When you’re starting out with Adobe Lightroom, one of the first questions you’ll face is: Which version should I use—Lightroom Classic or Lightroom (CC)? Both are excellent tools, but they serve different types of photographers and workflows.
Lightroom Classic
Lightroom Classic is the desktop-focused version. It’s been the go-to for professional photographers for years.
Best for:
- Photographers who store images locally.
- Professionals managing large catalogs with thousands of photos.
- Advanced editing and organization features.
Key Advantages:
- Detailed file organization with folders and catalogs.
- More powerful export options.
- Tethered shooting support (connect camera directly).
- Advanced modules like Print, Book, and Slideshow.
Lightroom (Cloud-based, often called Lightroom CC)
This is Adobe’s newer, cloud-first version, designed for modern workflows.
Best for:
- Beginners and hobbyists.
- Creators who want to edit anywhere—desktop, tablet, or phone.
- Users who don’t want to manage file storage manually.
Key Advantages:
- All your photos sync across devices.
- Simpler, cleaner interface.
- Easy sharing and publishing tools.
- Automatic cloud backup of your images.
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose Lightroom Classic if you’re a professional or serious hobbyist who wants maximum control, advanced cataloging, and doesn’t mind handling file storage.
- Choose Lightroom CC if you want simplicity, convenience, and seamless editing across devices.
Many photographers actually use both: Classic for heavy editing and archiving, and CC for mobile editing and quick sharing.
Final Thoughts
Adobe makes it easy to switch or use both versions with your Creative Cloud subscription. The real question is: Do you prefer powerful local control or cloud-based convenience?
✅ Ready to decide for yourself?
Start your free trial of Adobe Lightroom today and test both versions—see which fits your style and workflow best.
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