Leaving Adobe Lightroom? Here's everything you need
Compare 2 EU alternatives side-by-side. Find the right fit based on migration difficulty, pricing, and privacy features.
Your data may be subject to US surveillance laws
Adobe Lightroom is headquartered in the US. Under the CLOUD Act and FISA Section 702, US authorities can access your data without your knowledge. Switch to an EU alternative to keep your data protected under GDPR.
All EU Alternatives at a Glance
| Alternative | Country | Pricing | Difficulty | Time Estimate | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Affinity SuiteRecommended UK-based professional creative suite including Photo, Designer, and Publisher as one-time purchase alternatives to Adobe. | 🌍GB | Paid | Medium | 2-4 hours | |
Photopea Photopea is a web-based graphic editor that supports various file formats, including PSD, XCF, and Sketch. It offers tools for photo editing, vector graphics, and text manipulation. Users can work directly in the browser without the need for software installation, making it accessible across devices. | 🇨🇿Czech Republic | Free plan available | Medium | 2-4 hours |
Our Top Picks
Best for Privacy
UK-based professional creative suite including Photo, Designer, and Publisher as one-time purchase alternatives to Adobe.
Certifications:
Best Free Option
Photopea is a web-based graphic editor that supports various file formats, including PSD, XCF, and Sketch. It offers tools for photo editing, vector graphics, and text manipulation. Users can work directly in the browser without the need for software installation, making it accessible across devices.
- Photopea is free with a functional tier for casual users.
- Browser-based; no installation required, works on any OS.
- Supports PSD files, allowing easy editing of Adobe projects.
Migration difficulty data is being enriched for these alternatives.
Detailed Comparison of Each Alternative
UK-based professional creative suite including Photo, Designer, and Publisher as one-time purchase alternatives to Adobe.
Advantages
- One-time purchase: Affinity Suite costs around $54.99, no subscriptions.
- Cross-platform support: Works on Windows, macOS, and iPadOS.
- GDPR compliant: Data protection aligned with EU regulations.
- Vector design tools: Offers advanced vector editing not in Lightroom.
Trade-offs
- No cloud storage: Requires manual file management, unlike Lightroom's cloud.
- Steeper learning curve: Different interface may slow down new users.
- Limited batch processing: Not as advanced as Lightroom's capabilities.
Photopea is a web-based graphic editor that supports various file formats, including PSD, XCF, and Sketch. It offers tools for photo editing, vector graphics, and text manipulation. Users can work directly in the browser without the need for software installation, making it accessible across devices.
Advantages
- Photopea is free with a functional tier for casual users.
- Browser-based; no installation required, works on any OS.
- Supports PSD files, allowing easy editing of Adobe projects.
- GDPR compliant, ensuring data protection for EU users.
Trade-offs
- Learning curve due to different interface and tools compared to Lightroom.
- Limited photo organization features compared to Lightroom's cataloging.
- No cloud storage; users must manage files locally or use third-party services.
Before You Switch
Export your data from Adobe Lightroom before you start the migration. This ensures you have a backup and makes the transition smoother.
General Data Export Steps
- 1Log into your Adobe Lightroom account and navigate to Settings or Privacy.
- 2Look for "Download your data", "Export", or "Data portability" options.
- 3Select all data you want to export and choose a standard format (ZIP, CSV, JSON).
- 4Wait for the export to complete — large accounts may take hours or days.
- 5Download and verify the export before proceeding with migration.
Under GDPR Article 20, you have the right to data portability. Adobe Lightroom is required to provide your data in a structured, commonly used format upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best EU alternatives to Adobe Lightroom?
There are 2 European alternatives to Adobe Lightroom. Affinity Suite, Photopea are among the top-rated options. All are GDPR-compliant and store your data in European data centers.
How long does it take to switch from Adobe Lightroom?
Migration time varies by alternative. Most migrations can be completed in under an hour with our step-by-step guides. We provide detailed migration guides for each alternative.
Can I export my data from Adobe Lightroom?
Yes, most services including Adobe Lightroom allow you to export your data. Check the settings or privacy section of your Adobe Lightroom account for data export options. GDPR also grants you the right to data portability.
Is switching from Adobe Lightroom to an EU alternative safe?
Yes, switching is safe when done correctly. We recommend: 1) Export your data from Adobe Lightroom first, 2) Set up the new EU service, 3) Import your data, 4) Run both services in parallel for a transition period, 5) Update any linked accounts or integrations, and 6) Cancel your Adobe Lightroom subscription only after verifying everything works.
Why should I switch from Adobe Lightroom to an EU alternative?
EU alternatives provide stronger privacy protection under GDPR, keep your data in European data centers, and are not subject to US surveillance laws like the CLOUD Act or FISA Section 702. By switching, you gain true data sovereignty and support European tech innovation.