You saw an image of McDonald’s Big Mac burger! Your subconscious mind is feeling appetite! So, the image of a burger has successfully captured your attention. I doubt, if you see the raw file, you would have this much desire to eat that.
That means, with proper processing, edited images successfully enchant viewers. When we talk about photo editing, the name of editing software comes naturally.
A lot of programs are available to edit pictures. Among those, which one is the best photo editing software for photographers? And why is editing important in the first place?
Without further delay, let me answer all your questions.
Why is Photo Editing Important?
The importance of editing is no less than the work of photography itself. It is not a substitute for photography either. It is an entirely different work and mostly relating to bringing out the best of images.
I have differentiated the purpose and importance of photo editing into two. Those are-
a. Artistic View Enhancement
In most cases, our raw images do not fully reveal the charisma of the photos. Slightly changing the white balance, exposure may create a prepossessing sight you were not aware of.
You enhance the overall look of the image you are working on. You create your unique style by creating a story. Your editing style may differ from others, and it will help you get recognized by your viewers.
b. Commercial Purpose Fulfillment
Through editing, you fine-tune images in different criteria. Do you know what happens to that? You get a professional look when you are working to fulfill a commercial purpose. The prospective clients of those images will find more reason to be convinced!
You need to edit your image to fulfill the requirement of e-commerce sites, social media, or other marketing platforms. Otherwise, it would be hard to compete against those who are fully equipped with well-edited photos.
So, now what do you think? Doesn’t it sound risky to work with pristine and unedited images?
Yes, it does! Considering the competition where millions of businesses across the world are vying for getting sales increased, it would be challenging to recognize if you don’t follow the strategy you should.
That’s where the best photo editing software for windows or Mac comes in. Being a professional photographer, you need to find the advantageous one that addresses your needs.
Not all the software available in the market is serviceable enough to fit their needs. Most of those software have upgraded features. The questions are-
- Is it compatible with your Mac or PC?
- Are the features able to help you get the high-end edited images to spark your potential clients’ interest?
- Will it cost you much?
Those are some crucial points to know though the questions are not limited to these. I will try to provide information as much as possible regarding the top 12 best software I found the worldwide users recommended.
12 Best Photo Editing Software for Photographers
With assistance from a team of proficient researchers, I have come up with 12 Best Photo Editing Software for Photographers.
Let’s get to know about those.
1. Adobe Photoshop
Adobe is bringing more and more smart updates to its products. Keeping step with that, the latest version of Photoshop, the V22.0 version, is much more feature-rich! Adopting Sensei, Adobe’s machine learning and AI-based platform, the software retains its top position ahead of the curve.
Platform: Adobe Photoshop is compatible with Windows, Mac and iPad.
Adobe Photoshop Key features
The latest version of Adobe Photoshop has been unveiled with some major AI-powered features stored in it! Check some of those features in detail.
Cloud Document Version History: Photoshop users have the advantage of saving their on-processed work in the cloud instead of the computer. Those users have a new ‘version history’ panel that saves all the changes; when those were made, what are the names. That means it preserves all the adjustments they make.
Neural Filters: One of the largest astonishment which rates Photoshop ahead of other software is the new Neural Filters. Powered by Adobe Sensei, this new workspace allows users to make tremendous changes in the subject’s expression, age, head direction, pose, hair, gaze and so on!
Discovery Panel: A discovery panel has been added in the latest photoshop update, which helps users find their designated tools or suggestions.
Sky Replacement: The new sky replacement changes the sky the way users want. With the help of Adobe Sensei, this feature automatically detects the sky from the image. Also, users can adjust the temperature, brightness, etc., from there.
Pattern Preview: This new feature is an incredible adjustment for those who work with designs. It provides a real-time preview of the pattern the users want to create by repeating it to show how it will appear.
Live Shapes: Like Illustrator, now Adobe Photoshop has live shapes to create, edit, and control any shapes. Also, it has brought some significant improvements in Line and Polygon tools as well.
Pros & Cons
With having a lot of cool features, Photoshop is serving the purpose just right. Even so, there are some advantages and disadvantages that users all over the world face, For example-
| Pros | Cons |
| Business standard graphic design and editing software | An expensive software |
| Includes AI powered advanced features | Learning is somewhat complicated |
| Turns ordinary image into a professionally edited one | Some alteration takes time to process |
| Has a powerful new and updated tools | |
| Excels in image transformation | |
| Transfers files between programs | |
| Transfers files between programs | |
| Time saving and effective solution for complicated works |
Price
The pricing structure for buying Adobe Photoshop is –
- For prepaid annual plan – Yearly $239.88, Monthly $19.99
- For Monthly paid annual Plan- Yearly $251.88, Monthly $20.99
- Monthly Plan – $31.49
Want to save both time and expense? Assign a photoshop clipping path services company to get quality images within the shortest possible time!
2. Adobe Lightroom
Lightroom is a cloud-based photo editing software for digital photographers to edit, create, organize their images within any device they use.
Adobe has 2 different versions of Lightroom from 2017. Those are –
- Lightroom Classic – Desktop Based application,
- Lightroom (Previous Lightroom CC) – Desktop, Mobile, Web-based application.
Platform: Users can use Lightroom in macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, and tvOS (Apple TV).
Key features
Adobe Lightroom has some key features on its own. Some of those are –
User Interface: The UI of Lightroom is known for its simple, easy, and user-friendly interface. Even for the beginner, this software is a way to go! It assists new users by navigating them throughout each module. Moreover, the tutorials are there so that users won’t leave anything out.
Camera and Lens Support: The latest version of Adobe Lightroom is supported by many camera models, including Canon, Casio, Fujifilm, Samsung, Sony and so on. And now, users can work with their raw images of those cameras.
However, this support is not limited to cameras only, also with lens profiles, so that users can correct lens aberrations.
Apple ProRaw Images Support: Apple ProRaw images are now supported in both the desktop and mobile versions of Lightroom. By using a new profile, users can now import those images.
Combined Notifications: Rather than being notified for each notification, now Lightroom users can see notifications altogether. Other people’s likes or comments and other activities- this software combines all those and notify users.
Updates in Lightroom Classic:
Color Grading Tabs – Now the Lightroom has new color wheels known as Color Grading Panel that have replaced the Split Toning panel. With these wheels, users can apply any color tints in Midtones, Shadows, Highlights. So users can get more control in hue, luminance, and saturation.
Zoom Controls – A lot of users expected to have more zoom while using Lightroom Classic and Lightroom Desktop. The latest version seems to fulfill that expectation. By adding 2 new zoom options named- Scrubby zoom and Box zoom, the software enables users to have a deeper view.
Tethered Live View – This means when users’ camera is plugged in their computers while shooting, Lightroom automatically imports those images. Now the tethering live view of Lightroom has been extended to Canon Camera as well.
Pros & Cons
Let’s know some of the benefits and drawbacks that this software contain –
| Pros | Cons |
| Auto synchronization of photo to cloud | Might work slowly in some computers |
| Supports plugins | Lightroom CC doesn’t support plug-ins |
| File management system is a handy feature | |
| Contains metadata for easier searching | |
| Excels in image management | |
| Has decent healing and cloning capacity | |
| Non-destructive edit to original images | |
| Has zoom and enhanced features powered by AI | |
| Can be run in a lower end device or in a laptop |
Price
- Photoshop Lightroom Plan, Yearly – $ 119.88
- Creative Cloud Photography plan, Yearly – $ 119.88
3. GIMP
GNU Image Manipulation Program is acronymed for GIMP. It is free of cost and a popular image manipulation software.
Photo editing, remove background from image, retouching, authoring or composition; users can do more than that by having GIMP as their photo editing partner.
GIMP can work as a plug-in and extension. The latest version of GIMP offers ample options for users to make complicated corrections.
Platform: GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) is an open-source image editor available for GNU/Linux, Windows, OS X and many others.
GIMP Key features
GIMP has some features no less competitive than other photo editing software that are available in the market. Let’s have an overview of some of those.
Software’s Compatibility: GIMP software is compatible with other powerful image editing software like Photoshop, Lightroom, PaintShop.
GIMP Functionality: Being one of the best photo editing and graphic design programs, GIMP includes almost all the major functionality to create a processed yet original looking image.
Customizable Interface: GIMP users also have the advantage of creating a customized interface. Users can change colours, icon size and other options and make it appear and behave the way they want.
Supported File Formats: GIMP supports a wide range of file formats, including bmp, gif, jpeg, mng, pcx, pdf, png, ps, psd, svg, tiff, tga, xpm.
Extensible Program: GIMP’s extended functionality is one of the fantastic purposes it serves by using as a plugin. Thus, users can add new file formats to the software.
Pros & Cons
What are the positives and negatives of this software? Here are some of those-
| Pros | Cons |
| Does almost everything Photoshop can do | Take times to download new font |
| Has an interface that is customizable | Limitations in creating 3D designs |
| A compatible option for other software as well | |
| Includes wide ranges of features and options | |
| A convenient platform of layering | |
| Works on any image file | |
| Updates on new features on a daily basis | |
| Serve professional outputs |
Price
GIMP is a free image editor, Users can download and use this for free. However, there is a donation option available as well.
4. ACDSee PHOTO STUDIO ULTIMATE
The new version, ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate 2022, has some updated adjustments and improvements; its sole intention is to let the users have a great experience of its performance.
Platform: ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate 2021 runs both in Mac and Windows.
Key features
Some of the new features that ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate 2022 are noted here-
New Develop Mode UI and Panes: The newly developed user interface and panes are created to simplify and upgrade the editing process. It also permits users to take snapshots and view complete edit history.
GoPro Support: In the latest version of ACDSee, it supports GoPro raw images. Photographers, who use this handy-free little camera, can directly work with the raw images and edit them.
Improved Quick Search: Users can now find any image from a large database within no time. A new ‘Toggle Button’ has been added to organize the images and for users to find their intended image quickly.
Improved Watermark: The improved watermark in Photo Studio Ultimate 2021 of ACDSee is like a game changer! The existing watermark option has been upgraded with much accuracy which will work with the same precision in batch images.
Batch Resize: Cut ties with time-consuming work. The batch size will assist users to do so. ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate 2021 users have the advantage to resize multiple images on criteria like pixels, percentage, print size, long edge, short edge at a time.
Tone Wheels: The new Photo Studio Ultimate 2021 has featured a brand new Tonewheel. There are 3 wheels of highlights, mid-tones, and shadows. By rotating these wheels, users can make adjustments to colors, brightness, saturation on their image.
Text on a Path: The latest version allows users to customize their text along with its path. So, they can customize their text on any shape or make a curve with their text.
Pros & Cons
Take a look at what are the pros and cons of this software-
| Pros | Cons |
| Contains productive features | Does not save layers while editing PSD and TIFF files |
| Includes user-friendly options | Does not support Canon C-RAW |
| Import photo process is rather simple | |
| Not a subscription depended on license | |
| Easy organizer of a large number of photos |
Price
- Subscription Plan
– Monthly $8.90
– Yearly $89 - Lifetime – $89.95
- Home Pack 2021 – $149
For better quality image, you can hire clipping path service provider for very little cost with a fixed price for a predetermined project.
5. Skylum Luminar
Being a non-destructive image editing software, Luminar works as a photo manager. Moreover, it provides users to have an experience of highly professional and exquisite level editing. Therefore, for users looking for industry-standard photo editing software, Skylum Luminar is an excellent choice.
Platform: Skylum Luminar is compatible with both the Mac and the windows.
Skylum Luminar Key features
Let’s take a look at what has been added in Skylum Luminar.
Familiar user interface: According to some users, there is some sort of familiarity between the Lightroom and Skylum Luminar. The interfaces of Skylum Luminar and Lightroom seem alike. Like Lightroom, Luminar can be used not only as an organizer but also as a photo editor. There are
AI-based editing option: In the latest update of Luminar, that is in version 4; users will get AI featured options. For example, AI-based Sky Replacement, AI editor, AI slider, and so on.
Templates: Luminar’s templates are kind of AI-based presets. When users use any templates, the AI makes additional changes and updates the image automatically.
Creative Filters: Users can apply any filters in the raw images in this software. Neither do they need to rasterize those images, nor do they need to leave the program.
Extensive Color Grading: Enhance your images by fine-tuning white balance, temperature, exposure, shadows; eliminate noises from your image; adjust saturation or vibrance; all of these are ensured in the extensive color grading of Skylum luminar with precision.
Pros & Cons
Want to know about the pros and cons? Here it is-
| Pros | Cons |
| No subscription | Lacks some features found in competitor software |
| 30-day trial available | People reported PC version takes time to response |
| Easy to use | |
| A standalone software | |
| Has a lot of filters and presets | |
| Synchronize multiple images while editing | |
| Images don’t require import; edits stay inside Luminar. | |
| Works fast and provides an astounding result |
Price
- It costs $99 to buy Luminar and is licensed for two computers.
- And for Luminar X Membership, users have to pay an annual $59.
6. Aurora HDR
Aurora HDR, a High Dynamic Range (HDR) photo editing tool, is a high-specialized processing software. Skylum (Former Macphun Software) and HDR photographer
Aurora HDR has been getting a lot of attention. With an upgraded Quantum Pro Engine, the latest version has implemented some new features to assist users’ workflow better.
With an AI-powered engine, the software permits users to access a different range of prominent tools. Having LUTs, an intuitive user interface, and a handy tool combined, the user will have an exhilarating application for your Mac or PC.
Platform: This software operates both in Mac and Windows.
Aurora HD Key features
In the latest version of Aurora HDR 2019, it has incorporated some of the new features. What are those?
Quantum HDR Engine: Aurora HDR brought Quantum HDR Engine, which is AI-powered. It is a tone-mapping technology. The engine scrutinizes images closely and makes interchanges that integrate well with the image. Thus it creates high-end edited yet natural-looking photos.
User-friendly operations: This software is an automatic update feature that introduces users to all the latest updates it brings. Along with the existing features and the newest updates, all the features and enhancements are convenient, and the user seems to cope with those easily.
RAW files supported camera: Now users can work directly with the raw files from certain cameras of Canon, Fujifilm, Leica, Nikon, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony, and others. For photographers who own those cameras and want to get the most of HDR, this software is privileged software.
LUT Mapping filter: The exact use of a filter helps enhance the image’s appearance. It has unique color and tone adjustments that change the look of images. Also, there are different formats available in it which allow users to decide the one they require.
Plugin: Among the improved adjustments Aurora HDR has brought, one of these is Plugin. Now, this software supports a plugin for Photoshop, Photolemur. Moreover, it has a Plugin menu for the users of Mac and Windows.
Batch Processing: Processing hundreds of images one at a time will take forever! With this software, that work will be much easier! Hence, users can work on many images at once.
Pros & Cons
The pros and cons of this software are noted below-
| Pros | Cons |
| Has customization option for users | Doesn’t have automatic lens correction |
| AI offers fast work support | |
| Works as a plugin in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom | |
| Allows third-party plugins | |
| Works as a standalone app as well |
Price
- Aurora HDR Bundle – $99
- Luminar 4 plus Aurora HDR Bundle – $149
7. Exposure X6
Exposure Software, previously known as Alien Skin Software, has been creating software since 1993. As time passed by, it has gradually evolved and created some industry standard and award-winning image software.
One of its creations, ‘Exposure,’ is a professional-grade photo editing software. It works as a plugin for Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. This software allows users to manage and edit a large number of images.
Exposure X6 is one of the highly efficient photo editing software. The company has been updating this software with so many new adjustments that it is becoming a fully-equipped software, including the significant features from both Lightroom and Photoshop.
Platform: This software runs both in Mac and Windows.
Exposure X6 Key features
Let’s drive deeper into the features of Exposure X6.
Workspace: Exposure X6 has a workspace that is neat and decorated. Users from Lightroom will find this software really convenient for them to use. Also, users can customize the tools, the panels and the editing options as per their requirements.
Support cameras: Exposure X6 can work on raw files from compact, mirrorless and DSLR cameras and cause no harm to the images. However, before that check out the list of cameras that are supported.
Presets: With a library of 500+ impressive presets, this feature allows users to apply certain fixed changes on colors, exposure, hue on image or a set of images. This comes with customization and saves a lot of time. And users get a distinct view.
Auto Features: Exposure X6 has a new and comparatively unique auto feature. There are options included White balance, Exposure, Tone, Dynamic Contrast, Haze Level. Thus, this feature allows users to set these options as per their requirement.
Advanced Color Editor: With the new ‘Advanced Color Editor’ option, users can control the color range and replace the ranges of saturation, hue and other matters. Just a couple of clicks, users will get desired impressive results within no time.
Pros & Cons
The positive and negative aspects of Exposure X6 is noted below.
| Pros | Cons |
| Ensures better performance | Not a good software for processing raw images |
| Improved noise reduction | Don’t have enough camera and lens support |
| Includes wide ranges of presets | Lacks image layer support |
| Can give analog film effects | |
| Has numerous editing tools | |
| Appropriate editing tool for wedding photographers | |
| Is an excellent photo manager | |
| Has haze control | |
| Reduce noise created by camera tuning |
Price
- The price of Exposure X6 Bundle is as follows-
– Buying price – $149
– Upgrading price – $99 - The price of Exposure X6 is as follows-
– Buying price – $129
– Upgrading price – $89
8. Capture One Pro
The renowned Danish company Phase one specializes in developing software and photography equipment. Capture One, also known as Capture One Pro, is their raw image processing software. It is one of the widely demandable software because of its compatibility with raw files of different digital cameras.
Capture One 21 is a fast and advanced photo editing software. It is adopting new features to make the raw image editing process flexible and more user-friendly. This version is dedicated to creating a streamlined workflow for users.
Platform: It is available in Windows and macOS.
Capture One Pro Key features
So, what are the new features added to Capture One 21? Check this out.
Dehaze Slider: Among the new additions the software ‘Capture One’ has brought, Dehaze has amazed the users with its functionality. The specialty of this feature is analytical algorithms. By using this algorithm, it adjusts saturation, contrasts, and other parameters automatically.
Thus, users can add or eliminate haze from images they work on. Also, it allows users to select shadow tones. This goes well with landscape, street, and portrait photography.
Speed Edit: Now Capture One user can quickly edit their images without touching the slider! By holding down the designated hotkeys for a couple of seconds, users can change the parameter by dragging their mouse or using arrow keys. This is an advantageous feature for batch edit.
Heic Support: There is good news for the users of Apple IOS devices- iPhone and iPad. Those users can work with their ‘Heic’ file, an 8-bit native file format of Apple IOS devices, in Capture One. Instead of converting this type of file into JPEG, users can edit this directly!
Pro Standard Profiles: Under this new addition, Capture One has inserted color science to retain the image’s natural colors. It also maintains hue when any changes are made in the images. It is very crucial for portrait and product photography.
This feature is available to some selective cameras from Canon, Nikon, Sony, and so on.
Brush Adjusting: Capture One 21 has a new brush adjusting option that manages the hardness, size, and brushes’ opacity. With modifier keys and mouse/pen/ trackpad, users can enable it.
Pros & Cons
Like other software, it has some matters that are likable and unlikable. What are those?
| Pros | Cons |
| Works fast | Does not have much features though |
| Improved Import Tool | Doesn’t support Apple MI |
| Excels in skin tone and color editing | Doesn’t have HDR merging. |
| Performs well in rendering raw images | |
| Has advanced color grade | |
| Has updated learning option | |
| Reduces noise better. |
Price
To use Capture One 21, you have to pay
- Monthly subscription
– For all major brands – $19 - For Sony, Fujifilm, and Nikon – $14
– Perpetual license
– For all major brands – $299
– For Sony, Fujifilm, and Nikon- $199
9. Affinity Photo
Affinity Photo has been created to fulfill the purpose of professional photo editing and other graphic designs. Like other advanced image editing software that was designed for photographers, it has inserted new features from time to time.
Platform: The software runs in macOS, IOS, and Windows.
Affinity Photo Key features
The latest 1.9 updates have brought some new features. Some of these are written below-
Windows supported GPU: Affinity Photo 1.9 has the hardware-accelerated for the first time in Windows, which helps for the software’s improved performance. Windows users can get boosted performance along with faster action, filter effects, painting, etc.
Linked Images: Another important feature is linked images. In Affinity Photo, now you can link images like Publisher. It will minimize the file size.
Raw Improvements: The SerifLabs RAW engine of Affinity Photo is now accessible on iPad too. It means, like a desktop, users can have the same experiences in correcting lenses manually, reducing the noise of the image, and on flexible cropping.
Live Liquify Layers: In version 1.9 of Affinity Photo, users can perform liquifying works non-destructively. They are able to make changes live through the liquifying filters in multiple layers instead of a single-pixel layer.
Add Path Text: Like Designer and Publisher, Affinity Photo has this feature to text. Now, users can add any text on a path from any curves, shapes, lines.
Filters on masks: The new addition of software allows users to add filters on the mask layers. Adding noise, blur, or making it sharp or distort the mask layers is now possible.
Pros & Cons
Here are the pros and cons of this software-
| Pros | Cons |
| Task-focused and simple UI | Not a suitable option for novices |
| Includes context named ‘personas’ that guide the users | Customized workspace cannot be created |
| Lifetime update | Limited resources for plugin |
| Has its own iPad app | |
| Works fast | |
| Can import and export PSD files | |
| Has numerous visual effects | |
| Maintain precision for artwork with lots of details | |
| Edits raw images |
Price
For buying this software, you have to pay as given below-
– Mac- $24.99
– Windows- $24.99
– iPad- $9.99
10. Pixlr
This online based photo editing software provides users with an easy to work solution. The software does not have complexity with hardware functionality as it runs depending on the processing power of the cloud, not the user’s computer.
This software has 2 versions available. These are-
- Pixlr X- Beginners can easily use and get a hang of it. It includes numerous effects.
- Pixlr E- Another excellent photo editing software programs for professionals; includes all the features that a professional needs.
Platform: The software can be operated across multiple platforms like Mac, Windows, Firefox, Chrome and Linux. For Android or IOS mobile, it has a distinguished app as well.
Pixlr Key features
Pixlr has a various handy features, some of these are as follows-
User Interface: Pixlr has a unique interface convenient for users like beginners, as it has many tools with selective icons. So, the newbie users find this software suitable to fulfil their needs.
Text Style: You can choose text inside an image. Pixlr offers a lot of variations like fonts, font size, colour, style in it. Thus users can create any decorative texts for their banners, posters, image layouts etc., for their websites.
Templates: Pixlr has different templates with variations that allow users to create images of different themes, sizes and shapes within no time.
AI for background removal: The software has a separate section for the background removal process and uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology that automatically removes the background within the shortest possible time. You don’t have to go through any manual process to do this.
Device compatibility: Being an online-based software, it has good availability for many devices. For Android and IOS device users, it offers a mobile application.
Pros & Cons
Let’s take a look at the benefits and drawbacks.
| Pros | Cons |
| It is portable. | Free version includes ads. |
| No installation. | Mobile apps do not have all the features as the web do. |
| Get access from any browser. | |
| Favourable option for the beginners | |
| Different formats including .jpeg, .psd, and .gif can be edited. | |
| Has a specific removing background section. |
Price
Pixlr has free access to all which offers some basic tools and other advantages. Other than that it has 2 versions which are-
- Premium version costs yearly subscription or monthly $7.99.
- Creative pack also has a yearly subscription. Users can use it on a monthly basis by paying $29.99 per month.
11. ON1 Photo RAW
On1 Photo Raw is one of the powerful software when we are going to talk about the top photo editing software in the market. With the latest upgraded version named ON1 Photo RAW, it has brought forth numerous improvements, including automatic AI, color selection, new portrait editing, and so on.
Platform: It can be installed both in Mac and Windows.
ON1 Photo RAW Key features
This version of ON1 software comes up with a lot of features for its users. Take a look at some of them.
Portrait AI: It is a portrait image editing tool powered by artificial intelligence (AI). These features automatically recognize faces in the images and make further improvements automatically on eyebrows, skin tone, lips, and all.
It retouches the image on its own, and you get an excellent-looking image in the shortest possible time. The more interesting part is that these changes can be applicable to a bunch of images at a time.
Plugin Support: Now, ON1 Photo RAW 2021 can be used as a plugin for your editing workflow. To retouch a face image, you have to work on different parts of that face in photoshop. On1’s machine learning technology will save your time and speed up your work with just a couple of clicks.
It can also be used in Lightroom, Corel Paint Shop Pro, Affinity Photo, etc.
Smart Organize Mode: Under the new ‘Smart Organize Mode’, you can find photos having modifiers like appearances, time, and location alike. Thus you can manage your dispersed image folder.
This mode allows you to compare the images having the best exposure, focus, etc. By clicking the automark option, find the best-looking one automatically. You can adjust your preferences and reject any images instead of deleting them as well in case you need them later. That’s what this includes.
Selective Color Filter: This is a fun filter that works as it sounds. It replaces an existing color with the one you want to. Need to mention that, not the color of all items included in the picture will be changed. Only the one you select will be changed.
Spot Healing Brush Tool: Vanish unwanted objects, dust spots, and other marks from your desired image with just a stroke of this brush. Hover your brush around the mark or things you want to vanish and click. That’s it. Within a few seconds, you get the job done perfectly!
Pros & Cons
The pros and cons are listed below.
| Pros | Cons |
| Has non-destructive adaptation for removing any distractions. | Some operations take time to work. |
| Enhance images with professional looks. | Limited number of presets. |
| Has various effects and filters. | |
| Includes syncing. | |
| Can be shared on social media. | |
| Handy for creating images that contain text. | |
| Organize images fast. |
Price
For using this software, you have to follow this payment-
- Subscription fee started from $ 7.99 for 200 GB
- Lifetime License $ 63.99
12. DxO PhotoLab 4
DxO is one of the innovative digital photography companies. It was founded in 2006 in France. DxO PhotoLab, former DxO Optics Pro, is their image processing state-of-the-art software which is praised for its outstanding functionality. There are 2 available programs in it-
– Essentials
– Elite
The 4th version of DxO PhotoLab is the newest version of the software that has multiple features. Users are allowed to try these features for free up to 1 month and it is available on its website.
Platform: It can be activated both in Mac and Windows.
DxO PhotoLab 4 Key Features
The new version of DxO photo lab is equipped with a lot of features. However, I am going to pinpoint the most significant ones. Let me walk you through it-
DeePrime: DxO Photolab 4 has broken the ground with DeePrime, the first demosaicing and denoising technology based on artificial intelligence (AI). Even though these 2 are separate processes, DxO has brought those under the same roof to bring outstanding results. It reduces digital noises and works with raw images of any camera by maintaining utmost precision.
Smart Workspace: Considering each user’s workflow, DxO has a new feature named ‘Smart Workspace’ which is developed on a system of filters. It allows users to reposition and find the options quickly as per their needs. Thus it helps increase productivity. Users can get access to it from any toolbar they use.
Batch Renaming: Like other editing apps, Photolab 4 has this feature newly added. Under this feature, users can change the names of multiple files in the following 3 ways-
– Replace Text
– Add Text
– Rename & add counter
Advanced History: DxO has added a history panel in this latest version. It stores all the changes made in the images in chronological order in order for users to find their previous versions of images back, what kind of changes were made to the images, the time of doing those, and many more.
Need to say that, it is the only software that has grouped adjustments in history.
Image Synchronization: This feature allows users to apply any specific change to a set of images. Thus, users can get synchronized settings on multiple images. This is a quick and time-saving feature.
Instant Watermarking: For different purposes, including promoting brands, protecting images, and having identification, the Photolab 4 has this cool feature of watermarking. Users will find 2 different types of watermarks. Those are-
- Image Watermark
- Text Watermark
And they can watermark multiple images at a single time.
Support for new cameras: DxO has over 60,000 camera/lens support and more to come. This marvelous feature allows users to work directly with raw files from those cameras and this feature has made it one of the best raw photo editors among the software.
Pros & Cons
Here are advantages and disadvantages of this software listed below.
| Pros | Cons |
| Reduce digital noise. | Does not support modern Fujifilm cameras. |
| Removes haze from photos. | Advanced noise reduction takes more time. |
| Add new life to older images. | Less control on the conversions of black and white. |
| Restore natural radiance of photos. | |
| Capable of making optical corrections automatically. | |
| Create no halo effect in the image or high-contrast transition. | |
| Benefits photographers who don’t have ISO invariants. |
Price
If you want to upgrade your existing version of DxO PhotoLab, you have to pay- $ 49.99.
If you are a new user and want to buy it, you have to pay- $ 99.99.
What Should You Look for in Photo Editing Software?
Choosing the best photo editing software for your PC or Mac is not something you can randomly do. It is a matter of priority given that the perfection of your task relies on it.
There are many considerations while selecting software. However, we have underlined 6 major considerations you cannot choose to avoid.
Here are those.
User Interface
The software has to be easy to use, and the navigation will be understandable. And this will be demonstrated in its interface. Having a quirky interface is not going to help your work at all.
Functionality
One of the best features of professional photo editing software is its functionality. They will add ease to your workflow by including file format variations, batch post processing, fast performance, cloud storage, and so on.
Operating System
Is your chosen software compatible with your hardware specification? Your OS, processor, and graphics card need to match the requirements of the software.
Compatibility of Camera and Lens
This compatibility is essential. Ensure your photo editor software supports your camera and lenses. If you are a professional photographer, you need to emphasize this part to find the best photo editing software for getting customized images with accuracy and details.
Editing Quality
Of course, photo editing software needs to live up to its users’ requirements. And that is to ensure proper processing or quality photo editing. Users need to have a smooth experience with their editing softwares. So, before deciding on one, try their free version (if it is available) or take a look at the demo.
Frequency of New Updates
How often the company of your preferred software releases their new version? Take a note of that. And with the latest updates, you have to upgrade it as well.
FAQ about Best Photo Editing Software
Q: What is the best photo editing software for Mac?
These photo editing software are considered the best for Mac-
- Adobe Photoshop
- Exposure X6
- Adobe Lightroom
- ON1 Photo RAW
- DxO Photolab
Q: Which is the best photo editing software for PC??
The above discussed 12 software are widely used in PC for their user-friendly advantages.
Q: Which photo editing software is the best for beginners?
That’s a crucial question. The best photo editing software are not always well suited for amature photographers. So, amature photographers are advised to learn the ropes with software like –
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Lightroom.
- Pixlr
Q: Which one is better: Lightroom or Photoshop?
Lightroom and Photoshop serve nearly similar purposes. Even though both have some utterly unique significance which made these two better than the other, finding the better one is kind of arguable.
Hence, considering users’ working styles, workflow, and processing, users better distinguish which one will keep pace. For instance, for learning or processing piles of images, lightroom is better. On the other hand, photoshop is appropriate for more professional work.
Q: What is the best software for pro photographers?
Depending on the user’s OS, the software will vary. However, the best photo editors for global photographers are Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom.
Final Thoughts
What’s so good about the best photo editing software?
It will help you become one of the best. It is not just software but also a helping hand to rely on.
That turns a mediocre image into a stunning one! The abovementioned software owns some of the cutting-edge features.
Time to take your pick!
