When it comes to professional raw photo editing, two of the most powerful software programs available are ON1 Photo RAW and Lightroom Classic. Each photo editor includes AI-powered tools, advanced color tools, and non-destructive workflows, making them the top choices for photographers looking to manage and streamline their photo editing workflows.

How are these two software programs similar? If you’re looking for an alternative to Lightroom Classic or just curious about ON1 Photo RAW, this post breaks down 10 key similarities that make both programs great choices for photographers.

Organized Photo Asset Management

Both ON1 Photo RAW and Lightroom Classic offer robust digital asset management (DAM) features. Each photo editing software program includes searchable databases with metadata and collections, along with AI-powered organization tools. Additionally, both include map views and tethered shooting support.

How Photo RAW Stands Out:

Unlike Lightroom, ON1 Photo RAW can act as an image browser that lets you work directly with files without an import process. Its Compare View also allows users to zoom into multiple images at 100% to check focus and expressions side by side, which Lightroom Classic lacks.

ON1 Photo RAW File Browser – Edit Photos Instantly Without Importing Files

Raw Processing & Non-Destructive Editing

Both programs feature proprietary raw processing engines with full support for RAW files from the major camera brands, as well as camera and lens correction profiles. They aren’t limited to just raw files, though, as both support compatibility with common formats such as TIFF, PSD, JPG, PNG, and video. Each also includes Local Adjustments & Selective Editing, along with radial masks, gradient masks, and vignetting tools.

How Photo RAW Stands Out:

ON1 Photo RAW introduces Brilliance AI, which automatically enhances tone, color, and skies while also reducing noise—all in a single click.

ON1 Photo RAW Brilliance AI – Automatic Tone, Color, and Sky Enhancements for RAW Photo Editing

AI-Powered Photo Enhancements

Both software options integrate AI-powered tools to enhance images including noise reduction, image upscaling, and sharpening. Making selections using built-in AI Masking Tools is also easy, allowing for selections based on subjects, backgrounds, or skies.

How Photo RAW Stands Out:

ON1’s Super Select AI lets users select any object or region and apply a full range of adjustments instantly. It also includes Sky Swap AI, distraction removal tools, and automatic portrait retouching.

Customizable Presets & Styles

Both ON1 Photo RAW and Lightroom Classic offer large libraries of presets for quick editing, along with AI-driven adaptive presets that target specific areas in a photo.

How Photo RAW Stands Out:

ON1 Photo RAW includes more built-in presets across multiple photography genres. It also allows users to preview presets in the browser before applying them—saving time.

ON1 Photo RAW Effects – Built-in Presets Preview for Fast and Easy Photo Editing

Advanced Color Grading & HSL Tools

Both platforms offer tools for precise color control, such as HSL Sliders, Split Toning, Curves, LUTs, Black & White conversion, and selective color enhancements.

How Photo RAW Stands Out:

While Lightroom Classic includes about six core color grading filters, ON1 Photo RAW offers over 30 creative filters, including unique options like Dynamic Contrast, Sunshine, Glow, Match Color, and the Lens Flare filter. Each filter can also be masked and applied selectively for even more control when editing photos.

on1-photo-raw-dynamic-contrast-enhancement.jpg

Layer-Based Editing Capabilities

Both ON1 Photo RAW and Lightroom Classic allow for adjustment layers that enable selective tone and color corrections. Users can also apply masks using brushes, gradients, and AI.

How Photo RAW Stands Out:

Unlike Lightroom Classic, which requires Photoshop for true layer-based editing, ON1 Photo RAW natively supports multi-layered workflows—letting you blend images, swap backgrounds, and create composites without needing a second application.

ON1 Photo RAW Layer-Based Editing – Blend Images, Swap Backgrounds, and Create Composites Without Photoshop

Portrait Retouching Features

Both ON1 Photo RAW and Lightroom Classic offer powerful portrait retouching tools, including face detection, skin smoothing, blemish and shine removal, and eye and smile enhancements. These features help photographers edit portraits with professional-quality adjustments. However, while both programs support these capabilities, Lightroom Classic relies on manual masking and individual adjustment layers, requiring more time and effort to achieve precise results.

How ON1 Photo RAW Stands Out:

ON1 Photo RAW takes portrait editing a step further with its dedicated Portrait AI module, which automatically detects and classifies faces, applying the appropriate level of skin smoothing, blemish removal, and enhancements for each subject. Unlike Lightroom, ON1 Photo RAW allows for independent adjustments on multiple faces within a single image using intuitive sliders, streamlining the retouching process.

ON1 Photo RAW Portrait AI – Automatic Face Detection and Retouching for Flawless Portrait Editing

HDR & Panorama Stitching

Both programs allow users to merge images into HDR composites for high dynamic range (HDR) images, along with panoramas for ultra-wide shots.

How Photo RAW Stands Out:

ON1 Photo RAW enhances creative possibilities with Focus Stacking, allowing photographers to merge multiple images for an extended depth of field, ensuring every detail is sharp from foreground to background. Additionally, the Time-Lapse Creation feature transforms image sequences into video, perfect for capturing motion and progression over time. For greater control over exposure blending, Layer Stacking enables users to combine different exposures seamlessly within the software without requiring external applications.

ON1 Photo RAW HDR – High Dynamic Range Photo Merging for Stunning Detail and Balanced Exposure

Customizable Export Options

Both programs offer robust batch export options with presets and the ability to control naming, location, file size and type, metadata, and watermarks. The ability to export multiple file sizes and types simultaneously is also beneficial in each app.

Cloud Sync & Mobile Compatibility

Both Lightroom Classic and ON1 Photo RAW offer mobile compatibility, allowing users to sync photos between desktop and mobile devices. Each program uses proxy-based editing (without requiring full-resolution files), keeping the original photo stored on your desktop computer.

How Photo RAW Stands Out:

ON1 Cloud Sync allows users to publish entire cataloged folder structures that can be navigated on mobile, as well as collections and albums. The ON1 Cloud Sync service also works across multiple desktop or laptop computers, so you can publish photos from any of them and view and edit them on any device. Additionally, Cloud Sync synchronizes other features such as presets, add-ons, and preferences across devices.

ON1 Photo RAW Cloud Sync – Seamless Photo Editing Across Desktop and Mobile Devices

Final Thoughts: Which One Is Right for You?

If you’re looking for an all-in-one Lightroom alternative that includes robust AI tools, advanced masking, and full-layer editing without needing multiple software applications, ON1 Photo RAW might be your best choice. While Lightroom Classic excels, ON1 offers greater flexibility, more filters, and a one-time purchase option—making it an ideal pick for photographers who want more control without committing to a subscription.

Try ON1 Photo RAW Today!

Want to see how ON1 Photo RAW stacks up in real-world editing? Download the free trial and experience its powerful features firsthand.