What are the main differences between Lightroom on the iPad and Lightroom Classic on a Mac

Design Philosophy and File Management

- Lightroom on iPad: This version is centered around cloud-based storage and synchronization, allowing seamless access across devices. It uses Adobe's cloud infrastructure to manage and sync photos, making it ideal for users who prefer cloud-based workflows. However, it lacks advanced local file management capabilities, such as renaming files or organizing them in complex hierarchies, which are available in Lightroom Classic[3][4].

- Lightroom Classic on Mac: Designed for local file management, Lightroom Classic provides users with full control over their files stored on local storage. It offers advanced features like renaming files, workspace customization, and organizing collections into sets, which are not available in the iPad version[3][6]. Additionally, it supports tethered shooting, which is crucial for professional photographers[3].

Editing Features

- Lightroom on iPad: While the iPad version offers robust editing capabilities similar to Lightroom Classic, such as AI-powered tools like Denoise and Super Resolution, it lacks some advanced features. For instance, it does not support batch HDR or panoramic merges, nor does it have a histogram behind the tone curve, which can be useful for precise adjustments[4][9].

- Lightroom Classic on Mac: Offers a broader range of editing tools, including advanced masking options, content-aware local edits, and automatic selections, which are borrowed from Photoshop. It also supports HDR improvements, allowing for better display on HDR and SDR hardware[2][3]. Additionally, it includes features like snapshots, which allow users to save multiple versions of an edit for easy comparison[3].

User Interface and Usability

- Lightroom on iPad: The interface is optimized for touchscreens, making it intuitive for mobile use. However, it lacks the complexity and customization options available in Lightroom Classic, such as reordering or hiding panels[3][4].

- Lightroom Classic on Mac: Designed for desktop use, it offers a more complex and customizable interface. Users can adjust the layout to suit their workflow preferences, which is not possible in the iPad version[3].

Syncing and Cloud Integration

- Lightroom on iPad: Seamlessly integrates with Adobe's cloud ecosystem, allowing full-resolution file syncing across devices[3][6].

- Lightroom Classic on Mac: While it can sync with the cloud, it only uploads smart previews (lower-resolution versions) rather than full-resolution images. This limits its integration with the cloud ecosystem compared to the iPad version[6][7].

In summary, Lightroom on the iPad is ideal for users who prefer a cloud-centric workflow with robust editing capabilities but limited file management options. Lightroom Classic on a Mac is better suited for professionals who require advanced local file management, extensive editing features, and customization options.