GIMP is a free photo editor online that’s considered the best free Adobe Photoshop alternative. It comes packed with professional tools for image retouching and editing, free-form drawing, and converting different image formats. Photo editing has never been easier than it is with Luminar 3, which offers a 7-days free trial. This program is packed full of awesome Artificial Intelligence-powered filters that allow you to edit photos in mere seconds. Accent AI 2.0, for example, analyzes a photo and determines the best overall edits.

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When it comes to photo editing on iOS and macOS devices – the world is your oyster.

There are a number of different apps available for photography enthusiasts to sink their teeth into – and if you count yourself amongst that crowd, then you’ve certainly come to the right place.

Below you’ll find a breakdown of the best free and paid photo editors available on iOS and macOS devices.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re an experienced photographer, or only just starting your journey. We’ve carefully selected a list of apps to suit a wide range of capabilities behind the lens.

Scroll down to explore where you can find each app, along with the advantages and disadvantages associated with each.

The best free photo editors

If you’ve only just ventured into the world of photography, but are still keen to test the potential of your iPhone or Mac from a photo editing perspective – it might be worth checking out what the free apps have to offer before splashing the cash on the more advanced programs.

Here’s a few suggestions to get you started…

Canva

Canva is a multi-purpose design app that can be downloaded on mobile and desktop.

Also available directly from you web browser, the vast majority of Canva’s functionality is free (although you can pay for some additional features).

As far as actually editing photos, Canva is fairly limited compared to other apps on the market – although it’s very easy to upload images and work them into a variety of design templates ready provided.

This includes cards, flyers, social media posts .

Fotor

Much like Canva, Fotor is a multi-platform photo editing and graphic design tool which couldn’t be more straightforward to use.

Again, it’s fairly limited when it comes to the more technical elements of photo editing, but if you want to get a simple introduction into the basics – Fotor is a great place to start.

The standard photo editor feature is especially great for mobile users, as it’s a nice tool to play around with while you’re on the move.

And, with more than 300 million using the Fotor app worldwide – you have all the social proof you need right there to convince you to give it a try!

Snapseed

Given the fact that Snapseed isn’t available on Mac, you might be wondering why we’ve included it on our list?

Well, for starters – Snapseed is widely regarded as the best free photo editing app exclusively for mobile devices and images captured via mobile.

One of the main reasons why iPhone and iPad users speak so highly of Snapseed in app review forums especially, is that it takes up such little storage space in comparison to other free photo editors.

It’s also less limited in terms of functionality – with plenty of effects and creative frames beyond the basic editing tools. This makes it a great free option for beginners looking to hone their craft.

GIMP

GIMP is seen as the go-to free alternative to Adobe Photoshop.

This alone makes it a popular choice for people with a more advanced eye for photo editing – not least because they can access many of the equivalent tools that Photoshop users enjoy.

Of course, it doesn’t have everything that Photoshop has to offer – but when you look at the price tag (or lack thereof!) you won’t see many people complaining.

PhotoScape X

Photoscape X is an all-in-one photo editor, collage maker, animated GIF creator and printer.

It supports all the usual file formats – and much like Fotor and Snapseed, it enables you to carry out basic photo enhancements very easily and quickly.

However, unlike the apps we just mentioned, Photoscape enables you to perform batch edits for extra efficiency and also has a printing capabilities – enabling you to convert RAW image files into works of art in JPEG format, ready to come out of your printer.

The best photo editing software (paid)

If you’re willing to part with some cash to get the best from your photos – it’s worth remembering some paid-for programs might be more suitable for what you need than others, so invest wisely!

Here’s a list of apps worth looking at before you make up your mind…

Adobe Photoshop CC

Photoshop is one of the most widely used programs for creative professionals – let alone photographers.

Being Photoshop-savvy is a skill in itself. And that’s before you start trying to edit photos.

If you know your way around the program – the possibilities are endless. If you’re a beginner, you might want to consider Lightroom instead (more on that below).

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic/CC

Lightroom is a program that’s more specifically tailored towards photography.

While Photoshop is a designer’s dream, which enables you to completely change the elements within a photo – many photography enthusiasts tend to prefer Lightroom as it’s a more scaled-down and simplified tool.

Lightroom enables you to do the basics, even better. Lighting, contrast, definition – you name it.

And, once you’ve mastered Lightroom, you can always turn your hand to Photoshop later.

Affinity Photo 1.7

Affinity gives you many Adobe features, without the hefty monthly subscription.

You can literally buy the program outright, install it on your Mac or iPad – and benefit from the vast array of features provided.

Of course, there are some limitations which may frustrate the more experienced photo editors out there – but we’d argue that it’s a more than worthwhile investment for beginners looking to sharpen their skills.

PhaseOne Capture One Pro 12

As reflected in the price, Capture One Pro 12 exists on the market to directly compete with Photoshop.

However, a more fair comparison is probably Capture One Pro 12 vs Lightroom – with Capture One arguably having the upper hand over Adobe as far as colour management and adjustment is concerned.

That being said, files created in Photoshop and Lightroom can be seamlessly transferred across other Adobe programs – while Capture One Pro 12 is limited to PhaseOne applications which don’t have the same functionalities.

DxO PhotoLab 2.3 (OpticsPro)

Depending on which version you decide to buy, there are a range of different tools across OpticsPro which make it worthy of a mention here.

While you can compare Capture One Pro 12 to Lightroom, OpticsPro is comparable in many ways to Photoshop – in the sense that it’s a useful program for manipulating image elements.

One thing to bear in mind however, is that OpticsPro only supports some RAW files – with Fujifilm being a notable exception.

Why should you edit your photos?

The answer to this is simple.

You take pride in your work!

And, with all the programs we’ve just listed – the potential to improve the quality of your shots is immense.

Sure, most digital cameras nowadays capture amazing still photographs on their own – but there is always room for improvement.

The only thing to watch out for is ‘over-editing’ your photos. Once you become invested in the tools it’s easy to get carried away!

What is the best photo editing software for you?

Always start basic and work your way up.

If that means playing around with some of the more basic apps at no cost – then go for it. Then you can progress into the more advanced software features for photo editing and manipulation.

If you have a bunch of edited photos lying around doing nothing, then we might be able to help.

Motif enables you to make the best use of all your most treasured photographs. You can easily convert your edited photos into beautiful photo books, calendars and cards that you’ll cherish forever.

All produced at your own fingertips.

So, what are you waiting for? Download our free app extension for macOS or iOS and start creating today.

Do you still use a high-end DSLR for clicking pictures and capturing mesmerizing moments? Well with the advancements of smartphones, now everyone can be a photographer. But in the curiosity to get that one perfect click will end up taking hundreds of shots.

In addition to the high-end camera of our smartphones, we still need a good photo editing software to edit and polish our dull shots, and make then Instagram suitable. Mac photo editing apps help you to fix and organize your pictures according to your taste and liking.

If you are looking for a professional photo editing tool to add meaning to your dull pictures and make them aesthetically pleasing then refer to our list of best mac photo editing apps. Learn How to Edit Photos on Your Mac to improve the overall quality and look of your picture.

Fortunately, the market is filled with an ocean of options but to help you pick the best tool in the lot, here we have compiled a well-researched list of some of the best photo editing apps and software for mac. Read ahead to find out the best option according to your needs.

12 Best Photo Editors For Mac in 2020:

1. Adobe Photoshop

By far the best photo editing apps for Mac and Windows devices. It is undeniably the most loved tool in the market and commonly known as a synonym to photo editing software.

Loaded with an ocean of features and high-end benefits it is highly popular amongst the fraternity of artists, photographers, designers, and illustrators. In addition to beginners, it is specifically built to suit the high-end requirements of professionals. The key features of this amazing tool listed below, you name it and Adobe Photoshop will have it.

• It comes with incredible retouching capabilities and cloning.
• It can polish your dull images in seconds including the large size images.
• It includes a great list of selection and masking tools.
• Adobe Photoshop can support images of multiple formats including PNG, JPG, GIF, and many more.
• With this incredible tool, you get access to almost 360 editing tools and map support for HEIF files.
• It uses a non-destructive editing mechanism to enhance the overall appearance and look of your images.

Read More: 15 Best Duplicate Photo Finder & Cleaner Software for Windows

2. Skylum Luminar 4

Known for its array of best filters and HDR, Skylum luminar 4 deserves a spot on our list of best batch photo editing apps. With its affordable pricing structure and image editing capabilities it has gained massive popularity in the last few years.

It is a perfect amalgamation of the features of both Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. Some of the key features of this Mac photo editing tool are:

• For better user experience it offers 24/7 sales and technical support.
• It is powered with fast editing tools and functionalities.
• Loaded with an array of adjustment masks and layers.
• With its clever editing shortcuts and capabilities, you can effortlessly manage your photographs.
• It comes with multiple viewing options including a single image view, filmstrip view, and gallery view.
• Sun rays, AI-powered sky enhancers, and accidental AI are few of its other offerings.

3. Adobe Lightroom

If you are looking for an online Mac photo editing app, then Adobe Lightroom can be a good pick to start with. With its cutting edge technology and photo editing abilities, it enjoys great popularity in the world of photo editing software. It is a cloud-based tool.

It comes with easy to use yet high-end editing features. In addition to this, its interface is quite user-friendly and simple to use.

• Lightroom can easily sync with several devices.
• It comes with customizable sliders along with brush adjustment tools and gradients.
• You also get access to multiple preset filters and professional filters with it.
• Fixing tools, lens-based correction capabilities, and blurring tools are few of its other offerings.
• Manage your photo gallery more efficiently with its face detection feature.

4. Skylum Aurora HDR

Next on our list of image editing software for mac is Skylum Aurora HDR. It works well with Windows devices as well and can easily be integrated as an Apple photo extension. With its AI-based neural network, you can create HDR images within seconds.

• It is loaded with an array of 20+ editing tools to create HDR images.
• It offers a great way to polish your raw images and leverage their appearance with its 80 unique presets.
• Enhance the clarity and optimize the contrast of your images with its HDR clarity feature.
• It can add depth and details to your photo and can also clean noise.

5. Canva

If your search for the best apps for mac photo editing is still going on then Canva can help you. It is a great tool for designing photo templates for both business and personal use. It comes with a clean interface and easy to use editing tools and graphics.

Use it to add various fonts and graphics to your dull images and make them Instagram ready.

• Works well on both computer system and smartphones,
• It comes with image cropping, image straightening features along with a speech bubble maker.
• It is packed with a massive library of graphic designs and images and also supports cloud storage.
• With Canva you get access to over 8000+ photo templates, icons, photos and pre-designed cards to create visually stunning content.

Read More: 10 Best Photo/Image Viewers for Windows 10 in 2020

6. Vsco

Next on our list of Mac photo editing apps is Vsco. Its advanced effects and stylish photo editing abilities make it highly popular amongst the fraternity of professional photographers.

Add life to your dull images with the help of its preset filters. Highlights, white balance, exposure are few of its editing tools with which you can adjust the color, exposure, and sharpness of your images.

7. DesignWizard

Are you still wondering what is the best photo editor for Mac users, then try DesignWizard. This feature-rich tool is packed with advanced controls and is well known for its high-end image design templates.

In addition to this, it also comes with a massive range of images, graphics, illustrations, and high-quality videos. Along with this you also get access to various marketing tools like sale posters, Linkedin Ads, Facebook Ads campaigns, and much more.

It comes with a clean and convenient interface and works seamlessly well with iOS devices.

8. Capture One

If you have been using Adobe Lightroom, then try Capture One now to enjoy a lot of other unique features. With this incredible photo editing software, you can polish your images within seconds.

Use it ‘s advanced color editing features and masking capabilities to add life to your images.

Best Photo Apps For Mac

9. ON1 Photo Raw

Best Free Photo Editing Software For Mac

Experience a completely new taste of photo editing with our next pick of Best Mac Photo Editing Apps, ON1 Photo Raw. Its cutting edge capabilities allow you to convert your raw clicks into stunning images without spending too much time and effort.

With its dual-mode feature, you can not only edit but also browse various images. Enjoy live adjustments and preview with this power-packer photo editor software.

Read More: 11 Best Free PDF Editors For Mac in 2020

10. GIMP

Also known as the GNU Image Manipulation Program. GIMP is an open-source mac photo editor app.

Use it to retouch your dull images and create stunning pieces of the original artwork. Apart from this it also allows you to create pro-level graphic design elements. It is a free application and comes loaded with several pre-level editing features.

11. Adobe Photoshop Elements

If you are new to the world of photography and image editing. Choose Adobe Photoshop Elements . It comes with a clean interface and easy to use features.

It is powered with an advanced AI- capability. Use its Guided Edit feature to create memes, part-image sketches, and multi-photo texts.

12. PortraitPro

If you love portrait photography, then Portraitpro is a blessing for you. The software is loaded with all the essential features that you need to create stunning portrait pieces.

Best Photo Editing Apps Mac

Use its Advanced makeup tool to efficiently transform dull faces. You can also try its wrinkle removing and skin smoothing features.

Wrapping Up

Photo Edit Apps For Pc

Dive in the world of photography with photo editing apps and software. Each Mac photo editing tool mentioned above has a unique feature to offer alongside the basic features.

Best Free Mac Apps To Edit Photoshop

Refer to our list and pick the best-suited tool for yourself depending on your need, photography skills, budget, and preferences.