NEW Features in Lightroom Classic (2017 release)

Adobe announced some new changes to Adobe Lightroom yesterday.  And, while Lightroom had received regular updates in the past, this one was a little confusing so I thought it would be worth it to explain the various the changes clearly for everyone!

The Name CHANGED!

The first thing you need to know is that the name has changed!  This is the part that I think could confuse users.  For the last 18 months, I have been referring to the subscription version of Lightroom as Lightroom CC.  As of yesterday, the subscription/desktop version of Lightroom will now be known as Lightroom Classic. 

There is a new cloud-based editing app that will be known as Lightroom CC.  This was previously known as Lightroom Mobile.  Adobe has expanded it's capabilities and decided to call it Lightroom CC.  Please don't ask me why—I can't explain it and I think it is confusing.  Adobe didn't call and ask my opinion, my job is just to help you keep this all straight.

SO, if you have been using Lightroom 4, 5, 6 or Lightroom CC—the update to the program you have been using is now called Lightroom Classic.

Lightroom is FASTER!

This may seem like a really boring update for some BUT it is actually a long-overdue update and I promise you will notice a difference.  I noticed a huge difference in speed when moving between modules (think Library to Develop)!  I noticed a big difference when just scrolling through images.  

You can get even faster response times when scrolling through images if you choose the "Embedded & Sidecar" option when importing new images.

One of the other places that I noticed an improvement in quickness is when using brushes and filters.  I feel like I see changes more immediately and have much less lag when brushing.

Lightroom Added Range Masking

This is probably the best new feature available in this new update of Lightroom Classic (I am still getting used to this).  I think this feature is easier to SEE rather than have explained to you so make sure to watch the video below.

This new feature is available in the Adjustment Brush Tool, Radial Filter Tool, and Graduated Filter Tool.  It is designed to help you refine where these tools apply based on either the color or luminance (think of this as brightness) information in the selected area. 

For instance, in the past when you applied a Graduated Filter or Radial Filter, the changes were applied in either a circle or line depending which tool you chose.  However, very little in images is perfectly round or perfectly straight.  

The new Range Masking tool allows you to refine how the Adjustment Brush, Radial Filter and Graduated Filter tools based on the color information inside the radial filter or graduated filter.  

Have more questions?  Be sure to check out the latest blog post: Questions & Answers about the NEW Lightroom Classic CC.