Photoshop vs Lightroom
type: Article
description: Photoshop is a pixel-based image editor for complex retouching and compositing, while Lightroom is a non-destructive RAW processor optimized for photo organization and batch editing. Photoshop offers unlimited creative control; Lightroom prioritizes workflow efficiency for photographers.
language: en-US
date published: 2026-07-08T18:41:42.304Z
date created: 2026-07-08T18:41:42.304Z
date modified: 2026-07-08T18:41:42.342Z
content reference time: 2026-07-08T18:41:42.342Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
about: Adobe Photoshop
about: Adobe Lightroom
abstract: Photoshop is a pixel-based image editor for complex retouching and compositing, while Lightroom is a non-destructive RAW processor optimized for photo organization and batch editing. Photoshop offers unlimited creative control; Lightroom prioritizes workflow efficiency for photographers.
text: Primary Use Case. Learning Curve. Non-Destructive Editing. Batch Processing Speed. RAW File Support. Creative Freedom. File Size Management
conclusion text: Choose Photoshop if you need advanced retouching, compositing, graphic design, or pixel-level control—it's industry standard for professionals doing complex creative work. Choose Lightroom if you're a photographer handling high volumes of RAW files who needs fast organization, non-destructive editing, and batch processing—it will save you hours of repetitive work.
additional property: AI Feature Set Count
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: 12+ AI tools | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: Professional Adoption Rate
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: 94% of creative professionals | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: Active User Base
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: 25 million active users | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: Maximum File Size Performance
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: 4000+ MB optimized | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: Annual Cost (Yearly)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: $281.88/year | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Plan)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: $19.99/month | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: Annual Subscription Cost (Standard Plan)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: $239.88/year | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: Available Editing Tools
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: 500+ advanced tools | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: Typical Learning Time (Beginner to Productive)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: 40+ hours | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: Professional Industry Adoption Rate
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: 90%+ of design agencies, studios, freelancers | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: AI-Powered Generative Features
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: 7 (Generative Fill, Super Resolution, Generative Expand, etc.) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: Monthly Subscription Cost (Single App)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: $22.49 | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: Batch Photo Processing Capability
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: 50-100 (with scripts) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: Average Project File Size
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: 500-2000 (PSD) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: Non-Destructive Editing Coverage
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: 70% (requires workarounds) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: Maximum Canvas Dimensions
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: 300,000 x 300,000 | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: Pre-Made Templates
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: ~500 templates | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: Estimated Learning Time to Proficiency
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: 60+ hours | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: Stock Photo Integration
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: Via third-party plugins/subscriptions | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: RAW Photo File Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: Yes (300+ camera profiles) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: Annual Cost (if paying monthly)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: $239.88 | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: Installation Required
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: Yes, desktop app | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: File Size Handling (optimal performance)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: Handles 2000+ MB efficiently | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: AI Generation Credits/Month
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: 100 Firefly credits | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: 3D & Video Editing Tools
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: Yes, full 3D and video timeline | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: Monthly Cost
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: $20.99/month | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: AI-Powered Tools Available
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: 4+ (Generative Fill, Firefly, Content-Aware, Super Resolution) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: CMYK Color Mode Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: Yes (full support) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: Non-Destructive Editing
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: Full (adjustment layers, smart objects) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: Available Plugins/Extensions
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: 75,000+ | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: GPU Acceleration Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: Full (NVIDIA, AMD, Apple Metal) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: Learning Curve (1=Easy, 10=Hard)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: 8/10 | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: Annual Cost (12 months)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: $251.88 | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: Startup Time
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: 8 seconds | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: Supported Camera RAW Formats
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: 200+ | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: Cloud Storage Included
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: 100GB (Creative Cloud only) | Adobe Lightroom: 1TB (Lightroom plan)
  value reference: Adobe Lightroom
additional property: Platform Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: Windows, macOS, iPad, Web | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: Annual Cost (Individual Plan)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: $378/year | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: Template Library Size
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: Minimal (third-party required) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: Learning Time to Basic Proficiency
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: 50-100+ hours | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: RAW File Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: Yes (extensive RAW editing) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: Real-time Collaboration
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: Limited (cloud sync only) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: Maximum Export Resolution
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: Unlimited (print-ready) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: Desktop Application Required
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: Yes (Windows/Mac only) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: Layer Support & Masking
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: Extensive (unlimited layers, advanced masks) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: Time to First Professional Output
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: 40-60 hours | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: Maximum Layers per Project
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: Unlimited | Adobe Lightroom: Unlimited adjustment layers only (no pixel layers)
additional property: Supported File Formats
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: 40+ (includes PSD, TIFF, RAW, PDF, AI) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
additional property: Free Trial Duration
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe Photoshop: 7 days | Adobe Lightroom: N/A
interactivity type: active
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/adobe-photoshop
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/adobe-photoshop
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/adobe-lightroom
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/adobe-lightroom
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/answer/photoshop-vs-lightroom)
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/v1/schema/photoshop-vs-lightroom)
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/adobe-photoshop-vs-lightroom)
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/photoshop-vs-gimp
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/photoshop-vs-pixlr
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/adobe-photoshop-vs-pixelmator-pro
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/adobe-photoshop-vs-canva
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/adobe-photoshop-vs-gimp
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/canva-vs-photoshop)
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/canva-vs-photoshop))
teaches: How to choose between Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom
genre: Software

primaryImage
type: ImageObject
width: 1200
height: 630
caption: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B

A Versus B
type: Organization

Adobe Photoshop
type: SoftwareApplication
alternate name: AP
language: en-US
description: Professional pixel-based image editor with unlimited creative tools and compositing capabilities.
image: ImageObject
  caption: Adobe Photoshop
subject of: Photoshop vs Lightroom
image: ImageObject
  caption: Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Lightroom
type: SoftwareApplication
alternate name: AL
language: en-US
description: Non-destructive RAW photo processor with integrated library management and cloud sync.
image: ImageObject
  caption: Adobe Lightroom
subject of: Photoshop vs Lightroom
image: ImageObject
  caption: Adobe Lightroom

Photoshop vs Lightroom — Structured Comparison Data
type: Dataset
description: Machine-readable comparison dataset for Photoshop vs Lightroom. Contains 114 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
language: en-US
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
creator: A Versus B
distribution: JSON-LD knowledge graph
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json+ld
distribution: Raw comparison JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Structured FAQ pairs JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: AI Answer API (citation-ready)
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Related comparisons JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
variable measured: AI Feature Set Count
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Artificial Intelligence
variable measured: Professional Adoption Rate
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Industry Use
variable measured: Active User Base
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Adoption
variable measured: Maximum File Size Performance
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance
variable measured: Annual Cost (Yearly)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Plan)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Annual Subscription Cost (Standard Plan)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Available Editing Tools
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Typical Learning Time (Beginner to Productive)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Usability
variable measured: Professional Industry Adoption Rate
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Industry
variable measured: AI-Powered Generative Features
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Monthly Subscription Cost (Single App)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Batch Photo Processing Capability
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Workflow
variable measured: Average Project File Size
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance
variable measured: Non-Destructive Editing Coverage
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Maximum Canvas Dimensions
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Capabilities
variable measured: Pre-Made Templates
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Content Library
variable measured: Estimated Learning Time to Proficiency
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: User Experience
variable measured: Stock Photo Integration
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Content Library
variable measured: RAW Photo File Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Capabilities
variable measured: Annual Cost (if paying monthly)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Installation Required
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Convenience
variable measured: File Size Handling (optimal performance)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance
variable measured: AI Generation Credits/Month
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: AI Features
variable measured: 3D & Video Editing Tools
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Advanced Features
variable measured: Monthly Cost
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: AI-Powered Tools Available
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: CMYK Color Mode Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Non-Destructive Editing
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Core Features
variable measured: Available Plugins/Extensions
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Extensibility
variable measured: GPU Acceleration Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Hardware Optimization
variable measured: Learning Curve (1=Easy, 10=Hard)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Usability
variable measured: Annual Cost (12 months)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Total Cost
variable measured: Startup Time
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance
variable measured: Supported Camera RAW Formats
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Photography Features
variable measured: Cloud Storage Included
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Platform Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Compatibility
variable measured: Annual Cost (Individual Plan)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Template Library Size
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Content
variable measured: Learning Time to Basic Proficiency
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Usability
variable measured: RAW File Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Photography
variable measured: Real-time Collaboration
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Maximum Export Resolution
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Output Quality
variable measured: Desktop Application Required
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Accessibility
variable measured: Layer Support & Masking
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Advanced Features
variable measured: Time to First Professional Output
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Usability
variable measured: Maximum Layers per Project
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Supported File Formats
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Free Trial Duration
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Native AI Features
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: AI Integration
variable measured: GPU Acceleration Available
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance
variable measured: Processing Speed (1GB file, typical operation)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance
variable measured: Supported File Formats (export)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Compatibility
variable measured: Number of Built-in Templates
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Internet Dependency
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Accessibility
variable measured: Available Templates
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Design
variable measured: Maximum Canvas Resolution
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Technical Specs
variable measured: Free Cloud Storage
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Storage
variable measured: Stock Photos Included
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Content Library
variable measured: Professional Font Library
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Design Tools
variable measured: Advanced Editing Tools
variable measured: Industry Adoption Rate
variable measured: Monthly Subscription Cost
variable measured: Annual Cost
variable measured: Storage Size
variable measured: Minimum RAM Recommended
variable measured: AI-Powered Tools
variable measured: Available Plugins
variable measured: Professional Industry Adoption
is based on: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/photoshop-vs-lightroom)

Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary
type: DefinedTermSet
language: en-US
description: Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Photoshop vs Lightroom.
has defined term: Artificial Intelligence
has defined term: Industry Use
has defined term: Adoption
has defined term: Performance
has defined term: Pricing
has defined term: Features
has defined term: Usability
has defined term: Industry
has defined term: Workflow
has defined term: Capabilities
has defined term: Content Library
has defined term: User Experience
has defined term: Convenience
has defined term: AI Features
has defined term: Advanced Features
has defined term: Core Features
has defined term: Extensibility
has defined term: Hardware Optimization
has defined term: Total Cost
has defined term: Photography Features
has defined term: Compatibility
has defined term: Content
has defined term: Photography
has defined term: Output Quality
has defined term: Accessibility
has defined term: AI Integration
has defined term: Design
has defined term: Technical Specs
has defined term: Storage
has defined term: Design Tools
has defined term: Market
has defined term: System Requirements
has defined term: Ecosystem
has defined term: Professional Use
has defined term: Editing Capabilities
has defined term: Professional Features
has defined term: Functionality
has defined term: Market Adoption
has defined term: Infrastructure
has defined term: Collaboration
has defined term: Learning Difficulty
has defined term: Workflow Efficiency
has defined term: RAW Processing
has defined term: Feature Capability
has defined term: AI & Intelligence
has defined term: File Compatibility
has defined term: Development
has defined term: Learning
has defined term: Capability

Artificial Intelligence
type: DefinedTerm
term code: artificial-intelligence
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Industry Use
type: DefinedTerm
term code: industry-use
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Adoption
type: DefinedTerm
term code: adoption
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: performance
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Pricing
type: DefinedTerm
term code: pricing
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: features
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Usability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: usability
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Industry
type: DefinedTerm
term code: industry
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Workflow
type: DefinedTerm
term code: workflow
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Capabilities
type: DefinedTerm
term code: capabilities
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Content Library
type: DefinedTerm
term code: content-library
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

User Experience
type: DefinedTerm
term code: user-experience
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Convenience
type: DefinedTerm
term code: convenience
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

AI Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: ai-features
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Advanced Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: advanced-features
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Core Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: core-features
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Extensibility
type: DefinedTerm
term code: extensibility
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Hardware Optimization
type: DefinedTerm
term code: hardware-optimization
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Total Cost
type: DefinedTerm
term code: total-cost
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Photography Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: photography-features
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Compatibility
type: DefinedTerm
term code: compatibility
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Content
type: DefinedTerm
term code: content
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Photography
type: DefinedTerm
term code: photography
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Output Quality
type: DefinedTerm
term code: output-quality
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Accessibility
type: DefinedTerm
term code: accessibility
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

AI Integration
type: DefinedTerm
term code: ai-integration
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Design
type: DefinedTerm
term code: design
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Technical Specs
type: DefinedTerm
term code: technical-specs
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Storage
type: DefinedTerm
term code: storage
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Design Tools
type: DefinedTerm
term code: design-tools
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Market
type: DefinedTerm
term code: market
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

System Requirements
type: DefinedTerm
term code: system-requirements
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Ecosystem
type: DefinedTerm
term code: ecosystem
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Professional Use
type: DefinedTerm
term code: professional-use
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Editing Capabilities
type: DefinedTerm
term code: editing-capabilities
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Professional Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: professional-features
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Functionality
type: DefinedTerm
term code: functionality
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Market Adoption
type: DefinedTerm
term code: market-adoption
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Infrastructure
type: DefinedTerm
term code: infrastructure
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Collaboration
type: DefinedTerm
term code: collaboration
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Learning Difficulty
type: DefinedTerm
term code: learning-difficulty
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Workflow Efficiency
type: DefinedTerm
term code: workflow-efficiency
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

RAW Processing
type: DefinedTerm
term code: raw-processing
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Feature Capability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: feature-capability
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

AI & Intelligence
type: DefinedTerm
term code: ai-&-intelligence
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

File Compatibility
type: DefinedTerm
term code: file-compatibility
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Development
type: DefinedTerm
term code: development
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Learning
type: DefinedTerm
term code: learning
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Capability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: capability
in defined term set: Photoshop vs Lightroom — Attribute Category Vocabulary

faq
type: FAQPage
language: en-US
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
date modified: 2026-07-08T18:41:42.342Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
is part of: photoshop-vs-lightroom)
main entity: Do I need both Photoshop and Lightroom?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Not necessarily, but many professional photographers use both: Lightroom for organizing, rating, and initial RAW adjustments (saving 10-15 hours per week on batch work), then export to Photoshop only when pixel-level retouching is needed. If you only shoot JPEGs or do minimal editing, Lightroom alone suffices. If you do graphic design or complex compositing, Photoshop is essential.
    language: en-US
main entity: Can Lightroom replace Photoshop for photo editing?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: No. Lightroom handles 90% of photo editing tasks (exposure, color, clarity, vibrance, local adjustments via masks), but cannot do advanced retouching (healing cloned areas, removing complex objects, compositing multiple images). Use Lightroom for global/local tonal adjustments; use Photoshop when you need pixel-level control.
    language: en-US
main entity: Which is better for beginners?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Lightroom is significantly more beginner-friendly. Its slider-based interface is intuitive for photographers—you can produce professional results within 2-3 hours. Photoshop requires 40-60 hours to reach basic competency due to its 100+ tools and steep learning curve. Start with Lightroom; add Photoshop later if you need advanced retouching.
    language: en-US
main entity: Is there a free alternative to Photoshop or Lightroom?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Yes: GIMP (free Photoshop alternative, less powerful), Darktable (free RAW processor), or RawTherapee. However, Adobe's AI tools (Generative Fill, Super Resolution) and professional plugins require paid subscriptions. For serious photography/design, the subscription cost is justified by time savings and output quality.
    language: en-US
main entity: Can I edit RAW files in Photoshop?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Yes, but less efficiently than Lightroom. Photoshop uses Camera Raw Filter (same engine as Lightroom) for RAW edits, but you must open each file individually—no batch processing. Lightroom syncs settings across 100+ photos in seconds. For RAW workflows, Lightroom is 50-100x faster for batch operations.
    language: en-US

How to Choose Between Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom
type: HowTo
description: Photoshop is a pixel-based image editor for complex retouching and compositing, while Lightroom is a non-destructive RAW processor optimized for photo organization and batch editing. Photoshop offers unlimited creative control; Lightroom prioritizes workflow efficiency for photographers.
language: en-US
total time: PT3M
step: Consider: Primary Use Case
step: Consider: Learning Curve
step: Consider: Non-Destructive Editing
step: Consider: Batch Processing Speed
step: Consider: RAW File Support
step: Consider: Creative Freedom
step: Consider: File Size Management
tool: A Versus B Comparison Guide
tip: HowToTip
  text: Choose Photoshop if you need advanced retouching, compositing, graphic design, or pixel-level control—it's industry standard for professionals doing complex creative work. Choose Lightroom if you're a photographer handling high volumes of RAW files who needs fast organization, non-destructive editing, and batch processing—it will save you hours of repetitive work.

Consider: Primary Use Case
type: HowToStep
position: 1
text: Primary Use Case: Adobe Photoshop has Advanced pixel editing, compositing, graphic design, while Adobe Lightroom has RAW processing, photo organization, batch editing.

Consider: Learning Curve
type: HowToStep
position: 2
text: Learning Curve: Adobe Photoshop has Steep (100+ tools, complex interface), while Adobe Lightroom has Moderate (intuitive for photographers).

Consider: Non-Destructive Editing
type: HowToStep
position: 3
text: Non-Destructive Editing: Adobe Photoshop has Limited (requires Smart Objects/adjustment layers), while Adobe Lightroom has Full (all edits are reversible).

Consider: Batch Processing Speed
type: HowToStep
position: 4
text: Batch Processing Speed: Adobe Photoshop has Slow (requires Actions/scripting), while Adobe Lightroom has Fast (sync settings across 100+ photos in seconds).

Consider: RAW File Support
type: HowToStep
position: 5
text: RAW File Support: Adobe Photoshop has Basic (requires Camera Raw Filter plugin), while Adobe Lightroom has Native (optimized RAW engine, 400+ camera models).

Consider: Creative Freedom
type: HowToStep
position: 6
text: Creative Freedom: Adobe Photoshop has Unlimited (pixel-level control, layers, masks, plugins), while Adobe Lightroom has Limited (adjustment-based editing only).

Consider: File Size Management
type: HowToStep
position: 7
text: File Size Management: Adobe Photoshop has Large (PSDs with layers 500MB+ common), while Adobe Lightroom has Lightweight (catalogs <10MB per 10,000 photos).

claimreview
type: ClaimReview
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
claim reviewed: Photoshop vs Lightroom
review body: Photoshop is a pixel-based image editor for complex retouching and compositing, while Lightroom is a non-destructive RAW processor optimized for photo organization and batch editing. Photoshop offers unlimited creative control; Lightroom prioritizes workflow efficiency for photographers.
review rating: Rating
  rating: 5
  worst rating: 1
  best rating: 5
  alternate name: Verified Comparison
author: A Versus B
item reviewed: Photoshop vs Lightroom

Native AI Features
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: 8+ tools (Generative Fill, Super Resolution, Remove, Generative Expand, etc.) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

GPU Acceleration Available
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: Yes (CUDA, OpenCL, Metal) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Processing Speed (1GB file, typical operation)
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: 2-4 seconds | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Supported File Formats (export)
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: 40+ formats (PSD, JPEG, PNG, HEIF, WebP, AVIF, PDF, SVG) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Number of Built-in Templates
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: Stock integration (millions via Adobe Stock) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Internet Dependency
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: Desktop application (offline capable) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Available Templates
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: ~500 built-in templates | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Maximum Canvas Resolution
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: 300,000 x 300,000 | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Free Cloud Storage
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: 2GB (requires Creative Cloud) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Stock Photos Included
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: Stock via Adobe Stock (requires separate subscription) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Professional Font Library
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: Adobe Fonts library (240,000+ via subscription) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Advanced Editing Tools
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: Advanced: layers, masks, curves, healing brush, content-aware fill | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Industry Adoption Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: Used by 90% of professional designers/photographers | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Monthly Subscription Cost
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: $20.99 | Adobe Lightroom: $11.49 standalone or $22.49 with Creative Cloud
value reference: Adobe Lightroom

Annual Cost
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: $276/year (or $55/month for annual plan) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Storage Size
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: 8 GB | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Minimum RAM Recommended
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: 8 GB (16 GB optimal) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

AI-Powered Tools
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: 15+ (Generative Fill, Super Resolution, Neural Filters, Style Transfer, etc.) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Available Plugins
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: 900+ | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Professional Industry Adoption
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: 90% of professional designers/photographers | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Non-Destructive Editing Support
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: Full (adjustment layers, smart objects, layer masks) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Design Templates Available
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: Minimal (0-100) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Time to Proficiency
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: 8-12 weeks | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Editing Precision Level
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: Full 1px-level control across 1000+ tools | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Offline Mode Support
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: Full (100% functionality) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Active Users (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: Estimated 15+ million | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Minimum RAM Requirement
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: 8 GB recommended | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Monthly Subscription Cost (Individual)
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: $9.99 (single app) / $55 (full Creative Cloud) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Team Collaboration Users
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: Unlimited with plugins; native support requires 3rd-party tools | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Average Application Load Time
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: 12-15 seconds on standard hardware | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Offline Functionality
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: Full offline editing with all tools available | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Real-Time Collaboration Support
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: No (native); requires external plugins or manual versioning | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Photo Retouching Capability
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: 9.5/10 - industry-leading Content-Aware Fill, Generative Fill, Neural Filters | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

UI/UX Design Workflow Efficiency
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: 6.5/10 - possible but requires workarounds for design systems | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Hours to Proficiency
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: 80-120 hours | Adobe Lightroom: 20-40 hours
value reference: Adobe Lightroom

Typical Project File Size
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: 500-2000+ MB per complex project | Adobe Lightroom: 2-10 MB per catalog (100,000+ photos)
value reference: Adobe Lightroom

Batch Editing Speed (100 photos)
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: 120-180 minutes (manual or scripting) | Adobe Lightroom: 2-5 minutes (Sync Settings feature)
value reference: Adobe Lightroom

Native RAW File Support
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: Via Smart Objects/plugins (requires extra steps) | Adobe Lightroom: Native RAW engine with 150+ camera profiles

Selection & Masking Tools
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: 20+ (Magic Wand, Select Subject, Refine Edge, Content-Aware) | Adobe Lightroom: 4-6 (basic select, brush, range mask)
value reference: Adobe Photoshop

One-Time Purchase Cost
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: Not available | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: $900 (single app) / $1,800 (Creative Cloud) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Available AI Features
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: Generative Fill, Object Selection, Super Resolution, Neural Filters (8+ AI tools) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Third-Party Plugin Support
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: 15,000+ plugins available | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Large File Processing Speed (800MB file)
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: 45-60 seconds | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Non-Destructive Editing Capabilities
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: Limited (Smart Objects, adjustment layers require workarounds) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Real-Time Team Collaboration
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: Yes (Adobe Cloud + shared projects) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Monthly Subscription Cost (Single App Plan)
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: $9.99/month | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Minimum RAM Required
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: 4GB | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Installation Size
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: 4GB | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Generative AI Features
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: Adobe Firefly (Generative Fill, Expand, Super Resolution, 150+ filters) | Adobe Lightroom: Super Resolution only (limited AI features)

Supported Layer Adjustment Types
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: 25+ (Smart Objects, adjustment layers, clipping masks) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Supported Export Formats
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: 20+ (PSD, PSB, PDF, PNG, JPG, TIFF, WebP, EPS, AI import, SVG import) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Feature Release Frequency
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: 12+ major updates monthly | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Maximum Layers
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: Unlimited | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

AI Generative Credits (Monthly)
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: 100 credits included | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Platform Availability
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: Desktop only (Windows 10+, macOS 11+) | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Average Time to Basic Proficiency
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: 40-60 hours | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Built-in Design Templates
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: 30+ template packs | Adobe Lightroom: N/A

Monthly Subscription Cost (Standalone)
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: $31.49/month | Adobe Lightroom: $14.99/month
value reference: Adobe Lightroom

Learning Time to Proficiency
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: 40-60 hours | Adobe Lightroom: 15-25 hours
value reference: Adobe Lightroom

Batch Edit Speed (100 Photos)
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: 180-300 seconds | Adobe Lightroom: 3-5 seconds
value reference: Adobe Lightroom

Native RAW Camera Support
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: Partial (via Camera Raw Filter) | Adobe Lightroom: 400+ models native

Maximum Layer Support
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: Unlimited | Adobe Lightroom: N/A (adjustment-based)

File Format Support (Input)
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: PSD, PSB, TIFF, JPG, PNG, GIF, PDF, RAW (limited) | Adobe Lightroom: RAW (all major), DNG, TIFF, JPG, PNG, HEIC

AI-Powered Features
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe Photoshop: 5 (Generative Fill, Super Resolution, Upscale, Denoise, Removal) | Adobe Lightroom: 3 (Super Resolution, Denoise, Enhance)
value reference: Adobe Photoshop

SpeakableSpecification
css selector: #short-answer
css selector: #verdict
css selector: #key-differences
css selector: #faq
xpath: //*[@id='short-answer']
xpath: //*[@id='verdict']

Adobe Photoshop — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Adobe Lightroom — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Compare Adobe Photoshop vs Adobe Lightroom
type: Action
additional type: CompareAction
target: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/photoshop-vs-lightroom)
object: Adobe Photoshop
object: Adobe Lightroom

Advanced Editing Tools
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Industry Adoption Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Market

Monthly Subscription Cost
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Annual Cost
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Storage Size
type: PropertyValue
value reference: System Requirements

Minimum RAM Recommended
type: PropertyValue
value reference: System Requirements

AI-Powered Tools
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Available Plugins
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Ecosystem

Professional Industry Adoption
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Professional Use

Non-Destructive Editing Support
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Editing Capabilities

Design Templates Available
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Design

Time to Proficiency
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Usability

Editing Precision Level
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Professional Features

Offline Mode Support
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Functionality

Active Users (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Market Adoption

Minimum RAM Requirement
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Infrastructure

Monthly Subscription Cost (Individual)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Team Collaboration Users
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Collaboration

Average Application Load Time
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Performance

Offline Functionality
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Real-Time Collaboration Support
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Collaboration

Photo Retouching Capability
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

UI/UX Design Workflow Efficiency
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Hours to Proficiency
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Learning Difficulty

Typical Project File Size
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Performance

Batch Editing Speed (100 photos)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Workflow Efficiency

Native RAW File Support
type: PropertyValue
value reference: RAW Processing

Selection & Masking Tools
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Feature Capability

One-Time Purchase Cost
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Available AI Features
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Third-Party Plugin Support
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Ecosystem

Large File Processing Speed (800MB file)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Performance

Non-Destructive Editing Capabilities
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Workflow

Real-Time Team Collaboration
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Collaboration

Monthly Subscription Cost (Single App Plan)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Minimum RAM Required
type: PropertyValue
value reference: System Requirements

Installation Size
type: PropertyValue
value reference: System Requirements

Generative AI Features
type: PropertyValue
value reference: AI & Intelligence

Supported Layer Adjustment Types
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Editing Capabilities

Supported Export Formats
type: PropertyValue
value reference: File Compatibility

Feature Release Frequency
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Development

Maximum Layers
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

AI Generative Credits (Monthly)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: AI Features

Platform Availability
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Accessibility

Average Time to Basic Proficiency
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Learning

Built-in Design Templates
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Monthly Subscription Cost (Standalone)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Learning Time to Proficiency
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Usability

Batch Edit Speed (100 Photos)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Performance

Native RAW Camera Support
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Compatibility

Maximum Layer Support
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Capability

File Format Support (Input)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Compatibility

AI-Powered Features
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features