Once photos are imported into the catalog (also called the ‘Library’) you can browse them in their original folders or create any number of Collections to select and group related photos together without changing their physical location. You can import pictures in their existing location, or choose where to import your photos to if you are importing them straight from a memory card.

It stores a thumbnail of each photo and a larger preview image, and a link to the original file on your computer. Lightroom Classic imports your images into one or more ‘catalogs’ (image databases).

How to get Lightroom/Adobe Photography Plans.

To learn about the differences, read the Lightroom Classic vs Lightroom article. This review covers the standard desktop-based Lightroom Classic version.

While the name and many of the tools are the same, these are two different programs and the new Lightroom won’t be for everyone. This is the ‘web first’ version of Lightroom and you can read the Lightroom review here. Lightroom CC (or just plain ‘Lightroom’) is a newer, streamlined version which stores your photos online using Adobe’s own servers. Lightroom Classic, reviewed here, is the traditional version, where your photos are stored on your own computer – Adobe calls this the ‘desktop first’ approach. There are, in fact, two versions of Lightroom. You can synchronise image Collections via your Creative Cloud account, but Smart Previews only (these are still editable online and in the mobile app).

See also: Best image editing software – what to look for, how to choose Lightroom Classic is the original ‘desktop first’ version of Lightroom and still the most powerful.

The best option for photographers is the Adobe Photography Plan, which costs £9.98/$9.99 per month when paid for annually. It’s no longer sold on its own but instead comes as part of different Adobe software subscription plans. See this Photoshop vs Lightroom comparison for more. There is some crossover in basic editing tools between Lightroom and Photoshop, but they are aimed at two different jobs. Lightroom Classic is an all-in-one photo organising, editing and RAW processing program aimed at enthusiasts, experts and professional photographers.

Where do you get Lightroom Classic, what does it cost?.

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