Photo editing programs are an easy, fun and creative way to make your images pop!
In this article, I want to share with you some really cool photo editors that will enhance your images and position your brand more strongly on your social feeds.
Some photo editing apps are better than others, some are free others are paid. Just keep in mind the free ones can be limiting and not offer what you need.
10 best Photo editing software
Several photo editing options are available, catering to various skill levels. Here are some popular choices:
1. Photoshop CC
Adobe Photoshop CC is known for its ability to create a wide range of images from scratch. It is used by many professional photographers and graphic designers.
It allows users to do things like crop images, adjust lighting, add effects like gradients or shadow boxes, change background colors and more.
It can also be used to create animations like time-lapse videos or stop motion animations using layers.
The software also allows users to create their own custom brushes and filters which they can use on any image they wish including photos taken with their smartphone!
Photoshop comes with many other features such as layers which allow you to stack up different saved images on top of each other without losing any quality or detail when overlaying them onto another image.
2. Lightroom CC
Adobe Lightroom CC is a powerful tool mainly used by photographers but it’s relatively easy to pick up and play. It has a variety of features that help to curate, process, and showcase photos.
Lightroom lets you work with the raw files from your camera as well as support other file types.
It also lets you adjust the photos with a wide range of tools like editing and retouching tools, noise reduction tools, different filters and presets that can be applied to your photo or video, photo layout options for print or web publishing, and many more features.
3. Snapseed
Snapseed is an easy-to-use photo editor that is available on both iOS and Android devices. It has a variety of editing tools that can be used to give photos a professional look.
It has a wide range of filters, textures, tools, frames and more. It also has an in-app camera for taking new photos from different angles or perspectives.
A user can edit the same photo with Snapseed for several hours without getting bored of it.
4. Affinity Photo
Affinity Photo is a powerful image editing program with capabilities that can easily rival Photoshop.
From its vast array of tools like RGB color sliders, exposure, tone curve and sharpening controls, to its modern editing features like Live Blend Modes and Clipping Masks, Affinity Photo is one of the most comprehensive image editing suites available.
While Photoshop might have a larger library of features, Affinity Photo comes close if not surpassing it in many areas.
It is well accepted by professionals and common users due to its high performance and low price.
5. Canva
While primarily a graphic design tool, Canva also offers basic photo editing features. It’s easy to use and great for social media graphics.
The interface is simple with all the necessary functions to create advertisements, posters, invitations, presentations, websites or social media posts.
There are also function buttons that allow you to change the layout, size and color of your design. There are various templates available for different types of projects as well available in different languages.
6. Pixlr
Pixlr is a cloud-based set of image tools and utilities, including a number of photo editors, a screen grabber browser extension, and a photo sharing service.
The suite was intended for non-professionals, however the apps range from simple to advanced photo editing. It has a free version and a more advanced paid version.
7. Fotor
This online photo editing tool offers a range of features, including filters, retouching, and graphic design elements. It has a user-friendly interface and offers pre-made templates as well.
Everyone has the ability to design any form of graphics and covers, limited only by their imaginations.
8. PhotoScape X
PhotoScape X is mainly dedicated to photo editing and cropping, with which you will be able to retouch all the images you want in a very simple and fast way.
Especially now when it is very important to have good photos to share through social networks.
There’s a free version available. However, it should be noted that PhotoScape is not yet as popular as other editing programs.
9. GIMP
GIMP is a great tool and generally has almost the same features as the photoshop has.
It includes many advanced editing capabilities, including layers, plug-ins, painting, text, filters, selection, and masking.
Counting that its free and supported on linux, it can be great for students and anyone who’s not ready to pay for Adobe subscription.
10. Darktable
Darktable is a free and open-source photography workflow application that works well for managing and editing raw images.
Rather than being a raster graphics editor like Adobe Photoshop or GIMP, it comprises a subset of image editing operations specifically aimed at non-destructive raw photo post-production.
It’s a bit clunky and lacks some of the latest features of Lightroom / Lightroom Classic.
Conclusion
Many people will recommend Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom. Both are really great programs and the industry standards. But they are not for beginners and they are expensive.
For beginners I suggest starting with something free or very inexpensive just to get the basics of photo editing. Then go a little more advanced.
Remember to explore these options based on your specific editing needs and skill level.
FAQs
Do I need a drawing tablet for Photo editing?
Yes, it’s far superior than a mouse for editing and retouch work in Photoshop. more details here: Pen tablets for Photoshop, digital tablets for Gimp, Graphics Pads for photo editing.
You can get a low priced pen tablet that will do very nicely for this. You will find that you just have so much more fine control this way. It’s good to have it as an option.
It also will help speed up your workflow significantly better than a tablet in Lightroom. In LR you want to minimize how much you use the mouse. So editing controller and hotkeys are the way to go.
In addition, You can use it with note taking apps, graphic design program and digital drawing software. I can’t imagine going back to just using a mouse, especially sacrificing pressure sensitivity.
How to choose the best photo editing software?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what’s the best photo software for your needs. It depends on your skill level, your needs, your preferences, and your goals.
The best way to choose the best photo software for your budget 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.
You can also read reviews and watch tutorials online to get a better idea of how they work and what they can do.
Ultimately, the best photo software for your budget is the one that suits your style and helps you achieve your vision.
graphic design