Lightroom vs Photoshop: Which Software is Best?
Lightroom has simple but advanced editing tools that help in editing in a simple way to give a realistic look to photos. This is mostly used by beginners for editing, not by pro-level photographers.
Photoshop has the most advanced and complex tools that are used in editing, like layer-based editing and much more.
You can also check the comparison between Lightroom vs Lightroom Classic and Lightroom vs Capture One.
| Feature | Lightroom | Photoshop |
| Non-destructive editing | Yes | Partially |
| Library & organization tools | Yes | No |
| AI-powered quick edits | Yes | No |
| Raw image processing | Yes | Yes |
| HDR & Panorama Merge | Yes | Yes |
| Easy-to-use interface | Yes | No |
| Extensive editing | NO | Yes |
| 3D Editing | NO | Yes |
When we talk about editing, Adobe offers both Lightroom and Photoshop software for editing, offering different features and suitable for different types of work. We will discuss all about, from the basics to the advanced aspects of this software, then you can know which software is suitable for you and upper hand over the other.
I generally prefer Lightroom over Photoshop due to its quick and non-destructive editing. Photoshop has many features that you need to learn first. Let’s take a deep dive into the features and tools of both Photoshop and Lightroom.
What is Lightroom?
Lightroom is the best editing software offered by Adobe because it always has an upper hand over all other software. It can edit raw images in only one click with advanced tools and features. It can also provide cloud storage where you can access your photos at any time from any place. One of the most favourite features is non-destructive editing.
What is Photoshop?
Photoshop is popular among photographers for its advanced editing tools, though it can be time-consuming to learn. While Lightroom offers simpler yet advanced features, Photoshop provides equal benefits to both professional editors and photographers. Lightroom is used for basic editing, and Photoshop is used for the most complex and advanced editing.
Lightroom vs Photoshop: Key Differences
The main difference between Lightroom and Photoshop lies in their interface and tools. Lightroom is popular among beginners due to its advanced features with a friendly user interface, while Photoshop, known for its complex but powerful tools, is preferred by professional photographers.
1- Lightroom vs Photoshop: Image Organization
Lightroom arranges photos in folders and subfolders so that you can easily access images from any place at any time. There is an advanced catalog system in Lightroom that manages all changes that you make to your photo while editing. So, Lightroom has a better image organization system than Photoshop.
Photoshop does not have such an image organization system, it does not handle large numbers of photo libraries. If you want to edit some photos, then Photoshop is best for you.
Winner lightroom
2- Lightroom vs Photoshop: RAW File Processing
Lightroom offers raw file processing, which is better than Photoshop because Lightroom gives this option all in one software; you do not need to do it in another software. All work is done in Lightroom through the lens correction option.
Photoshop does not have a raw file processing facility for doing this; you need to take help from the Adobe Raw Camera for this purpose. So, you affect seamless workflow because you need to open another window for Adobe Raw Camera.
Winner lightroom
3- Lightroom vs Photoshop: Destructive vs Non-Destructive Processing
Lightroom has nondestructive editing that, when you import images and start editing your original file is remains untouched. It’s all done on its copy.
Photoshop lacks these features, which allow for destructive editing. You are not able to get the original one because all changes are saved on the original picture.
Winner lightroom
4- Lightroom vs Photoshop: Layers and Composites
Photoshop is the best option for photographers for layers and composites the images. I love this feature of Photoshop because I can do it all by editing it to give a professional look.
Lightroom lacks these features because it is a basic editing software designed for quick adjustments and photo management, not for complex editing tasks.
Winner Photoshop
5- Lightroom vs Photoshop: Batch Editing
My favourite feature in Lightroom is Batch editing, that you can apply one setting to many photos at the same time without affecting the original one. Lightroom batch editing is best for editing photos.
Photoshop lacks this feature, so you can not apply the same editing to manage images at a time.
Winner lightroom
6- Lightroom vs Photoshop: HDR and Panoramas
Photoshop has an edge over Lightroom in HDR and panorama editing. Photoshop is best due to its advanced layering and masking options, and much more like neutral filters, sky replacement.
Lightroom has HDR and Panoramas, but is limited in options.
Winner Photoshop
7- Lightroom vs Photoshop: Presets vs Actions
Everyone wants to do quick editing with only one click. So for this work, Lightroom has premade Presets, and Photoshop has Actions that you can apply to your image.
Lightroom has many advanced, premade, professional-level presets that you can apply to your raw image in only one click to give a realistic look.
Winner Lightroom
8- Lightroom vs Photoshop: Advanced Image Editing Tools
Lightroom has simple but advanced editing tools that help in editing in a simple way to give a realistic look to photos. This is mostly used by beginners for editing, not by pro-level photographers.
Photoshop has the most advanced and complex tools that are used in editing, like layer-based editing and much more.
| Feature | Lightroom | Photoshop |
| Non-destructive editing | Yes | Partially |
| Library & organization tools | Yes | No |
| AI-powered quick edits | Yes | No |
| Raw image processing | Yes | Yes |
| HDR & Panorama Merge | Yes | Yes |
| Easy-to-use interface | Yes | No |
| Extensive editing | NO | Yes |
| 3D Editing | NO | Yes |
Winner Lightroom
9- Lightroom vs Photoshop: Learning Curve
Lightroom has a friendly user interface and well-placed tools & features. You do not need to learn; just open it and start editing.
For Photoshop, firstly, you need to learn it due to its complex editing tools and features. Photoshop is used for advanced editing, so it’s a must to learn.
Winter Lightroom
Lightroom vs Photoshop: Pricing Plans
| Lightroom | Photoshop |
| Lightroom Plan (1TB) | Photoshop (1TB) |
| $ 9.99/ per month | $ 19.99/ per month |
Adobe Lightroom Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Adobe Photoshop Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
No doubt, it’s clear which app is best for you. I generally use Lightroom for editing due to its image organization, Raw image editing, and synchronization features. If you want to do simple editing, then this is best for you.
Photoshop is used by professional photographers who work on complex editing, like graphic designers, animators, and others.