Adobe Lightroom Classic CC is another member of the Creative Cloud family. Earlier it was a single product known as “Lightroom CC” before Adobe separated it into Lightroom CC and Lightroom Classic CC that, in spite of having almost the same names, are two different products. Though it shares many similarities with Photoshop CC (since both of them are Creative Cloud products), I found that it lacks many key features that you can see in Photoshop CC. Let’s dig a little deeper and find out what are the advantages as well as the disadvantages of using Lightroom Classic CC.

Lightroom Classic Pros

#1 Wide range of editing tools for experienced users

Lightroom Classic is an excellent tool for those who are already familiar with Photoshop and want some additional help to make their images pop. It is mostly used by professional photographers, and this becomes more apparent when you first come across its layout. On Lightroom Classic, most of the actions happen under the ‘Library’ and ‘Develop’ modules. So, when you click on the ‘Develop’ module, you can find several different options on the right side of your screen.

Again, if you’re a pro, then you can easily find your way, but if you’re a novice (like me), you better check out these tutorials by Adobe.

#2 Storage

Similar to Photoshop CC, Lightroom Classic also allows you to store your files on local drives as well as on cloud storage. When you sign-up for its 7-day free trial, you get 2GB of cloud storage, and as you upgrade to one of the premium plans, you get anywhere from 20GB to 1TB of storage according to the subscription plan you choose.

#3 More than one device per license

Each Lightroom Classic license enables you to use the software on two different computers regardless of their operating systems. Again the only condition is, you can’t use the program simultaneously on both the machines.

#4 Money Back Guarantee

Bought the Lightroom Classic CC subscription plan but still not sure if it is the right product for you? No problemo! Get in touch with the Adobe team within 14 days of purchase, and they’ll refund all your money.

#5 Share photos on social media or via Email

Lightroom Classic allows you to share your photos on social media platforms straight from the software. And it also makes it easy for you to send the images to your contacts through email.

Lightroom Classic CC Cons

#1 Can’t buy the product with a one-time payment

Like Photoshop CC, Lightroom Classic is also a subscription-based product, and you have to pay for it as long as you use it on your computer. But the upside with this subscription is, you also get access to Photoshop CC and Lightroom CC, and Adobe allows you to store your data on Cloud.

#2 Compatibility with limited devices

Another limitation of Lightroom Classic is, it works only on computers. And your computer must be running on the latest versions of your operating system. Otherwise, Lightroom won’t run at all. So, if you’re a Windows user, make sure you have at least Windows 7 with Service Pack 1 or Windows 10 version 1709 or later. Similarly, if you’re a Mac user, your computer must be running on Mac Sierra 10.12 or later versions.

#3 A bit complicated user Interface for Beginners

I found the user interface of Lightroom Classic to be a bit complicated compared to Photoshop CC (even though they both are CC products). When you open Photoshop CC, you’ll find all the necessary tools on the left-hand side and all it requires is select and use. That’s it. On the other hand, in Lightroom Classic, there are different modules. When you enter the ‘Develop’ module – where all the editing takes place, you’ll see that almost all the functions are on the right-hand side. And if you’re a novice, you’ll have a difficult time figuring out which tool or function does what. So beginners, you better stick to Photoshop CC or check out these Lightroom Classic tutorials by Adobe before buying this software.

Lightroom Classic CC plans

Lightroom Classic plans are more or less the same as Photoshop CC plans. Its least expensive “Photography plan” starts from $9.99/month when you pay for it annually. It’s a bundle plan where you get Photoshop CC and Lightroom CC along with Lightroom Classic and 20GB of cloud storage. But if you want to increase the cloud storage to 1TB then opt for the $20/month “Photography Plan”.

And if you’re a student or teacher, then you can’t miss Adobe’s special “All Apps plan” that offers 60% off in your first year.

Do I recommend Lightroom Classic CC?

Yes, if only you’re a pro who wants to give some extra dose of editing to his/her pictures and are already familiar with most of the tools Lightroom Classic has to offer. Otherwise, it’s better to invest your money in Photoshop CC. Again, if you’re looking for an app that runs on mobile too, then neither Lightroom Classic nor Photoshop CC is the ideal choice for you.