Editing photos is a crucial skill for anyone who wants to improve their images. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just starting out, knowing how to use editing software can take your photos from good to great. This guide will explore different photo editing methods and resources available on Mac computers.
Photo Editing Basics on Mac
Mac computers offer a range of built-in tools for photo editing, making it easy to enhance your images without needing expensive software. Here are some key applications and features:
Photos App for Mac
The Photos app is a powerful photo management and editing tool pre-installed on all Macs. It provides a user-friendly interface with a variety of editing options, including:
- Adjustments: Fine-tune brightness, contrast, saturation, highlights, shadows, and more. Click the disclosure triangles next to each adjustment name for advanced options.
- Filters: Apply pre-set filters for quick stylistic changes.
- Cropping and Rotation: Easily crop and rotate your images to improve composition.
- Retouch Tool: Remove blemishes and unwanted objects from your photos using the retouching tool, indicated by a band-aid icon.
Photos App Editing Tools - Red-Eye Correction: Quickly fix red-eye caused by flash photography.
To access the editing tools in Photos, select an image and click the “Edit” button. 
Photos App Edit Mode
Preview App for Mac
Preview, another pre-installed application, offers basic photo editing capabilities alongside its primary function of viewing files. Useful features include:
- Image Extraction: Isolate specific parts of an image by removing the background.
- Color Adjustments: Modify color balance, exposure, and contrast.
- Annotation Tools: Add text, shapes, and other markings to your images.
Exploring Additional Photo Editing Options
While Photos and Preview offer convenient editing features, more advanced users might require specialized software.
Shortcuts App for Automating Edits
The Shortcuts app allows for automation of tasks, including photo editing. While the built-in photography shortcuts are limited, you can customize existing shortcuts or create new ones to streamline your workflow. 
Shortcuts App Icon For instance, the “Combine Screenshots and Share” shortcut can be modified for specific editing needs.
Third-Party Photo Editing Software
The App Store offers a wide selection of third-party photo editing applications, ranging from free basic editors to professional-grade software with extensive features. Consider exploring options like Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, Pixelmator, or Affinity Photo for more advanced editing needs.
Conclusion
Learning how to edit photos is an essential skill for enhancing your images and expressing your creativity. Mac provides a solid foundation with its built-in tools like Photos and Preview. Leveraging these resources along with exploring additional options like Shortcuts and third-party software will empower you to take your photo editing skills to the next level. Experiment with different tools and techniques to discover the best workflow for your individual needs.
