Lightroom Classic vs Lightroom Desktop App

Lightroom Classic vs Lightroom Desktop App

Which Version is Best for You?

With multiple desktop versions of Lightroom (Lightroom Classic and Lightroom Desktop App) currently available for purchase, it can be pretty confusing to figure out which one will be best for you - even for those of us experienced Lightroom users.  There is even a Free Lightroom Mobile App, but that's an entirely different version which is covered in our other tutorials.

We are always looking for ways to make your life easier and today is one of those days.  If you are looking to upgrade to a Lightroom subscription from one of the stand-alone versions or your are a new Lightroom user trying to figure out which version to get started with, check out the information below to help make your decision easier!

Question #1: Do you currently own Lightroom 3, 4, 5, or 6?

If you can answered YES to this question, then you should make sure to purchase Lightroom Classic as part of the Creative Cloud Photography Plan.  This is the upgrade to the Lightroom program you have used and love. It includes access to all the mobile apps as well as 20 GB of online storage.

If you answered NO, then move on to question #2.

Question #2: Are you a current Adobe Photography Plan subscriber?  Or, have you been a Adobe Photography Plan subscriber since 2016?

If the answer is YES, when you upgrade Lightroom to the newest version, make sure that you are upgrading to Lightroom Classic and not installing the new Lightroom desktop app.  Both of these programs will be available for install with your subscription.  However, the Lightroom desktop app will look quite different than the Lightroom you were using and will NOT have all the same functionality you were used to having in your previous Lightroom version.

In the answer to the question is NO, then move on the question #3.

Question #3: Where will you be editing your images?  On a Desktop or Laptop?  On a mobile device?

This answer can be tricky because you might want to edit BOTH places.  If that is the case, choose the answer that will represent where you will be editing MOST of the time.  It might also be helpful to read through both responses below to determine which option is best.

IF YOU WILL BE EDITING ON A LAPTOP OR DESKTOP COMPUTER, make sure you choose the Adobe Photography Plan that includes Lightroom Classic.  This version was created for serious Lightroom users who will be doing most of their editing at a computer.  Lightroom Classic has the ability to edit lots of images quickly and easily with minimal effort.  REMEMBER: This plan will also give you access to all of the Lightroom mobile apps.  The biggest difference will be that you have less cloud storage available for your images.

IF YOU WILL BE EDITING MAINLY ON A TABLET OR OTHER MOBILE DEVICES, the Lightroom Desktop App or even the Free Lightroom Mobile App will be the best option for you.  Choose the Lightroom plan with 1 TB of cloud storage for your images.  These apps will let you smoothly edit images between your mobile devices and your desktop computer.

The main thing to be aware of is that the Lightroom Desktop and Mobile Apps DO NOT have all the same functionality as Lightroom Classic.  Specifically, brush presets can not be used there. 

Whichever way you choose to edit, we have beautiful Lightroom products that will make your editing easier at every step!  Make sure to check them out today!

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Do you have any questions or comments about whether you should choose Lightroom Classic or the Lightroom Desktop app?  Leave us a comment below - we would LOVE to hear from you!  And PLEASE SHARE this post using the social sharing buttons (we really appreciate it)!