Uploading selfies and aesthetic photos is today’s most common hobby and has often become the way for monetization. With smartphones and other digital tools, photography is even more handy; just a click away. So, creating stunning photos became a standard competition other than saving good memories. To help you with that goal, here are the top photo editing applications we’ve gathered for you to choose from.
Top Photo Editing Software
1. Adobe Photoshop Elements
Adobe Photoshop Elements is our top choice for most users, providing robust capabilities, a user-friendly interface, a diverse toolset, and compatibility across different platforms. Nonetheless, exploring alternative software options might be necessary for those requiring more advanced editing features.
Geared towards beginners and intermediate users, Photoshop Elements may not meet the needs of experts and professionals. Nevertheless, its Expert mode provides access to more sophisticated tools, catering to various photographic requirements and user skill levels.
The most recent iteration of Adobe Photoshop Elements is Adobe Photoshop Elements 2024. Updated annually, Adobe has integrated more of its Sensei AI technology into Elements, enabling users to select skies and backgrounds with a single click. Additionally, you can create movie Photo Reels from still photos, add animated movement effects to static images, and apply one-click fixes for dehazing, background removal, colorizing, and other enhancements.
With many features, including 62 guided edits in the latest version, Adobe Photoshop Elements offers diverse capabilities. While it excels in various projects like social media graphics and photo gifts, photographers may have better choices. The software includes an Expert mode and the ability to edit raw files, yet it lacks some more advanced options in other programs. Notably, Photoshop Elements is subscription-free, and for those involved in video editing, exploring the Photoshop Elements + Premiere Elements bundle might be worthwhile, as Premiere Elements complements photo editing with its video editing and sharing functionalities.
PLATFORM:
- Windows, MacOS
POSITIVES:
- Efficient Organizer app streamlines photo library management
- New AI tools incorporate cutting-edge editing techniques
- Guided edits facilitate learning and skill development
NEGATIVES:
- Lacks advanced tools for professional photography
- The novice-friendly approach may feel limiting for experienced users
2. Skylum Luminar Neo
Ideal for AI effects,Skylum Luminar Neo represents an evolving editing platform infused with AI technologies, consistently delivering remarkable “reality enhancements” suitable for social media. Recently, it has introduced generative AI tools, enhancing its versatility and creative potential.
Skylum Luminar Neo represents the newest iteration of the Luminar photo editing software, now structured as a modular software platform centered on Luminar Neo and an expanding collection of Extensions for supplementary effects. While it remains feasible to purchase a lifetime license, the pricing model emphasizes subscriptions.
Described as the go-to photo editor for photographers prioritizing outcomes over technical intricacies, Luminar employs a range of Essential, Creative, Portrait, and Professional filters alongside Extensions where applicable. These tools can be applied individually or in combination, allowing users to achieve anything from basic photo enhancements to stunning reality-altering effects. Notably, the AI Sky Replacement feature stands out as exceptional, being the pioneering tool in its category and maintaining its status as the benchmark choice.
Luminar introduces its GenErase tool, marking the inception of its new Generative AI capabilities. While it’s catching up with Photoshop, the tool could be more swift at removing objects from images; however, the outcomes are frequently remarkable.
Luminar Neo caters to photographers and content creators aiming to transform ordinary photos into extraordinary ones with minimal expertise and effort. However, it may offer less utility to more technically inclined photographers, and Skylum’s frequently changing deals and offers can lead to confusion.
PLATFORM:
- Windows, MacOS, mobile
ADVANTAGES:
- Outstanding sky replacement feature
- Time-saving AI effects
- Continual evolution of features
DISADVANTAGES:
- Requires paid extensions for some tools that other editors offer as standard
- Frequent changes in bundles, pricing, and offers
3. ON1 Photo RAW
The top choice for an all-in-one editor, ON1 Photo RAW seamlessly integrates image browsing, cataloging, raw processing, and a wide array of preset image effects and filters. Moreover, it facilitates image composites through layers and masks and leverages AI extensively for masking and enhancement purposes.
Describing ON1 Photo RAW without relying on superlatives is challenging. While other programs in this list focus on specific areas like image cataloging, preset effects, and intricate layers-based editing, ON1 Photo RAW encompasses all these within a single-window workflow. It offers versatility as a standalone program or a plug-in for applications like Lightroom. Furthermore, it’s available for a one-time fee or through a cloud-enabled subscription, and it even includes a mobile app with editing tools and a built-in camera feature.
Due to its extensive functionality, ON1 Photo RAW may need more depth in certain aspects compared to specialized software. For instance, its layer capabilities are less advanced than those in Photoshop or Affinity Photo, and its HDR merge results may not match competing programs. While its cataloging tools are efficient, they may differ from the capabilities of Lightroom Classic or Capture One regarding organization and management.
However, ON1 Photo RAW boasts a diverse array of effects presets that are both inspiring and varied. Its effects filters provide numerous permutations, and its AI masking feature is swift and highly efficient in most cases. The latest version, ON1 Photo RAW 2024, introduces the Brilliance AI feature, automatically evaluating and enhancing images based on their content.
While the new Brilliance AI feature and ON1 Photo RAW’s preset effects provide a user-friendly starting point for beginners, navigating the software can be overwhelming due to its extensive capabilities. Therefore, ON1 Photo RAW is better suited for experienced photo editors familiar with editing fundamentals.
PLATFORM:
Mac OS, Windows, iOS, Android
ADVANTAGES:
- Offers an extensive library of presets and effects filters
- Supports layers for advanced editing
- It functions as a standalone application or a plug-in for other software programs.
- It provides optional cloud storage and a mobile app for added convenience.
DISADVANTAGES:
- HDR effects may be lacking in quality
- Due to its comprehensive features, there is a learning curve
4. Adobe Photoshop
Photoshop is the ultimate image editing software for professional users, providing a comprehensive set of tools at a reasonable price point. Geared towards professionals, it offers extensive features but may need more quick-fix effects or image cataloging tools typically found in more consumer-oriented software.
Renowned for its comprehensive features, Adobe Photoshop CC stands out as the ultimate photo editing software. With the integration of Sensei, Adobe’s advanced artificial intelligence engine, Photoshop boasts remarkable capabilities like Sky Replacement, Neural Filters, and generative AI tools. Among these, the Colorize filter within Neural Filters impressively adds color to black-and-white images. At the same time, the Generative Expand and Generative Fill tools adeptly augment photos or insert objects, albeit with occasional quirks in human representations.
Despite its reputation for complexity, Photoshop’s user interface remains intuitive, making it accessible to novices and seasoned professionals alike. Tailored for photographers, illustrators, and artists, Photoshop offers a diverse toolkit catering to various creative needs. While beginners may find its learning curve steep, Photoshop’s unparalleled functionality and value, especially when bundled with Adobe Lightroom/Classic in the Adobe Photography Plan, make it indispensable for creative endeavors.
PLATFORM:
Mac OS, Windows, iPad
ADVANTAGES:
- Established industry-standard editing features
- Innovative Neural Filters for advanced image enhancements
- State-of-the-art generative AI capabilities
DISADVANTAGES:
- Limited support for novice users
- Exclusive subscription-based model
5. Adobe Lightroom Classic
Adobe Lightroom Classic is an excellent choice for photographers as it integrates professional-grade organizing tools with robust editing features, potentially eliminating the need for a separate photo editor like Photoshop. Lightroom (CC), on the other hand, offers a streamlined version with cloud storage capabilities.
Lightroom Classic, now known as Adobe Lightroom Classic, caters to photographers who prefer storing, organizing, and editing photos directly on their computers rather than relying on Adobe’s cloud storage. With robust image-containing capabilities, Lightroom Classic seamlessly complements Adobe Photoshop and is bundled with Adobe’s Photography Plan, offering great value for photographers.
In Lightroom Classic, working with photos begins with importing them into a catalog, though they can remain in their original location without the need to copy or move them. Once imported, you can apply a wide range of photographic enhancements and adjustments, although more advanced effects or image combinations in layers may require a traditional photo editor like Photoshop.
The editing tools in Lightroom are exceptional, and its recent AI subject masking tools simplify local adjustments and enhancements. With its non-destructive approach, users can revisit settings at any time to make changes, and they can also generate multiple ‘Virtual Copies’ of the same photo with various adjustments to explore different creative possibilities.
Among expert and professional photographers, Adobe Lightroom Classic is now equivalent to Photoshop, serving as the default choice of severe users seeking photo organizing and editing software.
PLATFORM:
- Windows, MacOS
ADVANTAGES:
- Strong photo organization capabilities
- Effortless, non-destructive raw editing
- Robust AI masking tools
DISADVANTAGES:
- Requires subscription commitment
- Some effects may necessitate external editors or plug-ins
6. Affinity Photo
Affinity Photo stands out as the top alternative to Photoshop, offering powerful photo editing capabilities at a budget-friendly price. Despite its affordability, it competes with Photoshop professionally and doesn’t require a subscription, providing users with a one-time “perpetual” license.
Affinity Photo 2, akin to Photoshop, isn’t exclusively tailored for photographers; it also integrates illustration, art, and design tools. Nonetheless, its photo editing capabilities are formidable, offering an array of adjustments through non-destructive adjustment layers, each maskable for precise control over affected areas. It also features live filters like lighting effects and depth of field blur, which remain fully editable even after file closure and reopening.
The software encompasses HDR, panoramic image merging, and focus stacking, adding remarkable value to Affinity Photo 2’s pricing. With its first significant update, Affinity 2 introduces crucial new elements like non-destructive raw processing, live masks, and compound masks. These may seem complex to newcomers but hold significance for experts and professionals.
Affinity Photo stands out for its robust features despite its budget-friendly price tag. However, its steep learning curve makes it more suitable for experienced photo editors than novices.
PLATFORM:
- Mac OS, Windows, iPad
ADVANTAGES:
- Superior layer capabilities comparable to Photoshop
- Cost-effective, no subscription required
- Robust adjustments and live filters
- Includes HDR merge, panorama merge, and focus stacking
DISADVANTAGES:
- Not beginner-friendly due to technical complexity
- Lacks AI features akin to Photoshop
Choosing the Right Photo Editing Software for Your Needs
The selection of the top photo editing software relies on several factors, including your equipment, your proficiency in photography, and your experience with image editing tools. For casual users capturing moments for social media with their smartphone, complex software like Photoshop or Lightroom may not be necessary. Instead, streamlined applications like Photoshop Elements offer sufficient capabilities.
However, for dedicated photographers equipped with top-tier mirrorless cameras, more comprehensive tools like ON1 Photo RAW are essential for refining and enhancing images to their fullest potential. Aspiring influencers and content creators prioritize impact and immediacy, making programs like Skylum Luminar Neo with AI effects and enhanced reality features ideal for social media sharing. At the same time, Adobe Lightroom offers cloud storage for editing photos across devices. Professional photographers require advanced editing controls, robust image organization, and efficient workflows to meet client demands. Lightroom Classic, Photoshop, and Capture One are their go-to choices for professional-grade editing.
