Best Photo Editing Software for PC 2024, Free & Paid
By: Rob Adams, travel photographer, Asian food aficionado
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5.0
Votes: 503(Rated: )
Last updated: 19.01.2024
Gone are the days when you had to struggle with lighting, composition, as well as your gear
to shoot a perfect picture. Now you can easily turn a lackluster photo into a masterpiece by fixing it in
post-production. And for that, you'll need some powerful photo editing software. But which one should you
choose?
Well, there are bad news and good news. The bad news is that the market is oversaturated
and looking for photo editing software might not be the easiest job. But the good news is that we did all
the research for you. We have tested and ranked some of the most powerful and effective photo editing
software - for every level, ambition, and wallet. This is our rating of the 18 best photo editing software
for PC.
The best photo editing software for PC which is also free to download. It was initially designed for newbies, yet it works well for
seasoned photographers too. Thanks to artificial intelligence, complex photo post-production tasks are made easy and can be applied
in an instant - color correction, reframing, photo montage, portrait retouch, etc. Read more
in our review below!
Software that professionals in the photography industry highly appreciate. It allows for
precise portrait retouch and color correction and employs a convenient file management system. What’s more, it
supports many plug-ins and supplemental applications, which will help you edit your image in all possible
ways. Learn more about the program below!
GIMP - Best Free Photo Editor
The closest alternative to Adobe Photoshop that you can get completely for free. This layer-based program is suitable for post processing photos, graphic design, and photography. Besides, it supports all the graphic formats popular among photographers, including RAW. Yet GIMP might be too weak for
portrait retouch. Check out more details below!
Best Photo Editing Software for PC and Mac Comparison Chart
In this list, we have included various software: from industry veterans to newcomers, from
generalists to specialized programs, from paid to free, so there'll be a bit of something for everyone. The
softwares are ranked from the most powerful and versatile to more modest or niche. So without further ado,
take a gander at 18 of the best photo editing apps for computers.
PhotoWorks is an easy and affordable PC photo editor. The
software is powered by content-aware artificial intelligence that helps you to retouch your
portraits and landscapes with intuitive sliders or one-click effects.
The program boasts an
impressive set of top-notch features including, but not limited to various color grading options,
easy background change, and photo montage tools. Basic photo editing tools like color and tone
enhancement, cropping, etc. complete the features arsenal. Download PhotoWorks to get acquainted with its functionality
for free.
Photoshop's little brother, Lightroom primarily focuses on
photo editing rather than graphic design. Its intuitive interface and an array of powerful features
make the software one of the best photo editors for PC on the market. However, this program tends to
be a bit slow.
Final verdict: .......................................9
GIMP is a free software for photo editing developed for
Windows, Mac, and Linux. It is jam-packed with tools, from basic like color enhancement, cropping,
and noise reduction, to more advanced like curves, filters, and tools for working with layers and
creating photo montages. Besides, this open-source software allows users to create original
artwork.
Although this Adobe product isn’t among the best 3, Photoshop
software is an undisputed giant among image editing software. It is a sophisticated program for
picture editing, multi-layer montage, and graphics design. Full of professional tools too numerous
to mention, Photoshop however might not be for everyone, due to its complexity and heavy price tag.
PhotoDirector is an all-in-one program aimed at organizing,
enhancing, and editing your pictures. Suitable both for newbies and seasoned users, this software
provides an excellent range of photo enhancing features as well as layer-based editing tools.
ON1 Photo is non-destructive RAW editing software that can also
serve as a Photoshop plugin. It's filled to the brim with high-end editing features, including smart
color correction, face retouching tools, lens correction presets, and an endless collection of
filters. However, you'll need a powerful PC to enjoy the software's fullest potential.
Polarr is a highly intuitive and well-designed picture editor.
Combining the most basic and pro-level tools, this software is free, albeit with in-app purchases.
It's available both as desktop software and as a web-based application.
A popular picture editor, Luminar AI is hailed as one of the best
photo editing apps for PC. It offers AI-driven tools for a fast and intuitive picture editing
process. Luminar AI includes all the basic and more advanced tools for picture editing, as well as an
extensive library of effects and filters (LOOKs).
Movavi Picverse is photo editing software for PC and Mac
that offers a wide range of photo editing tools. Mostly suitable for beginners, this picture editor
is an easy solution for all your editing needs: color correction, portrait retouch, smart cropping,
and odd object removal.
Portrait Pro is both a standalone editor and a plugin for
Photoshop and Lightroom that primarily focuses on retouching portraits. It uses facial recognition
for a fast and efficient retouch. Mostly relying on automatic presets, it allows manual adjustment
for better control of the result.
PhotoDiva is an AI-powered portrait editor with a freemium
distribution model. It comes with an array of tools to beautify pictures, from blemish removal to
digital makeup application. It uses facial features recognition technology to eliminate manual
selection and brushing - all the effects are applied automatically.
Capture One is known for its peerless raw processing and
tethering capabilities, yet it also offers a comprehensive set of tools for picture editing and
enhancement. Aimed mostly at professional users, the software also offers image capture and
organizing features.
This is a powerful tool for transforming your pictures with
various filters. The software also allows users to create plugins, filters, and textures of their
own. Innovative and easy, Filter Forge can be used both as a Photoshop plugin and as solid
standalone software.
Pros:
Huge online collection of crowdsourced user-made filters
Support of bitmaps of up to 65,000 x 65,000 pixels
Separate tabs for simultaneous editing of separate pictures
Picasa is a free piece of software for viewing, organizing, and
editing your pictures. Compatible with PC and Mac, this software provides the most basic editing
tools like automatic color and tone correction, cropping, and lighting adjustment. It provides
peerless organizing tools for your photo library: organize it by color, face in the pic, or
geotag.
ACDSee Photo Editor is a robust piece of software more suitable
for seasoned and pro users. Aside from having a comprehensive set of photo editing tools, this
program also offers organizational functions for your image library. It supports RAW and other
graphic formats.
Fotor is a photo editing program that mostly resorts to
one-click effects. Easy to use, this software provides a reasonable editing result and allows for
simple design creation. The software supports RAW files, and also offers tools for collage
creation.
FotoFusion is software for photo collages, invitations, and
other artwork creation. It offers an easy-to-navigate interface and collections of elegant
embellishments and chic backgrounds. It can also serve as an efficient file organizer.
Paint.NET is photo software for PC perfect for people with no
prior experience in photo editing. It has a clear interface and all of the basic tools a beginner
could need - from the Crop tool to the Clone stamp. The software is free.
Pros:
Streamlined interface
Low system requirements
Support of multi-layer editing
A wide selection of free plugins
A comprehensive range of adjustment tools
Cons:
No tools for experienced users
Limited brush options
How to Edit a Photo in 6 Easy Steps
Now, let’s see how to enhance your image in PhotoWorks, the best photo editor for Windows.
You don’t need any previous experience in photo editing to tame the software. Just dive into the steps and
apply them to your image while you read.
Click the button below to start editing your pictures with PhotoWorks!
First, install PhotoWorks free trial and run it on your PC. Once on the startup screen, import your image from a folder or drag and drop it into the program.
Open your picture with PhotoWorks
Step 2. Enhance Your Picture
Stay on the Enhancement tab and use the Auto Correction tool. PhotoWorks will instantly polish your picture - fix color balance, toning, contrast, exposure, etc. Then you can use the tool's sliders to tweak the settings manually. For more precise color correction, switch to the Tools tab and edit your image with 3D LUTs and Curves.
Use the enhancement sliders to bring out the best in your image
Step 3. Reframe Your Photo
On the Tools tab, pick the Crop tool. Apply a preset or set a custom aspect ratio for your image. You can also rotate your picture, using the Rotate slider or by dragging it on the preview window. Now, apply the changes and choose the Geometry tool. Make sure to tick the Show Grid check box. Drag the Distortion, Vertical, Horizontal, and other sliders to fix tilted angles and the fish eye effect.
Return your image the right proportions
Step 4. Retouch the Model
Switch to the Retouch tab and pick Portrait Magic. On the Select Style subtab, apply a preset to the model’s face and neck: Glamorous Portrait, Light Tan, Overall Enhancement, etc. If you have several people in the frame, use the presets on each one of them individually or all at the same time. Adjust the overall effect of the preset with the slider on the preview. If you want to manipulate the parameters manually, go to Custom Settings. Smoothen the model’s skin, even out their skin tone, brighten eyes and lips, and whiten the teeth.
Give your model a digital glow-up
Step 5. Apply Face & Body Sculpt
If you want to enhance your model’s facial features, choose the Face Sculpt tool. It will help you to make their face slimmer, eyes larger, lips plumper, nose smaller, etc. Want to enhance the model’s curves? Do it with the Body Sculpt tool. Make their waist slimmer, breasts bigger, legs longer, or emphasize the muscles.
Tweak the shape of your model's face and body
Step 6. Change the Sky in Your Photo
Not quite satisfied with the original firmament in your photograph? Not a problem! You can easily replace it and stage any time of the day and weather conditions you like. In the software’s library, you will find dozens of alternative skies you can apply in a click. Besides, you can use a firmament from your PC’s library.
Apply a beautiful sky from the editor's library
Wrapping Up
You might have noticed that Photoshop failed to claim the first place, and for a good
reason. We consider its complexity coupled with a subscription type of pay (not to mention the money you
have to pay) to be the ultimate dealbreaker.
PhotoWorks, however, is a kind of software that manages to find the perfect balance. It is
efficient without being complex and suitable for both newbies and seasoned pros. All of this - plus a
reasonable price - makes this photo editor a true user-favorite and helps it take our top spot.
If you need more reviews of the most popular photo editing programs, then make sure to
check the list compiled by the reputable PCMag. And in case
your interest lies in the portrait photography field, you are sure to enjoy our list of the best portrait retouching
software the industry has to offer. There, you'll definitely find the right tool for you.
So those were the best photo editing apps for PC the market has to offer. Some are powerful
and versatile, while others strive to be as simple and basic as it gets, so everyone will find a photo
editor to fit their needs.
Photo Editing Software FAQ
What is the Best Software for Photo Editing on a PC?
If you are a complete newbie in photography or an enthusiast who shoots occasionally,
we recommend you go with Photoworks. In case you are looking forward to professional and thorough
post-production that meets all the industry standards or simply need an editor for Mac, use Adobe
Lightroom or Photoshop.
What is the Best Free Photo Editing App for PC?
List of the Best Free Photo Editing Software:
Canva - includes many templates and ready-to-use embellishments.
GIMP - a layer-based program that is the closest alternative to Photoshop.
Fotor - photo editor, collage maker, and graphic design application - all in one.
Adobe Photoshop Express - exclusive Adobe product for photographers who use their
smartphone cameras.
Darktable - open-source editor created by photographers with a strong community every user
can contribute to.
Photo Pos Pro - beginner-friendly software packed with professional features.
Inpixio - powerful background remover and object eraser.
What Software Do Most Photographers Use?
Lightroom is the most popular professional photo editor since it focuses on color
correction and retouching. Meanwhile, Photoshop is slightly weaker at these tasks. Besides, Lightroom
has a relatively uncomplicated interface, unlike its sibling. However, both Adobe programs are
reliable and highly respected.
What is Photography Editing Software?
It’s a program that allows for enhancing and embellishing your pictures, making photo
montages, and modifying images in other ways - changing their background, reframing them, removing
unnecessary details, highlighting the central object, etc.
How to Choose a Perfect Photo Editor?
The best photo editor for you would be the one that meets your requirements regarding
its functionality, interface design, subscription policy, and learning curve. It also must allow you
to stay on a budget.
Are There Any Free Applications for Enhancing Photographs?
Smartphone photography has reached high popularity, and the market of mobile image
enhancers has significantly increased - you will find dozens of free photo editing apps on App Store,
Google Play, and other application stores. Therefore, it’s quite challenging to choose the perfect
one. Check out a detailed review of the best free photo editing apps
to ease the choosing process.
Can You Edit Photographs Online?
Yes, and there are dozens of reliable online photo editors you can access on any
gadget with a stable Internet connection. You can find a couple worthy of your attention in our review
above.
What Are the Must-Have Features of Photo Editing Software?
