Adobe Lightroom 3 Review

Ease of Use

Lightroom is very easy to use considering how much it can do, and its interface is similar to that of other popular programs. The first time opening it, however, users can get overwhelmed by all the controls and adjustments. Also, initially figuring out how photos need to be imported isn't that clear.

The only thing that made it a bit hard to use was getting used to the difference between the library and develop menus. At a first glance they seemed the same, but there are differences that make them both important. In library mode, the user can view all photos in a grid layout, and the develop mode allows the user to concentrate on individual photos in an album.

We found that we wanted to be able to to view all the photos in a grid layout in develop mode, and then be able to edit the photo in develop mode instantly. With Lightroom, you have to go to Library mode for a grid view, select the photo and then go back to develop mode.

Compared to Photoshop, Lightroom can do many of Photoshop's functions extremely easily and quickly, since it's a program made specifically for photographers.

The grid view in library mode

Learning Curve

The learning curve isn't as steep as one would think for such a powerful program. Everything is logically and for the most part intuitively grouped. For example, all the image adjustments are in one panel, and they are easily manipulated. The library and develop settings are easy to get used to working with as they are quite simple.  There are no endless menus as in Photoshop and most controls are accessible from a single screen.


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