Introduction

If you’re a photographer or photo editor, you’ve likely heard of Lightroom. But one question that often comes up is whether or not Lightroom is free. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to that question and much more. We’ll take a look at the top free alternatives to Lightroom, the different pricing plans and subscription options for Lightroom, hidden features you can access without paying, why paying for Lightroom may be worth it, and tips for maximizing Lightroom’s free trial period.

Top 5 Alternatives to Lightroom That Are Completely Free

While Lightroom is a popular choice for photo editing, there are several free alternatives that are just as good.

Darktable

Darktable is a highly regarded open-source photo editing software that offers a comprehensive range of features. It boasts a user-friendly interface, non-destructive editing, and support for RAW files.

RawTherapee

Another open-source software, RawTherapee offers powerful editing features such as curves and local adjustments. It also has support for RAW files and a user-friendly interface.

Capture One Express for Sony

If you’re a Sony camera user, Capture One Express for Sony offers a free version of its software specifically designed for Sony users. It offers powerful editing features, support for RAW files, and a user-friendly interface.

GIMP

GIMP is a free and open-source photo editing software that has been around for over 20 years. It offers features such as layers, masks, and non-destructive editing, as well as support for RAW files.

Polarr

Polarr is a free and easy-to-use photo editing software that offers a range of basic editing features, such as color correction and touch-up tools. It also has a paid version that offers more advanced features.

Is Adobe Lightroom Free? A Quick Guide to Lightroom Pricing and Subscriptions

While there is no completely free version of Lightroom, there are several pricing plans and subscription options to choose from.

Lightroom Pricing Plans

As of 2021, Lightroom offers two pricing plans: the Photography Plan and the Lightroom Plan. The Photography plan includes Lightroom, Lightroom Classic, Photoshop, and 20GB of cloud storage for a monthly fee of $9.99. The Lightroom Plan includes only Lightroom and 1TB of cloud storage for a monthly fee of $9.99.

Free Trial Period

If you’re not sure if Lightroom is right for you, Adobe offers a free trial period of 7 days for Lightroom, and 30 days for Lightroom Classic. During this time, you can try out all of Lightroom’s features for free.

Lightroom Mobile App Features

Lightroom also has a mobile app available for free on iOS and Android devices. While some features require a subscription, many editing tools and presets are available for free.

Comparison of Lightroom CC and Lightroom Classic

Lightroom CC and Lightroom Classic are two versions of Lightroom with different features and functionality. Lightroom CC is the cloud-based version of Lightroom, while Lightroom Classic is the desktop version. Lightroom CC is more user-friendly and has a simpler interface, while Lightroom Classic has more advanced features and is better suited for professional photographers.

7 Hidden Features in Lightroom That You Can Access Without Paying for a Subscription

While some of Lightroom’s advanced features require a subscription, there are several hidden features that you can access for free.

Importing Presets

Presets are pre-made editing settings that can be applied to your photos with just one click. You can find free presets online and import them into Lightroom for use with your own photos.

Batch Processing

If you have multiple photos that require the same editing, batch processing allows you to apply the same settings to multiple photos at once.

Adjusting Hue, Saturation, and Luminance Separately

With Lightroom’s HSL panel, you can adjust the hue, saturation, and luminance of each color individually, allowing for more precise editing.

Copy and Paste Selected Settings

If you’ve made edits to one photo and want to apply the same settings to another photo, you can easily copy and paste the settings from one photo to another.

Using the Target Adjustment Tool

The Target Adjustment Tool allows you to adjust specific parts of your photo using a target overlay. Simply click and drag on the section you want to adjust, and Lightroom will automatically adjust the corresponding settings.

Creating and Using Smart Collections

Smart Collections automatically gather photos that meet certain criteria, such as those taken on a specific date or with a certain camera. You can create your own Smart Collections to organize your photos more efficiently.

Enhancing Images with HSL Adjustments and Split Toning

In addition to adjusting hue, saturation, and luminance separately, Lightroom also allows you to enhance your photos using HSL adjustments and split toning. These features allow you to add color and tone to specific areas of your photo.

Why Pay for Lightroom When These Free Editing Tools Are Just as Good

While free alternatives to Lightroom exist, there are several reasons why paying for Lightroom may be worth it.

Lightroom’s Advanced Features

While free alternatives offer basic editing features, Lightroom offers more advanced features such as HDR merge, panorama merge, and lens correction.

Integration with Other Adobe Software

If you use other Adobe software such as Photoshop or InDesign, Lightroom seamlessly integrates with these programs.

User-Friendly Interface

Lightroom’s interface is designed to be user-friendly, making it easy for beginners to learn the basics of photo editing.

Customer Support and Tutorials

Adobe offers customer support and a wealth of online tutorials to help you get the most out of Lightroom.

Professional-Grade Output Quality

Lightroom’s advanced features and tools allow for professional-grade output quality, making it a great choice for photographers and photo editors who need high-quality results.

How to Make the Most of Lightroom’s Free Trial – A Complete Guide

If you’re not sure if Lightroom is right for you, the free trial period is a great way to test out its features. Here are some tips for maximizing the trial period:

Overview of Lightroom’s Free Trial Period

Lightroom offers a 7-day free trial period, while Lightroom Classic offers a 30-day free trial period. During this time, you’ll have access to all of Lightroom’s features.

Maximizing Lightroom’s 30-Day Trial Window

To get the most out of Lightroom’s trial period, focus on using the features and tools that are most important to you. Don’t waste time on features you don’t need.

Tips and Tricks for Getting the Most Out of Your Trial

Before starting your trial, make sure you have a collection of photos to work with. This will allow you to fully test Lightroom’s editing capabilities. Also, take advantage of Adobe’s online tutorials and customer support.

Things to Avoid While Using the Trial

To avoid unintentionally paying for Lightroom after the trial period ends, make sure to cancel your subscription before the trial period expires if you decide not to continue with Lightroom.

Free Lightroom Presets vs. Paid Ones: Which Ones Should You Use?

Presets can save time and make editing more efficient. Here are some things to consider when deciding between free and paid presets:

Definition of Presets

Presets are pre-made editing settings that can be applied to your photos with just one click.

Advantages of Using Presets

Presets can save time and provide a consistent look for a series of photos. They’re also a great way to learn about the different editing tools in Lightroom.

Free vs. Paid Presets

While there are many free presets available online, paid presets often offer more advanced features and a wider range of options.

Recommended Resources for Finding Free or Paid Presets

Some recommended resources for finding free or paid presets include Adobe’s own Lightroom Preset Marketplace, online forums and photography communities, and commercial preset creators such as VSCO and Mastin Labs.

The Pros and Cons of Using Lightroom for Free: Is It Worth It?

While Lightroom is a great tool for photo editing, using it for free has its pros and cons.

Pros of Using Lightroom for Free

The main advantage of using Lightroom for free is cost-savings. If you’re on a tight budget, Lightroom’s free trial period or its mobile app may be enough for your needs.

Cons of Using Lightroom for Free

The main disadvantage of using Lightroom for free is limited access to advanced features and tools. If you need features such as HDR merge, panorama merge, or lens correction, you’ll need to pay for a subscription.

Alternative Options for Those Who Don’t Want to Pay for Lightroom

If you’re looking for a free alternative to Lightroom, there are several options available such as Darktable, RawTherapee, and GIMP.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Lightroom is a popular tool for photo editing, but whether or not it’s worth paying for depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re not ready to commit to a subscription, try out Lightroom’s free trial period or explore some of the free alternatives available. No matter which option you choose, there are plenty of resources available to help you make the most of your photo editing experience.

Call to Action

Ready to try Lightroom for yourself? Sign up for the free trial period today! Or, explore some of the top free alternatives to Lightroom mentioned in this article.