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March 11, 2023
The best photo editing tools
While Photoshop remains a household name in the world of photo editing, there are several alternatives that are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and some even come close to Adobe's flagship. We've selected the best tools and apps for touching up your images, whether you're a professional photographer or just looking to spruce up your social media photos.
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As said, Adobe Photoshop remains one of the most popular photo editing software, providing advanced editing tools for image manipulation, layering, and retouching.
Pros: Advanced editing tools, professional-grade features, integration with other Adobe products.
Cons: Expensive, steep learning curve for beginners.
Fotor is an online photo editor that provides users with a range of editing tools, including basic edits such as cropping and resizing, as well as more advanced features such as HDR and batch processing. Fotor also offers a range of templates and effects that can be used to enhance your photos. Overall, Fotor is a great choice for users who want a comprehensive yet affordable photo editing tool with design templates, but professional photographers may prefer software that offers more advanced features and RAW support.
Pros: A range of editing tools, templates, and effects, easy-to-use interface, and the ability to batch process photos.
Cons: Some advanced features are only available with a paid subscription, and the app can be slow at times.
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free and open-source photo editor that provides advanced editing tools and features. While it may have a steeper learning curve than other software, it offers advanced features and customizable options for experienced users. However, it may not be the best choice for beginners or those who need dedicated customer support.
Pros: Free, customizable interface, advanced editing capabilities.
Cons: Steep learning curve, not beginner-friendly.
Snapseed (a Google service) is a popular photo editing app that provides users with a range of editing tools, including selective adjustments, perspective correction, and filters. The app is free to use and offers a simple, user-friendly interface. Overall, Snapseed is a powerful mobile photo editing app that offers a range of powerful editing tools and a user-friendly interface. While it may not have as many advanced features or design options as some other software, it is a great choice for users who primarily want to edit photos on their mobile devices.
Pros: A range of editing tools, easy-to-use interface, and the app is free to use.
Cons: Some users may find the app's interface too simplistic, and the app does not offer batch processing.
Available for iOS and Android only.
From popular photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom to newer and more affordable options like Luminar AI, Amazon.com offers a variety of choices to suit different budgets and editing needs. One advantage of buying photo editing software on Amazon.com is that it often provides a more affordable price compared to buying directly from the software's website.
VSCO is a popular photo editing app that provides users with a range of editing tools, including selective adjustments and filters. VSCO also offers a range of presets that can be used to enhance your photos. The app is free to use, but some features require a subscription. VSCO is a great choice for users who want a powerful mobile photo editing app with a focus on filters and a minimalist interface. While it may not have as many advanced editing tools or customization options as some other software, it offers a community of users and inspiration for your work. However, the subscription-based model and lack of a desktop version may not be ideal for all users.
Pros: A range of editing tools, presets, and easy-to-use interface.
Cons: Some features require a subscription, and the app can be slow at times.
Available for iOS and Android only.
Corel PaintShop Pro is an all-in-one photo editor that provides a range of editing tools, including AI-powered enhancements, creative effects, and a customizable interface. PaintShop Pro can be difficult to learn for beginners, as its interface and workflow may differ from other photo editing software. PaintShop Pro is an affordable option compared to other professional photo editing software. However, its slower performance and lack of a subscription model may not be ideal for all users.
Pros: All-in-one editor, affordable, easy-to-use interface.
Cons: Limited advanced editing tools.
eBay offers a vast array of photo editing software options catering to different skill levels, budgets, and specific requirements. You can find popular brands like Adobe, Corel, and Affinity, as well as lesser-known or open-source alternatives. Some listings may offer bundled deals or discounted prices, providing a cost-effective way to acquire your desired software.
CyberLink PhotoDirector provides a range of editing tools for color grading, noise reduction, and lens correction. It's a powerful photo editing tool that offers comprehensive editing tools for advanced users. However, its slower performance may make it less suitable for users who require fast processing speeds. Overall, PhotoDirector is a great choice for users who need advanced editing tools, but may not be the best fit for users who require fast performance.
Pros: AI-powered tools for enhancing photos, great for noise reduction and lens correction.
Cons: Limited advanced editing tools.
Skylum Luminar Neo provides a range of AI-powered tools for photo enhancement and creative effects. Skylum Luminar Neo is a photo editing tool that stands out for its Artificial Intelligence-powered enhancements that can quickly enhance your photos with just one click. However, its limited advanced features may make it less appealing to professional photographers who require more complex editing tools. Overall, Luminar Neo can be a great choice for users who want to enhance their photos easily and quickly, but may not be the best fit for users who require more advanced editing features.
Pros: AI-powered editing tools, user-friendly interface, great for creative effects.
Cons: Limited advanced editing tools, only available for Windows and macOS.
Pixlr is a web-based photo editor that provides a range of basic editing tools, including cropping, resizing, and color correction. PIXLR offers a simple and accessible online photo editing tool that is free to use, making it an ideal option for users who want to quickly enhance their photos without spending any money. However, its limited advanced features may not meet the needs of professional photographers who require more complex editing tools. Nevertheless, PIXLR remains a great choice for casual users who want to make basic edits to their photos in a hassle-free manner.
Pros: Free, user-friendly interface, web-based.
Cons: Limited advanced editing tools, no offline editing capability.
Canva is an all-in-one design platform that provides basic editing tools, templates, and graphic elements.
Pros: Free, great for creating social media graphics, easy-to-use interface.
Cons: Limited editing tools, better for graphic design than photo editing.
Adobe Photoshop Express is a popular photo editing app that provides users with a range of powerful editing tools. With this app, you can easily crop, resize, and adjust your photos' color and exposure. Adobe Photoshop Express also offers a range of creative filters and effects that can be used to enhance your photos. The app is free to use, but some features require a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud.
Pros: A range of powerful editing tools, easy-to-use interface, and offers creative filters and effects.
Cons: Some features require a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud, and the app can be a bit slow at times.
Adobe Lightroom is a versatile photo editor that provides essential tools for organizing and processing images, including color correction and image sharpening.
Pros: Wide range of editing tools, great for organizing and managing photo collections.
Cons: Can be slow with large image files, subscription-based model.
Consider your editing needs and skill level. If you're a beginner, you may want to choose a photo editing tool with a user-friendly interface and basic editing features. If you're a professional or advanced user, you need more advanced features, such as RAW image processing, layers, and support for plugins. Also consider the types of projects you'll be working on, such as portrait photography, landscape photography, or graphic design, and choose a tool that provides features and tools specific to your needs. Finally, it's always a good idea to try out different photo editing tools before committing to one to see which one works best for you.
Whether you're a professional photographer or just looking to enhance your personal photos, these top photo editing tools are sure to help you achieve stunning results. Give them a try and see the difference they can make for your images.
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