How to Get Adobe Lightroom for Free (2025 Version)

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Adobe Lightroom

  • Rank
    (4.5/5)
  • Reviews: 421
  • License: Trial version
  • Downloads: 8K
  • Version: CC
  • Compatible: Mac/Win
  • Free Lightroom Mobile: iOS/Android

Want to know how to get Lightroom for free? Let’s find out 2 legal ways to download Lightroom free, what the secret dangers of piracy are, and whether it is possible to find similar software worth using.

Free Lightroom Benefits:

  • Built-in file management/cataloging system
  • Easy photo organization with collections and galleries
  • Non-destructive editing when file data is saved
  • Easy and fast syncing of image editing steps
  • Lightroom presets support
  • Easier than Photoshop

Download Adobe Lightroom Free for Windows

File name:
adobe_lightroom_free_win.exe (download)
File size:
2.4GB

Download Adobe Lightroom Free for Mac

File name:
adobe_lightroom_free_mac.dmg (download)
File size:
2.5GB

Download Adobe Lightroom Free for Windows 11

File name:
adobe_lightroom_free__win11.exe (download)
File size:
2.3GB

Download Adobe Lightroom Free for Windows 10

File name:
adobe_lightroom_free_win10.exe (download)
File size:
2.2GB

Download Adobe Lightroom Free for Mac 15

File name:
adobe_lightroom_free_mac.dmg (download)
File size:
2.5GB

Download Adobe Lightroom Free for Mac 14

File name:
adobe_lightroom_free_mac.dmg (download)
File size:
2.4GB

Download Adobe Lightroom Free for Mac 13

File name:
adobe_lightroom_free_mac.dmg (download)
File size:
2.3GB

Download Adobe Lightroom Free for Mac 12

File name:
adobe_lightroom_free_mac.dmg (download)
File size:
2.2GB

Download Adobe Lightroom Free for Mac 11

File name:
adobe_lightroom_free_mac.dmg (download)
File size:
2.1GB

Adobe Lightroom Free Trial is a terrific opportunity to test the capabilities of the software with no limitation within 7 days. Such Adobe Lightroom free version will particularly satisfy those, comparing different programs before making a final choice.

lightroom lens blurpro interface

Adobe has announced exciting updates for its software. Lightroom, in particular, has received some cool new features:

  • Generative Remove: With just a single touch, you can remove anything from your images. Generative Remove is powered by Firefly technology and it goes beyond simple removal. This tool intelligently recreates the background with incredible precision. If you photo has complex patterns, like paisley on a shirt or waves in water, you can still get perfectly matched results. The best thing is that there is no trace of the removed object.
  • Lens BlurPro-quality photos in just a click. With the Lens Blur Pro feature, it is easy to add a professional-looking blur to any photo. With just one tap, you can blur any part of your image. Choose from 7 new presets designed for portraits, landscapes, and urban scenes. You can even create your own custom preset and apply it to future pictures.
  • AI-powered Masking and Adaptive Presets make photo editing faster and more intuitive.

«I got the perfect dog photo at the park, except for this random trash can. Thankfully, I used Lightroom to just swipe it away. Now, the background looks neat and natural, like the can was never there. The app blended the grass and shadows perfectly. So easy»


tata rossi fixThePhoto expert
Tata Rossi

Content Editor

F.A.Q.

  • Can this Lightroom free trial work both on macOS and Windows?

Yes, it is.

  • Can I use Adobe Lightroom for free?

First off, you can download free version of Lightroom and use it for 7 days. There is the Single App plan with Lightroom only or a plan that features more apps.

  • Can students expect a discount after using a free trial?

Yes, all students, teachers and individuals engaged in teaching activities can receive a discount for any Creative Cloud production. This discount is up to 60%.

  • Is Lightroom free trial the full version of the program?

Yes, this is a full version of the program, packed with the same photo editing functions as the latest Lightroom version.

  • Is Lightroom optimized for mobile devices?

Surely. You can download an app for iOS and Android devices in corresponding stores.

  • How to get Lightroom for free without registering in Creative Cloud?

Unfortunately, this is not possible. Now any Adobe products, including Lightroom are available only with the Creative Cloud membership. Each user can choose their own personal subscription, which will consist of Lightroom or several other apps.

There are various types of subscriptions, ranging from subscriptions for students, teachers, individuals and entrepreneurs to personal plans for photographers and institutions.

Free Mobile Version

Adobe Lightroom

  • Rank
    (4/5)
  • Reviews: 230
  • License: Free
  • Downloads: 8K
  • Version: CC Mobile
  • Compatible: iOS / Android
  • Free Lightroom CC : Mac / Win
lightroom mobile interface

Benefits:

  • Lightroom mobile presets
  • Fairly fast syncing
  • Can choose to sync only over Wi-Fi
  • Basic set of color correction features

You can use the mobile app without a subscription and Creative Cloud membership, but your cloud box will not be available for synchronization with other devices.

However, all other features, tools and image editing functions are preserved. Lightroom Mobile app works in the same way as Lightroom CC desktop.

Insecurities of Using Pirated Lightroom Version

LEGAL PIRATED
Free trial
✔️
Updates
✔️
Customer support
✔️
Viruses
✔️
Bugs and lags
✔️
Adobe apps integration
✔️
Unfortunately, now there are a number of serious dangers that can become your reality if you use pirated versions of computer programs. Not all of them are obvious, therefore they represent a hidden danger.
lightroom pirated vs licensed

Punishable by law. Respect other people's copyrights or the law will make you respect them forcibly. The penalty for using pirated programs starts from $1,500.

Forget about customer support. From the first point of view, the free use of pirated versions can seem quite a pleasant saving of your money, but think that no one can fix the errors that arise when working in such software. This is very unreliable, especially for photographers, for whom Lightroom is one of the means of earning money.

No updates. One of the main advantages of buying Lightroom is instant access to the latest updates. The manufacturer can fix some errors, add more functions and all this will automatically appear in your version of the product.

With Lightroom free pirated copy, you will be deprived of the latest updates, and attempts to join the official system can actually bring a significant penalty.

Computer crash. Most often packages with pirated copies also contain files with viruses, adware or any other malicious software that can affect your account, block access to the Internet, control your browser or, worst of all, harm your computer at a deeper level.

Free Alternatives

The photo editing software I’ve described here let you adjust contrast, brightness, levels, saturation, sharpness, and tonality to achieve the results you imagined when you took a picture.

1. RawTherapee

rawtherapee logo
Pros
  • Clear interface
  • Non-destructive photo editing
  • Export to other programs
  • Batch processing
Cons
  • Sometimes it lags

The main mission of RawTherapee is the editing of RAW files (as well as TIFF and JPG), followed by the possibility of synchronizing the picture with other software that deals with additional photo editing.

In addition, a professional set of tools makes it possible to change a large number of parameters, adjust the white balance, add brightness, and create new color solutions.

It is convenient to save the old settings as a preset, which can be used for future images. You can process images separately or apply the same settings to several groups of images at once.

2. Chasys Draw IES

chasys draw ies logo
Pros
  • Free layer blending style with blending modes
  • RAW format support
  • Embedded file browser
  • Support Ps filter plugins
Cons
  • Aimed at beginners
  • Interface can be confusing

Chasys Draw IES is a user-friendly free Lightroom alternative for editing photos and converting files with several clicks. What’s more, you can use it for snapping images and recording videos right on your computers. Moreover, it is possible to make icons, animations and other cool visuals in this free Lightroom replacement.

It supports native file formats of other popular programs, including Adobe Photoshop, Affinity Photo, Corel PhotoPaint, GIMP, Krita, Paint.NET and PaintShop Pro. The entire package is designed to make efficient use of multi-core processors, touch screens, and pen input devices.

In order to download LightZone, you need to create an account on the official page of this program.

The main format to work with in this program is RAW (and its analogs). You can apply additional filters to an image, change color tonality, play with the depth of shadows and the color of the light spots. In addition, the program has a vector tool that is very helpful in image editing.

3. IrfanView

irfanview logo
Pros
  • RAW format support
  • Batch edit
  • Supports different formats
  • Flexible slideshow option
Cons
  • Interface may seem confusing
  • Outdated UI

This Adobe Lightroom free alternative offers a very convenient functionality and converter. It is worth noting that IrfanView is one of the longest-running programs on this list, since it was developed 20 years ago.

You can use IrfanView as a free storage - add as many photos as you want, edit them, add tags, as well as monitor already created libraries of files.

fixthephoto color correction fixthephoto color correction

Do You Want Photos to Be Edited by Experts?

Would like to make colors in your pictures look clear and eye-pleasing? Then address FixThePhoto and check out previous works of your skilled retouchers. We accept batch orders and always follow client’s style.

5. Daminion

daminion logo
Pros
  • Affordable price
  • Protects your content from damages
  • Auto synching of database information
  • Integrates with Flickr and SmugMug
Cons
  • No Mac support
  • Confusing UI

Daminion is a large server for storing and sharing photos. This program is often used by groups of developers and editors who work together.

You can upload and edit a photo, and share access to it with other users from your group. Thus, you’ll be able to work together on a project.

FREE Bonus Tools

fixthephoto lightroom presets

If you use Lightroom Classic CC, you’ve probably heard about the presets. These are settings designed by professional retouchers, which may significantly change your photo in one click.

Download one of the following free Lightroom presets to make your photos look amazing quickly.

Helpful Lr Hacks for Beginners

If you are just starting out with photo editing, this Lightroom free tips can make the process easier for you:

«Create thematic collections. Group your photos into different categories like "Wedding" "City," or "Portraits" using collections and folders. Thus you can easily find a specific picture among thousands of images.»


julia newman fixThePhoto expert
Julia Newman

Tech & Privacy Expert

«Memorize keyboard shortcuts. Start with the basic combinations:

D for Develop Module, G for Grid View in Library Module, R for Crop Tool, Q for Spot Removal Tool.»

robin owens fixThePhoto expert
Robin Owens

Tech & Hardware Specialist

«Take advantage of presets. There are integrated Adobe Lightroom free presets and additional options on the net. Using them, you can improve your images faster and hone your creative skills.»


tata rossi fixThePhoto expert
Tata Rossi

Content Editor

«Experiment with the HSL panel. Go to the Hue, Saturation, and Luminance (HSL) panel and see how these parameters impact the colors in your photo. These sliders are particularly useful for adjusting skies, skin tones, and separate colors.»


kate debela fixThePhoto expert
Kate Debela

Hardware & Software Testing Specialist

«Use the Healing Brush tool. This instrument is handy for removing spots, blemishes, or distracting objects. It is easy to understand even for beginners.»


tani adams fixThePhoto expert
Tani Adams

Content Marketing Editor

«Try AI-powered masking. The software can automatically select and mask your subject, sky, or background. So, you can not only speed up your work but also achieve more precise results.»


nataly omelchenko fixThePhoto expert
Nataly Omelchenko

Tech Innovations Tester

«Create and save your own presets. If you find great image editing settings, you can save them as a custom preset and use it for future image editing needs.»


tati taylor fixThePhoto expert
Tati Taylor

Content Marketing Editor

«Experiment with lens corrections. To get rid of f distortion, vignetting, or chromatic aberrations caused by your lens, head to the Lens Corrections panel and use a dedicated tool there.»


vadym antypenko fixThePhoto expert
Vadym Antypenko

Tech Gear Specialist

«Pay attention to the Tone Curve. The Tone Curve provides more detailed control over contrast and tone. Using it, you can adjust highlights, shadows, and midtones.»


eva williams fixThePhoto expert
Eva Williams

Lead Content Writer

«Opt for non-destructive editing. Whether you use a paid or free Adobe Lightroom version, your source photo files remain intact. So, you can apply the boldest changes and return to the original version if the result doesn’t please you.»


tetiana kostylieva fixThePhoto expert
Tetiana Kostylieva

Author and Retouching Specialist

«Choose the right export settings:

For social media, export with: Resolution: 72 PPI, File Format: JPEG, Size: 2048px on the long edge for a perfect balance of quality and upload speed.»

ann young fixThePhoto expert
Ann Young

Author and Retouching Specialist

«Use virtual copies. Make Virtual Copies of your photo. Thus, you can try different edits without the need to duplicate your file.»


kate gross fixThePhoto expert
Kate Gross

Digital Technology Writer

How We Tested the Free Version

Together with the FixThePhoto experts, I tested the latest updated free Lightroom version. We wanted to get a clear picture of what users can expect when using it without a subscription. We took a close look at its photo editing tools, the accessibility of AI-powered features, how user-friendly it is, and where it differs from the paid version.

The free version of Lightroom has some limitations in terms of features, but it's not limited by time. You can use it for as long as you like. This is different from a trial version, which usually expires after a set period. The free version is perfect for those who are new to photo editing or who only need basic tools.

During our week of testing, we learned that users can take advantage of AI features, including Generative Remove, AI-driven Masking, and Adaptive Presets, but they have to put up with restricted capabilities.

For example:

  • Generative Remove allows deleting unwanted objects with incredible precision. But you can use it for a predefined number of times in the free version.
  • Masking Tools lacked advanced capabilities that are available in the paid plan.
  • Adaptive presets for skies and portraits worked well but were scarce compared to paid counterparts.

Lightroom free version offers AI tools, but they're not quite as powerful as the ones in the paid version. You can rely on them for basic photo editing, but you may feel restricted when working on complex projects.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the free version restricts the number of AI requests you can make in a session. For example, we were able to use Generative Remove about 20 times before we were recommended to switch to a premium plan. This is fine for occasional use, but it could be a problem for larger projects.

We suggest perceiving the free version as a great starting point for editing photos. Still, remember that it has some noticeable restrictions when compared to the paid version:

  • Editing Tools: There are basic sliders for changing exposure, contrast, and colors. Still, advanced tools like healing brushes and color grading are more restricted.
  • Presets: The variety of free presets is good, but it is still smaller than in a paid version.
  • Cloud storage: Free users get only 1GB of cloud storage, which is very little if you work with high-resolution photos.
  • Export options: It is impossible to export high-resolution files or edit RAW images in the free version.

When you get Lightroom for free, you’ll still see a familiar easy-to-use interface. Thanks to an intuitive design, drag-and-drop functionality, and clear menus, the program is easy to get started with. Our team members, even those with limited editing experience, could enhance their photos without problems.

If you're new to photo editing or just looking for a simple tool to enhance your images, the free version of Adobe Lightroom is definitely worth checking out. It's easy to use, has a good set of basic editing features, and even includes some AI-powered tools. However, keep in mind that the free version has some restrictions.

You can only make a certain number of AI requests, there's a limited selection of presets, and the export options are more basic compared to the paid version.

If you're looking for more advanced capabilities, choose a premium version of Lightroom. With it, you can access all the powerful features and easily tackle larger, more intricate photo editing tasks.

Ann Young

Retouching Guides Writer

Ann Young is an expert photographer, retoucher, and writer with over 9+ years of working at FixThePhoto. Her career in digital community began after earning her degree from New York University. She believes AI can be a real helper if you know how to use it properly. Unlike many photographers, she isn’t afraid that AI tools can replace human experts in different spheres.

Read Ann's full bio

Tetiana Kostylieva

Photo & Video Insights Blogger

Tetiana Kostylieva is the content creator, who takes photos and videos for almost all FixThePhoto blog articles. Her career started in 2013 as a caricature artist at events. Now, she leads our editorial team, testing new ideas and ensuring the content is helpful and engaging. She likes vintage cameras and, in all articles, she always compares them with modern ones showing that it isn’t obligatory to invest in brand-new equipment to produce amazing results.

Read Tetiana's full bio

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