Photoshop vs Lightroom

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Our analysts compared Photoshop vs Lightroom based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Photo Editing Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Product Basics

Photoshop is a versatile software designed for photo editing, graphics, and design tasks. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for manipulating images, creating digital artwork, and designing graphics. Users can perform tasks such as retouching photos, compositing images, and creating intricate designs with precision. The software is particularly suited for photographers, graphic designers, and digital artists due to its robust capabilities and extensive feature set.

Industries such as advertising, marketing, publishing, and web design benefit significantly from Photoshop's advanced functionalities. Unique benefits include its powerful layer-based editing system, extensive brush library, and sophisticated selection tools. Popular features like content-aware fill, smart objects, and customizable workspaces enhance productivity and creativity.

Compared to similar products, users often praise Photoshop for its depth, flexibility, and industry-standard status. Pricing varies, typically offered as a subscription model with monthly or annual payment options. For specific pricing details, users are encouraged to contact SelectHub for a tailored quote based on their needs.

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Lightroom is a sophisticated software designed for photo editing and management, offering a comprehensive suite of tools for enhancing and organizing digital images. It is particularly well-suited for professional photographers, graphic designers, and creative industries that require meticulous photo editing capabilities. The software excels in providing non-destructive editing, allowing users to make adjustments without altering the original image. Its powerful features include advanced color correction, exposure adjustments, and a wide array of filters and presets that streamline the editing process.

One of Lightroom's unique benefits is its seamless integration with cloud storage, enabling users to access and edit their photos from any device. This flexibility is highly valued by professionals who need to work on the go. Additionally, Lightroom's intuitive interface and robust organizational tools, such as keyword tagging and collections, make it easier to manage large photo libraries efficiently.

Compared to similar products, users often praise Lightroom for its user-friendly design and extensive editing capabilities. Pricing varies based on subscription plans, which typically include monthly or annual payment options. For specific pricing details, users are encouraged to contact SelectHub for a tailored quote based on their individual needs.

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$9.99 Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
$9.99 Monthly
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
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Product Insights

  • Enhanced Creativity: Photoshop provides a wide array of tools and features that allow users to bring their creative visions to life, from intricate photo manipulations to stunning digital paintings.
  • Professional Quality: The software's advanced capabilities ensure that users can produce high-resolution, print-ready images suitable for professional use in marketing, advertising, and publishing.
  • Time Efficiency: With features like batch processing and automated actions, Photoshop helps streamline repetitive tasks, saving valuable time for designers and photographers.
  • Non-Destructive Editing: Photoshop's use of layers and masks allows for adjustments and edits without permanently altering the original image, providing flexibility and peace of mind.
  • Versatile File Compatibility: The software supports a wide range of file formats, making it easy to import and export images for various purposes, from web design to print media.
  • Precision and Control: Tools like the Pen Tool and Smart Guides offer unparalleled precision, enabling users to create detailed and accurate designs and selections.
  • Extensive Learning Resources: Adobe offers comprehensive tutorials, forums, and support, making it easier for users to learn and master Photoshop, regardless of their skill level.
  • Integration with Other Adobe Products: Seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications, such as Illustrator and InDesign, enhances workflow efficiency and project consistency.
  • Customization Options: Users can tailor their workspace and tools to fit their specific needs, improving productivity and comfort during long editing sessions.
  • Advanced Retouching Capabilities: Photoshop's retouching tools, such as the Healing Brush and Clone Stamp, allow for precise corrections and enhancements, making it ideal for portrait and fashion photography.
  • Creative Filters and Effects: A vast library of filters and effects enables users to experiment with different styles and moods, adding unique touches to their projects.
  • Scalability for Different Projects: Whether working on a small social media graphic or a large billboard design, Photoshop's tools and features scale to meet the demands of any project size.
  • Collaboration Features: Cloud documents and shared libraries facilitate collaboration among team members, ensuring consistency and efficiency in multi-person projects.
  • Regular Updates: Adobe frequently updates Photoshop with new features and improvements, ensuring that users always have access to the latest tools and technologies.
  • Global Industry Standard: As the industry standard for photo editing and graphic design, proficiency in Photoshop is a valuable skill that enhances career opportunities and professional credibility.
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  • Streamlined Workflow: Lightroom integrates photo management and editing in one platform, reducing the need to switch between multiple applications.
  • Non-Destructive Editing: Edits are saved as separate instructions, preserving the original image and allowing for easy reversion to the original state.
  • Advanced Organization: Features like keyword tagging, collections, and smart albums help efficiently manage large photo libraries.
  • Batch Processing: Apply edits to multiple photos simultaneously, saving time on repetitive tasks such as exposure adjustments or color corrections.
  • Cloud Syncing: Access and edit your photos from any device with cloud storage, ensuring your work is always up-to-date and accessible.
  • Powerful Presets: Use and create presets to apply consistent styles across your photo collection, enhancing productivity and maintaining a cohesive look.
  • Detailed Adjustments: Fine-tune images with precision tools for exposure, contrast, color balance, and more, allowing for professional-grade edits.
  • Integration with Adobe Ecosystem: Seamlessly transfer images between Lightroom and other Adobe applications like Photoshop for more complex edits.
  • Efficient Export Options: Export images in various formats and sizes tailored to different platforms, from web to print, ensuring optimal quality and performance.
  • Regular Updates: Benefit from continuous improvements and new features through regular software updates, keeping your tools current and competitive.
  • Community and Support: Access a vast community of users and extensive online resources, including tutorials and forums, to enhance your skills and troubleshoot issues.
  • Customizable Interface: Tailor the workspace to your preferences, improving efficiency and comfort during long editing sessions.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Share projects and edits with clients or team members easily, facilitating feedback and collaborative workflows.
  • Mobile Editing: Edit photos on-the-go with the Lightroom mobile app, ensuring flexibility and convenience in your workflow.
  • AI-Powered Tools: Utilize artificial intelligence features like auto-tagging and smart adjustments to speed up the editing process and enhance results.
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  • Layers: Allows for non-destructive editing by stacking multiple elements in a single image.
  • Selection Tools: Includes the Magic Wand, Lasso, and Quick Selection tools for precise area selections.
  • Adjustment Layers: Enables color and tonal adjustments without altering the original image.
  • Brush Tool: Offers customizable brushes for painting and retouching with various textures and effects.
  • Clone Stamp Tool: Copies pixels from one part of an image to another, useful for removing imperfections.
  • Smart Objects: Embeds images or vector graphics in a way that preserves their original quality when transformed.
  • Filters: Provides a range of effects like blur, sharpen, and distort to enhance or stylize images.
  • Pen Tool: Creates precise paths and shapes, essential for vector-based design and complex selections.
  • Content-Aware Fill: Automatically fills in selected areas by analyzing surrounding pixels, ideal for removing unwanted objects.
  • Text Tool: Adds and customizes text with various fonts, sizes, and styles directly onto images.
  • Layer Masks: Controls the visibility of different parts of a layer, allowing for seamless blending and compositing.
  • Blend Modes: Alters how layers interact with each other, offering creative options for combining images.
  • History Panel: Tracks and allows undoing multiple steps, providing flexibility in the editing process.
  • Actions: Automates repetitive tasks by recording and replaying a series of steps, enhancing workflow efficiency.
  • 3D Tools: Enables the creation and manipulation of 3D objects and scenes within a 2D workspace.
  • Camera Raw: Processes raw images with advanced controls for exposure, color balance, and detail enhancement.
  • Liquify Tool: Warps and reshapes image areas, useful for retouching portraits and creating artistic effects.
  • Artboards: Manages multiple layouts within a single document, ideal for web and app design projects.
  • Vector Shapes: Draws and edits scalable shapes and paths, essential for logo design and illustrations.
  • Export Options: Supports various file formats and export settings, ensuring compatibility with different platforms and devices.
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  • Non-Destructive Editing: Allows you to make changes to your photos without altering the original file, preserving the original image data.
  • Advanced Color Grading: Provides tools for precise color adjustments, including split toning and HSL sliders, to enhance the visual appeal of your images.
  • RAW File Support: Supports a wide range of RAW file formats from various camera manufacturers, enabling high-quality image processing.
  • Batch Processing: Enables you to apply edits and adjustments to multiple photos simultaneously, streamlining your workflow.
  • AI-Powered Features: Utilizes artificial intelligence for features like Auto Tone and Enhance Details, which help improve image quality with minimal effort.
  • Organizational Tools: Includes features like keyword tagging, star ratings, and collections to help you efficiently manage and categorize your photo library.
  • Lens Correction: Automatically corrects lens distortions, chromatic aberrations, and vignetting based on lens profiles.
  • Gradient and Radial Filters: Offers tools for applying selective adjustments to specific areas of your photos, enhancing creative control.
  • Integration with Adobe Ecosystem: Seamlessly integrates with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications, such as Photoshop, for an extended editing workflow.
  • Cloud Syncing: Allows you to sync your photos and edits across multiple devices, ensuring you can work on your projects from anywhere.
  • Custom Presets: Lets you create and save custom presets for consistent editing across multiple photos, saving time and effort.
  • Detail Enhancement: Provides tools like sharpening and noise reduction to improve the clarity and quality of your images.
  • Geotagging: Supports adding location data to your photos, making it easier to organize and search based on geographic information.
  • Print Module: Offers a dedicated module for preparing your photos for print, including layout options and color management settings.
  • Slideshow Creation: Allows you to create professional-quality slideshows with customizable transitions and music.
  • Web Gallery Creation: Provides tools for creating web galleries to showcase your work online, with various templates and customization options.
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Product Ranking

#1

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Photo Editing Software

#6

among all
Photo Editing Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

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Basic Editing Tools
Security
Advanced Editing Tools
Platform Capabilities
User Interface and Experience
Platform Capabilities
Security
Basic Editing Tools
Collaboration
User Interface and Experience

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Photoshop
Lightroom
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Advanced Editing Tools Basic Editing Tools Collaboration Platform Capabilities User Interface And Experience 96 100 75 91 91 68 96 96 99 90 0 25 50 75 100
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Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

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Awards

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated Photoshop and concluded it deserves the award for the Best Overall Photo Editing Software available today and earns best-in-class honors for Basic Editing Tools and Security.

Analysts' Pick Award
Basic Editing Tools Award
Security Award

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated Lightroom and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Collaboration, Platform Capabilities and Security.

Collaboration Award
Platform Capabilities Award
Security Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Industry Standard: Photoshop is widely recognized as the go-to software in various creative industries, ensuring compatibility and smooth collaboration on projects.
Comprehensive Toolset: From basic adjustments to advanced manipulations, Photoshop offers an extensive array of tools catering to virtually every photo editing and graphic design need.
Powerful RAW Processing: Photoshop provides robust tools for adjusting RAW files, giving photographers extensive control over image parameters from the outset of their workflow.
AI-Powered Features: Features like Neural Filters leverage artificial intelligence to enable complex edits and achieve stunning results with simplified workflows.
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Powerful Organization: Lightroom excels in photo management, allowing users to import, organize, and categorize vast image libraries efficiently using tools like keywords, ratings, and color coding.
Non-Destructive Editing: Edit without fear of permanently altering originals. Lightroom preserves your original images, enabling you to experiment freely and revert to previous versions if needed.
AI-Powered Adjustments: Lightroom harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to streamline complex editing tasks. For instance, its AI-powered masking feature allows for precise selections, making local adjustments a breeze.
Streamlined Workflow: Lightroom offers a comprehensive workflow, encompassing everything from basic adjustments to advanced techniques. Features like tethered shooting, soft-proofing, and printing tools make it ideal for photographers seeking end-to-end control.
Extensive File Support: Work seamlessly with a wide array of image formats. Lightroom supports various RAW files from numerous camera models, ensuring compatibility and preserving the highest image quality.
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Subscription-Based Model: Unlike a one-time purchase, the subscription model means ongoing costs for users, which can be a deterrent for budget-conscious businesses.
Steep Learning Curve: Photoshop's extensive features come with a price - mastering its interface and tools takes time and effort, potentially hindering productivity for new users.
Limited Native RAW Editing: Requiring a separate plugin (Adobe Camera RAW) for native RAW image editing can be seen as an unnecessary hurdle compared to software with built-in RAW support.
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Subscription Required: Unlike some photo editing software that offers a one-time purchase, Lightroom operates on a subscription model, which can be a recurring expense for businesses.
Cloud Syncing Issues: Some users experience difficulties with Lightroom's cloud storage syncing, which can be inconvenient when accessing photos across multiple devices or collaborating with colleagues.
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Can Photoshop really shop 'til it drops when it comes to features? User reviews from the last year suggest a resounding "yes," with many considering it the undisputed king of image editing. Users consistently highlight its unparalleled power and versatility as major strengths, particularly praising the depth and breadth of its toolset. For instance, the AI-powered features like Generative Fill and Neural Filters are often lauded for their ability to achieve complex edits with surprising ease, setting Photoshop apart from more streamlined alternatives like PhotoWorks. While Photoshop's subscription model and steep learning curve are commonly cited drawbacks, users generally agree that the investment is justified for professionals and serious hobbyists who require the utmost control and precision in their work.

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Is Adobe Lightroom the right tool to brighten up your photo editing workflow? Users rave about Lightroom's robust features, particularly its efficient batch editing capabilities, which are a godsend for photographers working with numerous images. The software's intuitive interface and powerful organization tools, including auto-masking and face recognition, streamline the editing process, making it a favorite among both seasoned professionals and enthusiastic beginners. Users highlight Lightroom's integrated AI noise reduction as a key strength, eliminating the need for additional plugins like Topaz Photo AI, especially when dealing with the bane of high ISO noise. Furthermore, its seamless integration with AI-powered tools like Aftershoot for culling and Imagen for advanced editing, all viewable within Lightroom or Capture One, significantly enhances its appeal. The cloud-based syncing feature is the cherry on top, allowing for effortless access and editing across multiple devices. However, some users have pointed out that Lightroom can be a resource hog, impacting battery life and potentially slowing down older devices. Overall, Lightroom emerges as a top contender in the photo editing arena, best suited for photographers of all levels who demand a comprehensive, integrated, and user-friendly platform to manage and elevate their photography workflow.

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Screenshots

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