Looking for the best photo editing software can be a daunting task, especially with the vast array of options available in the market today. From basic tools to sophisticated software with generative AI technology, the choices are endless. Fortunately, our team of experienced reviewers has tried and tested a wide range of photo editors to help you find the best one for your needs and budget.
In this article, we’ve outlined our top picks for the best photo editing software today, including the pros and cons of each program. We’ve also included links to the providers and our own fuller reviews, so you can dive into more details on each software. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional photographer, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s get started and find the perfect photo editing software for you.
The Best Photo-Editing Software in Full
If you’re looking to take your photography skills to the next level, you’re going to need some photo-editing software. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right one for you. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to the best photo-editing software available today. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a hobbyist, there’s something here for everyone.
The Best Photo Editing Software Overall
Adobe Photoshop remains the industry-standard software for image manipulation and is the best photo-editing software overall. It’s packed with unbeatable features and clever AI time-savers that allow you to do more work in less time. Photoshop is more for retouching and digital art than for traditional photo editing, but it’s still the most comprehensive option out there for retouching. Its layers approach allows all kinds of non-destructive adjustments to be made, and you can smooth over skin, remove artifacts, even edit facial expressions and more with the touch of a button using Adobe’s neural filters. However, it does come with a learning curve, and the fact that it requires a subscription can be a downside for some.
The Best Subscription-Free Photo Editing Software
If you’re not keen on subscriptions and prefer to pay a one-off price, then Affinity Photo is the best photo editing software that’s subscription-free. It’s not just a cheap equivalent to Photoshop but a viable alternative. It’s got professional-standard editing features, and it can handle RAW editing, HDR Merge, panoramic stitching, focus stacking, batch processing, 360-degree image editing, non-destructive layers-based editing, and intelligent objects. Its Personas are customised toolsets for different jobs, designed to put everything you need for particular tasks at your fingertips. Affinity Photo is available for Windows and Mac and as a dedicated full-featured iPad app, which can all be purchased for a one-off, no subscription price.
Best Software for Photo Book Editing
When it comes to creating memorable photo books for any occasion, from a fun graduation album to an elegant wedding photo album, Mixbook stands out as the best software for photo book editing. Its user-friendly interface, combined with a wide range of customizable templates, makes it accessible for anyone to create a personalized photo book that captures the essence of their special moments. Mixbook offers an unparalleled level of flexibility in design, allowing users to adjust layouts, add text, and embellish pages with stickers and backgrounds to suit their unique story. Whether you’re commemorating the milestones of a graduation or compiling the tender moments of a wedding, Mixbook’s comprehensive editing tools and high-quality printing options ensure that every page reflects your vision perfectly, making it the go-to software for crafting photo books that are as meaningful as they are beautiful.
The Best Value Photo Editing Software
If you’re looking for powerful AI features, easy animation effects, and an inexpensive subscription cost, CyberLink PhotoDirector 365 is the best value photo editing software. While it’s not as complex as Photoshop, it’s a great choice for anyone who wants a simple photo-editing interface that’s easy to use. Its AI-powered features, such as the AI sky replacement tool, automatic body shaping, tools for editing skin and faces, as well as lighting and animation effects, make it a great budget-friendly option for photo editing.
The Best Photo Editing Software for Organisation
Adobe Lightroom is the best photo editing software for organisation, especially for those working with large numbers of photos. It helps you to organise your work by letting you keep all of your photography in one place, edit it, and share it from anywhere. You can store images on your computer, iPad, iPhone, or Android device and even transfer photos automatically from your phone into Lightroom as you take them. It can also handle complicated image management jobs that Photoshop isn’t designed for. For example, it makes light work of day-to-day enhancements and RAW files. Syncing is automatic, so when you make an edit or flag an image as a favourite in one place, it updates everywhere else, too.
The Best Photo Editing Software for Beginners
If you’re new to photo editing, then Adobe Photoshop Elements is the best photo editing software for beginners. It’s a simplified version of Photoshop that’s designed for hobbyists and casual users. It has many of the same features as Photoshop but with a simpler interface that’s easier to navigate. It includes features like guided edits, which walk you through the process of editing your photos step-by-step.
The Best Photo Editing Software for Speed
If you’re looking for speed, then DxO PhotoLab is the best photo editing software for you. It’s designed to be fast and efficient, with a streamlined interface that makes it easy to edit your photos quickly. It also has powerful features like Smart Lighting, which automatically optimizes your photos for the best possible exposure.
Luminar AI
Luminar AI is a photo-editing software that uses AI to make editing your photos easier and faster. It includes features like Sky Replacement, which automatically replaces the sky in your photos with a more dramatic one, and AI Structure, which enhances the details in your photos without making them look over-processed.
The Easiest Photo Editing Software
If you’re looking for the easiest photo editing software, then inPixio Photo Studio is the best option. It’s designed to be simple and intuitive, with a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to edit your photos. It includes features like one-click corrections, which automatically fix common issues like red-eye and overexposure.
The Best Browser-Based Photo Editing Software
If you’re looking for browser-based photo editing software, then Pixlr X / Pixlr E is the best
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top free photo editing programs available for download?
If you’re on a tight budget, there are plenty of free photo editing programs available for download. Some of the top options include GIMP, Paint.NET, and Pixlr. These programs offer a variety of editing tools and features, including basic adjustments like cropping and color correction, as well as more advanced options like layer masks and filters.
Which photo editing tools are recommended for beginners?
If you’re new to photo editing, it can be overwhelming to choose the right tools. Some of the most user-friendly options include Adobe Photoshop Elements, Corel PaintShop Pro, and Canva. These programs offer intuitive interfaces and basic editing tools, making it easy for beginners to get started.
What are the best photo editing applications for PC users?
PC users have a wide range of photo editing applications to choose from. Some of the top options include Adobe Photoshop, CorelDRAW, and Affinity Photo. These programs offer advanced editing tools and features, making them ideal for professional photographers and graphic designers.
Can you suggest any quality online photo editing platforms?
Online photo editing platforms offer a convenient way to edit your photos without downloading any software. Some of the top options include Pixlr, Fotor, and PicMonkey. These platforms offer a variety of editing tools and features, and many of them are free to use.
What options are there for photo editing software on Mac computers?
Mac users have several photo editing software options to choose from. Some of the top options include Adobe Photoshop, Pixelmator Pro, and Affinity Photo. These programs offer advanced editing tools and features, making them ideal for professional photographers and graphic designers.
Are there any photo editors that stand out for professional use?
When it comes to professional photo editing, Adobe Photoshop is the industry standard. This program offers advanced editing tools and features, making it ideal for professional photographers and graphic designers. Other top options for professional use include Capture One Pro and Lightroom.