Adobe Photoshop vs Adobe Lightroom

Canva

Fotor

Instagram

Graphic design and video editing tool for creating and publishing marketing material, presentations, social media content, and a range of printed products, using a drag-and-drop editor and a library of customizable templates.

Fotor is a design tool used for photo editing, and to create cards, invitations and fliers by non-professionals and designers alike. Fotor comes with design multiple templates all of which can be customized and tweaked to the needs of a particular project.

Instagram is a social networking app which lets users share photos & videos from their mobile phones, like posts, comment, send private messages, and more

Private

The clues less support staff tells you not to use GPU Acceleration features if you run into problems ...

freelancer

the first-rate customer service and extensive library of video courses.

Content Manager

The customer support is top-notch! If you have a problem, they will fix it with you in seconds

Adobe Photoshop is an image editing and graphic designing software that helps businesses streamline photo editing and compositing processes and create digital paintings and animations. The artificial-intelligence (AI)-enabled platform lets designers invite external stakeholders to edit documents and share projects via live streaming functionality.

3D Digital Asset Management

CAD Tools

Collaboration Tools

Content Import/Export

Content Sharing

Custom Brushes

Custom Fonts

Data Storage Management

Design Management

Design Templates

Drag & Drop

File Management

Generative AI

Image Editing

Image Library

Interactive Content

Mobile App

Pattern, Color & Art Storage

Pre-built Templates

Preview Functionality

Project Management

Real Time Editing

Search/Filter

Text Editing

Video Editing

Watermarking

Workflow Management

Reviews for Adobe Photoshop come from a wide variety of industries, including design (8% of reviewers), graphic design (6%), and computer software (6%). The most frequent use case for Adobe Photoshop cited by reviewers is photo editing (86% of reviewers).

Users and use cases

Reviewers appreciate the bundled value with Lightroom and other Adobe tools, and they report that student discounts and free trials help accessibility. However, some users say the subscription model is costly and find cheaper alternatives more suitable for basic needs.

Value for money

The Adobe Photoshop integrations most frequently cited by reviewers are: Adobe Illustrator (a graphic design product rated 4.9 out of 5 for its integration with Adobe Photoshop), Adobe Lightroom (a photo editing product, 4.8), and Adobe InDesign (a graphic design product, 4.8).

Integrations

Adobe Photoshop is a photo editing program with key features that include image editing, content import/export, pattern, color and art storage, real-time editing, drag-and-drop functionality, custom fonts, and more.

Proprietary

Adobe Photoshop

Windows

Web-based

iPad

iPhone

Android

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

CorelDRAW

Affinity Photo

Adobe Photoshop Elements

Affinity Designer

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Lightroom

Pixlr

Photopea

Adobe InDesign

inPixio Photo Studio

Adobe Creative Cloud

PicMonkey

Photoshop for Individuals

 Photoshop for Teams

 Photography

High memory and storage demands

Memory management is basically absent leading to constant out of memory errors even on 64 GIG machines while processing rather small files.

Manager

Lags on low end computers, Photoshop consumes a handsome amount of RAM while running and you better upgrade your internals before getting hands on with the Photoshop

83% of reviewers feel negative about Photoshop’s memory and storage requirements. Some users say the software consumes significant RAM and disk space, making it challenging to run on low- or mid-range computers. Reviewers report that large project files and cache quickly fill up available storage, slowing down performance and causing crashes. They find the lack of efficient memory management problematic, often needing to upgrade hardware or close other applications to use Photoshop effectively.

Slow performance on many systems

Web developer

Finally, while Photoshop does offer a wide range of customization options, the program can be slow and cumbersome when working with large files.

Lead UX

The software is too heavy on the CPU and GPU, and makes the software performance very slow.

69% of reviewers feel negative about Photoshop’s performance and speed. Some users report the software is resource-intensive, causing lag, slow load times, and delays when working with large files or multiple layers. Reviewers say older or less powerful computers struggle to run Photoshop smoothly, leading to a frustrating user experience. They mention that even on newer machines, certain tasks like exporting or batch processing can be time-consuming, impacting productivity.

Frequent crashes and bugs

Student Worker

It uses a lot of memory and CPU and it's prone to occasional crashes on large files. Plus, Photoshop is very expensive and it only keeps getting pricier whenever there's an upgrade

Senior Graphics Designer

It hangs and crashes many times while working on large files with lots of layers.

85% of reviewers feel negative about Photoshop’s bugs and stability issues. Some users report frequent crashes, freezes, and slowdowns, especially when working with large files or on less powerful computers. Reviewers indicate that updates sometimes introduce new bugs or change tool layouts, disrupting workflows. They say these problems can lead to lost work and frustration, requiring frequent saving and occasional reverting to previous software versions. Many users mention high memory and CPU usage as contributing factors to instability.

Unpopular subscription-only model

Web Specialist

I would have preferred to use the old model of having paid for tested software that worked and used it until I needed to update instead of being forced into a subscription model and having to pay for a year of access to updates that I could not even use.

Freelancer

The only struggle I do dislike with Adobe Photoshop software is its model of monthly subscriptions - it previously was a one time purchase business model structure and new versions are not always immediately desired or necessary for all users, so I would be more financially comfortable with the product even though it is something I do allow in my expenses.

73% of reviewers feel negative about Photoshop’s subscription model. Some users dislike being required to pay monthly or annually, preferring a one-time purchase option. Reviewers indicate that the recurring fees add up over time, making the software less accessible for occasional users, students, or small businesses. They also express frustration over losing access to files if the subscription lapses and find the bundled Creative Cloud services unnecessary for their needs.

High cost and affordability concerns

Administrator 

The main problem is it is very expensive and a middle class family person can't buy it even if it has lot of use in his daily life so Adobe should focus on Mass selling not gaining profits from one sale

Social Media Specialist

The pricing for a subscription is just too expensive for me to be able to use it whenever I need to. Although my computer is plenty powerful, I still run into issues that cause juddering when i am panning my projects.

67% of reviewers feel negative about Photoshop’s pricing. Some users say the software is expensive compared to alternatives, especially for those who only need basic features or use it infrequently. Reviewers mention that the cost is a barrier for students, freelancers, and small businesses, and that the move to a subscription model has made it less affordable. They also note that the price does not always reflect the value received, given the availability of competitive, lower-cost options.

Advanced photo retouching features

General Manager

I haven't tried all the features adobe offers yet but I can say the retouching tool, navigating through layers, using the pen tool and smart objects make adobe stand apart from anything i've ever used.

Doctor of Physical Therapy

A versatile photo editor, from little touch ups to complete photo manipulation, it has everything.

95% of reviewers feel positive about Photoshop’s photo retouching capabilities. Some users report that the software’s powerful tools allow for precise corrections, from simple touch-ups to complex image manipulation. Reviewers highlight features like healing tools, filters, and layer-based editing as essential for enhancing image quality and achieving professional results. They find automation options and the ability to control every aspect of retouching beneficial for both personal and business projects, noting that these capabilities save time and money on outsourcing.

Essential for photography workflows

Photographer

I've used Photoshop for over a decade and it's the best tool for creating digital photography composites and photography edits.  

It's not about fixing mirror selfies for talented photographers who use Adobe Photoshop; it's about making beautiful photographs with subtle changes.

93% of reviewers feel positive about Photoshop’s role in photography. Some users say it’s indispensable for editing, enhancing, and manipulating photos, whether for professional shoots, social media, or personal projects. Reviewers indicate the software’s wide range of features—from color correction to advanced compositing—simplifies complex tasks and improves workflow efficiency. They value the integration with camera plugins and AI-powered tools, which help them achieve polished, creative results and save time on repetitive editing tasks.

Industry-standard graphic design platform

Executive Manager

Photoshop's powerful editing tools are unrivaled and a must for any graphic designer wanting to create high-quality graphic design materials.

Executive Director

I enjoy creating graphics design projects using Photoshop because you can design very unique, vibrant pieces.

93% of reviewers feel positive about Photoshop’s graphic design capabilities. Reviewers indicate it offers a vast array of tools for digital art, illustration, and layout design, making it a go-to choice for professionals and hobbyists alike. Some users say its flexibility allows them to create everything from logos to complex infographics, while seamless integration with other Adobe products enhances productivity. They find the user-friendly interface and abundance of tutorials helpful for learning and mastering advanced design techniques.

Photo Editor and web designer

In case you're thinking of renting Photoshop for its AI features to do the work for you, bear in mind that with the basic Photoshop subscription you get very little use of its generative AI features per month unless you pay for an even more expensive add-on package. If you don't need generative AI, there are many other options out there. While I find generative AI underwhelming and grossly over-hyped, I have conducted many hours of tests and experimented with many models and workflows, including custom ComfyUI set-ups and decided that using Krita with AI produced just as good (or bad), and sometimes better results than Photoshop's, for free.

Marketing Coordinator

Being part of an Adobe organization makes things seamless when it comes to editing photos, videos and developing graphics for marketing purposes. While the software is expensive it really provides an incredible set of tools and features that can't be matched by other software.

Communications Manager

I taught myself to use Photoshop with just a few YouTube tutorials and created images that were shared on social media for my organization which were seen by millions of followers.

Graphic Designer

My current favorite has been the AI Generative Fill - it has saved my photos more than a few times and has been a MUST in my toolkit!

Graphic Designer and Pre-press Technician

The customer support is good with some really helpful tutorials and there is a lot of automation built in in regards to image editing making it a lot easier to use when creating designs.

Photoshop enabled White Pine Photography to take their client work to the next level by creating good-looking pictures and perfect branding materials, enhancing studio reputation and service quality.

Software engineer

I use some of its Photoshop features like generative fill, multiple subject selection and many others that give me creative and innovative work possibilities.

IT media Spacialist

I have used it for everything from touching up family photos to creating graphics to then be imported to other Adobe products.

President of the Association

It is still the leader of digital editing and creation, with painting, design, graphic and editing tools.

Developer

So for graphic creation Adobe Photoshop is a must have .You can create logos , edit images , etc ,etc

UI-UX desinging

Overall Photoshop has been a reliable & extremely capable tool for editing images, creating graphics & building designs.

Having to pay an ever increasing annual subscription for a service that is vital to graphic design is a major pain point for many creators and designers.

Users who hope for a plethora of new productivity tools and features, stellar performance gains with incredibly more powerful hardware will be thoroughly disappointed as compared to even CS6.

Marketing Assistant

It’s been really rewarding to take raw images and bring out the best in them, whether it’s improving colors, cleaning up details, or creating something completely new.

Owner

They have gotten rid of some old feature that I used to use a lot, like the tint option, and now I have to use the hue function which took some getting used it.

I love Photoshop because it gives me so much control over my images and lets me fix or change almost anything.

Have been using it for the last two decades, but there is a reason why "Photoshopping" is synonymous with photo editing, retouching, and manipulation.

Adobe is pestering users with new tools and features which mostly are just useless, annoying and hindering your workflows instead of offering progress.

The magnitude of buttons can be overwhelming to those who don't know where everything is. And when you do get used to where everything is a newer version comes out and they change things.

Senior Software Architect

it is a robust program and it is great tool for image editing and graphic design work, though it can take a little bit to get used to.

Adobe Photoshop offers incredible flexibility for photo editing, graphic design, and logo creation.

People who apparently never worked on a professional workflow designed tool and interface behavior that disrupt your learned workflows and is in part strongly counterproductive.

Chief

Its always helpful and make my life easier, possible top 5 app to edit pictures and create any kind of images

Business Intelligence Analyst

I like how Adobe Photoshop can meet each designer where they are. If you are a novice or only need basic photo editing tools, it is more than what you need. If you need to customize images, Adobe Photoshop is an amazing tool that can take your designs to the next level.

Graphic Expertise

It is the best design software I have ever used, it has helped me out so many designs task like: completing my graphics project, creating innovative designs for company and mini organization.

Color statistics synchronisation across image series is still missing from the toolbox.

Owner.

The learning curve for using photoshop can be overwhelming when you are a beginner, it took me several months to actually feel confident using it.

With Photoshop, you can remove unwanted objects, correct colors, enhance details, and even merge multiple images seamlessly.

Its comprehensive set of tools simplifies image editing and design tasks, enabling us to create polished graphics with ease.

One thing I like the most about Adobe Photoshop is its extensive range of tools and features that allow for endless creativity and customization in digital design and editing.

It enables professional-grade creativity and customization for stunning visuals, photo manipulations, and diverse design projects.

Marketing

Adobe Photoshop is an industry-standard tool for image editing, offering powerful features for photo manipulation, digital painting, and graphic design.

The pricing of the software on it's own can also be considered a barrier for those who want use photoshop for personal use.

The multiple tool sets curled inside a primary icon for the set keep the Tools panel at a reasonable size while creating extensibility.

Adobe is wants us to believe that their products are gold standard in image processing and spearheading the "AI Revolution"

I also like how you can import a video and edit or pull off a single frame.

Director of Media Ministries

The latest version of Photoshop offers great AI features like generative fill and generative expand, which I have used so many times and I could not live without now.

Online Fitness Coach

I mostly used Photoshop to fix photos, remove stuff in the background or make things look a bit more pro when I had to.

Graphic Designer   Visual Branding

It works well for detailed image manipulation and high-quality designs.

Landscape Technician

Photoshop simply gets the work done, it is the industry standard imaging editing software and has the tools and features we need to complete the task, our coloured drawings depend on it.

Senior Designer

Image editing and all of capabilities it has in product mock ups.

Vice President

Coming from a design background with over a decade of freelance design experience, Adobe Photoshop is industry standard for a good reason: it is simply the BEST.

Creative Director

That it now has Ai built in and that I can now use Generative Fill to enhance the images i create and that it also uses neural Filters to enable me to easily work on repetitive tasks

Photoshop has a great set of tools and features for editing photos; it is great for image editing and touching-up.

Project Engineer

It requires subscription and decent amount of space in PC as well which could be annoying.

Sometimes the updates change the workflow and can make things slower until you get used to the new ways of working.

Asst. Manager

while Photoshop is incredibly powerful, it may not always be the most beginner-friendly or budget-friendly option.

Accountant

The 2024 version of the software builds upon decades of refinement and innovation, offering an incredibly robust set of features that allow me to tackle a wide range of creative projects with ease

Adobe Photoshop vs Adobe Lightroom Comparison (2026)

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Lightroom

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives