Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic 2021 v10.4.0, released in August 2021, represents a refined state of the software's tenth major version. While v10.0 introduced transformative features like advanced Color Grading, v10.4 focused on expanding specialized professional capabilities and ensuring stability across newer hardware. The Core of Version 10
The 2021 release cycle's defining feature was the replacement of the Split Toning panel with a more robust Color Grading tool. This update provided photographers with cinema-standard control, allowing for independent hue, saturation, and luminance adjustments across shadows, midtones, and highlights through interactive color wheels.
Additionally, this generation of Lightroom Classic improved the digital-to-analog bridge with Live View Tethering for select Canon and Nikon cameras, enabling photographers to view their camera's frame directly on their computer monitor during a shoot. Key Enhancements in v10.4.0
Version 10.4.0 served as a critical interim update that addressed specific workflow hurdles:
Duplicate Collection Sets: Adobe introduced the ability to duplicate entire Collection Sets, including all the nested collections within them, significantly speeding up organizational tasks for high-volume shooters.
Expanded Nikon Support: Following the beta support in earlier versions, v10.4.0 added official Tethered Live View support for the Nikon D750 and D610 cameras.
Camera and Lens Profiles: This version added support for the latest camera models and lenses released during mid-2021, ensuring raw file compatibility for new hardware.
Stability and Bug Fixes: The update resolved several user-reported issues, including fixes for Canon tethering and metadata syncing problems. Performance and Modern Hardware
The 2021 series of updates was notable for its transition toward modern computing architectures. Version 10.3 (released just prior to 10.4.0) brought native support for Apple M1 chips, which v10.4.0 continued to refine. For Windows users, the software necessitated Windows 10 or later, moving away from older operating systems to leverage better GPU acceleration and processing speeds. The Lightroom-Photoshop Ecosystem Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic 2021 v10.4.0
Despite its powerful editing tools, Lightroom Classic v10.4.0 remained a non-destructive, catalog-based manager. It functioned as the primary hub for organizing and developing images, while Adobe Photoshop was reserved for complex pixel manipulation, such as compositing or advanced retouching that requires layers. Features like Smart Previews in v10.4.0 allowed users to continue editing even when the original high-resolution files were disconnected from the system, a hallmark of its desktop-optimized efficiency. Lightroom Classic system requirements - Adobe Help Center
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic 2021 v10.4.0 Adobe released Lightroom Classic 10.4 on August 17, 2021, as a focused interim update. While major features like the Masking Engine and Super Resolution arrived in earlier or later 2021 versions, v10.4 stabilized the platform and added support for emerging hardware. Key Features & Enhancements
Although v10.4 was primarily a maintenance release, it introduced specific workflow improvements:
Duplicate Collection Sets: You can now duplicate an entire Collection Set, which automatically duplicates all individual collections within it.
Nikon Tethered Live View: Support for Tethered Capture with Live View was added for the Nikon D750 and Nikon D610.
Performance Stability: This version addressed several performance issues, including a GDI handle leak on Windows that previously caused the software to slow down significantly over time. New Camera and Lens Support
Version 10.4 expanded the Lightroom ecosystem's compatibility with new hardware:
New Cameras: Added support for the Nikon Z fc, Apple iPad Pro (11-inch & 12.9-inch), and the Parrot Anafi2 drone. Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic 2021 v10
New Lenses: Included lens correction profiles for several new models, notably the Canon RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM and the Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM. Critical Bug Fixes
This update resolved several community-reported issues that impacted workflow:
Super Resolution: Fixed a Mac-specific bug where Enhance Super Resolution would fail if the original image was located in a Quick Collection.
Metadata Browser: Fixed incorrect counts in the Smart Preview Status columns of the Metadata browser.
Leica DNGs: Resolved an issue where Guided Upright failed to work on certain Leica DNG files.
File Handling: Addressed a file handling issue for the Canon EOS R5 when used with the RS 24-240mm f4-6.3 IS USM lens. How to Update To update to version 10.4.0, users can: Open the Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop app. Click the Update button next to Lightroom Classic.
If it doesn't appear, go to Help > Check for Updates to refresh the list.
If Lightroom Classic 2021 (v10.0) laid the foundation, version 10.4.0 refined the most exciting visual addition: the Color Grading panel. Midtones Control: Unlike Split Toning, which only affected
Replacing the venerable "Split Toning" panel, the Color Grading tool introduced photographers to a workflow inspired by cinematic color theory. While earlier iterations of LR 2021 introduced this, v10.4.0 provided the stability and refinement needed for professional adoption.
What changed?
This update transformed Lightroom from a simple photo editor into a tool capable of achieving cinematic "looks" straight out of the box.
Install via the Adobe Creative Cloud desktop app to ensure proper licensing, automatic updates, and compatibility with other Creative Cloud apps. Back up your catalog before upgrading, and verify plugin compatibility.
As expected, v10.4.0 added raw support for:
If your camera was released before June 2021, v10.4.0 natively supports its raw files without needing DNG conversion.
Even in v10.4.0, Smart Previews allow you to edit photos while your external hard drive is disconnected. Generate 1:1 Smart Previews on import, and you can work on a laptop anywhere, reconnecting later to export full-resolution files.