Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic CC 2018 7.3.0.10: The Ultimate Photo Editing Software for Desktop
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic CC 2018 7.3.0.10: A Complete Guide for Photographers
If you are a professional or enthusiast photographer who wants to organize, edit, and share your photos with ease and efficiency, you might be interested in Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic CC 2018 7.3.0.10. This is the latest version of the desktop-focused photo workflow software that has been the gold standard for many years.
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic CC 2018 7.3.0.10
In this article, we will give you a comprehensive overview of what Lightroom Classic is, how it differs from its cloud-based sibling Lightroom CC, what are the new features and enhancements in the 2018 release, what are the pros and cons of using it according to experts and users, and how to get the most out of it with some tips and tricks.
By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of whether Lightroom Classic is the right tool for you, and how to use it to bring out the best in your photos.
What is Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic CC 2018 7.3.0.10?
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic CC 2018 7.3.0.10 is a photo editing software that is designed for desktop-focused workflows, meaning that you store your photos locally on your computer or hard drives, rather than on the cloud.
Lightroom Classic offers a complete package of features and functions that allow you to import, organize, edit, print, and share your photos in various ways. You can also use it with other Adobe apps and cloud services, such as Photoshop, Camera Raw, Creative Cloud, and Portfolio.
Lightroom Classic is part of Adobe's Creative Cloud subscription program, where you pay a monthly or annual fee to use the software, along with other benefits such as cloud storage, updates, support, and access to other apps.
What are the main differences between Lightroom Classic and Lightroom CC?
In October 2017, Adobe introduced a new version of Lightroom called Lightroom CC, which is a cloud-based photo service that works across desktop, mobile, and web platforms. This means that you upload all your photos to Adobe's servers, where they are backed up, synced, and accessible from any device.
Lightroom CC has a cleaner and simpler interface than Lightroom Classic, but it also lacks some tools and features that pros expect, such as plug-in support, tethering, printing, color labels, smart collections, history panel, tone curve, split toning, camera calibration, lens corrections, transform tools, HDR merge, panorama merge, face recognition, map module, web module, slideshow module, print module.
Lightroom CC is more suited for consumers and enthusiasts who want a streamlined and mobile-friendly photo editing experience, while Lightroom Classic is more tailored for professionals who need more advanced and comprehensive features and functions, as well as more control over their photo storage and organization.
Adobe has stated that they will continue to develop and support both versions of Lightroom, and that users can choose the one that best suits their needs. However, some users have expressed confusion and frustration over the naming and branding of the two products, as well as the pricing and subscription plans.
What are the new features and enhancements in the 2018 release of Lightroom Classic?
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic CC 2018 7.3.0.10 was released in April 2018, and it brought several new features and enhancements to the software. Here are some of the most notable ones:
Book module update
The book module is where you can create and order photo books from Blurb, a popular online printing service. In the 2018 release, Adobe added some new options and improvements to the book module, such as:
New Blurb book styles and paper type: You can now choose from two new book styles, Trade Books and Magazines, which offer different sizes, formats, and prices. You can also select from four new paper types, Standard, Economy, Premium Lustre, and Premium Matte.
Customizable page numbers and cells: You can now customize the position, font, color, and size of the page numbers on your book pages. You can also adjust the size and shape of the photo cells on each page.
Presets and profiles
Presets and profiles are two ways to apply predefined settings and adjustments to your photos in Lightroom Classic. Presets are based on the sliders in the Develop module, while profiles are based on the camera profiles in the Basic panel.
In the 2018 release, Adobe made some significant changes to the presets and profiles system, such as:
How to upload presets and profiles in bulk: You can now import multiple presets and profiles at once by selecting a folder that contains them. You can also export presets and profiles as individual files or as a group.
How to use adaptive presets based on content: Adobe added some new presets that are adaptive, meaning that they adjust their settings based on the content of your photo. For example, the Auto Tone preset will apply different levels of exposure, contrast, highlights, shadows, whites, and blacks depending on the brightness and contrast of your photo.
How to create and manage presets and profiles: You can now create your own presets and profiles using the new Preset Builder and Profile Browser panels in the Develop module. You can also organize your presets and profiles into groups and folders, as well as hide or show them in the panels.
Editing tools
The editing tools are the core of Lightroom Classic's photo editing capabilities. They allow you to adjust various aspects of your photos, such as color, tone, detail, perspective, noise, sharpness, etc.
In the 2018 release, Adobe added or improved some editing tools, such as:
Content-aware remove: This is a new option in the Spot Removal tool that lets you remove unwanted objects or blemishes from your photos by replacing them with pixels from another area of the photo that matches the surrounding content.
Auto masking for local adjustments: This is a new option in the Adjustment Brush tool that lets you apply local adjustments to specific areas of your photos without affecting other areas. It works by automatically detecting the edges of your subject and creating a mask around it.
Color grading panel: This is a new panel in the Develop module that replaces the Split Toning panel. It allows you to apply color grading effects to your photos by adjusting the hue, saturation, and luminance of the shadows, midtones, and highlights separately.
Enhance details: This is a new feature that lets you increase the resolution and detail of your photos by using Adobe's artificial intelligence technology called Sensei. It works by creating a new DNG file from your original raw file that has more pixels and less noise.
Texture slider: This is a new slider in the Presence section of the Basic panel that lets you adjust the amount of texture or detail in your photos. It works by enhancing or smoothing out fine details without affecting larger details or edges.
Performance and stability
Performance and stability are two important aspects of any software that affect its usability and reliability. They refer to how fast and smooth the software runs on your computer, as well as how often it crashes or freezes.
In the 2018 release, Adobe claimed that they improved the performance and stability of Lightroom Classic by implementing some changes such as:
Faster import and export: Adobe said that they improved the speed and efficiency of importing and exporting photos in Lightroom Classic by optimizing the code and using parallel processing.
GPU acceleration: Adobe said that they enhanced the use of the graphics processing unit (GPU) in Lightroom Classic to speed up some tasks and operations, such as rendering previews, applying adjustments, and exporting photos.
Improved tethering support: Adobe said that they improved the stability and performance of tethering in Lightroom Classic, which is a feature that lets you connect your camera to your computer and control it remotely. They also added support for new camera models and fixed some bugs.
What are the pros and cons of Lightroom Classic according to experts and users?
Lightroom Classic is a widely used and respected photo editing software that has many advantages and benefits for photographers. However, it also has some drawbacks and limitations that may affect your decision to use it or not. Here are some of the pros and cons of Lightroom Classic according to experts and users:
Pros
Powerful and comprehensive: Lightroom Classic offers a complete set of tools and features that cover every aspect of photo editing, from organizing to sharing. You can do almost anything you want with your photos in Lightroom Classic, without needing to switch to another software.
Non-destructive and reversible: Lightroom Classic edits your photos in a non-destructive way, meaning that it does not alter the original files, but rather creates a separate catalog file that stores all the changes you make. You can also undo or redo any edit you make, or reset your photo to its original state at any time.
Customizable and flexible: Lightroom Classic allows you to customize and personalize your workflow and interface according to your preferences and needs. You can create your own presets and profiles, adjust the layout and panels, use keyboard shortcuts, apply filters and ratings, use plug-ins and extensions, etc.
Compatible and integrated: Lightroom Classic works well with other Adobe apps and cloud services, such as Photoshop, Camera Raw, Creative Cloud, and Portfolio. You can easily switch between them or use them together to enhance your photo editing experience. You can also use Lightroom Classic with other third-party software and devices, such as printers, scanners, cameras, etc.
Cons
Expensive and subscription-based: Lightroom Classic is not a cheap software, as it requires you to pay a monthly or annual fee to use it as part of Adobe's Creative Cloud subscription program. You cannot buy it as a standalone product or own it permanently. Some users may find this pricing model too costly or restrictive.
Complex and steep learning curve: Lightroom Classic is not a simple or easy software to use, as it has a lot of tools and features that may overwhelm or confuse beginners or casual users. It takes time and effort to learn how to use it effectively and efficiently. You may need to watch tutorials, read manuals, or take courses to master it.
Buggy and slow: Lightroom Classic is not a flawless or smooth software to run, as it may suffer from some bugs, glitches, crashes, or freezes that may affect its performance and stability. It may also run slow or lag on some computers or tasks, especially if you have a large catalog or high-resolution photos.
Limited cloud functionality: Lightroom Classic is not a cloud-based software like Lightroom CC, meaning that you cannot access or edit your photos from any device or platform. You have to store your photos locally on your computer or hard drives, which may take up space or pose a risk of losing them. You can sync some of your photos to the cloud using Creative Cloud, but you have limited storage space (20 GB) unless you pay more.
Tips and tricks for using Lightroom Classic
If you decide to use Lightroom Classic for your photo editing needs, you may want to know some tips and tricks that can help you optimize your workflow and efficiency, as well as improve your skills and creativity. Here are some of them:
How to optimize your workflow and efficiency in Lightroom Classic?
Use smart previews: Smart previews are smaller versions of your original photos that allow you to edit them faster and smoother in Lightroom Classic. They also let you edit them offline or on another device without needing the original files. You can create smart previews when you import your photos or later in the Library module.
Use collections: Collections are groups of photos that you can create based on any criteria you want, such as subject, theme, date, location, etc. They help you organize your photos better and find them easier in Light room Classic. You can also create smart collections that automatically update based on rules you set, such as ratings, keywords, flags, etc.
Use keyboard shortcuts: Keyboard shortcuts are combinations of keys that you can press to perform certain actions or commands in Lightroom Classic faster and easier than using the mouse or menus. You can find a list of keyboard shortcuts in the Help menu or online. You can also customize your own keyboard shortcuts in the Preferences menu.
Use presets and profiles: Presets and profiles are two ways to apply predefined settings and adjustments to your photos in Lightroom Classic with one click. You can use the built-in presets and profiles that come with the software, or you can create your own or download them from other sources. You can also apply presets and profiles to multiple photos at once in the Library or Develop modules.
How to use Lightroom Classic with other Adobe apps and cloud services?
Use Photoshop: Photoshop is another Adobe app that is widely used for photo editing and graphic design. You can use Photoshop with Lightroom Classic to perform more advanced or complex edits that are not possible or convenient in Lightroom Classic, such as layers, masks, filters, text, etc. You can easily open your photos from Lightroom Classic to Photoshop and vice versa using the Edit In or Open As options in the Photo menu.
Use Camera Raw: Camera Raw is another Adobe app that is used for editing raw files from digital cameras. You can use Camera Raw with Lightroom Classic to edit your raw photos using the same tools and settings as in the Develop module of Lightroom Classic. You can also use Camera Raw as a filter in Photoshop to apply edits to any image. You can access Camera Raw from Lightroom Classic by using the Edit In option in the Photo menu.
Use Creative Cloud: Creative Cloud is Adobe's cloud service that lets you store, sync, and access your files and apps across different devices and platforms. You can use Creative Cloud with Lightroom Classic to backup and share your photos online, as well as access them from other Adobe apps and services, such as Lightroom CC, Photoshop, Portfolio, etc. You can also use Creative Cloud to update your software, manage your subscription, and get support.
Use Portfolio: Portfolio is another Adobe service that lets you create and publish your own online portfolio website to showcase your work. You can use Portfolio with Lightroom Classic to easily upload and display your photos on your website, as well as customize its design and layout. You can access Portfolio from Lightroom Classic by using the Publish Services panel in the Library module.
How to master advanced techniques and creative effects in Lightroom Classic?
Use local adjustments: Local adjustments are tools that let you apply edits to specific areas of your photos, rather than the whole image. They include the Adjustment Brush, Graduated Filter, Radial Filter, and Spot Removal tools. You can use local adjustments to enhance or correct certain parts of your photos, such as exposure, color, sharpness, etc.
Use merge tools: Merge tools are features that let you combine multiple photos into one image with more detail or range. They include the HDR Merge, Panorama Merge, and Photo Merge tools. You can use merge tools to create high dynamic range (HDR) images that have more detail in the shadows and highlights, panoramic images that have a wider field of view, and composite images that have different elements from different photos.
Use color grading: Color grading is a technique that lets you adjust the color tone of your photos to create a certain mood or style. It involves changing the hue, saturation, and luminance of the shadows, midtones, and highlights separately. You can use color grading to make your photos look more cinematic, dramatic, vintage, etc.
Use creative profiles: Creative profiles are types of profiles that apply artistic effects or filters to your photos, such as black and white, sepia, cross process, etc. They are different from regular profiles because they do not affect the basic settings of your photos, such as exposure or white balance. You can use creative profiles to give your photos a different look or feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic CC 2018 7.3.0.10 is a powerful and comprehensive photo editing software that offers a complete package of features and functions for desktop-focused workflows. It allows you to import, organize, edit, print, and share your photos in various ways. You can also use it with other Adobe apps and cloud services, such as Photoshop, Camera Raw, Creative Cloud, and Portfolio.
However, Lightroom Classic is not a perfect software, as it also has some drawbacks and limitations that may affect your decision to use it or not. It is expensive and subscription-based, complex and steep learning curve, buggy and slow, and limited cloud functionality.
Therefore, you should weigh the pros and cons of Lightroom Classic carefully before choosing it as your photo editing tool. You should also consider your needs, preferences, and budget, as well as the alternatives available in the market.
If you decide to use Lightroom Classic, you should also learn some tips and tricks that can help you optimize your workflow and efficiency, as well as improve your skills and creativity. You should also keep yourself updated with the latest features and enhancements that Adobe releases regularly.
We hope that this article has given you a comprehensive overview of Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic CC 2018 7.3.0.10, and that it has helped you make an informed decision about whether to use it or not. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below.
FAQs
Here are some common questions and answers about Lightroom Classic:
What are the system requirements for Lightroom Classic?
The minimum system requirements for Lightroom Classic are:
Operating system: Windows 10 (64-bit) or macOS 10.14 or later
Processor: Intel or AMD processor with 64-bit support; 2 GHz or faster processor
Memory: 4 GB of RAM (8 GB recommended)
Storage: 2 GB of available hard-disk space for program installation
Display: 1024 x 768 display resolution (1920 x 1080 recommended)
Graphics card: GPU with DirectX 12 support or Metal support; 2 GB of VRAM (4 GB recommended)
Internet: Internet connection and registration are necessary for required software activation, validation of subscriptions, and access to online services
How much does Lightroom Classic cost?
Lightroom Classic is part of Adobe's Creative Cloud subscription program, where you pay a monthly or annual fee to use the software, along with other benefits such as cloud storage, updates, support, and access to other apps.
The pricing plans for Lightroom Classic are:
Photography plan: $9.99 per month or $119.88 per year. Includes Lightroom Classic, Lightroom CC, Photoshop, 20 GB of cloud storage, Portfolio, Fonts, and Spark.
Photography plan with 1 TB: $19.99 pe
