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Adobe Elements vs Lightroom

Adobe Elements is a lighter version of Photoshop. It works like a simplified version of this hallmark program and is suitable for a broad number of users to improve their graphic images. Elements is something that is better for beginners or amateurs because it breaks down the processes into their most simplistic forms. Then, when the user is ready to take their work to the next level, the full version of Photoshop has a much shorter learning curve.

Lightroom has some elements to the platform that are similar to Elements, since both process photographs and digital images after they’ve been rendered. It offers file management capabilities and offers several tools and settings that make it easy to process dozens of photographs quickly while keeping them sorted in a logical order. It is more difficult to use than Elements, but is intended more for professionals than beginners.

Here are some of the additional points of comparison to consider if you’re wondering which software platform might best meet your needs.

What You Receive from Adobe Elements

Elements gives you a choice upon starting up. You can choose the photo editor or the organizer, allowing you to focus on the task that needs to be completed. The layout is uncluttered and the design is simple and intuitive. Most common functions are presented in a way that is easy for almost everyone to understand. This makes it possible for anyone to begin manipulating their images right away.

Elements offers different working modes so you can maximize your skill set with this platform immediately. The quick mode lets you adjust different settings, but the program will automatically apply additional adjustments in a way that it feels will benefit the image. In the guided mode, you get more control over the final product, but with specific instructions.

You can also go with expert mode and take full control over the final product.

Editing is possible with Elements as well. You can work with layers that you cannot do in Lightroom, allowing for individualized pixel editing if required. That lets you remove blemishes, spots, and other common errors from an image.

What You Receive from Lightroom

Lightroom is more about providing you with style and speed. In many ways, it is very similar in structure and format to Apple’s iPhoto with this structure. You import, then categorize, and then tag your photos so they can be found with simple searches.

Once you’ve imported the images, you can work with a large collection of photographs simultaneously instead of individually, which is what Elements requires you to do. Once you’ve formatted your catalog to your search terms, you can filter all your searches and metadata so that you can always find the right collection.

Lightroom provides you with the option to create saved presets as well. These can be used to apply the same adjustments to an entire search catalog of images with a single click. You can save a variety of presets, based on what you typically see in your work, so that after a quick time investment, you can instantly improve your images in bulk.

The editing in Lightroom isn’t destructive either, providing a copy of the original and tracking your workflow progress. If you want to return to the original file, you can do so at any time.

Photo sharing is also possible through Lightroom with a wide array of options, using commands that are similar to the photo editing requirements.

Adobe Elements vs Lightroom: Which is Better?

Choosing one of these platforms depends on what your work requires you to do. Everyone has a different comfort level for their workflow, so choosing between Elements and Lightroom depends on what you need.

Elements is a good option for those that require in-depth editing, but are just getting into the world of photography and graphic design. It’s easier to learn than a full version of Photoshop, but gives you several top features that can improve your images on multiple layers.

Lightroom is built for speed. You stay in control of the process and can create multiple presets that will let you process images in bulk for projects of any size. You don’t receive the same option to alter layers, but you can make very fine adjustments and edits to the image with better speed than Elements can provide.

The bottom line is this: both platforms will provide you with the ability to alter and edit your images, while keeping them organized, so you can stay focused on what you do best.

Which option do you prefer to use?

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