Updates for LrC, LR and ACR
Friday 18 September 2026, 23:46 by Nando Harmsen | 54 views | 0 commentsThis article was translated from Dutch with the help of AI. Read the original.
In August 2026, Adobe released a number of updates for Lightroom, Lightroom Classic and Adobe Camera Raw. Not all features appeared in all three programmes.
With the new update for Lightroom (Lr), Lightroom Classic (LrC) and Adobe Camera Raw (ACR), a number of improvements and new features have been added. Have you installed the update yet?
Unfortunately, not all the new features are available in all three programmes. This is not unusual. ACR usually gets the latest features first. Lr and LrC follow later, so you may need to be patient.
The vectorscope display is particularly useful in ACR. It makes it easy to correct colours, for example. It is perfect for correcting skin tones. The vectorscope is only available in ACR.
Vectorscope display in Adobe Camera Raw
Another unique feature in ACR is the bi-directional mask. This lets you create a linear gradient in opposite directions. Previously, you needed an additional mask for this. This is only available in ACR.
Bi-directional mask in Adobe Camera Raw.
The bi-directional mask is not covered in the video. The new 'Glow' option is not covered either. I will discuss this in more detail in a future video. You will find both only in ACR.
Adding Glow in Adobe Camera Raw
Another feature ACR has received is Generative Expand. With the crop tool, you can have it generate new content. This can be done using Content Aware Fill or Firefly AI.
The advantage of expanding the canvas this way is that you can maintain a raw workflow. The new content is edited seamlessly along with the rest. This option is also available in Lr, but (for now) not in LrC.
Improved AI masks are available in all three programmes. The selections are much more accurate. But the biggest improvements are the edge and feather sliders.
Moving the feather and edge of masks in Lightroom
These sliders give you greater control over the edges of (particularly) AI masks. Sharp, unnatural-looking transitions are now a thing of the past.
The updates are relatively small, but welcome. Now we just have to wait until all the new features are available in all three programmes. LrC users in particular will have to be patient.
About the author
Nando Harmsen has been photographing for more than 40 years. He specialises in wedding photography and landscape photography. Nando also gives talks, workshops, masterclasses and photo trips, and regularly reviews new and interesting equipment.
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