Lightroom Catalogs 101: The Easy Guide to Organizing Your Photos
Education
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Get started with 1000 free credits.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
Get started for free today and experience faster, smarter, AI-powered editing!