Classic
One of the key reasons for choosing Lightroom Classic is its unique features that make the selection process more accessible for serious photographers. It offers powerful tools for photo editing and video editing, which make it stand out, especially for those who prefer traditional workflows. There’s no hesitation when selecting Lightroom Classic for these tasks, as its comprehensive features are designed to handle large volumes of work, whether for professional or personal use.
In my experience, Lightroom Classic forces you to embrace its robust capabilities, giving you full control over editing and organizing your images. If you’re looking to perform detailed tasks with precision, this tool is an excellent choice.
Fast Editing
When it comes to fast editing, Lightroom offers a variety of modules for performing different tasks. Whether you’re creating books, slide shows, or printing, it’s easy to navigate using keyboard shortcuts. These shortcuts let you quickly jump between modules and apply settings without wasting time. This quick workflow is particularly helpful when you have a considerable volume of work to get through.
In my experience, if you’re working with lots of photos and videos that need to be edited quickly, Lightroom is often the best option. The seamless interface and efficient toolset allow you to keep up with high demands without slowing down, making it a great choice for photographers on tight schedules.
Interface of Prior Versions
As an old user of Lightroom, I’ve experienced the convenience of its streamlined workflow and comfortable interface. The old version offers a comprehensive set of features that make tasks smoother and more efficient, especially for those used to its structure. If you’re someone who prefers consistency and familiarity, Lightroom Classic would be a great fit.
Personally, I’ve found that I rely on the import dialog feature in Lightroom Classic, which lets me import presets, rename files, and manage my projects with ease. I also appreciate the ability to download, purchase, and export presets, which is particularly helpful for bulk editing tasks. This familiarity is what keeps me sticking with the older version for certain projects, as it’s deeply ingrained in my routine.
Cloud Storage
For desktop users, Lightroom Classic offers a straightforward approach to managing files, as everything is stored on your hard drive or local storage. This means you won’t face any difficulty importing or exporting a maximum number of files. Unlike Lightroom CC, which requires you to pay for additional storage, Lightroom Classic lets you store everything locally, giving you complete control over your files without the added cost.
With Lightroom Classic, you can easily create collections for your edited photos and videos. Organizing these files into folders and keeping them separate by project or image type is effortless. You can also access your data at any time, without needing an internet connection, making it a reliable option for users who prefer to manage their files offline.
Classic Presets and Plugins
One of the standout features of Lightroom Classic is its ability to integrate plugins from third-party developers. This makes it more extensible and allows for added customization options when it comes to photo and video editing. These plugins provide a wide range of additional tools, such as the DNG Flat Field plugin and ON1 Photo RAW 2020, that are not available in the original version of Lightroom. If you are someone who enjoys using ready-made presets for quicker edits, Lightroom Classic offers many famous and widely integrated options, like Topaz Studio 2 and Opal. Personally, I’ve found that having these plugins can really streamline my editing process, especially when working on bulk projects.
The ability to easily add and manage plugins also opens the door to more advanced customization. If you rely on specific tools to enhance your workflow, having access to these integrated options can be a game-changer. Whether it’s LR Backup Plugin by Matt Dawson or the Opacity Slider Plugin by Opal, these additions elevate Lightroom Classic’s capabilities to cater to both beginner and advanced users.
Features of Lightroom CC
Lightroom CC offers several advanced features that make it a strong choice for those looking for a modern editing experience. The cloud-based nature of the app allows you to sync edits across multiple devices, which is ideal for users who need flexibility in accessing their photos from anywhere. One standout feature is the AI-powered editing tools, which assist with automatic adjustments and enhance the speed of your workflow. This makes it an appealing option for photographers who require fast, efficient editing.
Another important aspect is its advanced organization features, allowing users to easily manage their collections and albums. The simple interface makes it accessible, yet still packed with useful tools for professionals. If you’re someone who edits on the go or needs to access your files across various devices, these features of Lightroom CC can be a game-changer. From syncing edits seamlessly to offering intuitive tools for quick adjustments, Lightroom CC pushes the boundaries of convenience and efficiency.
Streamlined design
Lightroom CC offers a simple and clean interface that makes editing a smooth process. Unlike its more powerful counterparts, this version allows users to easily apply presets and make basic adjustments such as colour grade, brightness, contrast, vibrance, and white balance. The touchscreen-friendly design makes it a convenient choice for those who prefer using sliders and buttons over a traditional mouse, trackpad, or even stylus.
For those seeking an easier way to remove the watermark from their work, downloading a Lightroom Mod APK without a watermark is also an option, making the process more efficient. The watermark-free version is available directly from the website, making it even more accessible for users who want a seamless experience without extra charges.
AI-based tools
Lightroom CC offers some standout AI-based tools that enhance the way we manage large photo collections. The image recognition and keyword search features work together to make it easier for you to find specific photos across your cloud storage. This technology helps filter through vast amounts of photos by identifying key elements, saving you time. Additionally, object browsing and face recognition use different algorithms to categorize images, enabling efficient navigation through folders and albums. These tools complement each other, making it easier to manage your photo range effectively.
With AI-based features, Lightroom CC stands out for its smart integration and ability to handle large volumes of images. The strong relationship between object browsing and face recognition ensures that no matter how many images you have, the software can help you navigate with ease, giving you more control over your editing workflow. Whether you’re organizing images or searching for specific ones, the combination of these tools enhances the overall experience
Synchronization
Lightroom offers a seamless experience, as it is synchronised to the cloud server, automatically storing your images, metadata, and edits in cloud storage. This makes your content easily accessible across various devices, including computers, mobile devices, and tablets, without the need for manual file sharing across different platforms. The ability to access your photos and videos from any device adds significant convenience, allowing for a streamlined workflow wherever you are. With this integration, managing and editing your images becomes even more effortless, making Lightroom a reliable choice for those who need quick and easy access to their work across multiple devices.
No destructive image editing
Non-destructive image editing in Lightroom ensures that all your editing work is automatically saved on the cloud server. This feature allows you to continue editing across devices without losing your progress. Whether you start editing on your mobile or computer, your work is synchronised, allowing you to shift seamlessly between devices. For instance, if you’ve completed half of the editing process on your mobile, you can easily pick up where you left off on your computer, without disturbing your previous work. This flexibility is ideal for those who want to edit on the go or use Lightroom for PC after learning about installation and usage methods from the website.
Pricing and Plans of Lightroom vs Lightroom Classic
Lightroom
Lightroom offers flexible plans to suit different users. You can choose between a monthly plan at US$9.99/mo or a more cost-effective yearly plan priced at US$119.88/yr. This makes it easier for photographers and creators to select a plan that works best for their usage and budget. Whether you’re a casual user or a professional, the pricing structure ensures that you can access powerful photo editing tools without a huge upfront investment.
The monthly option is ideal for those who need Lightroom for a short-term project or don’t want a long-term commitment. On the other hand, the yearly plan offers savings if you plan to use Lightroom for a longer period. Both plans provide access to the same features, so the decision ultimately comes down to your preferred billing cycle.
Lightroom Classic
For those considering Lightroom Classic, there is an option to purchase a monthly plan for $19.99. This plan comes with an Adobe photography package, which includes both the cloud-based version of Lightroom and other essential tools. With this package, users get access to Lightroom’s powerful editing capabilities and cloud storage, allowing for a seamless experience across multiple devices. If you’re someone who frequently needs access to your photos on different platforms, this plan provides great flexibility while also keeping you connected to your cloud-based library.
As someone who has used both versions, I can say that Lightroom Classic offers the best of both worlds with its advanced editing options and integration with Adobe’s broader suite. The photography package makes it easier to organize and access your content, whether you’re working from home or on the go. This pricing structure allows users to benefit from both Lightroom’s extensive features and Adobe’s cloud services without breaking the bank.
Pros & Cons of Lightroom Classic
Pros & Cons of Lightroom CC
Final words
As a casual photographer, managing bulk photo and video editing projects can be a challenge, especially when clients don’t require advanced-level editing. In such cases, Lightroom Classic proves to be the better choice. Its local storage option lets you work without worrying about paying to store unlimited files, and the ability to integrate plugins for importing presets makes the entire process easy and fast. This setup provides flexibility and convenience for everyday tasks.
For an advanced-level photographer, however, Lightroom CC shines with its editing tools, wide range of templates, and seamless workflow that eliminates the complexities of integration. If you’re still not fully confident about your selection, consider a trial of both tools for a short period. After a few days, you’ll have a clearer understanding of their interfaces, features, and how they meet your requirements, helping you make the perfect choice.
