Looking for the best free photo editing software for Mac and PC in 2025? We've handpicked a selection of powerful tools you can download today, each with standout features, pros and cons, and compatibility for both MacOS and Windows.

Whether you're just starting out or testing the waters before committing to premium software, these free tools are ideal for hobbyists, beginner photographers, and creatives on a budget.

In today's content-driven world, the bar for visual quality is higher than ever, especially on social media. But the good news? You don't need expensive software to achieve beautiful, polished images. From color corrections and retouching to filters and batch editing, these free apps offer impressive creative control for zero cost.

Most of the tools we cover here are beginner-friendly, and are fully compatible with both Mac and PC (some even have mobile apps), so you can compare them side-by-side and find the best free photo editor for your photography workflow.

Photo Editing Tools For Mac and PC

• Photopea: Free Photoshop Alternative in Your Browser
• GIMP: The Best Free Photoshop Alternative for Desktop
• Adobe Photoshop Express: Quick, Reliable Photo Edits
• RawTherapee: Pro-Level Free RAW Editor
• Fotor: Simple Yet Stylish Free Photo Editor
• darktable: Free Lightroom Alternative
• Pixlr: Online Photo Editor 
• Adobe Lightroom: Photo Editing Software
• Adobe Photoshop: Best All-In-One Photo & Graphic Design Tool
• Capture One: Professional RAW Photo Editor
• Photoscape X: Fun & Creative Photo Editor for Beginners
• Polarr: AI-Powered Photo Enhancements
• Narrative: AI Powered Culling and Editing for Photographers

Please note: While all of these photo editing tools offer free versions, some also include optional paid upgrades or subscriptions with advanced features.

Now let's dive deeper into the best free photo editing software for Mac and PC, and see which one fits your workflow best.

13 Free Photo Editing Tools For Mac and PC

Photopea

Photopea is a web-based photo editor that closely resembles Adobe Photoshop in functionality and interface. It supports various file formats, including PSD, making it an excellent alternative for users who need Photoshop-like features without the cost. The app includes layers, masks, and a variety of editing tools.

However, being an online tool, Photopea requires a stable internet connection. Additionally, while it offers many features for free, some advanced functionalities are limited in the free version, which may deter serious users.

GIMP

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a robust open-source photo editing tool that rivals many paid software options. It offers a comprehensive suite of features, including advanced retouching, image composition, and the ability to create complex graphics. GIMP's flexibility makes it a favorite among professional photographers and graphic designers.

However, the learning curve can be steep for beginners, given its extensive array of tools and options. Additionally, some users may find the interface less polished compared to more user-friendly applications.

Adobe Photoshop Express

Adobe Photoshop Express is a streamlined version of the industry-standard Photoshop software. It offers essential editing tools and features, including filters, cropping, and text overlays, making it perfect for quick edits on the go. The app is available on both desktop and mobile platforms, providing flexibility for users.

However, while it’s user-friendly, Photoshop Express lacks some of the advanced features found in the full version of Photoshop. Users looking for in-depth editing capabilities may find it insufficient for their needs.

RawTherapee

RawTherapee is another excellent option for photographers who primarily work with RAW files. It offers a wide range of editing tools, including advanced color correction, noise reduction, and exposure adjustments. Its non-destructive editing capabilities ensure that original files remain untouched.

Nevertheless, RawTherapee's interface can be daunting for new users, and it may require some time to fully understand its features. Additionally, the software is primarily focused on RAW files, which may not appeal to those who work with JPEGs or other formats.

Fotor

Fotor is renowned for its intuitive design, making it an excellent choice for beginners. The app offers a wide range of templates, effects, and editing tools that can help users create stunning visuals effortlessly. Its batch processing feature is particularly useful for those who need to edit multiple images at once.

On the downside, Fotor's free version includes ads, which can be distracting. Furthermore, some advanced features are locked behind a paywall, which may frustrate users who want full access to the app's capabilities.

darktable

Darktable is a free, open-source photography workflow application designed specifically for RAW files. It provides a non-destructive editing environment, allowing users to make changes without permanently altering their original images. The software includes a variety of modules for tasks such as color correction, tone mapping, and sharpening.

While Darktable excels in RAW processing, its complexity may be overwhelming for casual users. Additionally, it may not support all camera models, which could limit its usability for some photographers.

Pixlr

Pixlr is a powerful online photo editor that offers a user-friendly interface and a variety of editing tools. It allows users to perform basic edits such as cropping, resizing, and adjusting brightness and contrast. One of its standout features is the ability to work with layers, similar to more advanced software.

However, while Pixlr is versatile, it does require an internet connection, which may be a drawback for users who prefer offline editing. Additionally, some advanced features are only available in the premium version, which could limit functionality for serious editors.

Advanced Photo Editing Software Options

Lightroom

Adobe Lightroom is a powerful tool for photo management and editing, particularly popular among professional photographers. It offers a comprehensive set of features for organizing, editing, and sharing photos. The app excels in batch processing and provides advanced color correction tools.

However, the free version of Lightroom is limited in features compared to the paid subscription. Users may find that they need to upgrade to access the full range of functionalities, which can be a drawback for those looking for completely free options.

Price:

• 7-day free trial
• $9.99/month

Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is widely regarded as the gold standard in photo editing software. With its extensive range of tools and features, it allows for intricate edits, retouching, and graphic design. The software is used by professionals across various industries, making it a powerful option for serious editors.

Despite its capabilities, Photoshop comes with a significant cost, which may not be feasible for everyone. Additionally, the software's complexity can be overwhelming for beginners, requiring time and effort to master.

Price:

• 7-day free trial
• $20.99/month

Capture One

Capture One is a professional-grade photo editing software known for its exceptional RAW processing capabilities. It offers advanced color grading, tethering options, and powerful organization tools, making it a favorite among studio photographers.

However, Capture One's steep learning curve and high price point can be barriers for many users. While it provides a free trial, the full version is a significant investment that may not be justifiable for casual photographers.

Price:

• 30-day free trial
• Starting at $17.15/month

Photoscape X

Photoscape X is a versatile photo editing tool that combines a variety of features, including collage creation, GIF animation, and batch editing. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy for users to navigate and find the tools they need.

However, while Photoscape X offers a wealth of creative options, some advanced features are only available in the paid version. Additionally, users may find that the software lacks some of the more sophisticated editing tools found in other applications.

Price:

• Photoscape X is free
• Photoscape X Pro is a one-time purchase of $39.99

Polarr

Polarr is an innovative photo editing app that utilizes AI technology to enhance images. It offers a range of filters, adjustments, and tools for both beginners and advanced users. The app is available on multiple platforms, making it accessible for a wide audience.

On the downside, while Polarr's AI features are impressive, they may not appeal to users who prefer manual editing. Additionally, some advanced features are restricted to the paid version, which could limit functionality for those using the free app.

Price:

• Pricing starts at $59.99
• Pay per export with AI

Narrative

Narrative is more than just an editing tool; it's built specifically for photographers who want to work smarter, not harder.

Narrative combines fast, intelligent AI culling with seamless one-click AI editing in your style, helping you spend less time behind the screen and more time behind the lens.

What makes Narrative different?

AI Powered Culling That Understands Photography

With tools like Scenes View, Narrative automatically groups similar images and assesses eye status, focus scores, making your selection process faster and more intuitive.

One-Click AI Editing That Matches Your Style

Narrative can learn your personal editing style, or you can apply AI Presets from well-known photographers like Summer Grace's Authentic AI Preset. As we shared in our blog AI Editing Is Here, this isn't just batch editing, it's editing tailored to you.

Fast and Offline-Friendly

Unlike other tools that require cloud uploads, Narrative works locally on your machine, making it a great companion to tools like Lightroom and Capture One. Import RAWs, cull, edit, and export - no internet required. Learn more in Five Benefits of AI Culling for Photographers.

Designed to Fit Any Workflow

Whether you're a high-volume wedding photographer or someone who edits a few sessions a month, Narrative flexes to suit you. Take a look at our new pricing update and find a plan that works for you.

Price:

• 30-day free trial - no credit card required
• Plans start at just $10/month

• Unlimited AI Editing included in Standard, Premium, and Ultra plans

Discover the Future of Photo Editing with Narrative

As you explore the world of free photo editing apps, consider taking your photography workflow to the next level with Narrative's AI-powered image selection and editing software.

Tailored for professional photographers, Narrative enhances your creative process by allowing you to cull and edit images with efficiency and precision.

Compatible with a wide range of RAWs and popular editing programs, Narrative is the perfect complement to your toolkit. 

Try Narrative Free today and experience the transformative power of our technology in your post-processing tasks.