Switch Kit › Adobe alternatives › Switching to LightCraft
Switch Kit guide 07 · 15-page PDF
A free alternative to Lightroom: switching to LightCraft
LightCraft is a free, open-source photo library and raw editor from the ArtCraft team, designed to feel familiar to people who use Adobe Lightroom software. This page sums up what you should know before switching; the guide takes you through a safe test with your own files.
Short answer
LightCraft is a free, open-source photo library and raw editor with albums, culling, masking, HDR and panoramas. It imports part of a Lightroom Classic catalogue (ratings, keywords, collections) and reads XMP sidecars. Some raw formats, lens profiles and video are not supported yet (version 0.16, alpha).
Lightroom vs LightCraft at a glance
| Lightroom | LightCraft | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | From US$11.99/month (Lightroom 1 TB plan, US) | Free |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, mobile, web | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Catalogue | Native | Partial one-way import from Lightroom Classic; XMP sidecars |
| Raw support | Very wide, with camera and lens profiles | Many cameras; some formats and lens profiles missing |
| Cloud sync | Yes | No; your library stays on your disk |
| Maturity | Industry standard | Alpha (v0.16), about 61% ready by its developers' estimate |
Prices are US or Spanish list prices checked on 31 October 2026 and vary by country. Maturity figures for ArtCraft apps are the developers' own estimates.
What to know before you switch
- Library, albums, smart albums, stacks, culling; tone curve, colour grading, masking, HDR and panorama.
- Partial one-way import of Lightroom Classic catalogues; XMP sidecars read and written.
- Some raw formats and camera/lens profiles are not supported yet.
- Exports JPEG, TIFF, AVIF, JPEG XL and DNG.
- Lightroom cloud libraries cannot be imported directly: download originals first.
Facts checked on 31 October 2026. Prices and versions change; check the official sites.
Is it right for you?
A good fit if…
- You manage a personal photo library.
- You use Lightroom Classic mainly for editing and keywords.
- You want your catalogue on your own disk.
Better to wait if…
- Your camera's raw format is not yet supported (check first).
- You rely on Lightroom presets with camera profiles.
How to switch from Lightroom to LightCraft in five steps
- Check the fitRead what is ready and what is missing, and decide whether LightCraft suits your work today.
- Install from the official sourceDownload LightCraft only from the official site and verify the checksum. Keep Lightroom installed for now.
- Run a five-file testOpen five real files from your own work, edit and export them, and note what changes.
- Use both for two weeksDo new, low-risk work in LightCraft while keeping Lightroom for anything urgent.
- Time your subscriptionIf you decide to leave, cancel at the cheapest moment and download everything first.
The guide expands each step with checklists, a test sheet and a two-week plan.
Other free options worth knowing
This guide focuses on one alternative, but it is not the only one. These well-known options may suit you better depending on your work. See the full comparison of free Adobe alternatives.
darktable
Free, open-source raw developer and photo library.
RawTherapee
Free, open-source raw processor.
digiKam
Free, open-source photo management with raw support.
Inside the guide
The two tools at a glance · a self-assessment (good fit or better to wait) · what feels familiar and what is still in progress · a five-file compatibility test · plug-ins, AI and workflow notes · timing your exit from your subscription without surprise fees · protecting your work before you leave · safe installation · a gentle two-week migration plan · a printable checklist.
Printable A4 PDF in English · instant download · checklists you can tick · written by Julian Beaumont, 20 years of hands-on experience with creative and digital tools.
€7PDF, VAT included
Get the guide · €7Frequently asked questions
What is a free alternative to Lightroom?
LightCraft is a new open-source option close to Lightroom's library-and-develop workflow. The guide checks your camera support first.
Can I import my Lightroom catalogue?
Partly: ratings, flags, labels, keywords, collections and supported edits import one way from Lightroom Classic.
Will my edits look the same?
Not always. Edits that LightCraft does not support are not converted, so keep your originals and exports.
Does LightCraft work on Mac and Linux?
Yes. LightCraft has builds for Windows, macOS and Linux, from getartcraft.com or the project's GitHub.
Is LightCraft safe to download?
Download it only from the official sources. Each release ships with SHA-256 checksums so you can verify the file; look-alike download sites exist.
Can I keep Lightroom while I test LightCraft?
Yes, and the guide recommends it. Both can be installed side by side, so you test with real files before changing anything.
Next steps
Leaving a Creative Cloud plan? Read how to cancel Adobe Creative Cloud without a surprise fee.
New to ArtCraft? Start with the free overview of all thirteen apps.
