Lightroom vs Photoshop: What’s the top choice for photo editing in 2024?

Are you having difficulty in making the right choice between Lightroom MOD APK and Photoshop? Certainly, it is a really difficult task to select an appropriate option as both these software provide professional-quality features and editing tools.

Besides this, both apps have their unique signature features, advantages, and disadvantages which make them different from each other. It is these features that set these apps a unique identity in the world of photo editing. 

After going through this case study, users will be able to find the right choice for their photo editing work because in this case study I will make a comprehensive comparison between both these apps. 

Comparison: Lightroom vs Photoshop

Here I am going to share detailed information about both these apps in table form that will clear your vision regarding Photoshop and Lightroom apps.

Lightroom vs Photoshop: Notable Features

The core purpose of both these apps is similar to editing photos. Both apps offer a set of brilliant features and refined tools. But in some fields, Photoshop is the expert while in some areas, Lightroom is superior. Here we will discuss together some notable features of both these apps.

Pricing Model

Photoshop

A 7-day free trial with limited features is available, followed by the full version at US$22.99 per month.

Lightroom

A 30-day free trial with limited functionality is offered, with the full version priced at US$9.99 per month for mobile, desktop, and laptop access.

Editing Qualities

Lightroom

• Don’t worry about losing your original photo because Lightroom edits will not change it.
• users can save time by applying the same edits to multiple photos at the same time.
• Adjusting colors in the Lightroom app is super simple, you can do it with the help of a few clicks.
• You can easily fix brightness and contrast without much effort.
• If you are working with high-quality RAW images, Lightroom handles those well.
• Need to crop or straighten a photo? No problem, it is quite easy in the Lightroom app.
• There are pre-made filters ready to use, so you can give your photos a quick, polished look.
• Have you got a grainy photo? You can smooth it out nicely.
• Want to sharpen the details? Lightroom can make your image look sharper and clearer.
• Plus, there are any lens distortions in your photo? Lightroom automatically fixes them for you

Photoshop

• Enable users to change and improve images with advanced tools
• Users can edit images by using layers to combine and adjust them
• Users can select multiple tools for editing specific parts of an image 
• Users can use masking options to hide or show parts of an image without making permanent changes
• Gives the luxury to adjust colors and brightness (like changing color tones, brightness, etc.)
• Users can fill or remove specific parts of an image by using smart tools
• Users can change the shape of objects in Photoshop by using liquify and warp tools
• Users can edit and style text in images
• Enable users to create and edit 3D designs
• Has the ability to connect and work with other Adobe apps easily
• It saves time for its users by creating automatic editing steps (called actions)

Image Organization

Lightroom

• Keep all your photos in one place.
• Quickly find images using keywords and ratings.
• Classify the images into folders based on your preferences.
• Create groups of photos without moving them from their original folders.
• Stores information about each photo, like the date taken and camera settings.
• Allows you to search for specific images using various filters.

Photoshop

Unlike other photo editing apps, Photoshop does not use a catalog system which is why users need to organize their images manually in folders on their computer. Also, finding images is not an easy task because there are no built-in catalog tools. However, users can manage layers in a project, but this facility is not available for images.

Non-destructive Editing

Lightroom

• Your original photo will not change during editing.
• You can change or remove edits anytime.
• Create different looks for the same image without losing the original.
• Makes editing faster and more organized.
• Edits do not affect the quality of the original image.

Photoshop

The above-mentioned qualities of Lightroom are also available in the Photoshop app. So, we can say in this field both apps are equal.

Presets & Templates

In Lightroom presets are ready-made settings and can be applied to any image to complete editing work quicker than normal editing. Templates are also a pre-made structure that works like presets of Lightroom. These preset and templates also save time by allowing you to quickly apply a consistent look or style across multiple files. Another luxury of Lightroom is it allows you to set your own presets.

In contrast, Photoshop’s preset system is not as effective as it is in Lightroom. If you want to take help from presets or templates it is recommended for you to use Lightroom.

Batch Editing

It is a very effective technique used in the Lightroom app. Through this technique, you can apply a set of changes on multiple images simultaneously. This technique not only saves time but also reduces the efforts and workload of users.

On the other hand, photoshop does not offer any batch editing facility. Users need to edit each photo separately from the beginning even if they need to apply the same editing steps to each photo.

Reasons to Select Lightroom

• Non-destructive editing
• Easy-to-use interface for beginners
• Powerful batch editing
• Provides a wide range of ready-made presets
• Advanced color correction
• Supports RAW image
• Excellent cloud storage integration
• Syncing between desktop, mobile, and web versions
• Customizable brushes
• Organizes photos efficiently
• Availability of lens correction tools
• Advanced noise reduction options
• AI-powered features to find photos quickly
• Easy sharing and exporting options
• Provides gradient and radial filters
• Supports third-party plugins

Reasons to Select Photoshop

• Advanced editing tools for precise editing
• Ability to work with 3D models
• Provides Non-destructive editing like Lightroom
• Provides comprehensive text editing options
• Professional-level retouching tools for photography
• Easily Integrate with other Adobe apps like Illustrator and After Effects
• Great for complex photo design and combining images.

Pros & Cons of Lightroom and Photoshop

Lightroom Pros & Cons

Photoshop Pros & Cons

Final Thoughts

In this case study we have seen multiple aspects of both these apps such as features, table comparison, and pros and cons, and after reviewing this case study, we can say that both these apps were made for different purposes. Lightroom is suitable for those users, who want quick, non-destructive editing. Its batch editing and presets are the real gems of this app. Photoshop, on the other hand, is best for those users who need advanced editing features, graphic design, and 3D creation tools.  

In the end, I must say, Choosing software between Lightroom and Photoshop should be according to the user’s particular needs. If you are not an expert editor and looking for a beginner-friendly app, Lightroom should be your choice. However, if you are looking for more control in the editing process then you should select Photoshop. Additionally, both apps have their advantages and disadvantages users must keep in mind before selecting a software.