Adobe Lightroom: Perpetual to Subscription Transition: Difference between revisions
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| Title = Adobe Lightroom | | Title = Adobe Lightroom | ||
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| Official Website = https://lightroom.com/ | | Official Website = https://lightroom.com/ | ||
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'''{{Wplink|Adobe Lightroom|Adobe Photoshop Lightroom}}''' is a photo-editing and management software developed by [[Adobe]]. As of January 2025, it is licensed for use either standalone or as part of [[Adobe Creative Cloud]], and is supported both on desktop (Windows, macOS) and mobile platforms (iOS, Android), as well as Apple TV (tvOS). Despite its simplicity compared to other photo-editing software, it remains a very popular choice among photographers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Condon |first=Mark |date=12 Dec 2024 |title=What Photo Editing Software Do Photographers Use in 2024? (Survey Results) |url=https://shotkit.com/photo-editing-software-survey/ |url-status=live |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=Shotkit |ref=condon-article-1}}</ref> | |||
==Purchase and licensing== | ==Purchase and licensing== | ||
Lightroom underwent a significant licensing transformation by shifting from a perpetual-license model (up to Lightroom 6) to a subscription-based model (Lightroom 7 and on) under Adobe's Creative Cloud (CC) ecosystem, being either standalone or bundled with other software in the suite.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |last=Hogarty |first=Tom |date=18 Oct 2017 |title=Introducing: Lightroom CC, Lightroom Classic CC and More |url=https://theblog.adobe.com/introducing-lightroom-cc-lightroom-classic-cc-and-more/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209210136/https://theblog.adobe.com/introducing-lightroom-cc-lightroom-classic-cc-and-more/ |archive-date=9 Feb 2019 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=Adobe Blog}}</ref> Before 2017, Lightroom was available as a standalone application purchased through a perpetual license.<ref name=":02" /> Users paid a one-time fee, granting them indefinite ownership of the software with access to updates and support for a specified period. In October 2017, Adobe officially announced that future versions of Lightroom would not sold under perpetual licenses, instead being integrated into its CC subscription service.<ref name=":02" /> This strategic move aligned Lightroom with Adobe's suite of applications, all accessible solely through ongoing subscriptions. The perpetual-license option was permanently removed,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Condon |first=Mark |date=29 Nov 2024 |title=What's the Best Way to Buy Lightroom in 2024? |url=https://shotkit.com/buy-lightroom/ |url-status=live |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=Shotkit |ref=condon-article-2}}</ref> forcing users to switch to a subscription model to continue using the software and accessing new features.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cox |first=Spencer |date=18 Oct 2017 |title=Lightroom Classic and Lightroom CC Announced – Subscription Only |url=https://photographylife.com/news/lightroom-classic-and-lightroom-cc-announced-subscription-only |url-status=live |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=Photographylife}}</ref> | Lightroom underwent a significant licensing transformation by shifting from a perpetual-license model (up to Lightroom 6) to a subscription-based model (Lightroom 7 and on) under Adobe's Creative Cloud (CC) ecosystem, being either standalone or bundled with other software in the suite.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |last=Hogarty |first=Tom |date=18 Oct 2017 |title=Introducing: Lightroom CC, Lightroom Classic CC and More |url=https://theblog.adobe.com/introducing-lightroom-cc-lightroom-classic-cc-and-more/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209210136/https://theblog.adobe.com/introducing-lightroom-cc-lightroom-classic-cc-and-more/ |archive-date=9 Feb 2019 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=Adobe Blog}}</ref> Before 2017, Lightroom was available as a standalone application purchased through a perpetual license.<ref name=":02" /> Users paid a one-time fee, granting them indefinite ownership of the software with access to updates and support for a specified period. In October 2017, Adobe officially announced that future versions of Lightroom would not sold under perpetual licenses, instead being integrated into its CC subscription service.<ref name=":02" /> This strategic move aligned Lightroom with Adobe's suite of applications, all accessible solely through ongoing subscriptions. The perpetual-license option was permanently removed,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Condon |first=Mark |date=29 Nov 2024 |title=What's the Best Way to Buy Lightroom in 2024? |url=https://shotkit.com/buy-lightroom/ |url-status=live |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=Shotkit |ref=condon-article-2}}</ref> forcing users to switch to a subscription model to continue using the software and accessing new features.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cox |first=Spencer |date=18 Oct 2017 |title=Lightroom Classic and Lightroom CC Announced – Subscription Only |url=https://photographylife.com/news/lightroom-classic-and-lightroom-cc-announced-subscription-only |url-status=live |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=Photographylife}}</ref> | ||
===Transition | ===Transition timeline=== | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
!Date | !Date | ||
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|Adobe ends download support for purchased copies of Lightroom 6<ref name=":1" /> | |Adobe ends download support for purchased copies of Lightroom 6<ref name=":1" /> | ||
|} | |} | ||
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==Service Siphoning== | ==Service Siphoning== | ||
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====Definition==== | ====Definition==== | ||
''Service Siphoning'' refers to the practice of converting previously standalone features or products into subscription-based services. This approach effectively forces users into recurring payments to access functionalities that were once available through a one-time purchase, often diminishing the value proposition of the original product. | ''Service Siphoning'' refers to the practice of converting previously standalone features or products into subscription-based services. This approach effectively forces users into recurring payments to access functionalities that were once available through a one-time purchase, often diminishing the value proposition of the original product. | ||
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#'''Technical lock-in mechanisms''': Implementations that tie software functionality to cloud services make it technically challenging for users to revert to standalone usage without the subscription. This includes deliberate omission of highly requested features (catalogs on network volumes, local sync for the iPad version Lightroom Mobile). | #'''Technical lock-in mechanisms''': Implementations that tie software functionality to cloud services make it technically challenging for users to revert to standalone usage without the subscription. This includes deliberate omission of highly requested features (catalogs on network volumes, local sync for the iPad version Lightroom Mobile). | ||
==Impact on | ==Impact on consumers== | ||
===Professional | ===Professional photographers and enthusiasts=== | ||
*'''Workflow Disruption''': Long-term users experienced interruptions in their established workflows, necessitating adaptation to new software versions and subscription management. | *'''Workflow Disruption''': Long-term users experienced interruptions in their established workflows, necessitating adaptation to new software versions and subscription management. | ||
*'''Financial Implications''': Transitioning from a one-time payment to an ongoing subscription increased the total cost of ownership over time, affecting budgets and financial planning for professionals and serious hobbyists. | *'''Financial Implications''': Transitioning from a one-time payment to an ongoing subscription increased the total cost of ownership over time, affecting budgets and financial planning for professionals and serious hobbyists. | ||
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*'''Privacy Issues:''' Working with the software on multiple devices is only feasible by using the cloud service, which potentially requires images of third parties (clients, models) to be shared with the company and their cloud storage provider(s) without end-to-end encryption. In a practical environment, a model/client will not be asked for their permission for this. If they are asked and object, the photographer's workflow is disrupted. For non US citizens, Adobe cloud storage can mean that the US government can theoretically illegitimately gain access to their personal data. | *'''Privacy Issues:''' Working with the software on multiple devices is only feasible by using the cloud service, which potentially requires images of third parties (clients, models) to be shared with the company and their cloud storage provider(s) without end-to-end encryption. In a practical environment, a model/client will not be asked for their permission for this. If they are asked and object, the photographer's workflow is disrupted. For non US citizens, Adobe cloud storage can mean that the US government can theoretically illegitimately gain access to their personal data. | ||
===Market and | ===Market and industry implications=== | ||
*'''Precedent Setting''': Adobe's shift set a precedent for the software industry, influencing other companies to adopt subscription-based models and reshaping consumer expectations and industry standards. | *'''Precedent Setting''': Adobe's shift set a precedent for the software industry, influencing other companies to adopt subscription-based models and reshaping consumer expectations and industry standards. | ||
*'''Competitive Landscape''': Competitors faced pressure to adjust their pricing and licensing strategies in response to Adobe's transition, affecting broader market dynamics and encouraging the emergence of alternative software solutions. | *'''Competitive Landscape''': Competitors faced pressure to adjust their pricing and licensing strategies in response to Adobe's transition, affecting broader market dynamics and encouraging the emergence of alternative software solutions. | ||
==Community and | ==Community and user response== | ||
===Feedback and | ===Feedback and criticism=== | ||
Users expressed significant dissatisfaction through various channels, including Adobe Community Forums, social media platforms, and direct feedback. Industry coverage reported a strongly negative reaction from photographers, with LightStalking warning that "there are going to be… disgruntled photographers" once Adobe ended Lightroom's standalone option.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bayern |first=Kehl |date=28 Oct 2017 |title=Oh No! Adobe to End Lightroom as Standalone Product at End of 2017 |url=https://www.lightstalking.com/oh-no-adobe-end-lightroom-standalone-product-end-2017/ |url-status=live |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=Light Stalking}}</ref> Common grievances included: | Users expressed significant dissatisfaction through various channels, including Adobe Community Forums, social media platforms, and direct feedback. Industry coverage reported a strongly negative reaction from photographers, with LightStalking warning that "there are going to be… disgruntled photographers" once Adobe ended Lightroom's standalone option.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bayern |first=Kehl |date=28 Oct 2017 |title=Oh No! Adobe to End Lightroom as Standalone Product at End of 2017 |url=https://www.lightstalking.com/oh-no-adobe-end-lightroom-standalone-product-end-2017/ |url-status=live |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=Light Stalking}}</ref> Common grievances included: | ||
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*'''Impact on Established Workflows''': Professionals reliant on Lightroom for their business workflows found the transition disruptive, as migrating to a subscription model required adjustments and potentially impacted productivity. | *'''Impact on Established Workflows''': Professionals reliant on Lightroom for their business workflows found the transition disruptive, as migrating to a subscription model required adjustments and potentially impacted productivity. | ||
===Alternatives and | ===Alternatives and adaptations=== | ||
In response to Adobe's shift, some users explored alternative software solutions offering perpetual licenses or more flexible subscription terms, such as: | In response to Adobe's shift, some users explored alternative software solutions offering perpetual licenses or more flexible subscription terms, such as: | ||
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Others adapted by integrating Adobe's subscription model into their business practices, balancing the benefits of continuous updates and cloud features against the recurring costs. | Others adapted by integrating Adobe's subscription model into their business practices, balancing the benefits of continuous updates and cloud features against the recurring costs. | ||
==Adobe's | ==Adobe's response== | ||
Adobe provided several justifications for the transition, emphasizing the benefits of the Creative Cloud model: | Adobe provided several justifications for the transition, emphasizing the benefits of the Creative Cloud model: | ||
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In response to privacy and AI concerns, Adobe emphasized that "you own your content" and that it "never trained generative AI on customer content".<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 Jun 2024 |title=Updating Adobe's Terms of Use |url=https://blog.adobe.com/en/publish/2024/06/10/updating-adobes-terms-of-use |url-status=live |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=Adobe Blog}}</ref> Tech media reported Adobe's clarifications that it only accesses user files to enable advertised features (e.g. Neural Filters) and explicitly "does not access, view or listen to" content stored locally on users' devices.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wuerthele |first=Mike |date=7 Jun 2024 |title=Adobe has clarified controversial shrinkwrap license terms |url=https://appleinsider.com/articles/24/06/07/adobe-has-clarified-controversial-shrinkwrap-license-terms-but-the-damage-may-have-already-been-done |url-status=live |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=AppleInsider}}</ref> | In response to privacy and AI concerns, Adobe emphasized that "you own your content" and that it "never trained generative AI on customer content".<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 Jun 2024 |title=Updating Adobe's Terms of Use |url=https://blog.adobe.com/en/publish/2024/06/10/updating-adobes-terms-of-use |url-status=live |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=Adobe Blog}}</ref> Tech media reported Adobe's clarifications that it only accesses user files to enable advertised features (e.g. Neural Filters) and explicitly "does not access, view or listen to" content stored locally on users' devices.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wuerthele |first=Mike |date=7 Jun 2024 |title=Adobe has clarified controversial shrinkwrap license terms |url=https://appleinsider.com/articles/24/06/07/adobe-has-clarified-controversial-shrinkwrap-license-terms-but-the-damage-may-have-already-been-done |url-status=live |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=AppleInsider}}</ref> | ||
==External | ==External links== | ||
*[https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-lightroom.html Adobe Lightroom Official Website] | *[https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-lightroom.html Adobe Lightroom Official Website] | ||
*[https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/plans.html Creative Cloud Subscription Plans] | *[https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/plans.html Creative Cloud Subscription Plans] | ||
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*[https://community.adobe.com/t5/lightroom-classic-ideas/p-there-needs-to-be-a-perpetual-license-option-for-enthusiast-photographers/idi-p/12248601 There needs to be a perpetual license option for enthusiast photographers - Adobe Community] | *[https://community.adobe.com/t5/lightroom-classic-ideas/p-there-needs-to-be-a-perpetual-license-option-for-enthusiast-photographers/idi-p/12248601 There needs to be a perpetual license option for enthusiast photographers - Adobe Community] | ||
*[https://www.lightroomqueen.com/community/threads/i-want-to-try-cc-photo-but-protect-my-current-perpetual-license-would-this-work.40562 Lightroom Queen Forums: CC/Photo and Perpetual License Discussion] | *[https://www.lightroomqueen.com/community/threads/i-want-to-try-cc-photo-but-protect-my-current-perpetual-license-would-this-work.40562 Lightroom Queen Forums: CC/Photo and Perpetual License Discussion] | ||
*[https://photographylife.com/news/lightroom-classic-and-lightroom-cc-announced-subscription-only Photography Life, Lightroom Classic and Lightroom CC Announced Subscription only] Has Screenshots from Adobe website before the tranistion to subscription only. | *[https://photographylife.com/news/lightroom-classic-and-lightroom-cc-announced-subscription-only Photography Life, Lightroom Classic and Lightroom CC Announced Subscription only] — Has Screenshots from Adobe website before the tranistion to subscription only. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | |||
[[Category:Adobe]] | [[Category:Adobe]] | ||
[[Category:Products]] | [[Category:Products]] | ||
[[Category:Subscription-based services]] | [[Category:Subscription-based services]] | ||