Choosing the right photo editing software can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting to explore the world of digital photography, the options are vast and varied. So, What Is A Good Photo Editing Software? It’s a question that depends on your individual needs, skills, and budget.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key features that define excellent photo editing software and explore some of the top contenders available today. We’ve rigorously tested a range of programs to bring you recommendations that cater to different levels of expertise and creative goals. From powerful suites packed with advanced tools to user-friendly platforms perfect for quick edits, we’ll help you navigate the landscape and find the ideal software to enhance your images and unleash your creative vision.
Key Features to Look For in Photo Editing Software
Before diving into specific software recommendations, let’s understand what constitutes a “good” photo editing software. The best choice for you will hinge on a combination of these factors:
Essential Editing Tools
At its core, good photo editing software provides a comprehensive toolkit to manipulate and enhance your images. These essential tools include:
- Cropping and Straightening: Basic yet fundamental, these tools allow you to refine composition and correct perspective issues.
- Exposure and Color Correction: Adjusting brightness, contrast, highlights, shadows, and color balance are crucial for achieving optimal image quality. Look for tools like curves and levels for precise control.
- Retouching and Healing: Removing blemishes, wrinkles, and unwanted objects is often necessary for portraits and other types of photography. Cloning and healing brushes are essential for seamless edits.
- Layers and Masks: These are the backbone of non-destructive editing, allowing you to work on different parts of an image independently and blend adjustments seamlessly. Layers and masks offer unparalleled flexibility and control.
- Selection Tools: Precisely selecting specific areas of an image is vital for targeted adjustments. Software should offer a range of selection tools, from basic shapes to intelligent, AI-powered selections.
- Sharpening and Noise Reduction: These tools help to enhance detail and clarity while minimizing unwanted grain or artifacts in your photos.
User Interface and Ease of Use
A good photo editing software should be intuitive and efficient to use. Consider these aspects of the user interface:
- Clear Layout: Tools and panels should be logically organized and easy to find.
- Customizable Workspace: The ability to personalize the interface to your workflow can significantly boost productivity.
- Non-Destructive Workflow: Ideally, edits should be non-destructive, meaning your original image remains untouched, and you can always revert to previous versions.
- Tutorials and Support: Especially for beginners, readily available tutorials and helpful support resources are invaluable for learning and troubleshooting.
Compatibility
Ensure the software is compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS) and hardware. Consider these compatibility factors:
- Operating System Compatibility: Check if the software supports your computer’s operating system and version.
- File Format Support: The software should handle a wide range of image file formats, including RAW files from your camera.
- Hardware Requirements: Powerful software may require significant processing power and memory. Ensure your computer meets the minimum and recommended specifications for smooth performance.
Price and Subscription Models
Photo editing software comes in various pricing models:
- One-Time Purchase: You buy the software once and own it indefinitely (though updates may be paid). This can be cost-effective in the long run.
- Subscription-Based: You pay a recurring fee (monthly or annually) for access to the software and often cloud storage and updates. This can provide access to the latest features but can be more expensive over time.
- Free Software: Excellent free options are available, often open-source, offering powerful features without any cost.
Consider your budget and how frequently you plan to use the software when evaluating pricing models.
AI-Powered Features
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into photo editing software, offering powerful and time-saving features:
- Automated Adjustments: AI can analyze images and suggest or automatically apply corrections for exposure, color, and more.
- Content-Aware Fill and Removal: AI can intelligently fill in areas of an image or remove objects seamlessly.
- Facial Recognition and Editing: AI can identify faces and automate retouching tasks like skin smoothing and eye enhancement.
- Sky Replacement and Scene Enhancement: AI can dramatically alter skies or enhance entire scenes with realistic results.
While AI features can be incredibly helpful, it’s essential to consider if they align with your editing style and creative control preferences.
Performance and Speed
A responsive and efficient photo editing software is crucial for a smooth workflow:
- Fast Processing: Software should handle image processing, especially for RAW files and complex edits, without significant lag or delays.
- Stable Performance: Reliability is key. The software should be stable and avoid crashes, especially during intensive editing sessions.
- Optimization for Hardware: Good software is optimized to utilize your computer’s resources effectively for optimal performance.
Top Photo Editing Software Recommendations
Based on these key features and extensive testing, here are our top recommendations for photo editing software, catering to different needs and user levels:
1. Adobe Photoshop: The Industry Standard for Comprehensive Editing
(Image credit: Future)
Best for: Professionals, designers, and anyone needing the most comprehensive and powerful photo editing capabilities.
Adobe Photoshop has long been synonymous with image editing, and for good reason. It remains the gold standard, offering an unparalleled arsenal of tools for virtually any image manipulation task imaginable.
Reasons to Buy:
- Unmatched Feature Set: Photoshop boasts an extensive collection of tools for retouching, masking, layering, color correction, compositing, and much more. It’s equipped to handle the most demanding and complex creative projects.
- Industry Standard: Photoshop is the industry-leading software used by professionals across photography, graphic design, illustration, and web design. Proficiency in Photoshop is a valuable skill in creative fields.
- AI-Powered Innovation: Adobe continues to integrate cutting-edge AI features, such as Generative Fill and Neural Filters, which streamline workflows and enable innovative and time-saving edits. Features like Sky Replacement and the Remove Tool are remarkably effective and user-friendly.
- Extensive Ecosystem: Photoshop seamlessly integrates with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications and offers a vast library of tutorials, plugins, and resources.
Reasons to Avoid:
- Subscription-Only Model: Photoshop is only available through a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud, which can be a barrier for users preferring a one-time purchase.
- Steep Learning Curve: The sheer depth and complexity of Photoshop can be overwhelming for beginners. The interface, while highly customizable, can initially feel daunting.
- Resource Intensive: Photoshop can be demanding on system resources, requiring a powerful computer for optimal performance, especially when working with large files or complex edits.
Verdict: Despite the subscription model, Adobe Photoshop remains the most powerful and versatile photo editing software available. Its comprehensive feature set, industry-standard status, and continuous innovation make it the top choice for professionals and serious enthusiasts.
Read our full Adobe Photoshop review.
2. Affinity Photo: The Powerful and Affordable Photoshop Alternative
(Image credit: Serif)
Best for: Users seeking a professional-grade photo editor without the subscription commitment of Photoshop.
Affinity Photo, now owned by Canva, has emerged as a formidable competitor to Photoshop, offering a robust feature set at a fraction of the cost and with a one-time purchase option.
Reasons to Buy:
- Professional-Grade Tools: Affinity Photo rivals Photoshop in terms of features, offering a comprehensive suite of tools for retouching, layering, masking, RAW processing, and more. It’s well-suited for professional photographers and designers.
- One-Time Purchase: Unlike Photoshop, Affinity Photo is available for a one-time purchase, making it a significantly more affordable option in the long run.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Affinity Photo works seamlessly on macOS, Windows, and iPad, providing flexibility across devices.
- Performance and Speed: Affinity Photo is known for its speed and responsiveness, handling large files and complex edits efficiently.
- Regular Updates: Affinity Photo receives regular updates with new features and improvements, ensuring it stays competitive and relevant.
Reasons to Avoid:
- Can Be Overwhelming for Newcomers: While more user-friendly than Photoshop in some aspects, Affinity Photo still boasts a professional-level interface that can be initially overwhelming for complete beginners.
- Slightly Less Feature-Rich Than Photoshop: While Affinity Photo covers most professional needs, Photoshop still holds an edge in certain niche areas and cutting-edge features.
Verdict: Affinity Photo is an exceptional photo editing software that provides a powerful and affordable alternative to Adobe Photoshop. Its one-time purchase model, professional-grade features, and cross-platform compatibility make it an excellent choice for photographers and creatives looking for value and performance.
Read our full Affinity Photo review.
3. CyberLink PhotoDirector 365: All-in-One Photo Editor and Organizer
(Image credit: CyberLink)
Best for: Users who need a photo editor with strong organizational features and a balance of power and ease of use.
CyberLink PhotoDirector 365 aims to be a comprehensive solution, combining photo editing and photo management in a single, user-friendly package.
Reasons to Buy:
- Photo Management and Organization: PhotoDirector excels at organizing large photo libraries with features like facial recognition, tagging, and efficient browsing.
- Beginner-Friendly Interface: PhotoDirector is designed with ease of use in mind, making it accessible to beginners while still offering powerful tools.
- Value for Money: Available as a subscription or perpetual license, PhotoDirector offers a competitive price point compared to other professional options.
- AI-Powered Tools: PhotoDirector integrates AI features for tasks like background removal, object removal, and style transfer, simplifying complex edits.
- Multi-Platform Support: PhotoDirector is available for both Windows and Mac.
Reasons to Avoid:
- Interface Can Feel Convoluted: Some users may find the interface slightly less streamlined than dedicated editing software, especially when switching between editing and organization modules.
- AI Credits System: Some AI features in the subscription version may require separate purchase of credits.
Verdict: CyberLink PhotoDirector 365 is a strong contender for users who want a photo editor that also handles photo organization effectively. Its user-friendly interface, value pricing, and AI-powered tools make it a good choice for both beginners and intermediate users.
Read our full CyberLink PhotoDirector 365 review.
4. ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate: Budget-Friendly Powerhouse
(Image credit: ACDSee)
Best for: Photographers seeking a feature-rich photo editor at a more affordable price than Adobe, with a one-time purchase option.
ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate provides a robust set of photo editing tools and organizational features at a competitive price point, offering a compelling alternative to subscription-based software.
Reasons to Buy:
- Affordable One-Time Purchase: ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate is available for a one-time purchase, providing long-term value. Subscription options are also available.
- Strong Image Management: ACDSee is known for its excellent image organization and browsing capabilities, making it easy to manage large photo libraries.
- RAW Processing: ACDSee offers impressive RAW processing capabilities, allowing you to extract the maximum detail and dynamic range from your camera’s RAW files.
- AI-Powered Features: ACDSee incorporates AI features for tasks like face editing, background blurring, and object selection to streamline editing workflows.
Reasons to Avoid:
- Edit Mode Lacks Some Advanced Functionality: While comprehensive, ACDSee’s editing mode may not have the same depth and breadth of advanced tools as Photoshop or Affinity Photo in certain specialized areas.
- AI Feature Performance Can Be Mixed: While promising, some AI features may produce inconsistent results compared to more mature AI implementations in other software.
- Not Ideal for Professionals in All Fields: While capable, ACDSee might not be the top choice for professionals in highly specialized fields demanding the absolute cutting edge in every feature.
Verdict: ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate is a powerful and budget-friendly photo editor that offers a compelling blend of features and value. Its one-time purchase option, strong image management, and RAW processing capabilities make it an attractive choice for photographers looking for a Photoshop and Lightroom alternative without the subscription cost.
Read our full ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate review.
5. Capture One Pro: The Professional’s Choice for Image Quality and Tethering
Capture One software during our review
Best for: Professional photographers, especially studio photographers, who prioritize ultimate image quality and tethered shooting capabilities.
Capture One Pro is renowned for its exceptional RAW processing engine and features tailored for professional workflows, particularly in studio and commercial photography.
Reasons to Buy:
- Superior Image Quality: Capture One Pro is widely regarded for its outstanding RAW conversions, producing sharper images with less noise compared to competitors.
- Highly Customizable Interface: Capture One Pro offers a highly customizable interface, allowing professionals to tailor the workspace to their specific needs and workflows.
- Tethered Shooting Capabilities: Capture One Pro excels in tethered shooting, providing seamless integration with cameras for studio photographers working directly connected to a computer.
- Advanced Color Tools: Capture One Pro boasts powerful and precise color correction tools, essential for professional-level image manipulation.
- Local Adjustments with Layers and Masks: Capture One Pro offers a robust system for local adjustments using layers and masks, providing precise control over targeted edits.
Reasons to Avoid:
- Expensive: Capture One Pro is one of the more expensive photo editing software options, especially compared to subscription-based alternatives.
- Limited Camera Support for Tethering: While supporting many cameras, tethered capture is primarily focused on Canon, Sony, Nikon, and Phase One cameras.
- No Mobile Apps or Online Sync: Unlike Adobe Lightroom, Capture One Pro lacks mobile apps and cloud synchronization features.
Verdict: Capture One Pro is the top choice for professional photographers who prioritize ultimate image quality, color accuracy, and tethered shooting capabilities. Its exceptional RAW processing and customization options justify its higher price point for demanding professionals.
Read our full Capture One Pro review.
6. Luminar AI: AI-Powered Editing for Stunning Results, Effortlessly
(Image credit: Future)
Best for: Beginners and users who want to achieve professional-looking results quickly and easily with the help of AI.
Luminar AI focuses on simplifying complex photo editing tasks through the power of artificial intelligence. It’s designed to make advanced edits accessible to users of all skill levels.
Reasons to Buy:
- AI-Driven Editing: Luminar AI leverages AI extensively to automate complex tasks, suggest edits, and provide one-click enhancements for stunning results.
- Ease of Use: Luminar AI boasts a clean and intuitive interface that is exceptionally user-friendly, making it ideal for beginners and those who prefer a streamlined workflow.
- Templates for Quick Edits: Luminar AI offers a library of Templates (presets) that provide instant, one-click adjustments to enhance photos quickly.
- Excellent Results: Despite its simplicity, Luminar AI can produce high-quality results, often rivaling those achieved with more complex software and manual editing.
- Affordable Price: Luminar AI is available at a competitive price, offering great value for its AI-powered capabilities.
Reasons to Avoid:
- Less Control Than Traditional Editors: While AI simplifies editing, users seeking granular control over every aspect of their images may find Luminar AI less flexible than traditional editors like Photoshop.
- Performance Can Be Sluggish: Performance can sometimes be slower when navigating images and applying certain AI effects.
- Repetitive Effects: Some users may find that certain AI-driven effects can become repetitive when applied across a large number of images.
Verdict: Luminar AI is a revolutionary photo editor that makes professional-level results accessible to everyone. Its AI-powered tools, ease of use, and affordable price make it an excellent choice for beginners and anyone who wants to enhance their photos quickly and effortlessly.
Read our full Luminar AI review.
7. Exposure: Embrace the Analog Look
Website screenshot for Exposure
(Image credit: Exposure)
Best for: Photographers who love the aesthetics of film and analog photography and want to recreate those looks digitally.
Exposure specializes in emulating the look and feel of classic films and analog processes, while also providing robust photo enhancement tools.
Reasons to Buy:
- Extensive Analog Effects: Exposure offers a vast library of authentic film emulations, vintage effects, grain, light leaks, and other analog-inspired looks.
- Comprehensive Adjustment Tools: Beyond analog effects, Exposure provides a full suite of tools for exposure correction, color adjustments, sharpening, and more.
- Non-Subscription Model: Exposure is available as a one-time purchase, offering long-term value.
- Fast Folder-Based Workflow: Exposure utilizes a fast folder-browsing system for organizing photos without the need for importing into catalogs.
- 30-Day Free Trial: Exposure offers a generous 30-day free trial, allowing users to thoroughly test the software before purchasing.
Reasons to Avoid:
- No Image Combination Features: Exposure is primarily focused on single-image editing and does not offer features for combining multiple images or compositing.
- Limited Thumbnail Preview Importing: Thumbnail previews during import may be less comprehensive than in catalog-based software.
Verdict: Exposure is a unique photo editor that excels at recreating the beauty of analog photography. Its extensive library of film effects, combined with powerful editing tools and a one-time purchase model, make it a standout choice for photographers who appreciate the vintage aesthetic.
8. GIMP: The Powerful and Free Open-Source Editor
(Image credit: GIMP)
Best for: Users who need a powerful, feature-rich photo editor but want a completely free and open-source solution.
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free and open-source photo editor that has long been recognized as a viable alternative to Photoshop, offering a surprisingly comprehensive set of features without any cost.
Reasons to Buy:
- Completely Free and Open-Source: GIMP is free to download and use, making it accessible to anyone regardless of budget. Being open-source means it’s constantly developed and improved by a community of contributors.
- Feature-Rich: GIMP offers a vast array of tools comparable to professional software, including layers, masks, curves, levels, filters, and plugins.
- Highly Customizable: GIMP is highly customizable, allowing users to tailor the interface and functionality to their specific needs.
- Extensible with Plugins: GIMP’s functionality can be further expanded with a wide range of free plugins and scripts developed by the community.
- Strong Community Support: GIMP has a large and active community, providing extensive tutorials, support forums, and resources for users of all levels.
Reasons to Avoid:
- Steeper Learning Curve Than Some Free Alternatives: While powerful, GIMP’s interface can be less intuitive for beginners compared to simpler free photo editors.
- Interface Can Feel Cluttered: Some users may find GIMP’s interface less polished or more cluttered than commercial software.
Verdict: GIMP is an exceptional free photo editor that rivals paid software in terms of features and capabilities. Its open-source nature, extensive toolkit, and strong community support make it the top choice for users seeking a powerful and free alternative to Photoshop.
Read our full Gimp review.
9. Pixlr: Edit Photos Directly in Your Browser
Best for: Users who need quick, professional-grade photo editing directly in their web browser without installing software.
Pixlr offers a powerful suite of online photo editing tools, including Pixlr X (for quick edits) and Pixlr E (for more advanced editing), accessible directly in your web browser.
Reasons to Buy:
- Browser-Based Editing: Pixlr eliminates the need to install software, allowing you to edit photos from any computer with an internet connection and web browser.
- Photoshop-Style Tools Online: Pixlr E (the advanced editor) offers a surprisingly comprehensive set of tools similar to Photoshop, including layers, masks, and filters.
- Free and Premium Options: Pixlr offers a free version with robust features and a premium subscription for additional tools and ad-free experience.
- Easy to Use (Pixlr X): Pixlr X is designed for quick and easy edits with a user-friendly interface, perfect for basic enhancements and social media sharing.
- Supports Layers and Masks (Pixlr E): Pixlr E provides support for layers and masks, enabling non-destructive and complex edits within a browser environment.
Reasons to Avoid:
- Requires Internet Connection: As a browser-based editor, Pixlr requires a stable internet connection to function.
- Performance Can Depend on Internet Speed: Performance may be affected by internet speed and browser capabilities, especially with large files or complex edits.
- Free Version Includes Ads: The free version of Pixlr includes advertisements.
Verdict: Pixlr is an impressive online photo editor that provides a convenient and surprisingly powerful solution for editing photos directly in your browser. Its accessibility, Photoshop-style tools (in Pixlr E), and free option make it a top choice for quick edits and on-the-go photo enhancement.
Read our full Pixlr review.
10. DxO PhotoLab: Lens Correction and Image Perfection
Best for: Photographers who prioritize exceptional lens correction and RAW conversion quality, especially for demanding genres like landscape and architectural photography.
DxO PhotoLab is renowned for its lab-derived lens correction profiles and outstanding RAW processing engine, delivering superior image quality and sharpness.
Reasons to Buy:
- Unrivaled Lens Correction: DxO PhotoLab’s lens correction profiles are considered the best in the industry, automatically correcting distortions, vignetting, and chromatic aberration with exceptional precision.
- Superior RAW Conversion: DxO PhotoLab’s RAW engine excels at extracting maximum detail and dynamic range from RAW files, resulting in exceptionally sharp and clean images.
- PRIME Denoise: DxO’s PRIME denoising technology is highly effective at reducing noise while preserving detail, particularly in high-ISO images.
- Local Adjustment Tools: DxO PhotoLab offers powerful local adjustment tools, including control points from the Nik Collection, allowing for targeted edits.
Reasons to Avoid:
- No Built-in Cataloging: DxO PhotoLab lacks comprehensive cataloging features, relying on a folder-based browsing system.
- Limited File Support: DxO PhotoLab does not support Fujifilm RAF files and has a more limited range of supported camera raw formats compared to some competitors.
- Cost Can Increase with Add-ons: To access the full potential of DxO PhotoLab, including perspective correction (DxO ViewPoint) and film simulations (DxO FilmPack), you need to purchase them separately.
Verdict: DxO PhotoLab is the ultimate choice for photographers who demand the highest image quality and prioritize lens correction and RAW conversion. Its unmatched lens profiles and superior RAW engine make it particularly well-suited for genres where image sharpness and detail are paramount.
Read our full DxO Photolab review.
Best Photo Editor: FAQs
How to Choose the Best Photo Editor for You?
Selecting the right photo editor is a personal decision based on your specific needs and priorities. Consider these factors:
- Your Skill Level: Are you a beginner, intermediate, or professional? Choose software that matches your current skill level and offers room to grow.
- Your Budget: Determine your budget and whether you prefer a one-time purchase, subscription, or free software.
- Your Editing Needs: What type of photography do you do? What kind of edits do you typically perform? Ensure the software has the tools you need for your specific workflow.
- Your Hardware: Check the software’s hardware requirements to ensure it runs smoothly on your computer.
- Trial Before You Buy: Whenever possible, take advantage of free trials to test out software before committing to a purchase.
Remember, the “best” photo editor is subjective and depends on your individual requirements. Experiment with different options to find the software that best fits your style and workflow.
What is Photo Editing?
Photo editing is the process of enhancing, manipulating, and transforming digital photographs to achieve a desired aesthetic or correct imperfections. It involves a range of techniques, from basic adjustments like cropping and color correction to more advanced manipulations like retouching, compositing, and adding creative effects.
As Chris Pierce, Senior Product Manager for Photo at Corel, explains, photo editing empowers you to “transform your everyday photos into professional-quality masterpieces.” Core features of photo editing include:
- Basic Adjustments: Cropping, straightening, sharpening, adjusting hue and saturation, contrast, and exposure.
- Advanced Techniques: Layers and masks, object removal, merging photos, HDR (High Dynamic Range), and more.
Photo editing software provides the tools and controls necessary to unlock the full potential of your images and bring your creative vision to life.
How We Test the Best Photo Editors
Our recommendations are based on rigorous testing and evaluation across a range of parameters. We assess photo editing software based on:
- Hardware Requirements: We consider the software’s demands on system resources.
- RAW Conversion Quality: We evaluate the quality of RAW file processing and detail retention.
- Tool Variety and Power: We assess the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of the software’s editing tools.
- Performance and Speed: We test processing speed, responsiveness, and overall performance.
- Workflow Quality and Ease of Use: We evaluate the intuitiveness of the interface and the smoothness of the workflow.
- Image Layering and Lens Correction: We assess the effectiveness of layering systems and lens correction capabilities.
- Tutorials and Support: We consider the quality and availability of learning resources.
- Pricing Models: We evaluate the value proposition of different pricing models.
Our goal is to provide you with well-informed recommendations to help you choose the best photo editing software for your needs.
