Adobe Lightroom offers only a fraction of the possibilities of Photoshop and editing is not as detailed as with Photoshop. But when corrections are made, the image is not changed. Rather, changes in color intensity, contrast, brightness, and sharpness are lain over the picture in layers, thus changing the appearance. The data volume remains much smaller. In addition, the different editing steps can be transferred to other photos using the stacking method. Lightroom is a useful program for fast and uncomplicated editing, and with the newest version gradient filters can be used and corrections made to the image. But it does not enable users to create levels or clipping paths, and so collages and other artistic works cannot be realized. And while the program can import CMYK files, it can only make and display changes in RGB color space. Furthermore, there are no commands for creating masks. And with Photoshop users will also look for accustomed effect filters and text tools in vain.

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At the same time, however, Lightroom has many advantages. For example, pictorial material can be archived and organized more easily. While users of Photoshop have to use Bridge – an additional program – Lightroom automatically saves the images in folders that have been created when they are imported. Prior to this, the settings for archiving and organizing can be defined, enabling images to be accompanied by descriptions, key words, and evaluations and thus easy to find. These applications are also possible using Bridge, but Lightroom additionally automatically creates so-called thumbnails in selectable sizes from 1,024 to 2,048 pixels in the database. A practical feature: These preview images can be sent straight to customers who also have this software for quick viewing. Since no original files are sent with them, the data volume is quite small. Another big advantage of the program is the use of Lightroom Presets. Defaults for various usage purposes can be a helpful tool and speed up work processes considerably.