Are there any guarantees that I can access my library if my subscription expires?

[Greg22429136xr8a]

According to, https://helpx.adobe.com/manage-account/using/cancel-subscription.html,

if you cancel your subscription, "You can continue to access all your photos on your local hard drive through Lightroom for the desktop. You can continue to import and organize photos and output your edited photos through Export, Publish, Print, Web, or Slideshow."

However, I've heard conflicting reports from actual users. Some people recently have reported that they are locked out. Also, it seems like Adobe could change the policy at any time. Is there any contract or guarantee that I will be able to access my library in perpetuity? Or could Adobe arbitrarily raise prices in the future and hold my library and all my edits hostage? 

Also, you CANNOT continue to access the Library module if you have a free trial that expires (I just tried).

[Rob_Cullen]

I also cannot be certain, but- Points to note-

a) If you do take on a subscription to the PHOTOGRAPHY PLAN it is a commitment for 12 Mnths (ie. an Annual Plan)

b) If you Cancel that Plan BEFORE the 12months are finished there are Cancellation Penalties (50% of remaining plan).

c) I assume you would need to maintain an Account  (unpaid)- necessary to keep the App activated.

d) After 12 months of use you will not want to cancel 🙂 the benefits of having a fully-working Classic.

Another point: Having tried a Trial- You must specifically Cancel the trial (within 14days), otherwise you will be charged and be committed to a 12month subscription to the Photography Plan.

[JohanElzenga]

There are no such guarantees in life. If you do not trust Adobe, do not use their products.

[Greg22429136xr8a]

Actually, many companies make such guarantees, and it's simple to put such guarantees in contract. For instance, JetBrains gives perpetual licenses to all their software and you just pay for updates. Adobe already walked back on promises not to make Lightroom subscription based. Even if current management means well (which I see no evidence of), all it takes is one greedy business guy to get up there and start charging $100/month to make this whole thing untenable. This is happening all over the medical industry (like with EpiPens). 

This is a little bit beside the point, but wouldn't it make sense for Adobe to just make the Library module free? It's already mostly free if you can cancel your subscription and access it, and I think most of us would pay the subscription for Develop, cloud, etc. But, we wouldn't have to worry if all they time we're investing in our libraries will go down the drain. 

[dj_paige]

Even if current management means well (which I see no evidence of) ...

Don't use Adobe products. You don't trust them, and nothing we can say will change that. For your own peace of mind, leave Adobe.

[Greg22429136xr8a]

Something in writing or a contract would obviously change my mind. No I don't blindly trust a corporation that is legally obligated to maximize profit. However, I was really hoping for something, because I really like Lightroom and the competitors that I tried are way behind. I think you're right though, this situation is not for me. 

[dj_paige]

The only license (which is a contract) from Adobe that I am aware of covers the time period that your subscription is active. I am not aware of any license terms that cover what happens after the subscription ends; yet Adobe has published what happens on its web site, yes that's not a contract, and since I am not a lawyer, I will not try to guess if it has any legal or contractual status.

[TheDigitalDog]

Something in writing or a contract would obviously change my mind. No I don't blindly trust a corporation that is legally obligated to maximize profit. However, I was really hoping for something, because I really like Lightroom and the competitors that I tried are way behind. I think you're right though, this situation is not for me. 

By @Greg22429136xr8a

Did you read all the Adobe EULA you agreed to just to install the software? It is all there, in black and white.

[dj_paige]

And we have heard from others for whom Lightroom Classic actually works (except for Develop and Map module) after subscription ends.

But, I like this line so much that I am repeating it verbatim:

from @JohanElzenga 

"There are no such guarantees in life. If you do not trust Adobe, do not use their products."

From the OP @Greg22429136xr8a :

Also, you CANNOT continue to access the Library module if you have a free trial that expires (I just tried).

Good to know.

[TheDigitalDog]

This is simple really: what Adobe reported in the help doc is true. Today. You can stop your subscription and all modules will work expect Maps and Develop. You can easily test this yourself by signing out of your CC account!

What the future holds?

"Predictions are hard, especially about the future."- Yogi Berra

The software you use today can be used in the future IF (big if) you keep the same OS to run it, etc. No one forces anyone to alter their existing computers.

Case in point. I have software that at the time, cost thousands of dollars that only run under OS9. I have a very old Macbook that boots OS9. I can run that software today. I rarely ever have to, but I CAN.

[DdeGannes]

Just a few thoughts to ponder on.

1. When you install a new Adobe Application on your Computer it specifically indicates what computer Operating Systems it can function on.

2. Eventually ever year to 18 months Adobe issues an Upgrade to a particular application and Adobe will advise the computer Operating System that will support the upgraded application.

3. When Adobe upgrades a particular version it does not offer updates to features, bug fixes and compatibility with new or upgraded Operating Systems.

4. It would be prudent before upgrading to ensure that your computer Operating System can support the upgraded application.

5. If it is necessary to upgrade your computer Operating System to facilitate the upgraded application then you need to check if it is possible to do so on you computer hardware components.

6. Adobe has no control over 4 & 5 above.

7. At this stage you need to make a decision upgrade your computer hardware and Operating System, or do not upgrade your software.

8. Sooner or later you will be faced with a decision.

9. Problem is new technology requires upgraded hardware and operating systems.

10. Are you still using a landline telephone with rotary dial feature?