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.