There are hundreds of reasons why you need to edit a photo or an image.
Sep 26, 2018 You can edit images from your Photos library with third-party apps, such as Photoshop and Pixelmator, right from the Photos app. Select an image, then choose Image Edit With and choose the editing app that you’d like to use. When you’re finished editing in the app, save your work or use the Command-S keyboard shortcut. Jan 04, 2020 The Mac is still the best device for serious photo editing, so you need some serious photo editing apps to make an impact. The built-in Photos app on Mac offers several useful photo editing tools. You can crop, adjust lighting and color, set the white balance, add filters, remove unwanted blemishes, and a few more things. However, in all honesty?
Adobe Photoshop is expensive and not easy to use unless you are a professional.
However, we all need to do a little photo editing or resize images and crop for simple reasons such as posting on social media or to add text.
Posting a photo online with an ugly red eye is certainly not what you would like to do. Do you want to add photo frames or convert to black and white?
Instagram is a prime example of how adding a few simple photo effects or graphic design can attract a little more attention.
If you are blogging, you always need an image editor to create your unique featured header images. But if you are busy, you want something that is quick and easy.
For authors, cover design projects involve a lot of work. You can use some of these apps for mockups and color experiments before deciding on the final design.
Basic image editing tools with a simple user interface can come in handy for this stage. But then later, leave the advanced editing to your cover designer.
In This ArticleHideFree image editing software1. GIMP2. Seashore3. Photo Pos Pro4. InPixio5. Paint.NET6. Photoscape7. Adobe Photoshop ExpressEight Free Online Photo Editors8. Pixlr9. Sumopaint10. Photovisi11. Fotor12. PiZap13. Ribbet14. BeFunkyThree Free Image Tools I Use Every Day15. Canva16. ImageOptim17. PixabayConclusionFree image editing software
Depending on what you want to do with an image or photo editor, you have a very good choice of free tools.
For photo editing, you don’t need to download and install photo editing software.
There are a lot of free photo editors online. You can add filters and effects or use a collage maker.
All you usually need to do to edit photos is to upload your image file and then download it after you make your changes or add your special effects.
Perhaps you want to do more complex tasks and use advanced editing tools, like making a transparent background or using a tilt-shift tool.
Then there is a choice of open source and free editing tools you can download and install for Mac and PC.
So what choices do you have for a free image editor? Here are seven suggestions to get you started.
1. GIMP
Gimp is the number one choice as an alternative to Photoshop. If you don’t know, the name is an acronym, GNU Image Manipulation Program.
It is not easy to learn, so you will need to spend some time getting to grips with how all the advanced tools work. But if you have some experience, especially with RAW files, they will be familiar to you.
It is available for macOS, Microsoft Windows, and Linux. You can download Gimp here.
2. Seashore
Seashore is an open-source image editor. However, it is only available for Mac users.
It is much easier to use than Gimp, so it is ideal for people new to image editing. I have used it for a long time because my skills are basic.
But it can do everything I need to do with an image editor. If you are an Apple user, it is the best choice.
3. Photo Pos Pro
For PC users Photo Pos Pro is a free Windows photo editor. But there is a lite version available for Mac users.
You can convert any of your images into a stunning piece of artwork. You get all the tools to create, edit, enhance, print, and manipulate your digital photos or computer graphics.
Photo Pos Pro supports all the standard features such as Filters, Layers, Masks, Curves, Scripts, Effects, and Brushes.
You could hardly ask for much more from a free photo editor.
4. InPixio
InPixio has a lot of products. But the photo editor is free.
After you download the app, log in with your Amazon Prime or Prime Video account to watch. Browse available content and tap a title to watch it. On iOS and Android devices, you can also download a title by tapping the download icon from the video detail page. Amazon prime video app for mac os.
It will probably suit people who just want simple picture editing software to edit photos for sharing online on social media.
There is a comparison chart, so you can make a judgment about what it can do.
5. Paint.NET
Paint.NET, as the name suggests, is a Windows program.
I can’t give a view of this app because I am a Mac user.
However, Tech Radar gives it a good 4-star review, so it might be a good alternative to Gimp.
Download Paint.NET. But the page is full of ads, so as a hint, the download link is in the top right-hand corner.
6. Photoscape
Photoscape is an image and photo editor but is only available for PC users.
The editor tools include: resizing, brightness and color adjustment, white balance, backlight correction, frames, balloons, mosaic mode, adding text, drawing pictures, cropping, filters, red-eye removal, blooming, paintbrush, clone stamp, and an effect brush.Download Photoscape.
7. Adobe Photoshop Express
Adobe Photoshop Express is only available as an app for mobile devices.
It gets in at number six, well, because it is Adobe so it must be good. It is not Adobe Lightroom, but it works quite well.
The list of features is very long, so I won’t repeat it all here. But I did notice that you can add watermarks to photos.
That is a cool feature to individualize your photos.
You can get the mobile apps on the Apple App Store, Google Play and the Windows Store.
Eight Free Online Photo Editors
8. Pixlr
Here’s the outline of what Pixlr can do.
It has 2 million+ combinations of free effects, filters, and overlays.It is a complete mobile photo editing tool that works best for simple tweaks right up to the more creative edits.You can go directly to the editor here.
9. Sumopaint
Sumopaint has a feature list as long as your arm.
You will need Flash installed on your browser, or you can download the app.
It has shape tools, layer effects, linear blur, mosaics and dozens of brushes.
There are so many features and tools, it is probably quicker for you to take a look for yourself.
10. Photovisi
Photovisi is a collage maker. So if that is what you want to do, it is a great free option.
You can also create social media covers and headers for Facebook, Twitter, Linked, Google Plus and many more.
If you are into social media images, this tool could be what you are looking for.
11. Fotor
Fotor is an image design suite similar to Canva.
You have shapes, fonts and clipart you can add to your designs
There is a whole bundle of templates and design tools to choose from.
This is going to be a go-to free app for many.
12. PiZap
PiZap is a simple online editor for photos and images.
You will need Flash enabled to use the tools, however.
One bonus of this tool is that you can make your own emojis. Well, if that is of interest, take a look.
13. Ribbet
Ribbet has one very cool looking website.
As soon as you open its site, you know it knows about image editing. It requires Flash, but it is full of features.
You can use it online, or there are apps for the iPhone and iPad.
14. BeFunky
BeFunky has a bit of everything for everyone it would seem.
It has an image or photo editor, a collage maker, and a designer similar to Canva and Fotor.
It looks like a good free all-rounder online tool for all your image editing needs.
Three Free Image Tools I Use Every Day
Photography Editing Software For Mac
This list would not be complete without mentioning three free image tools that make my life easier.
I have used each of these for ages and I use them so often, they live in my dock for easy access.
15. Canva
Canva has been my tool of choice for so long that I can’t recall when I started using it.
I create all the featured images for my blogs with Canva.
It keeps a library of all my uploaded images and designs, so it really helps when I need to add a logo or update a blog image.
It is easy to learn how to use and has a friendly interface that will have you up and running in no time at all.
16. ImageOptim
ImageOptim is a small Mac only program.
But if you are an Apple user, this is an indispensable little free program.
I have it sitting in my dock, and use it so many times a day to losslessly reduce the size of images that I use on my sites.
All you need to do is open it, and then drag your images files to it and it reduces the size of your jpeg, png and gif images to your settings.
I have it set to 70% reduction. It works absolutely perfectly without any noticeable loss of image quality.
17. Pixabay
Okay, Pixabay is not an app or an image editor.
But we all need free images from time to time, and Pixabay is by far my favorite because of the huge selection and image quality.
I sometimes use Morguefile, but the free images there are not up to the same standard as Pixabay.
Conclusion
I use many pro or paid apps and tools, but there are a lot of free tools I use that do a great job too.
Free doesn’t necessarily mean poor quality or performance. But don’t expect priority support for a free tool.
Edit Photos On Mac
You should expect that they might be either advertising-supported or that you will receive a few emails from time to time.
Some free tools are slimmed-down versions of a premium app or tool or are limited to a trial period, so you need to check.
In the end, it is a matter of choice and what works best for you.
Editing your photos on your iPhone is one thing, but editing your photos on your Mac can take your photography skills to a whole 'nother level.
Many of us still keep our main libraries on our Macs because of its faster processors, larger storage, and all-around bigger computing power. The Mac is still the best device for serious photo editing, so you need some serious photo editing apps to make an impact.
The built-in Photos app on Mac offers several useful photo editing tools. You can crop, adjust lighting and color, set the white balance, add filters, remove unwanted blemishes, and a few more things. However, in all honesty? It's not really meant to be a robust editing app, so If you are looking for something to really finish your photos right, we've got a list of the best photo editors for Mac right here. Let's go!
Affinity Photo
If you're looking for a photo editing app that goes above and beyond for the pricetag, while still allowing you complete creative control over your images, then it might be worth it to take a peek at Affinity Photo.
In the Dictionary app on your Mac, type a word or phrase in the search field in the upper-right corner of the Dictionary window. Note: If you add another Dictionary source, wait for it to download completely before searching for a word or phrase. Macos dictionary app. Nov 10, 2018 The built-in Dictionary app in macOS is hardly the sexiest piece of software out there, but it is a crucially overlooked resource. When combined with the context menu’s “Look Up” function, it makes both learning words and using words correctly far easier. And for folks learning another language, it’s crucial to getting translations right. You can access both a dictionary and thesaurus while composing messages in the macOS Mail app. The operating system comes included with The New Oxford American Dictionary and The Oxford American Writer's Thesaurus, as well as other dictionaries. All can be easily accessed within macOS Mail. Nov 13, 2018 The built-in Dictionary app in macOS is hardly the sexiest piece of software out there, but it is a crucially overlooked resource. When combined with the context menu’s “Look Up” function, it makes both learning words and using words correctly far easier. And for folks learning another language, it’s crucial to getting translations right.
Affinity Photo supports unlimited layers, groups, layer adjustments, filters, masking, and more: you also have access to tools like dodge, red-eye fix, burn, blemish, clone, and patch (so pretty much Photoshop without all the convoluted bells and whistles). Nondestructive auto-saving makes undoing everything you've done easy, so if you need to start from the beginning, the option is there.
Play, manipulate, edit, and get hella creative with Affinity Photo whether you're a serious graphic designer or someone who's just looking to do some basic editing. Your photography will seriously thank you.
- $49.99 - Download now
Fotor Photo Editor
Searching for a super simple, straight-forward photo editing app that's there to help you edit and not confuse you to the point of ripping out your hair? Then check out Fotor Photo Editor!
With this photo editor, you can easily adjust contrast and color of more washed-out photos, add borders, tilt and shift your images, add different text, slap on a few filters, and so much more, all from the easy-to-find toolbox on the right side of the app. You can even create collages of your photography masterpieces!
The BBC once called Fotor Photo Editor 'light Photoshop', and they're kind of right! You can go above and beyond editing your images with Fotor Photo Editor without getting bogged down by more complicated editing buttons and tools.
- Free - Download now
Lightroom
When you look into photo editing software, one of the first things that'll pop up is Adobe's Lightroom, and for good reason! It's essentially a staple in the photo editing community.
Lightroom is great for photographers who need to manage a large image library, and who are prepared to commit to (and pay for) Adobe's cloud storage space. But it is purely a photography tool that's a little outside the regular Adobe design ecosystem. (Creative Bloq)
Pretty much anything you want to do with your photo, you can accomplish with Lightroom. You can blend and merge shadows and highlights, sharpen dull, blurry images so they look crisp and clear, add details and tint colors to make a photo stand out, and so, so much more.
While it is a bit more on the complicated side, people who use the program and know how to navigate it are hooked. Keep in mind, there are two versions of the app — there's the Classic version, which is more preferred, and the 2018 CC version.
If you're hesitant about the program and paying for it, you can download Lightroom free for 30 days as part of a trial period. After that, you can add it to your Photoshop CC subscription for $9.99 per month.
- Free trial - Download now
Pixelmator
Amp up your photo editing skills with a little bit of help from Pixelmator!
This particular photo editing app allows you to combine two different photos into one (while still allowing you to edit over each layer), add shapes, gradients, filters, tints, and more, and completely change and edit your photography to make it fit perfectly to your aesthetic. You can even mask and cut off certain areas of the photo, giving you more creative control over your final image.
Similar to other photo editing apps, you can also adjust contrast, color, saturation level, definition, and so much more.
It's another great alternative to Photoshop, at least according to our managing editor Lory Gil.
- $29.99 - Download now
GIMP
Love Photoshop (or the idea of Photoshop..) but don't want all the complicated components and nonsense that comes along with it? Then it might be worth it to take a peek at GIMP.
Similar to Photoshop, GIMP allows you full control over editing your photos: it's an advanced image manipulation program with detailed customization for color reproduction.
You can add layers to your photos, edit and tweak colors, adjust contrast, crop, adjust saturation, and so much more. If you're someone who admires Photoshop but is terrified of the price (or just thinks it's not worth it) then GIMP might be the perfect pal for you.
- Free - Download now
Snapheal
Say 'bye-bye' to nasty photobombs, zits, perky distractions, and so much more in your photos thanks to Snapheal!
Snapheal is a little bit unique in the sense that it's more of a 'delete now, ask questions later' app. It's more about cleaning up a photo than it is editing it and adding a whole bunch of layers. The tools can either remove large objects or smaller imperfections depending on the mode. You can even adjust the masking tool, use a magic rope, or clone stamp your way to a new photo.
If you're someone who's a perfectionist when it comes to your photography and you just can't stand that one stupid, distracting blur in the background, then Snapheal is the guy for you.
- $7.99 - Download now
Preview
I know what you're thinking: 'Preview? Really, Cella?'
To which I respond: 'Uh, yeah. Duh, my dude. You use it every day!'
Sure, you can't do a bunch of fancy things with Preview like add filters, adjust contrast, and fix saturation, but you can quickly crop a photo, adjust the color, rotate it, add shapes, texts, and a signature, export as a different format, and more.
Yes, Preview isn't perfect, but it is easy to use and fantastic for making small, fast changes to your photography.
- It's already on your Mac.
Software For Photo Editing On Mac
How do you edit your photography?
What is your favorite photo editing app for the Mac? Why does it work the best for you? Let us know what your top picks are in the comments down below!
Updated August 2018: All the choices on this list are still the best of the best!
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