Photo editing is crucial because it enhances visual appeal, corrects imperfections, and communicates desired messages effectively.

Whether you need an optimized photo for your social media platforms, or a great headshot for your modeling portfolio, investing in a good photo editing software is a must.

There are probably hundreds or even thousands of photo editing apps on the Internet. from free to paid, from the online, local based to mobile apps, from the beginner level to professional.

Given the many available options, you may find it challenging to settle on the right app for your photo editing needs. And many of the features and tools overlap, making it an even more tricky choice.

In this article, We’ve handpicked a list of the 18 best photo editing apps for Windows, Mac, Linux and even mobile devices: Android & iPadOS, including free and paid options.

Whether you’re just starting out and need a streamlined program, or you are a pro photographer and want to brush up on your photo editing skills, There is a perfect photo editor for you.

What is photo editing software, and why do I need it?
Photo editing software is a computer program that allows you to manipulate and enhance digital images.

You need it to improve the quality of your photos, correct imperfections, add creative effects, and bring your vision to life.

Getting to Know Features of photo editing software
You may need a more complex tool to create special effects, but simple software is sufficient for everyday tasks.

Below are the features most photo editors offers:

1. Essential Tools and Techniques
These are some essential tools and techniques you’ll use:

Basic Editing: Adjusting brightness, contrast, and color balance to improve the overall look of your photos.

Selection Tools: Select specific parts of an image for editing, such as a person or object.

Cropping and Resizing: Removing unwanted parts of an image and changing its dimensions.

Layers and Masks: Layering multiple images or effects and using masks to control where they’re applied.

Brushes and Healing Tools: Painting on adjustments or removing imperfections like blemishes or dust spots.

Filters and Effects: Apply preset filters or create your own effects to add style to your photos.

2. Workflow and organization
Keeping your editing process organized is essential for efficiency and productivity.

File Management: Create a logical folder structure and use descriptive filenames to keep track of your photos.

Batch Processing: Apply the same edits to multiple images at once to save time.

Versioning and History: Use non-destructive editing techniques to preserve your original photos and track changes.

3. Advanced Techniques
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can explore more advanced techniques, like:

Composing: Combining multiple images to create a new composition.

HDR Imaging: merging multiple exposures to capture a wider range of light and detail.

Panoramic Stitching: stitching together multiple photos to create a seamless panoramic image.

Frequency Separation: Separating texture and color information for more precise retouching.

4. Output and Delivery
These features allows you to share your edited photos with the world:

File Formats: Choose the right file format for your intended use, such as JPEG for web or TIFF for print.

Print preparation: calibrate your monitor and printer for accurate color reproduction, and adjust resolution and paper type for optimal printing.

Web Optimization: Resize and compress your images for fast loading times on websites and social media.

18 Best photo editing software in 2024
Although the market for photo editing software is large and diverse, the programs below represent the best in the industry.

We’ll comparing all of them, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, comparing their prices, and going through their nuance to help you decide with one is appropriate for you.

1. Adobe Photoshop CC

2. Adobe Lightroom CC
3. Luminar NEO

4. Snapseed

5. Pixlr

6. Affinity Photo

7. GIMP

8. DxO PhotoLab

9. Capture One Pro

10. On1 Photo Raw

11. Photoscape X

12. RawTherapee

13. Darktable

14. Photopea

15. PhotoDirector

16. PaintShop Pro

17. Paint.Net

18. PhotoFiltre

How the Choose the Best Photo Editing Software?
Depending on your level of expertise, the best photo editing software should make it easy to edit your photos exactly the way you want.

For the beginner photographer, that might mean preset filters and fun animations.

For the aspiring influencer, it might mean more advanced settings and the ability to store your photos in the cloud.

1. Your Purposes
Before you choose a photo editing software, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with it.

Do you need a simple and fast way to adjust exposure, contrast, color, and crop your photos?

Or do you want a more advanced and creative platform that allows you to manipulate layers, masks, filters, and effects? Or maybe you want a combination of both?

Your answer will narrow down your choices and help you focus on the features and functions that matter most to you.

2. Compatibility and Integration
The next thing to consider is how compatible and integrated your photo editing software is with your devices, operating systems, and other software.

For example, If you use a tablet or a smartphone, you might want a software that has a mobile version or a cloud-based service, such as Lightroom mobile or Snapseed.

3. Learning curve and support
Another factor to weigh in is how easy or difficult it is to learn and use your photo editing software.

Some software are more intuitive and user-friendly than others, and some offer more tutorials, guides, and support than others.

If you are new to photo editing or want to save time and effort, you might choose a software that has a simple and clear interface, preset options, and helpful tips, such as Pixlr, Snapseed or Paint.Net.

If you are more experienced or want to have more control and customization, you might go for a software that has a complex and powerful interface, manual settings, and advanced tools, such as Photoshop or GIMP.

4. Budget and Value
The last but not least factor to take into account is how much you are willing and able to spend on your photo editing software.

Some software are free or very affordable, while others are more expensive or require a subscription fee.

If you are on a tight budget or want to try out different software before committing, you might opt for a free or low-cost software, such as GIMP, Affinity Photo, or PhotoScape.

If you have more money to invest or want to access the latest updates and features, you might choose a premium or subscription-based software, such as Photoshop, Lightroom, or Capture One.

Conclusion
Good photo editing software can make all the difference in the final look of photos.

With the right software, you can enhance your images, improve quality, and create unique and memorable photos.

Every single editing program of this list is different and offers its own unique experience.

The best photo software depends on your skill level, your needs, your preferences, and your goals.

If you are just editing to retouch or enhance your personal collections, then a lightweight free or cheaper editor could well do the job with no fuss at all.

If you are a professional or very keen amateur who wants to really make a mark it is definitely worth assessing the premium options.

The best way is to try them out for yourself. Most photo software offer free trials or demos that allow you to test their features and functions before you buy them.

Which one do you think is the best photo editing software solution? Please share your feedback and experience in the comments section.

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