Looking for a free photo editor that’s as powerful as Photoshop? We’ve got you covered.
We’ve put together a list of 10 free online photo editors that rival their paid Photoshop counterparts—so you can touch up your photos without breaking the bank.
Whether you want to add some contrast, remove an imperfection, or make yourself look better in every photo, there’s an app for that.
Best Free Photo Editor Online For Mac
1. Apple Photos
Where you can use it: Mac
Why we love it: We thought we’d start with the OG of Mac photo editors. Photos made its first appearance in 2015, on OS X Yosemite 10.10.3. Since then, it’s cemented its reputation as the best free photo editing software for Mac. The tools are intuitive and simple to navigate, and the integration with iCloud Photo Library is seamless. Plus, as a built-in Mac app, it’s genuinely, totally free — which is why we’re more than happy to name it the best free image editor. Learn more about what this Mac photo editor can do for you.
What could be improved: If we have a complaint about Apple Photos, it’s that the photo enhancement features are relatively limited. The app works well as a basic photo editor, but for more complex creative work, you’ll want to look into some other options.
2. Luminar
Where you can use it: Mac and Windows
Why we love it: Luminar boasts 60-plus filters for maximum results with minimum time and tinkering. The app comes with all the photo editing tools standard in professional-grade software, including layer functionality, transforming and cloning, and a collection of versatile brushes. It’s available as a standalone app or as a plugin for Lightroom and Photoshop. Luminar has been ranked among the best photo editing software for Mac by CleverFiles and Photolemur, among others.
What could be improved: Mobile users might consider a mobile-specific app for an on-the-go photo editor, since Luminar is desktop only. Also, it doesn’t quite qualify as a free photo editor, but you have 7 days to try it out risk-free. Curious about what Luminar can do for your photos? Start your free trial now.
3. Adobe Photoshop Elements
Where you can use it: Mac and Windows
Why we love it: While not truly a free photo editor, Photoshop Elements does have a free trial, and it’s far and away among the best photo editing software for Mac and Windows. The suite of automated editing tools — including for exposure, color balance, and reducing the effects of camera shake — make short work of the most common photo issues. This program allows you to move well beyond basic image editing into more creative work, so it comes as no surprise that Photoshop Elements is close to the top of our list of the best free photo editors.
What could be improved: Elements is not as powerful as the full version of Adobe Photoshop (which, of course, is exactly the point). At about $100 for the 2021 version, it’s also among the priciest options on our list of Mac photo editors.
4. Darktable
Where you can use it: Mac, Windows, and Linux
Why we love it: While many online photo editors are streamlined and fairly basic, Darktable is free photo editing software that can hold its own against professional tools. Its cataloguing and photo organization features are comparable to Lightroom (which is a major compliment). It works with JPEGs as well as RAW files, and the perspective distortion and lens correction features are impressive. Darktable also offers non-destructive editing, which is a huge plus.
What could be improved: The interface isn’t quite as polished as it could be, so it’s not as easy to pick up as some of our other contenders for the title of best free image editor. But considering it’s free photo editing software, that’s about all we can complain about.
5. Pixelmator
Where you can use it: Mac
Why we love it: Pixelmator shows up in just about every conversation about the best free photo editing software for Mac. This software is powerful and versatile, with layer-based functionality that empowers users to create graphics as well as edit photos. With the latest version, Pixelmator Pro 1.4 Hummingbird, you’ll get access to a rich array of features and tools. Our favorites include machine-learning-enabled color matching, a sleek new Free Transform tool, and new templates sized for iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch. As a true Mac photo editor (i.e. one built from the ground up for macOS), Pixelmator is right up there with the best of them.
What could be improved: It’s only the trial that’s free — you’ll need to purchase the full version of Pixelmator to use it beyond the first 30 days. The effects and filters are impressive, but not as intuitive as some other options, so there’s a bit of a learning curve for those who are new to Mac photo editors.
photo editing software for mac
Best for Detailed Image Manipulation and Design
5.0Exemplary
Adobe Photoshop
Available at AdobeCheck PriceThe world’s best image editing software adds mind-blowing neural filters, automatic sky replacement, and even better selection tools.Read Our Adobe Photoshop Review
Best for Strong Workflow Tools
5.0Exemplary
Adobe Lightroom Classic
$9.99/Month at AdobeSee ItAdobe’s Photoshop Lightroom remains the gold standard in pro photo workflow software. It’s a complete package, with top-notch organization tools, state-of-the-art adjustments, and all the output and printing options you could want.Read Our Adobe Lightroom Classic Review
Best for Hobbyists
4.0Excellent
Adobe Photoshop Elements
$99.99 at Office Depot® & OfficeMax®See It$99.99 at Amazon Adobe Photoshop Elements is an excellent option for photo hobbyists who don’t want to pay a subscription or learn complex Photoshop techniques.Read Our Adobe Photoshop Elements Review
Best for Free, Easy Photo Editing on the Mac
4.0Excellent
Apple Photos
Apple’s already-impressive free desktop photo editor now has support for the ProRAW format used by the iPhone 12 Pro, better retouching features, and a vibrance slider.Read Our Apple Photos Review
Conclusion
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