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10 Free Photo Editing Apps for Mac & PC to Boost Your Workflow
By Kyle Wilson
Looking for powerful photo editing tools without the hefty price tag? We’ve curated a list of the best free photo editing apps for Mac and PC that will streamline your workflow and help you create stunning images. Whether you’re a beginner just getting started or an experienced photographer looking for free tools to complement your professional workflow, these apps will help you transform your images.
Why You Should Diversify Your Editing Toolkit
The photography world is brimming with creativity, and the quality of photos on social media and in professional portfolios has reached new heights. Luckily, you don’t need expensive software to achieve beautiful, polished images. Many free photo editing apps for photographers are now sophisticated enough to offer advanced tools to elevate your work.
With these 10 free photo editing apps for Mac and PC, you can fine-tune your images and save time—all without spending a dime. Plus, discover an AI-driven photo editing tool that can supercharge your workflow even further.
10 Free Photo Editing Apps
1. Pixlr: Free, Versatile, and Easy to Use
If you’re looking for a free photo editing app that’s simple and versatile, Pixlr is a great choice. This cloud-based app is accessible both online and as a desktop app for Mac and PC. Pixlr offers a variety of basic editing tools, templates, and effects in an easy-to-use interface that can handle layered editing.
Pros:
- Easy to use: The user interface is intuitive and ideal for beginners.
- Supports layers: Allows for more detailed edits with layering.
- Plenty of creative tools: Filters, overlays, and templates for collages and other creative projects.
Cons:
- Requires an internet connection: The web version needs constant online access.
- Limited offline functionality: If you want to work offline, you’ll need the desktop version.
- Basic editing features only: More advanced editing capabilities are locked behind the premium version.
2. Fotor: One-Click Enhancements for Busy Photographers
For quick, professional-looking edits with minimal effort, Fotor is your go-to app. Available for both Mac and PC, this free editing software allows you to apply one-click enhancements for fast results. The platform also allows for batch editing, which is a big plus if you’re working with a high volume of images.
Pros:
- One-click editing: Great for photographers who need fast results.
- Batch processing: Efficiently edit multiple photos at once.
- Collage and design templates: Ideal for creating social media graphics and marketing materials.
Cons:
- Limited advanced editing features: Best for basic edits.
- Ads in the free version: Can be intrusive, especially during longer editing sessions.
- Slow processing times: Larger files may cause performance issues.
3. GIMP: Free, Open-Source, and Packed with Features
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is an advanced, open-source alternative to professional tools like Adobe Photoshop. Ideal for photographers who need advanced editing capabilities without the steep cost. GIMP supports a wide range of file formats and offers detailed tools for retouching, editing, and creating digital artwork.
Pros:
- Extensive features: Offers tools comparable to paid software, including layer masks and filters.
- Highly customizable: Users can tweak the interface to suit their workflow.
- Open-source community: Benefit from a wealth of free tutorials and plug-ins.
Cons:
- Steep learning curve: Not ideal for beginners.
- Interface can be cluttered: The range of tools and options may feel overwhelming at first.
4. Darktable: The Best Lightroom Alternative for RAW Editing
Darktable is a free, open-source photo editing tool designed specifically for photographers who work with RAW files. If you’re looking for a powerful photo management tool that rivals Lightroom, Darktable is your go-to option. It's packed with professional-grade features, and the interface will feel familiar to anyone who has used Adobe's products.
Pros:
- RAW file support: Perfect for professional photographers who need control over RAW image editing.
- Non-destructive editing: Adjust images without altering the original files.
- Free and open-source: No subscription required, with growing community support.
Cons:
- Complex interface: Not recommended for beginners.
- Occasional performance issues: May be slower when working with large batches of RAW images.
5. Adobe Photoshop Express: The Simplified Adobe Experience
Adobe Photoshop Express offers a free, simplified version of the industry-leading Adobe Photoshop. Available as a desktop and mobile app, it’s an excellent solution for photographers who want basic editing tools for quick touch-ups and enhancements while staying within the Adobe ecosystem.
Pros:
- User-friendly: Designed for quick edits with minimal fuss.
- Adobe integration: Syncs with Creative Cloud for seamless file management.
- Mobile and desktop versions: Edit your images on the go.
Cons:
- Limited features: Lacks the depth of full Photoshop.
- Requires an Adobe account: You'll need to sign in for access to most features.
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6. RawTherapee: Precision for RAW Photographers
If precision editing is important to you, RawTherapee is an excellent choice. This free, open-source software offers a wide range of features for adjusting exposure, color balance, and noise reduction, making it ideal for RAW photographers looking for in-depth control.
Pros:
- Advanced RAW editing: Allows for detailed adjustments with non-destructive editing.
- Comprehensive toolset: Offers features typically found in professional-grade software.
- Customizable workflow: Tailor the interface to match your editing needs.
Cons:
- User interface: Not as intuitive as other software, especially for beginners.
- Limited support for non-RAW formats: Best for users who work exclusively with RAW files.
7. Photopea: A Free Browser-Based Photoshop Alternative
Photopea is a robust browser-based photo editor that offers many of the same features as Photoshop, including layer support, smart objects, and masks. All tools are available in the free version. It’s ideal for photographers who need advanced tools without having to download heavy software.
Pros:
- Works offline: Once loaded, you can continue editing without an internet connection.
- Supports multiple formats: RAW image files and Photoshop files can be edited in Photopea.
- No installation needed: Access it directly from your web browser.
Cons:
- Ads in the free version: The free version includes ads, which can be distracting.
- Learning curve: The layout may take some time to master for first-time users.
8. Photoscape X: A Full-Featured Photo Editor for Creatives
Photoscape X is a highly versatile photo editor that is great for batch processing. It also features GIF creation and plenty of filters and effects. It’s perfect for photographers looking for a versatile tool that goes beyond simple image editing.
Pros:
- Feature-packed: Includes a wide range of creative tools, from filters to collage creation.
- Batch editing: Speed up your workflow with batch processing.
- Free version available: Plenty of features available without paying.
Cons:
- Free version limitations: The pro version offers significantly more advanced features.
- Interface can feel cluttered: The number of available tools can be overwhelming.
9. Snapseed: Professional-Quality Editing from Your Desktop or Mobile
Developed by Google, Snapseed is a mobile-first app that can be used on desktop devices with emulators. What sets Snapseed apart is its wide range of advanced tools packed into an easy-to-use interface, making it a favorite among both beginners and experienced photographers.
Pros:
- Wide range of tools: Includes filters, curves, healing, and precise adjustments for exposure, color balance, and perspective.
- Selective editing: The selective tool allows users to fine-tune specific areas of an image.
- Free with no ads: Despite being packed with features, Snapseed is totally free and has no annoying ads.
Cons:
- Limited desktop support: Built primarily for mobile, using it on a Mac or PC requires an emulator.
- No batch processing: Each photo must be edited individually.
10. Narrative Edit: AI-Powered Photo Editing Made Easy
Narrative Edit is an AI-driven photo editing tool that simplifies the editing process for professional photographers. The software learns your unique editing style and applies it across multiple images with precision and speed, or you can use Artist Styles curated from professional photographers around the world. Narrative Edit is an invaluable time-saving tool, especially for large projects.
Pros:
- Custom AI learning: Narrative Edit uses AI to create your Personal Style and continues to refine it.
- Batch editing: Save hours by editing large groups of images in minutes - and send to Lightroom with just a click.
- User control: The AI edits based on your preferences but allows you to add your signature touch.
- Dedicated customer care: Plenty of free resources and dedicated support via email or chat for prompt help.
Cons:
- Extra time: You’ll have to figure out what to do with all the extra time on your hands.
Choosing the Best Free Photo Editing Software for Your Needs
When it comes to choosing the best free photo editing apps for Mac and PC, the perfect tool depends on your specific needs and level of experience. Whether you’re a beginner looking for free editing tools for quick adjustments or a seasoned photographer needing RAW processing, there’s an app in this list for you.
- Identify the features you consider must-haves, from tools to customer support
- Check that it supports your preferred file format
- Find an option that suits your skill level
Ready to Transform Your Workflow?
Free editing software is a great place to start, but if you're ready to supercharge your workflow and save countless hours on editing, try Narrative Edit. With AI-powered editing that learns your style, plus access to Artist Styles, Narrative Edit will give you more time to focus on doing what you love.
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