Cách đây 3 tháng
To help you decide which version to install, let’s look at how they perform in the most critical areas of photography.
1. File Storage and Management
In Lightroom Classic, you are the master of your files. You decide exactly which folder on which hard drive your photos are stored in. This is ideal for professionals who have 10TB+ of archives.
In Lightroom, Adobe manages the storage. While this is incredibly convenient and provides an automatic "backup" in the cloud, it means you are limited by your cloud storage quota (usually 1TB on most plans).
2. User Interface (UI)
The cloud-based Lightroom features a sleek, modern, and simplified UI. It is designed to look and feel the same across all devices. If you are a beginner, this version is much less intimidating.
Lightroom Classic retains the traditional "Modules" (Library, Develop, Map, Book, Print, etc.). It looks a bit more dated but offers a higher level of "under-the-hood" control that power users crave.
3. Editing Power and Tools
For a long time, Classic was the only version with professional features. Today, the gap has narrowed significantly. Both versions now include:
AI Masking (Select Subject, Sky, etc.)
Generative Remove (AI-powered healing)
Lens Blur and Color Grading
However, Lightroom Classic still holds the edge for high-volume work. It allows for advanced batch processing, plugin integration (like Luminar or Topaz), and sophisticated printing options that the Cloud version lacks.
4. Search and AI
This is where the cloud-based Lightroom shines. Because your photos are in the cloud, Adobe’s AI (Adobe Sensei) automatically tags your images. You can search for "Dog" or "Beach," and it will find your photos even if you never added a single keyword. In Classic, you have to manually keyword your images if you want to find them later via search.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Lightroom (Cloud) if:
You travel often and want to edit on your phone or tablet.
You want your photos automatically backed up to the cloud.
You prefer a clean, streamlined interface without a steep learning curve.
You share your work primarily on social media.
Choose Lightroom Classic if:
You are a professional photographer managing thousands of images per shoot.
You prefer keeping your files on local external hard drives.
You need to use third-party plugins or do heavy printing.
You live in an area with slow internet (uploading thousands of RAW files to the cloud would be impossible).
The Hybrid Workflow: Can You Use Both?
Many photographers actually use both. You can keep your main archive in Lightroom Classic on your desktop but "Sync" specific collections to the cloud. These synced photos appear on your mobile Lightroom app as "Smart Previews," allowing you to edit them on the go without taking up massive amounts of cloud storage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Lightroom Classic better than Lightroom?
"Better" depends on your needs. For professional organization and complex desktop workflows, Classic is superior. For portability and ease of use, the Cloud version is better.
Can I switch from Lightroom Classic to Lightroom?
Yes, Adobe provides a migration tool that allows you to move your Classic Catalog into the Cloud. However, be aware that you will need enough cloud storage space to hold all your original files.
Do I get both with the Adobe Photography Plan?
Yes! The standard Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan includes both Lightroom and Lightroom Classic, along with Photoshop.
Does Lightroom Classic require an internet connection?
No. You can edit your local files entirely offline. You only need a connection once every 30–99 days to verify your subscription status.
Which version is faster?
Generally, Lightroom (Cloud) feels snappier on modern hardware because it is built on a newer codebase. However, Lightroom Classic is often faster for batch-exporting hundreds of images at once.
Conclusion
1. File Storage and Management
In Lightroom Classic, you are the master of your files. You decide exactly which folder on which hard drive your photos are stored in. This is ideal for professionals who have 10TB+ of archives.
In Lightroom, Adobe manages the storage. While this is incredibly convenient and provides an automatic "backup" in the cloud, it means you are limited by your cloud storage quota (usually 1TB on most plans).
2. User Interface (UI)
The cloud-based Lightroom features a sleek, modern, and simplified UI. It is designed to look and feel the same across all devices. If you are a beginner, this version is much less intimidating.
Lightroom Classic retains the traditional "Modules" (Library, Develop, Map, Book, Print, etc.). It looks a bit more dated but offers a higher level of "under-the-hood" control that power users crave.
3. Editing Power and Tools
For a long time, Classic was the only version with professional features. Today, the gap has narrowed significantly. Both versions now include:
AI Masking (Select Subject, Sky, etc.)
Generative Remove (AI-powered healing)
Lens Blur and Color Grading
However, Lightroom Classic still holds the edge for high-volume work. It allows for advanced batch processing, plugin integration (like Luminar or Topaz), and sophisticated printing options that the Cloud version lacks.
4. Search and AI
This is where the cloud-based Lightroom shines. Because your photos are in the cloud, Adobe’s AI (Adobe Sensei) automatically tags your images. You can search for "Dog" or "Beach," and it will find your photos even if you never added a single keyword. In Classic, you have to manually keyword your images if you want to find them later via search.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Lightroom (Cloud) if:
You travel often and want to edit on your phone or tablet.
You want your photos automatically backed up to the cloud.
You prefer a clean, streamlined interface without a steep learning curve.
You share your work primarily on social media.
Choose Lightroom Classic if:
You are a professional photographer managing thousands of images per shoot.
You prefer keeping your files on local external hard drives.
You need to use third-party plugins or do heavy printing.
You live in an area with slow internet (uploading thousands of RAW files to the cloud would be impossible).
The Hybrid Workflow: Can You Use Both?
Many photographers actually use both. You can keep your main archive in Lightroom Classic on your desktop but "Sync" specific collections to the cloud. These synced photos appear on your mobile Lightroom app as "Smart Previews," allowing you to edit them on the go without taking up massive amounts of cloud storage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Lightroom Classic better than Lightroom?
"Better" depends on your needs. For professional organization and complex desktop workflows, Classic is superior. For portability and ease of use, the Cloud version is better.
Can I switch from Lightroom Classic to Lightroom?
Yes, Adobe provides a migration tool that allows you to move your Classic Catalog into the Cloud. However, be aware that you will need enough cloud storage space to hold all your original files.
Do I get both with the Adobe Photography Plan?
Yes! The standard Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan includes both Lightroom and Lightroom Classic, along with Photoshop.
Does Lightroom Classic require an internet connection?
No. You can edit your local files entirely offline. You only need a connection once every 30–99 days to verify your subscription status.
Which version is faster?
Generally, Lightroom (Cloud) feels snappier on modern hardware because it is built on a newer codebase. However, Lightroom Classic is often faster for batch-exporting hundreds of images at once.
Conclusion
0
