Adobe Lightroom review
A broad Lightroom workflow for RAW editing, masking, organization, and synchronized access.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Adobe Lightroom combines photo organization with editing tools for photographers, creators, and anyone managing digital image libraries. It supports exposure, color, effects, cropping, presets, selective adjustments, masking, RAW import and processing, noise reduction, and batch editing. Lightroom is available on web, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, with cloud storage and synchronization for photos and edits. A free mobile app and free cloud tier provide an entry point, while premium features and expanded synchronization require a subscription.
Its strongest area is the depth of its editing workflow. AI-powered masking can identify subjects, skies, and backgrounds, while Generative Remove handles distractions and Lens Blur adds an additional creative effect. AI-assisted culling and portrait retouching extend the workflow beyond basic adjustments, including skin and teeth edits. Copying edits across multiple images supports batch work, making Lightroom a practical fit for photographers who need both detailed control and repeatable changes across a library.
The plan structure separates the core Lightroom experience from a broader photography bundle and a team-oriented option. The Lightroom plan includes Lightroom across mobile, desktop, and web, Lightroom Classic, 1TB of cloud storage, and 250 monthly generative credits. The Photography plan adds Photoshop and 1,000 monthly generative credits, while Lightroom for teams adds Adobe Express Premium and exclusive business features. Choose Lightroom for RAW processing, AI-assisted editing, and cross-device access; choose an alternative if you need only occasional basic edits or prefer a strictly local desktop workflow.
Adobe Lightroom pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Comprehensive RAW processing, masking, and selective adjustments
- AI tools cover culling, retouching, Lens Blur, and distraction removal
- Syncs photos and edits across web, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
- Where it doesn't
- Advanced features and expanded synchronization require a subscription
- The broad feature set may exceed the needs of occasional editors
- Lightroom Classic is oriented toward desktop-focused workflows
Adobe Lightroom fact sheet, pricing and score →
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