Whether you’re taking photos with your smartphone or you’re a professional photographer with fancy equipment and a studio, you need the best software for photo editing in order to transform an average photo into something incredible.
One of the most common mistakes people make with photography is ignoring the image post-production process which is often classed as the second most critical step to producing a photograph, after taking the shot itself. While there are a lot of popular photo editors out there that seem complicated and hard to use let alone taking cost into factor, the below list of the best software for photo editing for PC and Mac has been picked to suit anyone regardless of skills, needs, and goals. Important aspects to keep in mind before choosing your preferred photo editing software include your experience level, budget, system requirements, easy-of-use, and application.
#1 Photo Editor
Best software for photo editing for users of all experience.
Choose from our extensive selection of editing tools
Remove red-eyes, over-exposure and other issues with our easy-to-use retouching tools
Edit RAW images
Upscale images without losing image quality with Super Resolution
Below is our list of the best software for photo editing in 2025
PhotoPad
PhotoPad Photo Editor is a well-rounded application that is perfectly designed for editing photos and images.
With a drag-and-drop interface, unlimited layers, and a range of editing tools and filters, PhotoPad is one of the easiest and most intuitive photo editing software to use without compromising on performance. Unlike some of the other photo editors mentioned in this article, the interface is sleek in design without unnecessary plugins and features congesting the space and overwhelming the user.
PhotoPad is accessible for users of all experience levels, and most photo effects and filters can be applied with a click of a button. Other features such as retouching tools, HDR Image processing, automatic color, and cloud storage are sure to appeal to professional users. This photo editor also boasts an impressive Super Resolution tool by using Artificial Intelligence and machine learning to upscale pictures and images without losing image quality. PhotoPad supports all major image formats including RAW images.
With minimal system requirements, PhotoPad installs quickly on any PC or Mac and isn’t going to heat up or destroy the battery life on laptops, making it accessible for everyone. With three versions of PhotoPad available including a free version for non-commercial use, there’s an offering for beginners to professional users, making it one of the best photo editing apps available.
PhotoPad is the perfect option for those looking for an easy and intuitive professional photo editing software that is one of the best in the market and isn’t going to break the bank.
Adobe Photoshop
[Image credit: Magzter]
Arguably one of the most recognizable software for photo editing, Adobe Photoshop is a powerful software that has become the industry standard for image editing.
With a range of layering, masking, and retouching features that are ideal for advanced touch-up jobs, Photoshop also offers a wide range of bushes, filters, and 3D editing tools. These can be useful for enhancing paintings, illustrations, and 3D art. Its integration with other Adobe tools for complete control is another benefit.
Aimed at professionals, this photo editing software isn’t made for beginners. It has a steep learning curve with a significant number of tools, and difficult navigation can be overwhelming for users. Tools and features are hidden away, and it is challenging to dive in without first consulting Google for tutorials. With high system requirements, you will also need one of the best laptops or computers to get the most out of this photo editing software.
Another negative is, to get the latest version of Photoshop, a Creative Cloud subscription is required, which is comparatively expensive compared to other alternatives. With no chance to buy a one-payment license and all your edited files stored in the Adobe cloud, this can be annoying for certain users who like to own the software and store files locally.
However, if you are serious about your photo and image editing, Adobe Photoshop is one of the best photo editing software PC and Mac.
Corel PaintShop Pro
[Image credit: Brack.ch]
The latest release from the team at Corel, PaintShop Pro contains everything you need to edit photos easily.
Designed primarily for photo enthusiasts who want to edit and manage their photo collection within a single piece of software, PaintShop Pro has a range of creative features and tools including RAW image support and layer style options. Some of the latest features also include its range of powerful AI tools with content-aware fill technology.
However, professional users might find this to be too basic with limited drop shadow options, no touch interface support, and no publication layout features. The layout and interface feel cluttered and a little dated. As a Windows-only program, all Mac users will have to suffice with another photo editor.
If you’re a beginner or an inspiring photographer that is looking for a photo editor and management software on Windows, Corel PaintShop Pro is a good choice.
Get PhotoPad Now.
Editing your photos has never been faster or easier.
Unlike the other photo editors on this list, Luminar 4 is a more purpose-based photo editor rather than tool-based.
They offer a range of presets and custom workplaces for those who just want to quickly apply a filter. Making use of advanced AI processes and an intuitive modern workflow, Skylum Luminar’s technology can recognize different objects in a scene and apply the right kind of enhancement to each. Apart from being a photo enhancer, Luminar also offers classic color and cropping tools, image layers, masking, and more.
There have been multiple reports of stability issues with unexpected shutdowns, slow processing, and slower import speeds. Luminar 4 also does not have focus effects such as depth of field options or tilt-shifts. Sharing files is also harder compared to the competition, with the only options including email, SmugMug, and 500px, and no direct upload to major social networks.
However, if you are looking for a top photo editing software that is different, quick, and intuitive to use, Luminar 4 is a great choice.
Affinity Photo
[Image credit: Photography-RAW]
Built for the serious and professional photographer, Affinity Photo is a high-powered photo editor at a budget price.
With photography-related tools such as adjustment layers, masks, color management, RAW image support, the workflow and tools available are very similar to Photoshop making it a great option for professionals who require advanced features and a broad range of support for file types and plug-ins.
As most professional photographers deal with RAW images, the RAW processing isn't as robust as the other options on this list, and there aren’t many one-click instant effects, making the image editing process tedious with Affinity Photo. There have also been complications with saving and exporting files.
Since the interface and workflow are similar to Photoshop, the learning curve is steeper than most and there aren't many tutorials and help guides available online.
Overall, Affinity Photo is recommended for intermediate and advanced users who want a similar tool to Photoshop without the monthly subscription that comes with the latter.
GIMP
[Image credit: GIMP]
As the only open-source photo editing software on this list, GIMP’s strength lies in its simplicity. Despite a standard interface, GIMP photo editing is a powerful software for retouching photos, enhancement, and composition.
With a range of basic tools such as montage tools, cropping, color adjustments to advanced features such as layer masks and channel manipulations, GIMP can be suited towards users of all levels. For fans of customization, the interface is fully customizable, with the ability to add multiple plugins and widgets, available thanks to the open-source community.
However, GIMP is focused on users who enjoy the process of image editing rather than those looking for a quick and easy software for photo editing. At the same time, professional users will also find the lack of RAW processing, adjustment layers, CMYK support, and sharing options, disappointing.
Many of the workflows and tools aren't very intuitive, which can take some getting used to. Additionally, as you might expect with open source software, there isn't a lot of documentation and tutorials, which makes the learning curve much steeper.
Overall, for a free photo editing software, GIMP is great for those looking for customization and control, without shelling out a penny. Available on PC, Mac, and Linux.
And there you have it. These are some of the best software for photo editing available and worth your investment and time. If you’re looking for the one tool that is the easiest, most accessible, most intuitive, and most comprehensive software for photo editing that at the same isn’t going to cost you an arm and a leg, we recommend PhotoPad Software for Photo Editing.
Starting your first PhotoPad project will take less than the time it took you to read this article. Click the download button below and try it out yourself. Happy editing!
Windows,
Mac, iOS and
Android