Skip to main content
Anshul_Saini
Community Manager
Anshul_SainiCommunity Manager
Community Manager
August 4, 2026
Sticky

Lightroom Classic v15.5 is Here: Better Masking Controls, Render to DNG, and More

  • August 4, 2026
  • 13 replies
  • 582 views

The August 2026 release of Lightroom Classic (v15.5) brings a mix of creative enhancements, workflow improvements, and reliability fixes designed to help you edit with greater precision and confidence. From more refined masking controls to a new way to create rendered DNG files, this update focuses on giving photographers more flexibility while also addressing a wide range of issues reported by the community.

 

What’s New

Lightroom Classic v15.5 introduces enhanced masking capabilities with new Feather and Edge controls, giving you finer control over photo masks and more creative editing possibilities. Cropping workflows are also improved with the ability to temporarily adjust photo opacity, making it easier to see cropped-out areas and accurately frame your images.

For photographers who want a fresh starting point after extensive edits, the new Render to DNG option allows you to save a rendered DNG file with all current edits permanently applied. This creates a non-raw version of your image that can serve as the foundation for further editing.


The release also improves catalog reliability by automatically detecting and prompting you to repair issues related to lrcat-data files. In addition, support has been added for new GoPro camera models and select GoPro, Laowa, and SIGMA lenses.

Learn more about the latest updates here.

 

👉 Download the latest version of Lightroom Classic here.​​

 

Bug Fixes:

See the full list of bug fixes here.

 

How to Update

To get Lightroom Classic v15.5, open the Adobe Creative Cloud desktop app, navigate to the Apps tab, and update Lightroom Classic to the latest version. Once installed, you'll immediately have access to the new editing controls, workflow enhancements, camera and lens support updates, and the latest fixes.

 

Join the Conversation

Have you tried the new Feather and Edge masking controls or the Render to DNG workflow? We'd love to hear how these updates fit into your editing process. Share your favorite new feature, creative workflows, or any improvements you've noticed since updating to Lightroom Classic v15.5.

      13 replies

      curt.gallery
      curt.gallery
      Known Participant
      August 22, 2026

      I have been playing around with edge and feather and they help some. I surprised at how poorly LR does at masking period. You can see the clearly lighter areas between the trees that it missed. Compared to other tools this is a poor result. Also, what is the deal with the long delay in switching between images now. You click the thumbnail and 20 seconds later it is displayed. 

      S
      scott_4838
      Participant
      August 19, 2026

      Render to DNG only lets you do one file at a time, even if multiple are selected. Seems like a basic oversight.

      C
      carlos_3629
      Participant
      August 15, 2026

      quisiera saber acerca de una funcion nueva de “quitar reflejos” como por ejemplo los de una vitrina. Se que viene en esta nueva version pero no la estoy encontrando.

       

      J
      johnt41947401
      Inspiring
      August 15, 2026

      Its under the remove tool menu, hit Q to open it and there are then a series of options including remove reflections.

      alexskunz
      alexskunz
      Inspiring
      August 13, 2026

      I find it odd and counterintuitive that original & newly rendered DNG aren’t automatically stacked. Was there a conscious decision against this? I’d like to understand the reasoning.

        J
        johnt41947401
        Inspiring
        August 12, 2026

        I’ve waited to post this just to confirm my thoughts from the past week and using Win 11, LRC 15.5 doesn’t appear as laggy or slow as previous versions which is good, hopefully it continues!

          C
          cadmium48
          Participant
          August 8, 2026

          A small but very welcome feature, but this version is very crashy on Windows 11 - in a way it’s never been for me.

          J
          johnt41947401
          Inspiring
          August 12, 2026

          I use WIN 11 and I’ve had no issues with crashing?

          D
          Disp6194
          Participant
          August 7, 2026

          The auto-snapping in crop makes editing the photos extremely difficult on mobile. The snapping cuts off half my image and then I have to reset and try again. Is there a way to turn this feature off? 

          I
          imontv08
          Known Participant
          August 7, 2026

          Why is there no feather option in the luminance and color range mask? Will it be added later?

          Rikk Flohr_Photography
          Community Manager
          Rikk Flohr_PhotographyCommunity Manager
          August 7, 2026

          Both Luminance and Color range masks already have controls to feather the ranges. 

          Rikk Flohr: Adobe Photography Org
          I
          imontv08
          Known Participant
          August 7, 2026

          It’s not the same as feathering edges. The problem with luminance range masks is that you can easily destroy local contrast or get other weird artifacts even with range feathering / falloff on. This can be solved with additionally feathering the edges of the mask.

          Here’s what I mean: 

           

            R
            rudolfl27731976
            Known Participant
            August 5, 2026

            Really like the Feather and Edge controls in the mask section! 

              Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
              Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices