Lightroom standalone

[Deleted member 68495]

Have used Lightroom my standalone version 6.14 for a long time. When I bought it it cost a little over the price of one years subscription and since I've had it for several years I have saved a lot of money on the subscription version. I now want to come up to date with another standalone version but I can't find it, only the subscription. Does a modern standalone version still exist? Anyone know where I can find it because if it does exist Adobe are doing a fine job of hiding it?

 

[Box Brownie]

v6.14 was the last perpetual license version.

FWIW even though for a protracted period Adobe stated that the perpetual license would continue.........?

So if you want to update PS you're only route is the subscription version.

 

[ancient_mariner]

Have used Lightroom my standalone version 6.14 for a long time. When I bought it it cost a little over the price of one years subscription and since I've had it for several years I have saved a lot of money on the subscription version. I now want to come up to date with another standalone version but I can't find it, only the subscription. Does a modern standalone version still exist? Anyone know where I can find it because if it does exist Adobe are doing a fine job of hiding it?

The only way is to leave Adobe behind.

 

[Deleted member 68495]

v6.14 was the last perpetual license version.

FWIW even though for a protracted period Adobe stated that the perpetual license would continue.........?

So if you want to update PS you're only route is the subscription version.

The only way is to leave Adobe behind.

That is very sad, I like Lightroom but with new cameras and the old version not supporting them it's becoming a bit of a trial. I would go the subscription route but it's just so expensive for the amount I use it and it just goes on and on, sucking you in until you have no choice but to continue; I don't want that. I don't really want to start learning a new piece of software but it looks like Adobe are giving me no choice -- good job I didn't convert all my files to DNG.

What's a good alternative to Lightroom that's also available as standalone?

 

[Faldrax]

That is very sad, I like Lightroom but with new cameras and the old version not supporting them it's becoming a bit of a trial. I would go the subscription route but it's just so expensive for the amount I use it and it just goes on and on, sucking you in until you have no choice but to continue; I don't want that. I don't really want to start learning a new piece of software but it looks like Adobe are giving me no choice -- good job I didn't convert all my files to DNG.

What's a good alternative to Lightroom that's also available as standalone?

Actually DNG gives you the choice.
Adobe provide a free DNG converter, which is updated to cover the latest cameras, so by using that you can convert your new camera files to DNG, then use that in your older version of LR.
https://helpx.adobe.com/uk/photoshop/digital-negative.html

 

[Deleted member 68495]

Yes, I have the DNG converter but for some reason I am loathe to commit my whole photographic life to Adobe -- but that is a subject for another thread; one which I joined in with some three years ago and I still haven't converted so probably never will.

 

[ancient_mariner]

I use ACR to convert files from my Sony A7III to use in LR 6.14. On1 Photoraw has an import tool that will allow you to import your entire LR catalogue and retain the editing in re-editable format, though because I like LR I haven't done this yet. Sooner or later I will make the break.

 

[Box Brownie]

FWIW

Software, to me, needs to be treated like having a toolbox..............as in not every program is likely to cover all your needs.

Therefore:_

PS v5 that has some tools that I appreciate when added in some useful plugins.

I have LR 6.14 and mainly use its DAM function but I am on the continued lookout for an alternate DAM

My primary editing software is now DxO Photolab v4 but along the way I seem to have collected other programs that are little used but in common with PS the likes of Affinity Photo and its "inpaint" tool has some value to me. NB the switch to Photolab was because I switched to Olympus MFT body and the noise reduction was and still if 'best in class', even more so with v4

Lastly, I have no intention of going subscription

 

[Deleted member 68495]

I use ACR to convert files from my Sony A7III to use in LR 6.14. On1 Photoraw has an import tool that will allow you to import your entire LR catalogue and retain the editing in re-editable format, though because I like LR I haven't done this yet. Sooner or later I will make the break.

That ON1 looks like it's worth a look and I can buy it standalone too; I think I'll do the free trial although I'm troubled by all the other things that also have a free trial but don't look like they are included in the basic software: Portrait, HDR, Resize, etc.

 

[Bebop]

I also use Photolab 4 as I wanted to leave the subscription model behind. It applies an optics module specific to your lens/camera combination and this means I seem to do less processing than I used to.

I think On1 software is very similar to Lightroom, so you may find that an easy transition. I think it also has the ability to import your Lightroom catalogues.

 

[rob-nikon]

Sadly standalone Lightroom isn't available any more. I can understand why people don't want the subscription model. It took me a few years to move to the subscription (Dec 2017) as it was hard to justify the subscription especially at £9.99 a month. One thing is the subscription model is more than just Lightroom as you get Photoshop too (useful if you have a need for it). There is the ability to edit on mobile devices which the standalone version didn't have. I've not got that working yet as my internet speed was far too slow for it to be workable.

What made the jump for me justifiable was it comes with Portfolio so you can create a website. I was able to recreate the zenfolio website I had. That was effectively a £60 saving so it made the cost of lightroom less (I was looking to move away from Zenfolio as I'd not been that impressed). The other thing that's made it cheaper is buying a pre paid subscription when they are on offer (usually 2-3 times a year). As yet I haven't paid the full monthly subscription cost having paid £70-80 per year so far. That means lightroom for me has cost £10-20 a year once I take away what I was already paying for zenofilio. You can also stack the pre paid passes too (I'm paid up until the end of 2023. After that I will review if I stay with lightroom and their website).

Of course, my experience and justification isn't the same as everyone else's. I can understand its not same for everyone.

 

[ancient_mariner]

That ON1 looks like it's worth a look and I can buy it standalone too; I think I'll do the free trial although I'm troubled by all the other things that also have a free trial but don't look like they are included in the basic software: Portrait, HDR, Resize, etc.

Portrait, HDR etc are available in a separate plugin package for Lightroom, but are included (or were) in Photoraw which is standalone.

 

[Deleted member 68495]

Rob, I can see that the Lightroom subscription format would be great for someone like you as an enthusiastic amateur/professional but I would never get my money's worth as I tend not to use photoshop or other photo-editing software.

 

[Deleted member 68495]

Downloaded trial of ON1 and so far so good. Works on my Fuji X100V RAR files so that's a good start. Only given it ten minutes this evening but it looks like it may fill my needs admirably. There's a lot to look at yet.

 

[rob-nikon]

Rob, I can see that the Lightroom subscription format would be great for someone like you as an enthusiastic amateur/professional but I would never get my money's worth as I tend not to use photoshop or other photo-editing software.

Its a shame they haven't done a cheaper lightroom classic only subscription version for the hobbyist. The subscription is fantastic value for a pro who uses lightroom and photoshop as work tools. For an amateur less so. I thought I'd mention the portfolio aspect as many aren't aware its included, and the pre paid option as a way to reduce the cost (again not many seem to know it exists). I'm sure in a few years time I will be thinking differently and looking for alternatives.

 

[ancient_mariner]

Downloaded trial of ON1 and so far so good. Works on my Fuji X100V RAR files so that's a good start. Only given it ten minutes this evening but it looks like it may fill my needs admirably. There's a lot to look at yet.

It's my go-to tool when I want to do something that I might otherwise have used photoshop for: layers, certain kinds of masking or pixel level effects/changes. Originally it was a collection of separate modules (the plugins you mentioned) but they were all integrated a few versions ago, and it's much more coherent now.

 

[Deleted member 68495]

I have just noticed that ON1 turns a 56MB photo file into a 276MB data file. With a 3TB drive I'm not concerned but my my, that's a file conversion and a half.

Edit: I didn't realise that PSD files are used in Lightroom so the PSD file that ON1 creates is directly importable into Lightroom as I've just proved. This has taught me that I know little to nothing about photo editing software or indeed how it works; I have studying to do

 

[sep9001]

Morning, have you tried capture one express for Fuji, they have a free version which seems to work well. I am trying the Nikon version and it deals well with the raw conversation and DAM part that LR does well.

 

[Nebulous]

I had a standalone version of lightroom, which came free with a Samsung camera and used it for about 5 years. In October I bought a new laptop and after trying to work out what it would take to move it across I decided to go for the subscription. It has moved on, and I have found it produces better results than my old one. I resented it, in some ways still do - but a determination to get my money's worth has rekindled an interest in photography.

I've been taking more photos, editing old ones, filing favourites and having just plumped for early retirement I've ordered a new camera. Making sure I get something for my tenner a month has definitely played a part in all that.

I've seen Nikon has just released free photo-editing software for Nikon users. Once I get the new camera I may give that a try.

 

[ancient_mariner]

I have just noticed that ON1 turns a 56MB photo file into a 276MB data file. With a 3TB drive I'm not concerned but my my, that's a file conversion and a half.

Edit: I didn't realise that PSD files are used in Lightroom so the PSD file that ON1 creates is directly importable into Lightroom as I've just proved. This has taught me that I know little to nothing about photo editing software or indeed how it works; I have studying to do

PST and 16 bit TIFF files tend to be huge compared to the base raw file.

If you process images in the standalone app they don't grow. [emoji846]

 

[SFTPhotography]

I also use Photolab 4 as I wanted to leave the subscription model behind. It applies an optics module specific to your lens/camera combination and this means I seem to do less processing than I used to.

I think On1 software is very similar to Lightroom, so you may find that an easy transition. I think it also has the ability to import your Lightroom catalogues.

For what I do PhotoLab 4 is the best software I've ever laid my hands on. For RAW conversion, it's amazing. I manually sort my images by in folders so don't want a cataloguing software but for others that is important - Capture One Pro is also very good and has Digital Asset Management. I don't need it due to the way I sort files and the way I store them. I really like Capture One but it's complex and a learning curve - but very powerful and miles better than LR.

On1 RAW is also very good but you cannot customise the layout like you can on DXO photolab - and that annoyed me about it that I had to go into effects everytime to bring up the curves adjustment - which is predominately how I edit. It also had lots of "filters" and "effects" which I had no interest in - I suspect On1RAW is aimed at someone slightly different to me but nevertheless for the money I thought it was good.

But DXO photolab is exactly what I was looking for and I love it to bits. You can download a trial - but you'll need to organise your folders in a specific way as it's got no digital asset management. It's just a top tier raw converter.

 

[LongLensPhotography]

As much as I dislike paying £££ to Adobe the bundle includes Photoshop and I find it pretty much invaluable more and more, It would be very hard to make the move even as the likes of GIMP can probably do 85-90% for FREE. Sadly it is not so good with healing and adjustment layers for example. Fingers crossed for much improved v3.0.

 

[Deleted member 68495]

For what I do PhotoLab 4 is the best software I've ever laid my hands on. For RAW conversion, it's amazing. I manually sort my images by in folders so don't want a cataloguing software but for others that is important - Capture One Pro is also very good and has Digital Asset Management. I don't need it due to the way I sort files and the way I store them. I really like Capture One but it's complex and a learning curve - but very powerful and miles better than LR.

On1 RAW is also very good but you cannot customise the layout like you can on DXO photolab - and that annoyed me about it that I had to go into effects everytime to bring up the curves adjustment - which is predominately how I edit. It also had lots of "filters" and "effects" which I had no interest in - I suspect On1RAW is aimed at someone slightly different to me but nevertheless for the money I thought it was good.

But DXO photolab is exactly what I was looking for and I love it to bits. You can download a trial - but you'll need to organise your folders in a specific way as it's got no digital asset management. It's just a top tier raw converter.

Had a quick try and had to dismiss PhotoLab 4 within minutes when it told me it couldn't handle the RAW files from my Fuji X100V -- the very reason I want to move away from my standalone Lightroom in the first place. I had to try but it's no good for me. I am pursuing the ON1 route at the moment but it's got a lot of things that seem to impinge that I have no use for. It's a bit like all the 'scenes' on a non-professional camera, they are just distracting and get in the way.

I'll keep trying people's suggestions but if I want to use RAW from my Fuji it is looking increasingly like I might have to move to Lightroom subscription if I want to use RAW on both Nikon and Fuji and only have one preferred package for photo editing.

 

[Box Brownie]

@ShinySideUp

Martin

FWIW Affinity Photo supports the X100V as listed as a new addition on this page.
[FAQ] List of Supported Raw Cameras (1.9.x) for Desktop & Lens Correction list - Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ] - Affinity | Forum (serif.com)

Plus it is on offer 50% off now here
Affinity – Professional Creative Software (serif.com)
and here
Affinity - Supporting the creative community (serif.com)

Though I cannot recall what their update policy is i.e. all updates to date have been free....................but they are at v1.9 now and can only surmise that when v2.0 comes out that there will be an upgrade cost???

PS but do bear in mind that the are likely to be some 'dot' releases before v2 comes along.

 

[Deleted member 68495]

@ShinySideUp

Martin

FWIW Affinity Photo supports the X100V as listed as a new addition on this page.
[FAQ] List of Supported Raw Cameras (1.9.x) for Desktop & Lens Correction list - Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ] - Affinity | Forum (serif.com)

Plus it is on offer 50% off now here
Affinity – Professional Creative Software (serif.com)
and here
Affinity - Supporting the creative community (serif.com)

Though I cannot recall what their update policy is i.e. all updates to date have been free....................but they are at v1.9 now and can only surmise that when v2.0 comes out that there will be an upgrade cost???

PS but do bear in mind that the are likely to be some 'dot' releases before v2 comes along.

Shame no trial version but it's not expensive to try out, I'll have a look at some Youtube videos of it.

 

[Box Brownie]

Shame no trial version but it's not expensive to try out, I'll have a look at some Youtube videos of it.

They do mention a 90 day free trial here
Affinity - Get your free 90-day trial (serif.com)

Though no idea if that is for the whole suite or a choice of one of the programs.....................perhaps ask them Edit ~ where the trial is mentioned, in the second link I posted above, it is for the whole suite

 

[sirch]

Affinity photo is really good value and for me a no-brainer at £25 but it is not a LR replacement, it is much more like Photoshop.

What made the jump for me justifiable was it comes with Portfolio so you can create a website

Just for info, the Adobe subscription also includes a portfolio that you can publish to from LR or upload to manually.

I have come very close to ditching Adobe on a number of occasions but TBH the alternatives (and I have tried many of them) just aren't quite there for me and as someone who would upgrade regularly the subscription model is not over priced.

 

[tijuana taxi]

There is always Silkypix, the paid version is very good and they do cheaper versions for specific manufacturers.
This is the latest version for all makes https://silkypix.isl.co.jp/en/product/dsp10/

Affinity Photo is more of a Photoshop replacement, the raw converter leaves quite a bit to be desired.

My personal favourite is Photo Ninja which i use as a plug in with Lightroom 6.14 https://www.picturecode.com/
Really like the basic raw conversion it produces and the adjustments fine tune it further.
It also includes Noise Ninja which was originally a very good program to have.

 

[SFTPhotography]

Had a quick try and had to dismiss PhotoLab 4 within minutes when it told me it couldn't handle the RAW files from my Fuji X100V -- the very reason I want to move away from my standalone Lightroom in the first place. I had to try but it's no good for me. I am pursuing the ON1 route at the moment but it's got a lot of things that seem to impinge that I have no use for. It's a bit like all the 'scenes' on a non-professional camera, they are just distracting and get in the way.

I'll keep trying people's suggestions but if I want to use RAW from my Fuji it is looking increasingly like I might have to move to Lightroom subscription if I want to use RAW on both Nikon and Fuji and only have one preferred package for photo editing.

I think for you capture one pro 20 sounds ideal. It'll cover all these cameras and has none of the superfluous gymics that on1 has.

 

[goinggreynow]

My personal favourite is Photo Ninja which i use as a plug in with Lightroom 6.14 https://www.picturecode.com/
Really like the basic raw conversion it produces and the adjustents fine tune it further.
It also includes Noise Ninja which was originally a very good program to have.

Really interested to read this. long ago, I used a trial version for a short time and was impressed with what it could do.

Appears to have been updated within the last 6 months.

I may give the company a call and see if they’ll let me trial it again.

 

[tijuana taxi]

Really interested to read this. long ago, I used a trial version for a short time and was impressed with what it could do.

Appears to have been updated within the last 6 months.

I may give the company a call and see if they’ll let me trial it again.

That's what I did and upgraded from my much older version.

 

[THIRTYFIVEMILL]

I use PhotoShop CS4 on Mojave for all my image editing and haven't yet updated to Big Sur until someone let's me know it will still allow older PS versions to function. I simply don't want a myriad of subscriptions. It accumulates quickly and irks me, particularly when I have an expensive program that I already paid for once that works perfectly well. I wish Adobe and the likes would release a "pay once" package as well as a subscription based service but I understand why they don't. For me I'll stick to what I've already paid them for and be happy with that for now.

 

[goinggreynow]

That's what I did and upgraded from my much older version.

Hi Rich
Thanks.
‘Do I remember correctly that it hadn’t been updated for some time?
It was a while ago, but I think my main issue was understanding (or not) the 4 main sliders (Or was it 2?). Some of the output, though, was exellent.
Stuart

 

[RichardC27]

Not sure this has been mentioned above but a year's Lightroom subscription usually goes on sale around Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday for around £70-£80. This gives you a full year's access to Lightroom, Photoshop, all the Lightroom mobile apps and Adobe Portfolio. It's a good saving over paying monthly. You also find lots of free months dotted around the internet as a bundle with various products and services as well. Flickr give a couple of free months to Pro subscribers for example.

The subscription is a pain but you can't blame them for going down that route, and in fairness LR has improved a hell of a lot in the past few years. I've tried a few other editors and DAMs but LR really is the best out there for most people.

 

[tijuana taxi]

Hi Rich
Thanks.
‘Do I remember correctly that it hadn’t been updated for some time?
It was a while ago, but I think my main issue was understanding (or not) the 4 main sliders (Or was it 2?). Some of the output, though, was exellent.
Stuart

You are right Stuart about the updating, thought they had given up with it.
I bought a new camera that was no longer supported by Lightroom 6.14 so searched around at raw converters.
Trialled all the usual suspects then remembered PN, looked it up more out of curiosity than anything else.
Surprised to see a new version, support for the latest cameras and a whole lot of new features.
Output is still excellent and it has a look unlike all the others, contacted them and updated from my old version at a discounted price.
Give it a try, think you will be pleasantly surprised, gets overlooked probably because like us many thought it was dead.

 

[goinggreynow]

You are right Stuart about the updating, thought they had given up with it.
I bought a new camera that was no longer supported by Lightroom 6.14 so searched around at raw converters.
Trialled all the usual suspects then remembered PN, looked it up more out of curiosity than anything else.
Surprised to see a new version, support for the latest cameras and a whole lot of new features.
Output is still excellent and it has a look unlike all the others, contacted them and updated from my old version at a discounted price.
Give it a try, think you will be pleasantly surprised, gets overlooked probably because like us many thought it was dead.

Hi Rich
All the above is an absolute pleasure to hear and like you, I thought it was (almost) a legacy product.
I’ve had a look at the web site and it does appear that they now have a pattern of regular updates.
Checked for my camera though - and it doesn’t specfically list the Sony A73, even though later models are included! I may have to drop them a line to confirm.
I enjoy using LR but absolutely refuse to get drawn into the subscription model (although respect the decision of those that do - I’m exactly the same with music streaming!). . Consequently, I’m on LR 6.14 which doesn’t cater for my Sony’s RAW files and so,I’m having to convert everything via DNG. funnily enough, I don’t mind this apart from the increased storage requirements.
What I will do - before jumping in to buy - is spend some serious time going through the tutorials, to make sure I can get to grips with those sliders!!
Thanks
Stuart

 

[tijuana taxi]

Hi Rich
All the above is an absolute pleasure to hear and like you, I thought it was (almost) a legacy product.
I’ve had a look at the web site and it does appear that they now have a pattern of regular updates.
Checked for my camera though - and it doesn’t specfically list the Sony A73, even though later models are included! I may have to drop them a line to confirm.
I enjoy using LR but absolutely refuse to get drawn into the subscription model (although respect the decision of those that do - I’m exactly the same with music streaming!). . Consequently, I’m on LR 6.14 which doesn’t cater for my Sony’s RAW files and so,I’m having to convert everything via DNG. funnily enough, I don’t mind this apart from the increased storage requirements.
What I will do - before jumping in to buy - is spend some serious time going through the tutorials, to make sure I can get to grips with those sliders!!
Thanks
Stuart

One handy feature is that each of the sub sections such as "Exposure and detail" have a help tab.
Those along with the tutorials make things a lot easier to understand, good luck.

 

[Retune]

I'll keep trying people's suggestions but if I want to use RAW from my Fuji it is looking increasingly like I might have to move to Lightroom subscription if I want to use RAW on both Nikon and Fuji and only have one preferred package for photo editing.

Capture One will handle both and is excellent, but rather expensive to buy and, although minor updates are free, major updates are frequent and they charge for them (existing users get a discount). However, the more limited but surprisingly capable Capture One Express is free for Nikon and Fuji (and Sony):

Buy Capture One: Professional Photo Editing Software

Discover Capture One’s complete suite of photo editing software, trusted by professionals worldwide. From Capture One Pro to our mobile app, Live, All in One bundle, and Studio solutions, explore pricing options that suit your creative workflow. Enhance your photography across desktop, mobile...

www.captureone.com

GET THREE MONTHS OF ALL IN ONE FOR FREE

Exclusive Capture One x Fujifilm trial . All in One means you get Capture One on your computer, iPhone, and iPad plus our collaboration tool Live Unlimited, priority support from our Customer Support, and all future updates included.

www.captureone.com

Buy Capture One

Get Capture One's flagship photo editing software, trusted by pros and studios worldwide. Capture One Pro supports files from all major camera brands.

www.captureone.com

I believe the full version and the various Express versions use the same installer, but with different licence keys. If you install it as the full version you'll only get a time limited demo without paying; the Express versions are not time-limited, but have fewer features. If you want to process both Nikon and Fuji files with the Express versions, I think you'll need to install the package twice in different directories with the appropriate Nikon or Fuji-specific licence keys (I tried this a while ago and it seemed to work, but you may need to experiment).

There are some free and open source packages that are definitely worth looking atm especially Raw Therapee and Darktable:

Home

About RawTherapee is a powerful, cross-platform raw photo processing system, released as Free Software (GPLv3). It is designed for developing raw files from a broad range of digital cameras and targeted at users ranging from enthusiast newcomers who wish to broaden their understanding of how...

rawtherapee.com

darktable

darktable is an open source photography workflow application and raw developer

www.darktable.org

If you don't mind different interfaces, Fuji's own Raw File Converter is based on Silkypix:

RAW FILE CONVERTER EX powered by SILKYPIX | Software | FUJIFILM X Series & GFX - Global

RAW development software compatible with Film Simulation modes

fujifilm-x.com

and Nikon's new NX Studio had just been released:

Nikon | Download center | NX Studio

NX Studio | Image viewing and editing software for Nikon digital camera files

NX Studio is the ideal way to easily and conveniently view and edit the digital images from your Nikon cameras on the computer. Mac and PC compatible, NX Studio is a free download.

www.nikonusa.com

I haven't tried the CC versions of ACR/LR, but before that found that Nikon's own conversions were better than Adobe's when it came to the default colours, and Capture One was also very good.

Affinity Photo would complement any of these raw converters very well as an advanced editor, but its own raw conversion features are pretty limited. It's a replacement for PS rather than LR.

 

[Deleted member 68495]

I don't think I can move from Lightroom. I have skimmed over six or seven different software packages but regardless of their effectiveness I just can't seem to get comfortable with the differences in layout and approach. I suppose it's like throwing away an old pair of slippers, Lightroom is familiar, it suits me...and it doesn't make my feet sore . I have cancelled a subscription to an on-line magazine that I don't access much so I can do the Lightroom instead and can therefore justify the cost to myself.

 

[Lemaildetom]

I don't think I can move from Lightroom. I have skimmed over six or seven different software packages but regardless of their effectiveness I just can't seem to get comfortable with the differences in layout and approach. I suppose it's like throwing away an old pair of slippers, Lightroom is familiar, it suits me...and it doesn't make my feet sore . I have cancelled a subscription to an on-line magazine that I don't access much so I can do the Lightroom instead and can therefore justify the cost to myself.

Been there too. Very hard to leave lightroom when it does all you want. From photo catalogue to export. When your last 10 years of photos are easily accessible in catalogues. I've tried to leave but i came back because i'm so used to it.