List of the best free and paid photo editing software
Here are my picks for the best photo editing software to try out this year:
1. Adobe Photoshop: Top reference for professionals
Adobe Photoshop is the the most famous and complete photo editing software on the market.
With its advanced tools and powerful features, this software is loved by photographers, graphic designers, and creatives around the world.
Key features
- Precise selection and editing tools for total control over your images
- Layers and masks for complex and creative photo montages
- Advanced filters and effects to give an artistic touch to your shots
- Support for professional RAW formats and color spaces
- Integration with other applications in the Adobe Creative Cloud suite
- Automation features to save time on repetitive tasks
Pricing
- Subscription starting at €24.19/month (Photoshop only)
- Membership starts at €60.99/month (full Creative Cloud)
❤️ Critical Review : Photoshop remains the ultimate reference for photo editing. Its ultra-comprehensive functionalities and flexibility make it the essential tool for image professionals.
👍 Pros : Extensive features. Compatible with other Adobe software. Broad community and abundance of resources.
👎 Cons : Steep learning curve. High rate. Professional oriented more than general public.
2. Fotor: Intuitive and complete photo editing
Fotor is a simple and complete photo editing software, which offers a wide range of tools and features to improve your shots.
With its clear interface and guided editing options, Fotor is ideal for beginners who want professional results without complications.
Key features
- Easy-to-use correction and retouching tools
- Creative filters and effects to enhance your photos in one click
- Photo editing and collage creation features
- Portrait retouching with automatic skin and makeup beautification
- Integration with social networks to share your creations directly
- Online, mobile and desktop version for mobile use
Pricing
- Free version with limited features and Fotor watermark
- Pro subscription starting at $8.99/month for advanced features and no watermark
❤️ Critical review : Fotor is the ideal online tool for retouching and beautifying your photos. Intuitive and fun, it will appeal to fans of all levels.
👍 Pros : Quick and easy. Good choice of filters and effects. Free version. No installation.
👎 Cons : Requires a connection. Limited advanced tools. Average export quality. Unsuitable for professionals.
3. Canva: Simple Photo Editing for Beginners
Canva is an intuitive online tool that makes it easy for anyone to create engaging visuals, including photo montages.
Thanks to its ready-to-use templates and simplified editing tools, this software is ideal for beginners who want to improve their photos without diving into complex software.
Key features
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface to create photo montages in a few clicks
- Extensive library of templates, images, and graphics
- Easy-to-use editing and correction tools
- Creative filters and effects to give a trendy look to your photos
- Collaboration features to work as a team on your assemblies
- Integration with social networks to easily share your creations
Pricing
- Free version available and powerful
- Pro subscription starting at €119.99/year
- Subscription for Teams starting at €150/year for 5 people
❤️ Critical review: This software democratizes graphic design brilliantly. Intuitive and accessible, it allows everyone to create assemblies and designs without technical skills.
👍 Pros: Immediate handling. Huge template library. Online sharing and collaboration. Free version.
👎 Cons: Editing is sometimes limited. Templates are not always customizable. Not suitable for professionals.
4. Corel PaintShop Pro: Powerful and Affordable Alternative
Corel PaintShop Pro is a photo editing software that offers a wide range of tools and features, all at a more affordable price than its direct competitor, Photoshop. Ideal for photographers and creatives looking for great value for money.
Key features
- Intuitive and customizable interface for easy handling
- Powerful retouching and correction tools (red eyes, blemishes, etc.)
- Advanced layer and mask management features
- Creative filters and artistic effects to enhance your photos
- Support for graphics plugins and scripts to extend functionality
- Compatible with major file formats, including RAW for your next project
Pricing
- $99.99 lifetime version (PaintShop Pro Ultimate)
- 30-day free trial
❤️ Critical review : PaintShop Pro is a solid alternative to Photoshop. Powerful and intuitive, it democratizes photo editing without sacrificing advanced features.
👍 Pros : User friendly interface. Good feature/price ratio. Creative filters, views, and effects. Free trial version.
👎 Cons : Less powerful than Photoshop. Some residual bugs. No Mac version.
FIND OUT MORE: Visit the PaintShop Pro site
5. Skylum Luminar: Smart AI Photo Retouch
Skylum Luminar is a next-gen photo editing software that uses artificial intelligence to help you get perfect shots in just a few clicks.
With its smart filters and intuitive tools, Luminar is perfect for photographers of all levels.
Key features
- Revolutionary AI filters to beautify your photos automatically (sky, red eyes, skin, etc.)
- Easy to handle retouching and correction
- Style presets to apply professional looks in one click
- Support for RAW files and the layout of major image formats
- Non-destructive editing to preserve your original files
- Gallery and of photo management
Pricing
- Perpetual version starting at €66.60 (Luminar AI)
- Subscription starting at €59.88/year (Luminar Neo)
❤️ Critical review : Luminar is shaking up the codes of photo editing with its AI technologies. Fast and intuitive, it allows you to obtain professional results in a few clicks.
👍 Pros : Awesome AI filters. Sleek interface. Easy to handle Good quality/price ratio.
👎 Cons : Runs less well on old OS. Some AI filters are still gimmicky. No mobile version.
FIND OUT MORE: Visit the Luminar website
6. Adobe Lightroom: Indispensable ally for photographers
Adobe Lightroom is an online photo editing and RAW file management software, specially designed to meet the needs of photographers.
With its interface optimized for the photo workflow and its powerful tools, this photo software is ideal for processing and organizing your shots.
Key features
- Fast and effective online correction and retouching tools (exposure, colors, details, etc.)
- Creative filters and presets to give a unique style to your photos
- Advanced RAW file and metadata management
- Cataloging and search capabilities to organize your library
- Synchronization between multiple devices thanks to the cloud
- Photoshop integration for advanced editing
Pricing
- Subscription starts at €12.09/month (Lightroom Plan - 1 TB)
- Subscription starting at €24.19/month (Lightroom Plan + Photoshop - 1 TB)
❤️ Critical review : Lightroom brilliantly combines editing, management, and sharing. Intuitive and mobile, it is the perfect tool for photographers on the go and demanding amateurs.
👍 Pros : Optimized workflow. Cross-platform sync. Inspiring presets. Advanced cataloging features.
👎 Cons : Limited storage space. Interface sometimes confusing. Some advanced editing features are missing.
FIND OUT MORE: Visit the Adobe LightRoom website
7. Stencil: Express photo editing for social networks
Stencil is an online tool designed to quickly create engaging social media visuals, including photo montages.
This software offers a library of models adapted to each platform. With its express editing options, Stencil makes it easy to optimize your photos for the web.
Key features
- Pre-formatted templates for the main social networks (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.)
- Integrated photo editor with crop, correction, and filter tools
- Library of over 1 million royalty-free images and icons
- Features for generating AI text to create powerful legends
- Scheduling and publishing directly on social networks
- Collaborative and ideal for community manager teams
Pricing
- Free version limited to 10 images per month
- Pro subscription starting at $15/month for unlimited use and advanced features
❤️ Critical review : Stencil is the ideal online software to create quality visuals for the web in the blink of an eye. Social media integrations, templates, and simplified editing work wonders.
👍 Pros : Hyper intuitive. Perfect for social media. Great choice of templates, fonts, icons. Cheap.
👎 Cons : Less powerful than Canva. Basic photo editing options. Limited export size.
FIND OUT MORE: Visit the Stencil website
8. DesignWizard: All-in-one tool for professional visuals
DesignWizard is an online platform that offers a wide range of tools for creating engaging designs, including a photo collage editor.
DesignWizard offers professional templates and advanced customization options, so this software is a perfect ally to easily create quality visuals, even without design skills.
Key features
- Library of over 10,000 professional design templates, including photo montages
- Integrated photo editor with editing, cropping, and filter tools
- Millions of royalty-free images, videos, and graphics to incorporate into your designs
- Automatic resizing of designs for different formats (social networks, print, etc.)
- Collaboration features to work as a team on your projects
- Integration with Canva, Hubspot, Marketo and other popular tools
Pricing
- Free version with limited features
- Pro subscription starting at €15/month for unlimited use and advanced features
❤️ Critical review : DesignWizard makes life easier for small businesses with its professional templates. Its secret: the perfect balance between power and ease of use.
👍 Pros : Quick to use. Nice choice of templates. Editing flexibility. Affordable rates.
👎 Cons : Less provided than Canva. Some export limitations. Sometimes slow to load.
FIND OUT MORE: Visit the DesignWizard website
9. ACDSee Photo Studio: Complete suite for demanding photographers
ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate is an all-in-one software solution for photographers who want to effectively manage, edit, and share their shots.
With its powerful cataloging tools and advanced editing features, ACDSee offers an optimized workflow for professionals.
Key features
- Advanced RAW file and metadata management
- Precise and efficient editing and correction tools
- Creative filters and effects to give a unique style to your photos
- Advanced cataloging and search capabilities to organize your library
- Support for Photoshop plugins and scripts to extend the possibilities
- Non-destructive editing to preserve your original files
Pricing
- Lifetime version starting at €140
- Subscription starting at €89/year with updates and priority support
❤️ Critical review : ACDSee is the all-in-one solution that photographers dream of. Retouching, managing, sharing... Powerful software with a hyper-fluid workflow.
👍 Pros : Full and integrated functionalities. RAW, layers, and actions. Advanced metadata management. Customizable interface.
👎 Cons : Quite expensive. Less easy to handle. Basic cloud sync. Lacks some creative features.
FIND OUT MORE: Visit the ACDSee website
10. DxO PhotoLab: RAW Development Expert
DxO PhotoLab is a high-end photo editing software, designed to provide professional quality results.
With its exclusive optical correction tools and advanced image processing algorithms, DxO PhotoLab makes it possible to obtain perfect shots, even in difficult shooting conditions.
Key features
- Exclusive optical correction tools to correct lens defects
- Advanced RAW processing with optimized noise and detail management
- Precise local editing features for total control over your images
- Creative filters and style presets to give a unique look to your photos
- Support for Nik Collection plugins to expand creative possibilities
- Metadata editor and cataloging options to organize your library
Pricing
- Essential version starting at €139
- Elite version starting at €219 with advanced features and plugin support
❤️ Critical review : DxO PhotoLab gets the most out of RAW files. Its powerful engine enhanced by DeepPrime offers breathtaking results of sharpness and detail.
👍 Pros : Excellent RAW processing. Awesome DeepPrime technology. Unique exclusive features. Custom workspaces.
👎 Cons : Demanding interface. Some creative tools are missing. Limited cataloging function. Quite expensive.
FIND OUT MORE: Visit the DxO PhotoLab website
11. Photoscape X: Creative photo editing for everyone
Photoscape X is a versatile and fun photo editing software that offers a wide range of tools and effects to give free rein to your creativity. This software offers an intuitive interface and original features, Photoscape X is a perfect tool for photo lovers looking to have fun while improving their shots.
Key features
- Simple and effective correction and retouching tools
- Original creative filters and effects for unique results
- Options for photo editing and creating animated GIFs
- Tools for drawing and adding text to personalize your images
- Batches for applying adjustments to multiple photos at once
- Integrated viewer to easily view your images
Pricing
- Free version with full features and Photoscape watermark
- Pro version at €39.99 with additional features (information not available on Mac)
❤️ Critical review : PhotoScape X impresses with its versatility and user-friendly interface. Retouch, management, effects... He does (almost) everything with a smile and at a low price.
👍 Pros : Easy to handle. Great variety of tools. Lots of filters and effects. Generous free version.
👎 Cons : Limited editing depth. Basic selective editing tools. Less stable than tenors. Lack of resources.
FIND OUT MORE: Visit the PhotoScape X website
12. Gimp: Pro and open-source photo editor
Gimp (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free and open-source photo editing software, offering a wide range of features comparable to those of paid professional software.
With its customizable interface and active community, Gimp is a great alternative for photographers and creatives looking for a powerful and economical solution.
Key features
- Advanced selection, editing, and correction functions
- Managing layers, masks, and blending modes for creative montages
- Various filters and effects to give an artistic touch to your photos
- Support for major image formats, including RAW (via plugins)
- Extensive customization of the interface and keyboard shortcuts
- Large community of developers and users for mutual support and resources
Pricing
- 100% free and open source
❤️ Critical review : Gimp is the best free alternative to Photoshop. Complete and efficient, it only lacks the ease of use of its model.
👍 Pros : Totally free. Quasi-pro options for graphics. Customization flexibility. Great community.
👎 Cons : Unintuitive interface. Lacks the Photoshop smoothing. Few updates and support.
FIND OUT MORE: Visit the Gimp website
What is photo editing software?
Photo editing software is much more than just a tool to beautify your photos. It is a genuine digital studio that gives you total control over every pixel in your images.
Imagine being able Reveal hidden details in the shadows, bring out the brightest colors without altering the natural appearance of the photo, or even erase imperfections while maintaining the texture of the skin. This is precisely what a good retouching software offers you.
But the possibilities don't end there. With advanced editing tools, you can literally reshaping reality according to your artistic vision. Erase unwanted elements, change the sky, add special effects... Anything becomes possible.
More than just a question of aesthetics, photo editing is a Means of expression in its own right. It allows you to Bringing your ideas to life, to create images that arouse emotion and captivate your audience.
And don't think that retouching is only for professionals. Thanks to modern software, even beginners can achieve stunning results in just a few clicks. With a bit of practice, you'll be amazed at how well your photos can be transformed and Sublimated.
What are the key features of the best photo editing software?
The most powerful photo editing software offers a complete set of tools to improve and perfect or retouch your photos and images. Here are the essential characteristics to look for:
- Advanced correction tools : Powerful functions to correct blemishes, such as removing blemishes, skin blemishes, and red eyes. Cloning and corrector tools to precisely retouch certain areas of the image.
- Color and light settings : Extensive options for adjusting white balance, color temperature, exposure, contrast, saturation, and brightness. Tools to work light, medium and dark tones separately.
- Creative filters and effects : A wide variety of predefined filters to quickly apply artistic styles. Creative effects like blur, grain, vignetting or HDR to give a unique touch to your photos.
- Advanced layer management : The ability to work with multiple layers for total control over the composition. Options to merge, hide, or add effects specific to each layer.
- Precise selections : Detailed selection tools to easily isolate image elements. Smart brushes and lasso that automatically detect contours. The ability to create complex masks.
- Portrait retouching : Dedicated functions for photography to beautify portraits, such as smoothing the skin, correcting skin tone, whitening teeth, or changing the color of eyes and hair.
- Format compatibility : Support for a wide range of image formats, including professional camera RAW files. The possibility of exporting in various formats optimized for the web or for printing.
- Automating tasks : Recordable actions to apply a series of adjustments in one click. Scripts and macros to automate recurring workflows and save time.
The ideal photo editing software combines these features in an intuitive interface, with tutorials and resources to help you get the most out of these tools, whether you're a beginner or a pro.
Who is photo editing software for?
Photo editing software caters to a wide range of users, each with different needs and goals. Here are the main types of users affected:
- Professional photographers : For image professionals, retouching is an essential step. They use advanced software to refine every detail, correct imperfections, and give their shots a unique visual signature.
- Passionate amateur photographers : Photo enthusiasts want to get the best out of their images, even without making it their job. Retouching software allows them to express their creativity and produce professional quality photos.
- Bloggers and influencers : In the world of content marketing, image is king. Bloggers and influencers use retouching to enhance their photos, attract attention and seduce their audience.
- Marketing and communication professionals : For marketers, whether freelance or not, retouching is a strategic tool. It makes it possible to stage products, create a strong visual identity and effectively convey brand messages.
- Graphic artists and designers : Photo editing is one more string in the bow of graphic designers. They use it to create compelling visuals, integrate images seamlessly into their designs, and bring their creative concepts to life.
- Social media lovers : In the age of Instagram, we are all a bit of photographers. Fans of social networks use retouching to give their selfies a boost, enhance their travel photos and collect likes in spades.
- Visual arts students : For students of photography, design or graphic arts, mastering retouching is an essential skill. It is an ideal playground to experiment with techniques, develop their creative eye and prepare for the professional world.
Whatever your profile, if you are looking to give the best out of your photos and explore your creative potential, then photo editing software is for you. Each has its own level, each has its own use, but only one quest: that of the perfect image!
FAQs
What software do professional photographers use to edit their photos?
Professional photographers love Adobe Photoshop for photo editing. This intuitive software offers all the tools you need to edit high-quality images regardless of the industry.
What is the best photo editing software for beginners?
Adobe Photoshop is the best photo editing software for beginners. It makes it easy to perform basic operations like cropping, rotating, resizing, and saving. Beginners can also explore a variety of creative options, such as adding layers, text, shapes, and filters.
Getting started with Adobe Photoshop is made easy by the thousands of tutorials and guides available online.
Is there a free version of Adobe Photoshop?
The Adobe Photoshop software offers a 7-day free trial, but is not available for free beyond that. An Adobe Creative Cloud membership ($52.99/month) gives access to the entire Adobe suite, while Photoshop software alone costs $20.99/month.
There are free alternatives like Gimp and Pixlr, but they are less comprehensive than Adobe Photoshop.
What is the difference between Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom?
Photoshop is an advanced editing tool that allows you to edit any image in detail. The Adobe Lightroom software is more of a management platform that allows you to organize, import, and export photos.
These two programs are complementary and are part of the Adobe Creative Cloud (CC) suite. They can be used together for optimal workflow.
Summary
All of these photo editing software mentioned above are impressive in and of themselves.
However, choosing the most suitable photo editor depends in particular on your preferences, of your budget And of your photo editing skills.
For example, the GIMP software might be the most appropriate option for professionals looking for a powerful and free photo editing tool.
However, to benefit from the best photo editing features, I recommend that you opt for one of my top choices:
So what better photo editing software did you choose? Let me know about your experience in the comments section below.
Plus, since most of these photo editors offer free trial versions, there's no harm in trying out a few before making a final decision.
Other recommended reading: To go further, check out my reviews on, best software to enlarge images without losing quality, the best software to improve image quality, the best video editing software And animation to test your video editing and design skills.
