When selecting the picture editing programs for Mac or Windows for quick photo editing, there are many options. Picking the best one can be a challenging task. For your convenience, some of the best editors have been shortlisted here. Go through the list to make an informed decision.
Skylum
Recently, users have been looking for photo editing tools that utilize AI technology. It helps to enhance digital photographs, and this demand sparked the development of Skylum Luminar Neo. The macOS photo editing tool provides power-line removal and depth-based relighting features. The tool also has a texture, layer support, and overlay library. Besides these, it provides synchronization so you can seamlessly edit and make adjustments to your photos. You can even use Skylum as a Lightroom or Photoshop plug-in.
The software is compatible with macOS 10.13.6 or higher.
Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Lightroom does not require any introduction. It continues to be one of the most celebrated and used photo editing software. The tool’s ability to batch edit photos and set import or export presets cannot be beaten. While several new-age tools exist, this software remains the benchmark and offers unmatchable features.
A star feature of this tool is the ability to smoothly edit in other programs, such as Adobe or any third-party program. Then, users can return to the software to finalize the picture.
Lightroom offers a wide variety of free presets, making it easier for photographers to apply them and edit their images. It is a huge time-saver; you can also download other presets from different websites.
Lightroom’s other key features are face recognition, panorama, HDR integration, powerful mobile application, and optional cloud storage. Thanks to the recent updates to the mobile application, you can easily import pictures to your phone or tablet from your camera’s memory card. Then, you can edit and organize them.
The software works perfectly across Macs and Windows. If you enjoy using it, you can pay a premium to unlock all the features. You can start a free trial to check out the software’s features.
Adobe Photography Plan
Photoshop is quite straightforward and intuitive to use. It supports masks, selections, and layers. It is also a great choice for complicated composite pictures. While it has a reputation for being complex, the software provides a user-friendly interface.
When it comes to image organizing, raw processing, non-destructive editing, and preset effects, Lightroom takes care of those actions. For regular desktop editing, Lightroom Classic is the perfect option. Also, you get cloud-based storage options to save your images and make them available on all devices. If you need 1TB of cloud storage, it will double the cost of the Photography Plan.
The recent update in Lightroom has introduced the use of AI so that skies and subjects in your images can be intelligently selected. So, you can check out the subscription model to see the one that caters to your specific requirements.
Capture One 22
Capture One’s strength lies in providing high-quality raw processing images and editing tools. The software works as a tethered editing and capture tool for studio photographers and a Lightroom-style image cataloging, non-destructive and searching tool. The tool offers powerful layer-based local adjustments, and that’s why it is in demand among professional photographers.
The tool even brings a new HDR merge feature that works on raw files. It is highly natural-looking and effective. The tool works in a single window and can be personalized to suit your specific needs. As you make the adjustments, you can see and edit your chances for your work.
Affinity Photo
Affinity is another great photo editing software that offers photographers all the tools they need to adjust and edit their pictures. It even includes flexible brushes, powerful selection tools, and multi-layer support. Some editing tools enable photographers to apply the right filters, modify colors, retouch images, etc.
Affinity Photo is sought-after in the photography community because it comes equipped with Photoshop’s power but at a rock-bottom price. The editor has many features and tools, including HDR tone mapping, focus stacking, and high-end frequency separation. The app is updated frequently to add more features for an enhanced user experience.
Photoscape X
Photoscape X is a picture editing tool with a wide range of tools for editing various images, applying effects and folders, reducing distortions, adjusting color orientation, etc. Besides picture editing, the program offers features like GIF creator, collage maker, screen capture tool, etc. The tool’s batch mode works like magic, allowing users to rename and resize multiple pictures in seconds.
So, these are some of the top free and paid photo editing software for Mac and Windows in 2022. Ensure to go through each software’s features to make an informed choice. The software must cater to your specific requirements.