Software


New in Lightroom: Supercharged Masking and More

October 27, 2021

By Hillary K. Grigonis

© Adobe

Adobe unveiled the newest version of Lightroom CC and Lightroom Classic CC during the Adobe Max 2021 virtual conference on October 26. The updates focus heavily on bringing more masking tools into Adobe’s RAW asset manager.

Photo editors traditionally have turned to Lightroom for whole image edits and minor retouching, while heading into Photoshop for more intense local edits. But could new local masking tools mean more edits without switching programs? On Tuesday, Oct. 26, Adobe unveiled the newest version of Lightroom CC and Lightroom Classic CC during the annual Adobe Max conference. The updates focus heavily on bringing more masking tools into Adobe’s RAW asset manager.

The new Selective Adjustment tool options will allow photographers to choose whether to add or subtract a selection from a mask.


First, Adobe says that the Selective Adjustment tools have been “entirely re-envisioned.” Photographers will now find a new masking button that includes several tools. Those tools include old options like the gradient and brush tool, along with the option to mask by color or luminance. The new Selective Adjustment tool options will also allow photographers to choose whether to add or subtract a selection from a mask.

[Read: Photoshop Major Updates: Online Tools, Fake Prevention and Refined AI]

The updated Selective Adjustment tools go hand-in-hand with the new-to-Lightroom Select Subject and Select Sky. Previously available in Photoshop, the update brings the option to use artificial intelligence to quickly create masks all within Lightroom. The new tool will select the subject or the sky using AI while photographers can add to or subtract from the mask as needed. The update is also compatible with some smartphones in the mobile version of Lightroom CC.

The update is also compatible with some smartphones in the mobile version of Lightroom CC.
Adobe is increasing the masking capabilities of its Lightroom applications as well as Adobe Camera RAW. 

Lightroom CC will also gain Classic’s ability to apply different crop overlays to an image. The overlays help crop with guides for the Rule of Thirds, Golden Spiral and others.

In Lightroom CC only, the latest update will automatically suggest presets for a photo. Adobe says that this technology works by scanning the image, identifying the subject, and suggesting presets for that particular subject. The feature works with both presets already downloaded and those within the Lightroom community.

[Read: Fast Workflow: How to Button Up Your Post-Production Process with Sam Hurd]

The update also comes with new Premium Presets. Adobe is expanding these presets from the summer launch to include eight new categories, from black and white to food photography. In Lightroom CC for desktop is a Community Remix option encourages photographers to edit the same image. Adobe says the goal is to encourage new perspectives and experiment with different edits.

Premium presets in Lightroom includes 8 categories.
The update also comes with new Premium Presets. Adobe is expanding these presets from the summer launch to include eight new categories,


Finally, Adobe is also launching Lightroom Academy, a free online learning resource. Adobe says the resource will include articles, illustrations, challenges and exercises.

The updates begin rolling out today to Lightroom CC, Lightroom Classic, and Adobe Camera RAW. Adobe also announced several updates to Photoshop during Adobe MAX. Suggested presets and Community Remix are launching only in Lightroom CC. Select Subject and Select Sky also has limited compatibility on mobile and requires a specific smartphone model.

All of the new Lightroom Classic and Lightroom updates and software compatibility are available to view on Adobe’s blog.