Even the most skilled photographers, graphic designers, and social media influencers often need to fine-tune their photos to achieve that perfect look. While good lighting and angles play a significant role, having the right photo editing software is crucial for getting the desired results. Whether you’re aiming for subtle tweaks or bold transformations, top-tier photo editing tools empower professionals and hobbyists alike to elevate their images with just a few clicks. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best photo editing software of 2024?
This guide will help you identify the key features to look for in professional photo editing tools and review the 10 best photo editing software of 2024, plus a bonus tool for managing and organizing your visual projects.
Key Features to Consider in Photo Editing Software
Your smartphone’s built-in photo editing app might suffice for quick Instagram posts, but if you need more powerful tools, consider these features when selecting the best photo editing software of 2024:
- Editing Capabilities: Think about the adjustments you typically make, such as background removal, color correction, resizing, and image manipulation. Advanced features might include HDR editing, lens correction, and layer-based editing. Determine your needs before choosing a tool.
- User-Friendly Interface: A must for beginners, choose software with intuitive, drag-and-drop functionalities, and easy access via a mobile app.
- Compatibility: Ensure the software is compatible with your desktop operating system and mobile devices. Some of the best tools are exclusive to either Android or iOS.
- Multi-Format Support: High-quality editing software should support various file formats, such as JPG, PNG, and RAW files.
- Automation: Look for AI-driven features that simplify complex tasks, like object removal or sky replacement, along with one-click presets and automated adjustments to save time.
The 10 Best Photo Editing Software of 2024
The world of photo editing is always evolving, but some tools consistently stand out. Explore this list to find the perfect photo editing software for your needs.
1. Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop remains the gold standard in digital image editing. Renowned for its advanced features, this software is beloved by photography professionals for its comprehensive toolset, including generative AI, image merging, and one-click transformations.
- Best Features:
- Generative AI for adding new content to photos
- Retouching tools like the Spot Healing Brush
- Composite photo creation by layering multiple images
- Sky replacement presets for enhancing backgrounds
- Limitations:
- Steep learning curve due to an extensive feature set
- Requires significant storage space, though cloud-based options are available
- Pricing:
- Photography (1TB): $19.99/month
- Photoshop: $22.99/month
- Creative Cloud All Apps: $59.99/month
- Ratings:
- G2: 4.6/5 (12,800+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.8/5 (2,000+ reviews)
2. Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Lightroom is another powerful tool from Adobe, ideal for adjusting filters, lighting, and exposure in bulk. It complements Photoshop perfectly by enabling layered editing for professional-quality photos.
- Best Features:
- AI-powered presets for batch editing
- Healing tools for removing imperfections
- Masking tools for selective editing
- Cloud storage for organizing images
- Limitations:
- Can be buggy
- Photoshop is better for complex image manipulation
- Pricing:
- Photography (20GB): $9.99/month
- Lightroom (1TB): $9.99/month
- Photography (1TB): $19.99/month
- Ratings:
- G2: 4.6/5 (3,100+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.8/5 (260+ reviews)
3. GIMP
GIMP is the leading free, open-source photo editing software, compatible with Linux, macOS, and Windows. It’s customizable, making it a favorite among developers and power users.
- Best Features:
- Customizable using C, C++, Python, and more
- Personalized interface options
- Tools like corrective mode and perspective distortion
- Clone and healing tools for retouching
- Limitations:
- Dated interface
- Complex selection and cropping tools
- Pricing: Free
- Ratings:
- G2: 4.3/5 (1,400+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.4/5 (3,400+ reviews)
4. Capture One
Capture One is designed for professional photographers, offering a comprehensive suite of editing tools along with workflow management features for seamless collaboration.
- Best Features:
- Live mode for instant team collaboration
- Style presets for quick edits
- Speed Edit for batch processing
- Auto Dust Removal for cleaner images
- Limitations:
- Lacks HDR stacking and plugin support
- Limited export options
- Pricing:
- Capture One Pro desktop: $14.92/month, billed annually
- All in One Bundle: $21.58/month, billed annually
- Capture One Pro perpetual license: $299
- Ratings:
- G2: 4.6/5 (60+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (60+ reviews)
5. Canva
Canva is a user-friendly, drag-and-drop graphic design tool, perfect for those without design experience. It’s ideal for creating social media graphics, presentations, and more, with plenty of pre-made templates to streamline your workflow.
- Best Features:
- AI-powered image generation
- Magic Edit AI for photo transformations
- Collaboration tools for team projects
- Extensive library of templates, stock photos, and vector images
- Limitations:
- Not suited for advanced editing
- Limited customization options
- Pricing:
- Canva Free
- Canva Pro: $14.99/month per user
- Canva for Teams: $29.99/month for the first five people
- Ratings:
- G2: 4.7/5 (4,400+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (11,500+ reviews)
6. Skylum Luminar Neo
Luminar Neo is an AI-driven photo editing software, offering tools for object removal, sky replacement, and subject swapping, along with manual editing capabilities for full control over your images.
- Best Features:
- Relight AI for professional lighting effects
- Photoshop plugin for enhanced AI features
- Consistent editing with multiform presets
- Supports JPEG, PNG, TIFF, and other formats
- Limitations:
- AI features can be inconsistent
- Occasional lagging issues
- Pricing:
- One month: $14.95/month
- 12 months: $9.92/month, billed annually
- 24 months: $7.46/month, billed every two years
- Ratings:
- G2: 4.2/5 (70+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (5+ reviews)
7. DxO PhotoLab
DxO PhotoLab is a robust RAW file editing software designed for professional photographers. It’s packed with features like denoising, intelligent masking, and DxO Smart Lighting to enhance photo quality.
- Best Features:
- Denoising for improved photo clarity
- Smart Lighting for adjusting shadows and highlights
- ReTouch tool for removing distractions
- U Point™ technology for intelligent masking
- Limitations:
- Unwieldy user interface
- Limited customization options
- Pricing: $229
- Ratings:
- G2: N/A
- Capterra: 4.4/5 (10+ reviews)
8. Midjourney
Midjourney is an AI-powered tool that creates detailed images from text prompts. It’s perfect for generating unique visuals or editing existing photos through an intuitive chatbot interface.
- Best Features:
- Pre-made aesthetics like “chaos” and “weird”
- Advanced prompts for complex designs
- Video command for converting image grids into short clips
- Flexible aspect ratios and sizes with text commands
- Limitations:
- Occasional AI-generated artifacts
- Requires joining a Discord server for access
- Pricing:
- Basic Plan: $10/month
- Standard Plan: $30/month
- Pro Plan: $60/month
- Mega Plan: $120/month
- Ratings:
- G2: 4.4/5 (70+ reviews)
- Capterra: N/A
9. Affinity Photo
Affinity Photo is the only full-featured photo editing software available for macOS, Windows, and iPad, making it ideal for professionals working across multiple devices.
- Best Features:
- Skin retouching tools like Blemish Removal and Clone
- Support for RAW files to enhance details
- Customizable brush presets
- Handles complex compositions with layers and effects
- Limitations:
- No batch RAW processing
- Limited customer support
- Pricing:
- MacOS: $69.99
- Windows
conclusion
Choosing the right photo editing software is key to bringing your creative ideas to life. Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, the tools you use should match your needs. Look for features, ease of use, and innovation. Options like Adobe Photoshop or Canva offer something for everyone.Focus on what matters most—advanced editing, AI features, or format support. The right software enhances your workflow and boosts creativity. Pick the tool that fits your style and enjoy editing.
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