- Alternative To Lightroom For Mac
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- Adobe Lightroom Alternatives 2019
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- Best Adobe Lightroom Alternative
Photo editing programs allow both amateurs and professionals to make corrections to the raw footage captured by their digital camera, by removing the errors therein.
One can, with the help of these programs, remove background (green screen effect), remove noise from images, sharpen them, blur them, and lots of other options.
If you’re up for trying something a bit different, LightZone is another fair option as a free Lightroom alternative, available for Mac, Windows and Linux. Originally developed as commercial software, LightZone was later taken up by the LightZone Project as free software in 2013.
When thinking about such programs, Adobe Lightroom is the first that comes to mind. However, it does not run on versions of Windows lower than version 10 (1709 or later) and also demands the latest versions of the Macintosh operating system too.
In addition to the above is Adobe's hefty price. It then becomes clear to understand why a Lightroom alternative will be needed.
This Lightroom alternative is designed exclusively for Mac OS and is seen as a replacement for Apple's photo editors. It includes all the basic settings and tools that you expect: from adjusting tones, colors, white balance, clarity, curves and saturation. Users need to make heavy payments to use Lightroom but if you are not ready to pay for any subscription it is good to look for other fantastic options available in the market that are available for free. While making a selection for your Lightroom alternative, always make sure that you are choosing a platform that can process RAW images perfectly.
Luminar's AI Sky Replacement
A quick online search reveals that there is no dearth of Adobe Lightroom competitors or an Adobe Lightroom replacement.
I would suggest that you purchase one of the best Adobe Lightroom alternatives, as they offer you value for money and provide you with the same editing power as that of Lightroom.
I am going to review apps like Lightroom, or apps similar to Lightroom, as this will help you determine what the best alternative to Adobe Lightroom is for your photo editing purpose.
I shall be reviewing five alternative Lightroom software that work on the Windows operating system and the Mac and review one good editing program that works on the Linux.
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The Perfect Alternatives to Lightroom (Mac, Windows & Linux)
These are perfect alternatives to Lightroom Mac, Windows or Linux. I leave it to you to determine which one of the six will be a good alternative to Lightroom for mac and the other operating systems and which will provide you with the best value for money after going through this comparison.
Skylum Luminar 4
(Mac & Windows)
Although I was quite impressed with the previous versions of this Lightroom 8 alternative, it did not have a DAM (Digital Assets Manager) in the form of an image library that allowed me to organize photographs in the same way that Adobe Lightroom does, or better.
Better Photo Library
Skylum has addressed this issue and the latest version of their Lightroom CC alternative now has an image library better than that offered by Adobe.
Similar Interface
Luminar is a cutting-edge standalone photo editing program, packed with all the features you need to edit an image from beginning to end.
Like the offering from Adobe, it also boasts of a right-hand column, in which you can make adjustments with the help of sliders. This further shows how Luminar compares to Lightroom.
You also have the option to choose which adjustments you would like to appear in that column.
This similarity makes it easier for people looking for a photo editor like Lightroom (and people who may already have been used to Lightroom) to quickly get acquainted with Luminar.
Batch Processing Ability
The DAM included in the latest version helps you keep your image organized along with options for batch processing and quick editing.
By the way, this program, which I consider to be an excellent Windows Lightroom alternative (and Mac), also includes layer masking, Photoshop-like layers, numerous filters, blend modes, as well as advanced stuff such as LUT mapping, which Lightroom does not have.
For your information, EISA voted Luminar 3 as the best photo editing software of 2019-2020.
You can simply move a single slider or even do complex stuff like masks and multiple layers, or experiment with 3rd party plugins.
An Array of Unique Filters
Luminar also boasts of unique filters such as bottom and top lighting, sunrays, AI sky enhancer, and the standard editing tools such as black & white, highlights/shadows, curves, raw develop and some others.
These, together, offer you endless opportunities for artistic and creative editing and straight-up batch processing work. This is why I consider it to be the best Lightroom alternative Windows 10 as well.
How Best to Use Luminar As A Plugin?
In order to, efficiently, use this program as a plugin, Skylum has provided Luminar Flex for this purpose.
Fast Processing
I loved the Accent AI in this new version as it has undergone a massive update. This can speed up the processing speed quite a lot.
Improved Photo Library Functionality
Luminar has also improved the way the library works. When you apply the same look to numerous photographs, the software understands that it should not transfer selective adjustments such as cropping, erasing all of the photographs, as well as cloning.
You now have the ability to copy and paste your adjustments over individual photographs or synchronize them across multiple images.
View Only the JPEG or RAW Images to Reduce the Clutter
Do you want to compare your edited images with the way your camera edits? Here's some good news for Fuji fans. You can view both of them simultaneously and use the JPEG for referencing while editing the RAW version.
Price
Luminar 4 costs $89. However, if you purchase it now, the vendor will include `Inspiration Looks,' which includes plugins such as Dramatic Landscapes, Neon Tokyo, and Analogue Film. The vendor offers a 60 days money-back guarantee.
Aurora HDR
(Mac & Windows)
I shall now check Aurora HDR in this review of best Lightroom alternative Mac to see how the former stands against the latter.
Although this program works excellently on the Windows operating system, it is the perfect Mac alternative to Lightroom.
Best for HDR Imaging
HDR is a highly specialized type of photography coded to expose details in both shadows and highlights of a specific scene by mixing multiple versions of an identical image, clicked at different exposures.
A Product of Merged Images
It is tough to do this right without overdoing it. The camera sensor cannot capture what your eyes see and this HDR technique compensates by creating the exact image you saw through your eyes.
The 2020 version of this software boasts of a new Quantum HDR Engine with AI (artificial intelligence) based tone-mapping technology. This helps produce natural results through more efficient photo merging.
A New Smart HDR Structure feature offers more realistic sharpness and precise details sans halos, noise or artifacts.
Can Be Used As A Plugin or Standalone
You can run this software as an Adobe Photoshop plugin or as a standalone app. It works as a plugin for Lightroom too (does this not put it ahead of Lightroom?) and even as an Apple Photos extension.
Aurora HDR supports plug-ins of Photoshop such as the Nik Collection and Imagenomic and you also have the option to combine Aurora with Luminar as a bundle.
Can Also Transform One RAW Image to HDR
Classical HDR photography mixes multiple images; however, Aurora, via its AI-based neural network, permits you to transform one RAW image to HDR as well.
It prevents ghosting and unnatural lighting, reduces noise, boosts contrast, as well as corrects colors.
Batch Processing (Quickly Identifies Bracketed or Standalone Images)
The batch processing feature of this photo editor allows you to import multiple image folders for export as single or bracketed images. It can accurately identify which images stand alone and which are bracketed. It allows you to work with different image formats, including RAW.
Image Bracketing
Easy to Use Interface (Quickly Create New Looks)
If you are in need of software like Lightroom, Aurora HDR boasts of a friendly interface and is extremely easy to use. The 2020 version introduces a new Looks feature, which was previously known as presets, with additional refined toning and aesthetic choices.
As a good Lightroom substitute for Mac and Windows, this photo editing software has sliders and controls that give you total visual power over your picture. This software ships with some Looks collections: Artistic, Dramatic, Architecture, Landscape, and Essential.
Easily Add Masking and Layers to One-click Looks
Applying one-click Looks is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg as you can build in additional edits with the masking and layer features.
Non-destructive Editing
Like most Photoshop Lightroom alternatives, Aurora, too, is non-destructive. It allows you to undo any adjustments. If required, you can revert to the original image and start from scratch.
Preview with LUT Mapping
The new Lookup Table (LUT) mapping feature allows you to simply put your mouse pointer over the 11 built-in LUTs to look at dynamic previews of the various color grading styles that you are able to apply to your photos.
Additional Textures, LUTs, and Looks are available either for free or for a reasonable price from the Aurora HDR Marketplace.
Price
If you are in need of a software similar to Lightroom (and cheaper), the Aurora HDR makes for a good option. For a limited time, it can be purchased at a cost of $99. Existing users can always upgrade to the new version by supplying their names and emails or serial numbers for verification.
In my opinion, this is among the best in the OSX Lightroom alternative.
Capture One Pro
(Mac & Windows)
Another powerful photo editing software that can be a good replacement for Lightroom is Capture One Pro. From import to export, it gets the job done (and quickly too).
Its interface is similar to that of Lightroom. Hence, you should find it familiar if you have been using Lightroom before or migrating.
Catalog and Sessions
For those familiar with Lightroom, it makes use of catalogs for photo organization and storage while Capture One makes use of both catalogs and sessions for the same function.
Because Lightroom works with one database file, it can get pretty slow when you have several thousands of photographs in its catalog whereas Capture One gives you the option of also using ‘sessions'.
‘Sessions' in Capture One, creates folders for your photos that are carefully organized into subjects (or whatever the session folder is about). They are portable and so you can just move those folders from one place to the other. This can be handy if you do a lot of traveling.
Wide Array of Supported Cameras
Capture One supports many camera types and brands, so you should not face any problems with camera compatibility.
Some camera brands supported include:
- Fujifilm
- Sony
- Leica
- Samsung
- Ricoh
- Pentax
- Panasonic
- Nikon
- Konica Minolta
- Canon
- Mamiyaleaf
- Olympus
- and others
Re-arrangeable Tools and Interface
Tools in the toolbar and user interface can be re-organized and customized as you deem fit. You may remove tools that you do not need or add those that you need. Some are also collapsible and expandable.
Levels and Curve for Adjustments
Capture One has ‘Levels' and ‘Curve' adjustments, which are standard for all you need for professional photo editing.
Keyboard Shortcuts Can be Customized
In addition to a wide array of toolbar options to choose from, it also contains keyboard shortcuts that can be customized to speed up your workflow.
Layering
You can stack up photos in layers with Capture One and adjust the opacity. You can also toggle between a layer and the background. This will help you see the ‘before' and ‘after' of any image.
Good RAW Image Conversion and Output
There are ‘Process Recipes' available for a perfect output of your files into whatever format you need. You can also create your own ‘Process Recipes' for output. You can also select many images for batch processing.
Franzis
(Mac & Windows)
Franzis has, virtually, all you need to churn out great-looking photos in very little time. Just give it an ordinary picture, and the result will amaze you.
To achieve all these, it has a wide variety of tools that you can use. Some of these tools include HDR, Denoise, Black & White, Neat, Analogue, Sketch, Focus, Sharpen, cutout, color effects, and many more.
Compared to other similar software, it is one of the best lightroom competitors worthy of mention.
Alternative To Lightroom For Mac
Whether you want to take perfect pictures at night (when the light is poor) or you want to turn any image or photo into a beautiful work of art, Franzis has got you covered.
There is also an array of presets to use for your editing projects.
The tools can function as a standalone or as a plugin.
Exposure X5 (Alien Skin Software)
(Mac & Windows)
‘Exposure Software' is the new company name of ‘Alien Skin'. This is a non-destructive RAW editing software developed to serve all creative photographers.
The latest of this is the ‘Exposure X5' which comes with some new improved functionality to enhance editing and make for an efficient workflow.
Some of the new functionalities in Exposure X5 include:
- 3D color masking preview
- Ability to correct lens distortion, chromatic aberration and vignetting
- Ability to target specific problem areas in an image by setting mask parameters
- Ability to take the luminosity and color range that is used to define the layer mask on an image and re-use them on other images with similar characteristics
- Remove unwanted areas from the mask with a brush thereby saving you time
There are, basically, 3 tools that you can get in the Exposure bundle. They are:
(i) Exposure
As already mentioned above, it lets you edit in a non-destructive manner.
You can:
- Organize
- Customize and reproduce looks with creative styles to make the looks unique
- Use it as a plug-in with Adobe
(ii) Snap Art
With this, you can turn your photos into works of art.
There are pencil, watercolor, crayon, sketch and oil painting presets that you can choose from to achieve beautiful artistic photos that look real that you can hang on the wall or frame.
(iii) Blow Up
Do you need to enlarge your photograph and still retain the high quality of those photos? If so, ‘Blow Up' will let you achieve this.
‘Blow Up' images are sharp and will enlarge low-resolution JPG images with ease even if you can no longer find the original RAW files.
Eye Candy
‘Eye Candy' includes effects such as lightning, chrome, smoke, fire and many more that you can use to add real-looking effects to your photos.
Remember, you can get all of the above 3 tools when you get the Exposure Bundle.
Corel Aftershot Pro
(Mac, Windows & Linux)
Finally here is some good news for Linux users. Corel Aftershot Pro is the best Lightroom alternative (Linux). In fact, it is the only software among the six programs like Lightroom I am reviewing here that supports Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Let us check this Adobe Lightroom alternative (Linux) in detail.
Great for RAW Editing
This program has all you need for a seamless RAW editing workflow on Linux, Mac, and Windows. It lets you edit, develop, and export your RAW images. Although it is primarily meant for professionals, it is struggling to overcome Adobe Lightroom as the most commonly-used RAW editor.
Impressive Speed
I downloaded the 30-day free trial version and installed it on my Linux PC. I was impressed by the speed of the program. However, it lacked some of the advanced editing tools that the above-reviewed programs have. I had no worries about that as I needed a Linux based photo editor at the time.
One-time Fee
Unlike Adobe's offering, which comes at a monthly subscription, you only need to pay a one-off charge for AfterShot.
Small Storage Space Needed for Installation
The program takes far less storage space than competitors. While Lightroom CC takes up a whopping 1.3GB, this offering from Corel takes just 142MB.
A Word About Installation and Settings
Once the installation is complete, you will view a dialog box with lots of text with the choice to adjust some settings like user data, cache, and so on. I suggest that you leave these settings to default unless you know what you are doing.
Next, you have the option to register this Linux, Windows and Mac Lightroom alternative 2020 software using an email address.
Fair User Interface
The interface was, however, not as impressive as those of the other programs earlier mentioned in this review.
Coming from the house of Corel, I had expected much more. However, Linux users need not complain as they just do not have many choices.
Once you get yourself familiarized with the program, you'll find the program easy to use. I had to spend some time trying to figure out how to import an image.
Fast Image Importing Speed
However, once I found out the process, I was pleasantly surprised by the speed at which this Lightroom alternative for Windows, Mac, and Linux imported and built previews when I tried to import several images in one go.
The importing speed of this Lightroom alternative for Linux is the best of the five programs compared here.
Price
The list price of this program is $79.99 but is generally discounted. Existing users can update to the latest version at any time, which is fair enough for this Adobe Lightroom equivalent for Linux and the other operating systems.
Cyberlink PhotoDirector
(Windows & Mac)
This is the last in the list of programs similar to Lightroom that I shall be reviewing today.
Unlike two of the programs reviewed here, you can download a free version of this software for trial purposes. Remember, the free version does not have all the features of the paid version.
The vendor has introduced professional-quality features like soft proofing and tethered shooting together with a new artificial intelligence style engine as well as additional style packages to modernize the creative process.
Improved Layering
As a good Lightroom alternative software, PhotoDirector 10 offers a number of enhancements, which includes improvements to its layering system.
Good for Both Professionals and Amateurs
This allows greater creative flexibility to experienced editors without losing its simple touch, ensuring that less experienced users will also be able to use the tool and learn to edit photographs with it.
The introduction of layer grouping, cropping masks, as well as the capability to add new empty layers to projects collectively presents an excellent range of options for users interested in experimenting with their Lightroom alternative raw images.
Available Style Layer Templates
Users looking for quick and creative solutions can purchase a wide range of stylish express layer templates, available for sale from the website of the vendor.
Four Additional Effects Packs
In addition to the existing collection that ships with this online Lightroom alternative, the vendor will be offering four additional packs during launch, which includes Comic, Teenage, Galaxy, and Shapes.
These packs will make your life simpler when adding special effects to images. For example, the Comic pack allows you to create professional-looking comic strips in a flash. You no longer have to waste time creating speech bubbles.
Easily Turn Your Photo into A Masterful Piece of Art
Easy Program Navigation
On numerous occasions, first-time entrants in the world of photo editing feel intimidated by the number of tools available on the same bar. It is due to this that PhotoDirector, yet another Lightroom alternative for Mac and Windows, offers a navigation system with clearly labeled tools, divided into tabs.
Explanation and Practical Tips for the Amateur Editor
On rare occasions in which the program uses icons, they are always explained with practical tips. There is a large variety of options available; however, the tabbed design implies that there are never too many options on the screen simultaneously.
This prevents new editors from getting confused. They might have to spend some time to find a specific function, but it is always clear where to look.
Price
The “Ultra” version of this Lightroom alternative online retails for $99.99, but the vendor is currently offering it at only $69.99.
Which Will Be A Better Alternative to Lightroom (Mac, Windows or Linux)?
I leave it to you to determine which is the best Lightroom alternative for Windows, Mac, and Linux in 2020.
After going through this basic review, you should not face any problem making a choice between the above alternatives to Lightroom for PC, Mac or Linux.
Even though I use a Linux PC, I believe that any of the above-mentioned programs will make for a good alternative to Lightroom.
Adobe Lightroom has made itsreputation as the best editing software for many professional as well asenthusiast photographers around the world who love shooting in RAW format. Thesoftware has all the bells and whistles you could want from an advanced photoeditor. Everything from basic exposure and contrast control to advanced maskingand selective editing is present in Adobe’s photo editing giant. Combine thatwith a robust cataloging system and you have a winner as far as mostprofessionals are concerned.
However, during recent years, a lot of excellent photo editing software has been released which offers the same, if not better in some cases, level of control that Lightroom does. Many such editors also come at a lower, one-time, price unlike Lightroom’s recent move to a monthly subscription model, making Lightroom a less attractive offering to people who are new the photo editor software.
Why Lightroom AlternativesAre Important
You may be wondering, ifLightroom does all that you need it to do, why should you even consider using adifferent program? A lot of it boils down to the fact that Lightroom asks usersto pay a monthly fee to use it. This kind of a payment model may seem okay at first,but when you consider that you’d be paying potentially thousands of dollars touse it over a lifetime when you could instead buy something for under a hundreddollars once and be good with it, then it starts seeming unnecessary. Sure,most one-time payment options ask for a small additional price to upgrade tothe newer models but you may not always need to upgrade, and even if you do,the price still remain well under what Lightroom would cost over a number ofyears.
So, without furtherdeliberation, let’s take a look at some of the best Lightroom alternatives,either because of their lower price or better usability, that you should knowof.
1. Luminar
The first and closest Lightroom alternative anyone can start using in an instant is Luminar. This program started off as a Mac photo editor, but later started supporting Windows as well. As soon as it had launched, it was praised for its amazing ease of use, highly intuitive interface with unique elements like customizable workspaces, and very affordable price tag.
Now, the newest version of Luminar has also added a library system which might just be the one thing that Lightroom had and Luminar didn’t. With this new addition, Luminar has become one of the best photo editing software that you can use without paying an immense price.
2. Aurora HDR
Admittedly, Aurora HDR is more of a specialized HDR software that focuses on creating HDR images. However, if you do need to create HDR photos, then you must already know that Lightroom just can’t do it very well.
Adobe Lightroom Substitute
With Aurora HDR as a Lightroom alternative, you will have access to advanced tone-mapping algorithms, various presets, and a whole host of advanced tools that help create the best possible HDR photos. What’s more, it also comes as an actual plugin for Lightroom itself which means you can enhance Lightroom’s capabilities without needing to jump into another program!
3. Capture One Pro
Capture One is a software that is already used by many as an alternative to Lightroom. It offers almost all the controls that Lightroom offers to pro users, with some of its own as well. The interface is fairly clean, however not very easy to get used to. Sketchup pro 2017 license code. There are presets, selective adjustments, masks, and everything you could want to create great photos. Capture One also has a cataloging system, which is why many use it as a Lightroom alternative. However, Capture One is quite expensive as well even despite its one-time payment model. But if you don’t mind paying the high price, it’s one of the top Lightroom alternatives available today.
4. Apple Photos
If you want a free Lightroom alternative in the form of a photo editor for Mac, then Apple Photos is a solid choice. This photo editing software comes bundled with Mac computers and offers a lot of control over photo editing. It can handle exposure, contrast, white balance, highlights, shadows, colors, and more with ease. It’s also not a slow program and runs very well on Apple’s systems. You won’t get very advanced features like selective editing or layers, but if you want a semi-advanced image editor, this one is a good alternative to Lightroom.
5. Affinity Photo
If you’re looking for a cross-platform photo editor for pc and mac as a Lightroom alternative, then Affinity Photo is also a good choice. It’s a fully-featured photo editor that not only does photo editing but also boasts some Photoshop-like features such as digital painting tools, layer control, focus stacking and more. For photo editing, Affinity Photo can handle RAW files, make HDR photos, stitch panoramas, and much more that could appease any professional looking for the best Lightroom alternative. However, for new photographers, this might be a little too complicated and full of tools to use comfortably.
6. DarkTable
Perhaps the best free Lightroom alternative on this list is DarkTable. Its layout is similar to Lightroom’s with many sliders hidden away under different sections. This Lightroom alternative’s free nature, however, may not be obvious once you actually start using it. It has so many features and tools that it can easily confuse even seasoned photographers, let alone beginners. This particular trait of this photo editing software makes it both amazing and potentially frustrating at the same time.
7. RawTherapee
Another free alternative to Lightroom, RawTherapee might fit the bill for the beginners among you. Its one and only focus is to provide photographers the ability to process their RAW files. It doesn’t have too many fancy bells and whistles, or even advanced features like a cataloging system, but it is free and can help beginner photographers edit their RAW files with ease.
8. Exposure X4
Exposure X4 is the newest version of the software that aims to become an alternative to Lightroom. Its strength lies in the fact that it has a strong library feature and can import images from various sources in parallel to one another. This import process makes it easier to quicker for photographers to add multiple images to their library. The RAW editing features here are strong too.
Exposure control, color corrections, high-quality presets – everything is present. However, what makes Exposure X3 not the best Lightroom alternative is the fact that it has noticeable lag while working with RAW files from certain cameras.
9. Corel’s AfterShot Pro 3
Another photo editor for PC, Corel AfterShot Pro 3 is considered one of the best Lightroom alternatives by many. While it can be used for all basic edits to exposure, color, white balance, noise, sharpness etc., its true strengths lie in its UI design that is suitable for widescreen displays, its very competent batch editing, and its easy integration with Photoshop allowing you to send your photos directly to Photoshop for final touches. On the flip side, however, AfterShot Pro 3 suffers from lackluster localized editing, and a high price tag especially for extra presets that you might want to use.
Free Alternatives To Lightroom For Mac
10. Cyberlink Photo Director 10
![Alternatives To Lightroom For Mac Alternatives To Lightroom For Mac](/uploads/1/1/9/8/119823833/504452404.jpg)
If you would like a photo editor software that can do all that Lightroom can do, then Photo Director 10 might be the choice for you. It’s one of the most capable Lightroom alternatives out there because of an easy-to-use interface, later control, and a lot of help to get used to the various features. It’s aimed more at people who may be new to photo editing software and its new focus on AI tools helps such users make better photos. But if you have an older, slower computer, then you might want to look elsewhere or be okay with slow performance.
11. Gentlemen Coders RAW Power
For those looking for a strong photo editor for Mac, RAW Power is one of the very good Lightroom alternatives for the purpose. As many users of Apple’s computers would know, the company replaced its excellent Aperture editor with the new Photos app which comes as a pre-installed Mac photo editor. To fill the gap between Aperture and Photos, RAW Power is here with a solid reputation. It can either be used as a standalone RAW editor, allowing you to do most of the stuff you’d want from such a software, or as an extension to Photos. This combination of RAW Power with Photos is what can be the best photo editor software as a Lightroom alternative on Mac.
12. Zoner
Zoner is a Windows photo editor that aims to help make great photos with ease. It boasts features like automatic editing, easy selections for localized editing, layer control, a Filter Brush to give you creative freedom, batch editing, Smart Sharpen and Smart Blue, and advanced noise reduction among many more. It’s clear from these claims that Zoner can be a good, if not the best, Lightroom alternative for people using Windows. It may not have Lightroom’s presets but it does have enough to help enthusiast photographers. But, like Lightroom, Zoner also has a subscription-based payment model which is something that puts many users off.
13. GIMP
An open-source photo editor that is hailed as the best free photo editing software by countless around the world, GIMP has all it needs to be a free Lightroom alternative. GIMP has everything from basic exposure editing to advanced layer controls and brushes to make your photos look like pieces of art, just like Photoshop. It also has a vast online community that’s always trying to help others and make GIMP better every day. Despite all of that though, the software remains a very complicated one to get used to and requires quite some time to understand. It may be Lightroom’s free alternative like you’ve never seen before, but be ready to spend a lot of time learning to use it properly.
Adobe Lightroom Alternatives 2019
14. Topaz Studio
Topaz Studio is yet another photo editor that does most of the things you’d expect such software to do. Some highlight features of the editor are over thirty filters, healing capabilities, slider controls to edit exposure, contrast, and highlights, and color correction tools. Topaz Studio also has a similar interface to most editors so it’s easy to start off with. While it may not be the best alternative to Lightroom unless you don’t need advanced controls, it still is a capable editor for getting started with editing.
14. ON1 Photo Raw
Getting back to possibly the best Lightroom alternatives, On1 Photo RAW is a great all-in-one editor that aims to find its way into the hands of seasoned photographers. It has all the tools you could want, including great masking tools, quick rendering of final images, a very quick panoramic preview option, and newly added HDR features that help create very good HDR images, unlike in Lightroom. However, despite these great additions, On1 Photo RAW remains a little sluggish at times which is something that needs to be improved for it to become the best alternative to Lightroom.
15. DxO Photo Lab
Dxo Photo Lab is deemed by many as the best photo editing software because it is easy to use, has a ton of editing features, and a RAW conversion system like few others. Why people would consider this as the best Windows photo editor is because of the amazing lens correction algorithms it has.
The software is known for its automatic control over chromatic aberration, distortion, and vignetting for a multitude of cameras and lenses. The only thing that really keeps this Windows and Mac photo editor from being the best alternative to Lightroom is its lack of selective adjustment capabilities.
16. Photo Pos Pro
If you don’t want what is necessarily the best free photo editing software but rather Adobe Lightroom’s free alternative that lets you edit photos and do other fun stuff like making posters and business cards too, then you should take a look at Photo Pos Pro.
It is Adobe Lightroom’s free alternative but only if you want basic functionality. It is not slated to the the best editing software or the best of Lightroom alternatives, but rather a quick and easy way to edit your photos. The Pro version of the software isn’t free though, so make sure to try it out first to see whether it’s worth your money or not.
Adobe Lightroom Mac Download
And with that, we conclude our list of the best Lightroom alternatives you can use to get your photo editing done. All of the program listed here have their own strengths and weaknesses, but the software that becomes a Lightroom alternative for you really depends on what you use Lightroom for.
Best Adobe Lightroom Alternative
If you want to give up using Lightroom because of the monthly fees, then the best alternative to Lightroom would be something like Luminar that offers similar control for a low, one-time price. If you want something completely free, then DarkTable might be the Lightroom alternative for you. And if you want your Lightroom alternative to do much more than just RAW editing, then programs like GIMP will be worthwhile.
But before you spend yourmoney on any of the mentioned programs, be sure to give them a try once becausewhat might look good on paper as the best alternative to Lightroom might notfit your style of editing or have that one tool you can’t live without.