Creative types tend to favor Macs over Windows PCs, and photographers are no exception. When it comes to photo editing software, Mac users have plenty of options—so many that it can be hard to pick the right app for your particular needs. That’s where we come in.Apple no longer produces its own pro-level photo software, having abandoned the outstanding Aperture program years ago. That said, the Apple Photos app that comes with Macs is both easy to use and powerful. But you can get even more features and editing prowess by installing other photo editing apps from imaging powerhouses like Adobe, Capture One, CyberLink, and DxO. Here we take you through the features of the best photo editing apps for Mac and explain how they’re different, followed by more tips on how to choose and buy the best photo editing software.
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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Adobe Lightroom Classic
Best for Professional Photo Workflow
Why We Picked ItAdobe Lightroom Classic is the longtime software choice of working professional photographers. In addition to top-notch importing and organizing tools, Lightroom Classic gives photographers the best tools for correcting and enhancing photos in a raw file process. It includes things missing from the non-Classic version of Lightroom (see below) that pros need, such as printing, soft-proofing, tethered shooting, and plug-in support. You don’t, however, get some of the features amateurs and hobbyists might like, such as basic video tools and lots of learning content.Who It’s ForLightroom Classic is primarily for professional photographers. In fact, it’s the industry standard. When professionals and articles directed at them talk about Lightroom, they invariable mean Lightroom Classic. It’s also only for those willing to pay a recurring subscription fee.
PROS
Excellent photo management and organization
Auto masking for local adjustments
Face recognition and geo-tag map
Plug-in support
Connected mobile app
CONS
Initial raw conversion is slightly more detailed in some competing products
Requires subscription
SPECS
Name
Value
Keyword Tagging
Face Recognition
Layer Editing
Lens Profile Corrections
Content-Aware Edits
Learn More
Adobe Lightroom Classic Review
Adobe Photoshop
Best for Detailed Image Manipulation and Design
Why We Picked ItPhotoshop is the photo editing software that started it all. It’s become the most powerful image-editing software, bar none. Photoshop is often where Adobe puts its latest state-of-the-art features first, such as the new Firefly generative AI image-creating tools. It includes the complex layering, masking, text options, drawing, gradients, filters, and output formats that professionals need.Who It’s ForPhotoshop is for pros and serious image editing enthusiasts. It’s not for people who shrink from complexity. Even though it has an incredibly deep set of tools, its interface is flexible and has gotten more manageable in recent versions, with things like hover-over help tips and a persistent search box at the top. As with other Adobe offerings, however, it’s not for anyone unwilling to cough up a recurring subscription fee, as that’s the only way to keep using it.
PROS
Vast set of photo correction and manipulation tools
Slick user interface with a lot of guidance
Tools for mobile and web design
Rich set of drawing and typography tools
Powerful raw camera files tools
Synced Libraries, Cloud Documents, and collaboration features
CONS
No perpetual license option, hard to find the best price online
Steep learning curve
Runs many processes in the background
SPECS
Name
Value
Keyword Tagging
Face Recognition
Layer Editing
Lens Profile Corrections
Content-Aware Edits
Learn More
Adobe Photoshop Review
Adobe Photoshop Elements
Best for Hobbyists
Why We Picked ItPhotoshop Elements includes much of the capability of its big sibling, Photoshop, but it wraps that functionality in a friendlier interface that emphasizes hand-holding. Its Guided Edits ease the process of creating stunning effects with your photos. You still get layers, filters, and a smart Organizer utility to keep track of your photo collection.Who It’s ForAdobe describes the audience for Elements as “memory keepers,” those members of the family who want to create appealing photographic keepsakes from family occasions. Elements also offers anyone a good entry point to the processes behind the pro-level effects designers get with Photoshop proper. Another plus is that you don’t have to keep paying a subscription to use it, as it’s available for a reasonable one-time purchase price.
PROS
Many powerful image-manipulation tools
Strong face-tagging and geotagging capabilities
Excellent image output options
Powerful search
Helpful guidance for advanced techniques
CONS
No local help system
No chromatic aberration correction tool or lens geometry profiles
Little cloud storage allocation for mobile and web syncing
No generative image AI
SPECS
Name
Value
Keyword Tagging
Face Recognition
Layer Editing
Lens Profile Corrections
Content-Aware Edits
Learn More
Adobe Photoshop Elements Review
Apple Photos
Best for Free, Easy Photo Editing
Why We Picked ItYes, Apple Photos is included free with every Mac, and it’s an excellent photo editing application. It includes strong organization and photo adjustment features and is particularly suited to those who take pictures with iPhones. But the app also lets you view and edit raw camera files from popular camera models, making for more powerful editing possibilities.Who It’s ForAnyone with a Mac already has Apple Photos preinstalled and couldn’t remove it even if they wanted to. But consumers and hobbyists will be pleased with its impressive functionality. Professionals and photo enthusiasts will want more capable software, however. That said, it’s free, and who doesn’t like free stuff?
PROS
Free/included with Apple device purchase
Intuitive, slick interface
Face recognition
Capable auto-corrections
Plug-in support
Neat tricks for iOS Live Photos
CONS
Available only for Apple devices
No chromatic aberration or geometry correction
Sharing limited to Apple ecosystem
SPECS
Name
Value
Keyword Tagging
Face Recognition
Layer Editing
Lens Profile Corrections
Content-Aware Edits
Learn More
Apple Photos Review
DxO PhotoLab
Best for Noise Reduction and Camera Profile Corrections
Why We Picked ItDxO pioneered several technologies that went on to be used by other software products. Lens-profile-based corrections, geometry fixes, and deep time-consuming noise reduction have all shown up later in competitors. In fact, its DeepPrime XD noise reduction is now faster and can make unusable photos usable; PhotoLab is worth getting for that alone. It’s also excellent at removing chromatic aberration and automatically fixing the lighting with its Smart Lighting tool. The included U Point technology offers unmatched control over local adjustments, too.Who It’s ForDxO PhotoLab is mostly for professionals who need to get the best out of their raw camera files, but it will be of interest to engaged amateurs as well. If you just need noise reduction and lens corrections, the more limited DxO PureRAW product serves your needs and can work as a Photoshop or Lightroom plug-in. PhotoLab is not for those looking for a cheap solution, but its pricing is one-time perpetual rather than a subscription like most Adobe software is.
PROS
Clear interface
Best-in-class noise reduction
Excellent autocorrection based on camera and lens characteristics
Geometry corrections
Powerful local adjustments
CONS
Few workflow tools
No HEIC/HEIF support
Noise-reduction can be slow
SPECS
Name
Value
Keyword Tagging
Face Recognition
Layer Editing
Lens Profile Corrections
Content-Aware Edits
Learn More
DxO PhotoLab Review
Adobe Lightroom
Best for Serious Amateurs
Why We Picked ItLightroom combines some of the most powerful photo editing and organizing tools in one of the most usable and appealing interfaces. It simplifies the more pro-oriented Lightroom Classic, and keeps all your photos and edits in the cloud for anywhere access. The learning and community features are hard to match, thanks to Lightroom’s Discover feature.Who It’s ForLightroom appeals to serious amateur photography enthusiasts. It’s also for professionals who don’t need printing, plug-in support, or tethered shooting capabilities. Those who recoil at its $9.99-per-month subscription fee will want to look elsewhere at software like Adobe’s own Photoshop Elements or CyberLink’s PhotoDirector, both available as affordable one-time purchases.
PROS
Simple, clear interface
Syncs photos to cloud storage for access on other devices
Light, color, and detail adjustments equal to Lightroom Classic’s
Powerful raw profiles and filters
Strong community features
CONS
Subscription only
No local printing or plug-in support
Limited sharing
SPECS
Name
Value
Keyword Tagging
Face Recognition
Layer Editing
Lens Profile Corrections
Content-Aware Edits
Learn More
Adobe Lightroom Review
CyberLink PhotoDirector
Best Low-Cost Combined Workflow and Editing
Why We Picked ItPhotoDirector offers both Lightroom- and Photoshop-like functionality in a single, affordable application. You get all the workflow features of Lightroom—nondestructive import catalogues, keywords, and other organization tools—as well as Photoshop’s layer editing, masking, and even some generative AI-powered tools like background or object removal.Who It’s ForIts quick performance and deep set of organization tools and effects makes PhotoDirector good for amateur photo enthusiasts, but there’s also enough there for pros who don’t want to spring for Adobe’s subscription pricing. If you do opt for a PhotoDirector subscription, you get tons of stock images from Getty Images
PROS
Friendly yet powerful interface
Many advanced effects
Body shaper and other impressive editing tools
Extensive layer support
Painterly AI styles
Tethered shooting
CONS
No geotag maps
Weak chromatic aberration and noise corrections
Not enough lens profiles
Some menus occasionally slow
SPECS
Name
Value
Keyword Tagging
Face Recognition
Layer Editing
Lens Profile Corrections
Content-Aware Edits
Learn More
CyberLink PhotoDirector Review
Capture One Pro
Best for Raw File Conversion
Why We Picked ItCapture One is often referred to as an alternative to Adobe Lightroom. It is super-powerful professional photo workflow software, and it does the best job of interpreting a camera’s raw image data into a sharp, accurate photo. It includes an abundance of adjustments and local edit tools, as well as layers and advanced color grading. A unique speed edit feature lets you get to frequently needed tools with a key press. It still trails Lightroom when it comes to workflow abilities, however.Who It’s ForCapture One is squarely aimed at pro photographers. Its interface could be intimidating to those not willing to put in the time to learn it. The program is priced like a professional application, too, available as both a subscription (costing more than Lightroom’s) and a one-time purchase.
PROS
Good raw file conversion quality
Fast import
Automatic batch adjustment tools
Collaboration supported
CONS
Interface can get complex, especially with layers
No face recognition for organization
Expensive
SPECS
Name
Value
Keyword Tagging
Face Recognition
Layer Editing
Lens Profile Corrections
Content-Aware Edits
Learn More
Capture One Pro Review
Photopea
Best Low-Cost Photoshop Alternative
Why We Picked ItPhotopea is a remarkably full-featured Photoshop replacement. You get a good helping of its features for free, and a $5-per-month subscription adds generative AI image-creation tools, more steps in your editing history, and 5GB of online image storage. The app is web-based, so you can use it on any internet-connected device you have.Who It’s ForPhotopea is a good choice for anyone who is unwilling or unable to pay the steep subscription pricing for Photoshop but wants most of its editing tools.
PROS
Surprising number of Photoshop features
No installation required
Clear interface and good help
Includes vector editing
CONS
Navigating away from page loses project
Some actions can be slow
Lacks some advanced Photoshop features
SPECS
Name
Value
Keyword Tagging
Face Recognition
Layer Editing
Lens Profile Corrections
Content-Aware Edits
Learn More
Photopea Review
Skylum Luminar Neo
Best for Unique AI Corrections and Effects
Why We Picked ItSkylum Luminar Neo is a well-designed photo app with some unique innovative tools, such as AI-based power-line removal, a tool that relights different parts of a photo based on distance, along with generative AI tools for expanding scenes or erasing objects. Luminar Neo aces at fixing drab skies in your shots, as its name suggests. The program lets you edit with layers, masks, and local adjustments, just like Photoshop. Skylum is always adding new features, some as separately paid modules. The interface is clear and simple, but it’s short on photo organization and workflow compared with Lightroom (either version).Who It’s ForAnyone who wants to have a lot of fun enhancing their photos should check out the easy-to-use Luminar Neo, whether pro or amateur. It can be used as a plug-in for Lightroom and Photoshop. You can purchase it one-time or as a subscription to keep getting new content and tools.
PROS
Unique AI photo-fixing tools
Simple, pleasing interface
Lots of adjustment tools, filters, and effects
CONS
Some operations are slow
No face recognition or keyword tagging
SPECS
Name
Value
Keyword Tagging
Face Recognition
Layer Editing
Lens Profile Corrections
Content-Aware Edits
Learn More
Skylum Luminar Neo Review
Buying Guide: The Best Photo Editing Software for Macs in 2024
How Do You Choose Photo Editing Software?When choosing a Mac photo editing app, look for a clean, well-designed interface with lots of help and tutorials. Beyond that, there are different types of apps that specialize in different parts of the photo editing process. The app or apps you choose will depend on what you need to do.For example, some applications excel at workflow—the whole set of steps from importing, organizing, correcting, enhancing, and outputting your photos. They often use modes, which simply means you select an interface layout for the stage of work you’re doing—one mode for importing and organizing, one for adjusting and correcting, and another for exporting. Additionally, some workflow software lets you organize images by faces using AI and location using the GPS data of where the picture was taken.Non-workflow software, by contrast, gives you all of its tools all the time, but doesn’t help you import and organize your photo collection. Photoshop is an example of non-workflow photo-editing software.What’s the Best Photo Editing App for Macs?Our pick for the best photo workflow app is Adobe Lightroom Classic. It lets you import photos from a camera memory card converting raw camera files to viewable images using excellent profile options. It then lets you pick, reject, color tag, keyword tag, and star-rate the photos in your collection. This way, you can quickly find a particular image you’re looking for. Like the best workflow apps, it lets you search for an image based on the equipment (camera and lens), shot settings (aperture, exposure, and ISO), date, and whether you’ve edited it. But Lightroom Classic is also strong at photo correction (lighting, color, detail, and geometry) and even manipulation, with more Photoshop-style tools arriving in it with each update. Finally, it does at least three things the newer Lightroom (non-Classic) can’t do: It lets you perform tethered shooting, in which you connect your camera to the software to see images on the computer as they’re shot; it allows you to install third-party plug-ins for added editing and exporting functions; and it offers deep printing options.For non-workflow photo editing software, Adobe Photoshop is the undisputed best application, with an unmatched and ever-increasing set of state-of-the-art image editing tools. It excels at layer editing, which lets the user overlay many levels of image content and effects. It also is the best at letting you select areas and subjects within your image to choose where an effect applies. You get plentiful drawing and typography tools in this beast of an application, too. Its newer Generative Fill and Generative Expand effects add content to your image using Firefly generative AI, and its Neural Filters take advantage of Sensei AI image analysis for some mind-blowing effects.What’s the Best Free Photo Editing Software for Macs?Our top pick for the best free photo editing software for Mac is Apple Photos. It’s free in the sense that it comes included with the purchase of any Mac computer. Aside from Apple Photos, there are other free tools for editing your photos on a Mac. Most notable is the web-based Photopea; you can use all its standard Photoshop-like tools for free or add generative AI features and cloud storage for $5 a month.Google Photos is one tool that excels at organization and backs up your photos online, with up to 15GB worth for free. It syncs photos from both Androids and iPhones, offers a decent set of online editing tools, and even uses AI to suggest edits and creations. Another excellent free tool is Polarr, which has mobile and desktop versions, though it does offer in-app purchases. Picktorial is another popular choice in the Mac App Store, and it handles raw camera files (see Editing Raw Camera Files on a Mac, below). The open-source Photoshop wannabe GIMP raises its ugly interface in every discussion of free photo software, and if you don’t mind navigating its Byzantine UI, it could suit your needs, as the powerful toolset is there.What Can Mac Photo Apps Do?Photo editing software must be able to import and organize your digital photos. After that, you need tools to crop the pictures and adjust their lighting, color, and detail (adding sharpness or removing noise, for example). Then comes the fancy stuff: artistic effects, overlays, black-and-white, colorization, and pixel manipulation—things like removing unwanted objects or creating selection masks. Finally, you have to output the image to the destination and in the format of your choice.Some tools perform nearly all these functions, such as Adobe Photoshop Elements, CyberLink PhotoDirector, and ON1 Photo RAW. Other products specialize in one or another of them. For example, DxO PureRAW and Topaz DeNoise are all about reducing noise and, in the case of DxO ViewPoint, camera and lens distortions.The most famous photo application of all, Adobe Photoshop, does image adjustment and manipulation—corrections, selections, layers, effects, compositing, adding text, and so on. It’s not for importing and organizing your photo collection, however. For that, you’ll need Lightroom. Serif Affinity Photo is similar to Photoshop in that regard, though it lacks Adobe’s state-of-the-art tools and polished interface. Some tools (not included in this list of the best photo editing apps for Mac) focus solely on organizing and importing: Adobe Bridge, Mylio, Photo Mechanic, WidsMob, and the open-source digiKam. A good way to organize your photo collection is to use an online photo storage service.
How to Choose Photo Editing Software
Editing Raw Camera Files on a MacIf you use a DSLR or mirrorless camera, you’re best off shooting in raw camera file format rather than using JPG. With raw, you can get a lot more out of the image at the editing stage, in terms of lighting and color adjustment. It’s important when you’re trying to retrieve detail from a very dark or light part of an image. In particular, a Shadows slider is used to bring out detail in a dark area, while the Highlights adjustment can show the blue and clouds in an otherwise bleached-out white sky.Adjusting raw files also lets you change the white balance you chose at the time of shooting. For example, if a photo looks overly warm—toward the red, orange, and yellow side of the spectrum—changing the white balance can make the colors more true to life.
Recommended by Our Editors
Most of the higher-end software now include automatic corrections based on your camera model and lens, such as corrections for lens geometry distortion (think warped edges on a wide-angle shot), vignetting (dark edges), and chromatic aberration (color fringes). Make sure the software you choose has profiles for your equipment.Other tools you want in your photo software involve adjusting the fine details, for example sharpness and noise reduction. Useful related tools include dehaze, clarity, texture, and microcontrast (called Texture in Lightroom).For more creative editing, look for selection tools, blemish repair, masks, filters, and text overlay capabilities. Photoshop now has tools that let you reshape a face, and CyberLink PhotoDirector has body-reshaping tools. Some software supports LUTs (aka CLUTs—color lookup tables); these are filters that create moods by shifting color. The motion picture industry has long used LUTs to give a shot a sunny dreamy effect or to simulate nighttime even if the shooting took place during the day. A couple of applications that are loaded with effects and filters are Skylum Luminar and ON1 PhotoRAW.Mac Photo Output OptionsFinally, you want output options. All the software in this list of the best photo editing apps for Macs lets you output from raw format to JPG, which is universally accepted, especially for online use. Some let you create images optimized for social networks and directly upload them to online services. Many, such as Lightroom and Photopea, include online galleries for your work, to which you can upload from inside the app. If you need to print, look for a program with soft proofing, which shows whether all the colors in your image can be printed. Applications like Apple Photos, Google Photos, and Lightroom Classic include excellent book layout options and let you order custom photo books directly.Make Sure You Have the Right CameraIf you’re a beginner to digital photography, you also want to make sure you have some good photography hardware. Phones have better and better cameras these days, but they still can’t beat a dedicated camera. For help choosing one, see our list of the best digital cameras and the best camera phones.
