- Good Free Editing Software With Layers For Mac Pro
- Good Free Editing Software With Layers For Mac Download
- Photo Editing Software Free Mac
- Best Mac Editing Software Free
What is the best video editing software for Mac?
- Jun 13, 2020 GIMP is intelligently designed free photo editing software for Mac like photoshop with sophisticated tools to fulfill your requirement. It is the only one software which can accomplish the demand for professional artists like graphic designer, illustrator, scientists, or photographer.
- Mar 29, 2020 GIMP is an open source free photo editing software for Mac. Its name means GNU Image Manipulation Program, and it is a raster graphics editor developed by volunteers worldwide. GIMP can be used for image retouching and editing, drawing, conversion between different image formats and more.
- Why we love it: Pixelmator shows up in just about every conversation about the best free photo editing software for Mac. This software is powerful and versatile, with layer-based functionality that empowers users to create graphics as well as edit photos.
The best video editing software for Mac is Final Cut Pro. It is an Apple product designed to harness the power of Mac computers for speedy and flawless editing. It comes equipped with state-of-the-art video/audio editing tools, including special effects, filters, motion graphics, and an array of enhancements for creating professional videos.
If you want a professional-level photo editing software for Mac, then choose Canva. It is an online tool and available at zero cost. Canva free photo editing software that works well for the individuals and those working in small groups. It has more than 8000 free templates and 100+ design type. Mar 07, 2020 GIMP, or GNU Image Manipulation Program is a very feature rich photo editing and creative tool that can do almost everything that Photoshop can, and brings in everything from the popular Adobe software to a free and open-source software.
What should you look for in video editing software for Mac? That is a question you may ask when looking for an application to edit your videos. But the better question is–where do you plan to use your videos? The answer can help you choose, as some solutions are simpler than others, allowing for the quick creation of professional-quality presentation or tutorial videos. Other platforms are the more advanced types, with an array of high-tech tools suitable for use by commercial video/film producers and editors.
You’ll be surprised at the diverse range of video editing software for Mac in the market today. If you research all of them, you’ll need to take a few days of leave from work. Don’t worry; we have done the heavy lifting for you and came up with a lineup of the 12 best video editing software for Mac. These best video editing tools are either intuitive to casual users or powerful for pros, while some are scalable so that they can be used by both types of users. We also highlight the key features of each software to make it easier to compare them.
What are the best 12 video editing software solutions for Mac?
Employees prefer Mac for work because it increases productivity, a survey found. Also, workers believe that Mac computers boosted their creativity and collaboration. What’s more, they say that Mac enables them to be self-sufficient.
Workers choose Mac for better productivity
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Source: Apple Insider
Designed bySince workers across a broad stream of departments prefer to use Mac, it is a natural course for software vendors like video editing software companies and developers to take their product right at Mac’s doorstep. As one of the 100 million Mac and MacBook users worldwide, you’re on the right track upping the ante of your video quality (our apologies, PC users), not just with the right machine, but with any of the software on our list. If your requirement is not Mac-specific, you can read our 20 best video editing tools for more options.
12 Best Video Editing Software for Mac
1. Final Cut Pro
First on our list of 12 best video editing software for Mac is Final Cut Pro. It is Apple’s premier professional video editing software for macOS users. The application is built to tap into the robust processing core, graphics card, and VRAM that power the latest Mac machines. With the software harnessing multi-core and multi-thread hardware capabilities of Macs, together with a huge set of cutting-edge editing tools, the result is smooth and accelerated post-production work from start to finish.
Final Cut Pro gives you the ability to import, share, and edit videos from a variety of cameras and devices with support for multiple formats. It has numerous tools for editing and timeline, trimming, effects, audio enhancement, color correction, closed captions, multimedia management, and project workflow. It can handle VR headset playback and 360-degree video editing, as well as HDR and ProResRAW sources. The software allows you to integrate dozens of third-party tools, devices, content, and plug-ins to give you an extendable platform.
The software is a standalone, on-premise solution priced at $299 (one-time payment). While it is locally deployed, the software allows you to upload, organize, and download files from online storage and stock media sites for project collaboration and sharing. It is designed for iMac and MacBook computers with macOS 10.13.6 or later versions of the operating system.
- Advanced tools for video/audio editing, motion graphics, and delivery
- Built on 64-bit architecture for handling complex projects and effects
- Extendable workflow via integration with dozens of external tools
2. Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro is a video editing software for professionals and enthusiasts. Its claim of being “a cut above the rest” has an element of truth about it. That’s because it has become a popular tool for filmmakers, videographers, TV editors, and YouTube content creators. It has evolved into an industry-standard not only in video editing but also in workflow automation and media asset management. It supports all kinds of cameras, all types of formats, and any platform, including Mac and PC. This would make an excellent platform to use in conjunction with content marketing software, which could assist you in reaching out to your audience.
From its extensive R&D and the suggestions of its horde of users, Adobe Premiere Pro is a continually improving product with new features rolled out for every new release. It offers a new Freeform view for organizing and viewing storyboard and media files; rulers and guides for the precise layout of clips, text, and graphics; auto-Ducking for adding ambient sounds into your audio mix; faster mask tracking; and a dozen other enhancements on audio and video.
Of course, all the other features Adobe Premiere is known for are still there, including precise color grading, motion graphics, and animation, instant audio improvement, and integration with hundreds of partner technologies. The software also works seamlessly with its sibling Adobe products like After Effects, Audition, Photoshop, InDesign, and others. The software is part of Adobe’s Creative Cloud, which means it is accessible online from any connected device. It has several packages for business, students, and schools. For individuals, the plan is pegged at $29.99/month or $239.88/year.
- Established industry leader
- Multi-platform, multi-format, compatibility
- Regular roll out or updates and new features
3. iMovie
iMovie is another Apple product designed for macOS and iOS platforms. It is an entry-level video clip editing tool to help you produce visual stories from photos and videos. It gives you access to themes, templates, and tools for adding music, titles, and effects. It makes it easy for you to capture and cut photos directly from your iPhone, transfer them automatically to your iCloud Drive, then download them to your Mac or iPad, where you can add music, transitions, and fades, special effects, and other final touches.
iMovie, however, is not a barebones application. It can handle 4K videos and is loaded with dozens of design styles for creating animated titles and credits. You can also apply cinematic filters and effects on the entire video or the selected clip. In addition, it lets you control video speed (speed up or slow down), include green screen effects for changing backgrounds, put in picture-in-picture or split screens, and add or edit audio elements. iMovie is free and can be downloaded from the App Store.
Good Free Editing Software With Layers For Mac Pro
- Zero-cost solution video editing tool for Mac and iOS devices
- Easy to navigate and simple to use with intuitive features
- Allows for quick creation of short videos and sharing them online
4. WeVideo
WeVideo is a cloud-hosted video editing and sharing software that can support multiple formats and multiple platforms, including Mac, PC, Chromebook, Android, and iOS devices. The software makes it a breeze for you to capture, create, view, and share your videos even at up to 4K resolution. Its advanced editing features and simple interface allow you to produce professional-level videos without the needed expertise and without having to pay for expensive tools.
With WeVideo, you can edit anywhere on any device with full control over tools for video editing and processing, motion titles, green-screen effects, screencasting, picture-in-picture, voiceovers, collaboration, and sharing, and media management. It utilizes Jumpstart technology that lets you start editing without waiting for your video to upload, allowing you to create movies in minutes. It has a storyboard, timeline, pre-built templates, and advanced text editing features to further speed up your video creation.
WeVideo has a free plan, and four paid plans that start at $3.74/month. Its higher-priced plans give you access to a library containing thousands of video, music, and image files that you can use for your video projects. But if you prefer an all-around solution, you can look at digital asset management software instead.
- Provides file and media management, collaboration, and sharing tools
- Supports more than 600 video, audio, and video formats
- Maintenance-free cloud platform
5. Filmora
Filmora is designed to simplify the video editing process through an online solution that can be accessed through any connected device. It can be used by all kinds of video creators, whether for creating personal movies or for coming up with business presentations, product demos, or marketing videos. It allows you to incorporate overlays, filters, custom titles, and transitions as well as adjust audio, remove background noise, and set keyframes. Aside from basic editing tools, you also have compositing tools for imaginative videos using green-screen effects and layering clips.
Filmora supports 4K video editing, multiple footage, and multi-format sources. It is capable of importing multiple videos and using up to a hundred layers of multimedia materials for creating complex stories, without having to pour in hours of work. Once you’re done with your video project, you can quickly transfer it to DVD or sharing directly to Facebook or Vimeo right from the Filmora platform. The software offers various pricing plans for schools, individuals, and businesses and has dedicated plans for Mac and Windows users. Its Filmora plans for Mac are priced at $49.99/year for a one-year subscription for one Mac; $59.99 for a lifetime license; and $179.97 for a lifetime license of up to five Macs.
- Simplified professional-level video editing
- Dozens of creative filters and special effects
- Dedicated packages for Mac users
6. DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is a professional, on-premise editing solution that brings together tools for 8K editing, visual effects, color correction, and audio editing in one package. It is built to streamline post-production workflows and enable multi-user collaboration. It allows for one-click shuttling between tools for editing, effects, color, and audio. These capabilities enable members of a post-production team – producer, director, video and sound editors, graphic artists, and others – to easily work together on completing the project, whether it is a TV show, music video, or full-length feature film.
DaVinci Resolve is a complete color grading program for film and video editing. It offers color correction and finishing tools that editors and colorists can use to create cinematic results regardless of whether the project is intended for theater, TV, or online viewing.
DaVinci Resolve is available in just two plans. First is a free one with all the tools for editing, motion graphics, visual effects, color correction, and audio enhancement. The second is a paid plan at $299 that adds several 3D tools, plugins, special effects, and collaboration capabilities.
- Affordable high-end video/audio post-production platform with advanced features
- Over 250 tools for compositing, keying, compositing, rotoscoping, text animation, etc.
- Optimizes CPU and GPU for smooth and responsive playback
7. HitFilm Express
HitFilm Express is a free online video editing and visual effects software that gives you all the tools you need to prepare you for professional filmmaking. You can create Hollywood-style movies right from your home studio without the need to hire professional video editors. The software supports both Mac and Windows and is ideal for indie filmmakers out to make theater-ready movies. It gives you a revolutionary workflow that can combine timelines, customize the interface, work with various formats, configure export settings, and more.
With HitFilm Express, you get video editing tools for adding animations, enhancing composite shots, add unlimited video/audio tracks, modify layers, make precise cuts, and add smooth transitions. You also have at your disposal tools for color correction and grading, keying and extraction, 3D modeling, simulating objects and particles, and an array of other special effects.
HitFilm Express requires a high-end system such as that of MacOS 10.11 or higher. While the software is entirely free, you have to buy add-on packs and modules ranging from $10 to $50 each, which extend the software’s functionalities and give you more specialized effects to work on.
- Offers extensive, regular tutorials for recreating FX footage from hit movies
- Cost-effective, feature-rich editing/special VFX software
- Dedicated technical support team and active online community
8. Wideo
Wideo is an online animated video platform accessible by Mac, Windows PC, and other connected devices. It is intended to help businesses come up with fun and engaging promotional, explainer, and marketing videos. Creating presentation videos through Wideo is fast and easy, with 80 ready-made templates. You can create, edit, and share videos using the drag and drop interface. You don’t have to start from the ground up since there are ready-made templates that allow you to create animations in no time, even without any video editing background. And while you are at it, you can keep these 13 video marketing trends for 2020 in mind to ensure that your efforts hit the mark.
There are several template categories you can choose from to match your business and industry, including those for ecommerce, marketing, product demos, startups, school projects, company presentations, and more. The process is simple – sign up to create your account, then choose from the ready-made templates or, if you prefer, upload your own. You can then customize your video by adding transitions, apply effects, change the animation speed, copy or remove keyframes, and preview your work before uploading them online and sharing interactive links.
Only paid plans allow branding, longer videos, and full HD downloads. There are three paid plans offered, starting at $59/month or $19/month if billed annually.
- Over 80 video templates built by professionals
- You get premium support, priority downloads, privacy control, and monetization rights
- Easy drag-and-drop video creation and editing
9. VideoPad
VideoPad is a full-featured digital video editor built with a simple user interface and intuitive tools. It is suitable for use by individuals and businesses looking to create professional-quality videos minus the complexity and high cost. With the software, you can create and edit videos simply by adding clips through drag-and-drop function, apply video effects from a library of over 50 transitions and effects, and burn your videos on DVD or upload them online. The software supports all major video formats such as avi, wmv, mpv, and DivX, regardless of the video source.
VideoPad comes with video optimization tools to fine-tune colors, adjust video speed, and add images to sequences, and do 360-degree or 3D editing. The on-premise software is available in several pricing plans, including a lifetime license at a discounted price of $34.99. Several add-on tools for capturing, converting, recording, labeling, and more, are offered at additional cost. There are also separate editions available for Mac OS X, Windows, iPhone/iPad, Android, and Kindle devices.
- Has a dedicated edition for Mac users
- Utilizes pure digital editing tools
- Equipped with complete video optimization capabilities
10. Lightworks Pro
Lightworks Pro is a big player in the video editing industry, having been used in blockbuster films like Pulp Fiction and Heat. The software is a complete video creation, and editing package for work intended not only for big-screen projects but also for TV, social media, video sharing sites, and for professional-level business projects. Lightworks is loaded with features that include an intuitive interface, easy timeline editing, and trimming, audio and video effects, multi-format support, up to 4K video export, and access to royalty-free video and audio content.
Whether you’re making a short video or feature-length films, Lightworks got you covered with all the professional-grade tools you need to do precise edits and enhancements like color grading, blending, transitions, keyframing, and adding special effects. The video editor integrates with Blackmagic Fusion, an image compositing tool for creating VFX for movies, commercials, and TV shows. Also, you can utilize plug-ins from Boris, a vector-based titling tool, for adding filters, graffiti, and graphics. The online platform offers a free version with limited features and three premium editions with prices starting at $24.99. You can also get a full license with no expiration for $437.99.
- Runs on Mac, Windows, and Linux systems
- Enhanced VFX with Boris FX plug-ins and Blackmagic Fusion tools
- A vast set of tutorial videos and vibrant online user community
11. macXvideo
macXvideo is a free, next-generation video processing application dubbed as the best tool for 4K video processing. Despite its name, it is not an Apple product but is designed to leverage the computing capabilities of Mac machines for efficient and effortless compression of 4K (up to 8K) videos without loss of quality. The software is simple to use with intuitive tools that do not require video editing expertise for editing, decoding, encoding, and compressing ultra-high-definition 4K or higher resolution videos.
macXvideo offers a number of video editing features for transforming raw videos into high-quality movies. It comes with tools for video trimming/cutting, splitting, merging, variable playback speed, captions/subtitles, and audio enhancements. It also has capabilities for adjusting and correcting colors, saturation, gamma, contrast, and hue. The software supports videos from whatever source and is compatible with all types of audio/video formats, codecs, size, and quality.
- Entirely free on-premise video editing solution
- Superior and fast processing for UHD video materials
- Next-gen video compression technology while retaining near original video quality
12. Rocketium
Rocketium is a cloud-based video creation and editing software that makes it easy to produce business videos. Targeted at marketers, publishers, and agencies, the software provides a simple and hassle-free way for businesses to tell their stories or relay their messages through promotional videos, product or company presentations, or ad campaigns. It offers powerful and professional design and editing tools for video scene trimming, cropping, and adding multimedia elements like music and images. You get single-click styling, colors, fonts, animation options, and timing, and positioning, among others.
Rocketium is compatible with Mac and Windows operating systems. It gives you access to millions of royalty-free video footage, images, and soundtracks so you can easily complete your video with all the components you need. You can likewise customize your video to reflect your brand and use the software’s “workspaces” to collaborate with colleagues on your project. Rocketium is available in four paid plans starting at $9/month.
- Access to huge multimedia content
- Trello-like task boards for managing projects
- Built-in video content translation tool for 100+ languages
Use Free Trials to Find the Best Video Editing Software for You
Reading up on a video editing software and watching demos and tutorials may not be enough. For you to find which application works best for you, you need to have hands-on experience with a platform. But subscribing to each program on your shortlist could be unnecessarily expensive. Fortunately, vendors now offer free trials of their products. You can take advantage of these to test drive tools and features.
Speaking of finances, it is an easy choice to go for the most expensive video editing software from a well-known developer. This is because you can be sure it packs a punch, feature-wise. It may not be suitable for your budget, though. Still, there are other solutions on the list that could serve as an alternative to your first choice. With those, you have the powerful tools you need that will still enable you to create the best videos.
Editing your photos can be a real pain. And finding the best free photo editor among so many design tools just adds to the problem. Fortunately, we’ve gathered the best free photo editing software in one place for you.
In this article, you will find photo editors, image editors and even a photo collage maker. For your convenience, the article was broken down into two sections, casual photo editors for beginners and advanced photo editing software if you want to take your photo editing to the next level. Tune in!
Best Free Photo Editing Software For Beginners: Candidates
Pixlr X
Good Free Editing Software With Layers For Mac Download
Platform: web application
Link: pixlr.com
Link: pixlr.com
Pixlr X is a free photo editor developed by 123RF, a company that also stands behind Pixlr Editor (a free image editor we’ll explore in the “advanced” section of the article) & Pixlr Express. In a way, Version X is a replacement of Pixlr Express, which is being superseded due to its outdated flash technology.
PIxlr X works directly in your browser. However simple, it allows you to perform a wide range of the most popular photo-editing tasks, such as adjusting colors, cropping, adding vignettes, blurring etc. It also comes with 80+ ready-to-use photo-filters that you can try with a single click.
You can also add several images to your project, which enables you to create photo collages. The photo editor supports layers, transparency controls, and multiple blending options just like in Photoshop. You can also add text to your photos, e.g. for your social posts and meme creating adventures.
Photo by Moose
The app works very smoothly with no lags. It also has a mobile version that works in a browser as well, just open the link on your mobile gadget. Pixlr X requires no registration, export is one click away and no ads were detected on both devices. What else could you ask for?
Pros:
- Modern, minimalistic design
- No registration, no ads
- Layer blending
- Mobile-friendly
Cons:
- No drawing tools
Icons8 Photo Creator
Platform: web applicaion
Link: photos.icons8.com/creator
Link: photos.icons8.com/creator
Strictly speaking, Icons8 Photo Creator is not a photo editor [yet]. However, it offers something others services don’t – a fully customizable photo composition. A photo collage maker that comes with a twist – you don’t combine different photos, you combine objects in them.
Instead of editing photos, you create them. Dozens of models and each one of them has dozens of poses, outfits, and angles to fit every scenario. Add to that backgrounds and objects, and creative capabilities are limitless.
Any object can be positioned, rotated and scaled. You can add text to your collages and set custom dimensions for your projects. Default social media presets (e.g. Instagram story & Facobook cover) are also available.
The key aspect is that Icons8 Photo Creator uses its own, custom made photos from the Icons8 Moose project. All the photos are shot in matching style, which allows you to combine them in whatever fashion you want. Some models and objects have several shadow options available if you want to better fit them into the picture. The number of objects you can insert into a single composition is limited only by your creativity or willpower.
Pros:
- Rich library of photos & objects shot by a professional photo crew
- Objects are shot in one style and can be easily combined
- Photos are ready to use – retouched, cleaned
- Constant updates with new features (adding your own assets, shadow generation, auto-adjustments, etc.)
Cons:
- No adjusting
- Can’t add your own photos yet (the feature is in development)
Pizap
Platform: web application
Link: pizap.com
Link: pizap.com
Pizap is yet another free editing software for photos and images that operates in the browser. It has all the standard operations that you would expect from a program of this kind: filters, text, adjustments. However, there’s also a collection of stickers, borders, and textures that you can easily add to your photos.
There are some basic adjustment panels to fine-tune your image, like brightness or contrast. Also, you may find several premade filters & textures, but you can only use one at a time. Overall, the editing is pretty basic, take it or leave it.
However, a couple of tools within the software hint at the idea that Pizap is a meme-creator’s dream come true: text & cut-out.
Cut-out is a rare, interesting feature to find in online photo editors, however, it’s here and it works:
There is a special “Meme text” option that only solidifies this fact: this tool is perfect for creating memes of all kinds. Add a few stickers from the library, maybe a border, and here we go:
Pizap is a great tool for creating fun social posts, trolling your friends or creating memes. The amount of out-of-box assets is enough, and there’s a pro version ($2.50) to unlock more. Drawing mode is a plus, even though it comes with only one brush and two settings. Ads can be irritating, but creators gotta make money somehow. There are no watermarks, no worries.
Pros:
- Cut-out
- Meme creation tools ?
- Stickers
- Collage mode
- Design presets
Cons:
- Simplified layer blending
- Ads
- Performance issues – my project died right in front of me
Adobe Photoshop Express Editor
Platform: web application
Link: photoshop.com/tools
Link: photoshop.com/tools
If you are looking for a one-button solution for fine-tuning your photos, APE should be your choice. The tool has nothing redundant (apart from the unnecessarily long name) – just a handful of the most popular photo filters to enhance your images.
With Adobe Photoshop Express, you can perform common photo-editing tasks, like red-eye correction, touchup, crop, etc. There are a few special effects available as well, e.g. “Pixelate”, “Crystalize”, “Sketch”. They work exactly like their Photoshop counterparts. However, you don’t have tweaking options for either effects or tools. Every adjustment comes in seven or eight presets, and all you can do is choose the one you like the most. However, you can combine effects from different categories and apply them at the same time, coming up with interesting combinations – a rare thing to see in online editors.
Burn, dodge and a few other tools that require manual control, but the controls are simplified.
Photo by Moose
Speaking of nothing being redundant in the tool, it has a “Decorate” section with stickers that seem a bit over the top. After all, the tool gives off a vibe as an express version of Photoshop, not a meme-creator, but it depends on the user. Adding text and text bubbles can be useful to marketers, presenters or social media creators.
Overall, APE is a great quick tune-up tool. Don’t try to compare it with full-fledged Photoshop or other Adobe products though, and you won’t be disappointed. There’s also a free mobile version of the app for Android and iOS devices.
Pros:
- Mobile versions for iOS and Android
- Quick fixes for common problems out of the box
- Photoshop-like interface
Cons:
- Edits only JPEG files
- Works on flash (security & performance issues)
- Can’t add more than one image, so no photo collages possible
Paint.net
Platform: Windows
Link: getpaint.net
Link: getpaint.net
It’s hard to properly categorize Paint.NET because it’s either the most advanced among simple photo editors or the most simple among advanced. But I’ve decided to include the editor under the “Casual section” for its pleasing ease of use.
Paint.Net’s interface is a mix of good old Windows paint and Adobe Photoshop. If you’ve ever used one of these programs, you’ll feel at home instantly. It works as a desktop program and, unfortunately, there’s no version for Mac that has been released so far.
This free editor allows you to perform all photo editing tasks and more. Useful features you won’t find in other online editors are edit history, gradients & advanced selection options like magic wand & combined selections. Of course, several adjustments & effects can be combined in whatever fashion you like. Unfortunately, Paint.NET does not support adjustment layers, but then again, we’re just talking about casual photo editing software right now.
Pros:
- Quick download & install
- Desktop version – no internet required
- More features than online counterparts
- Stays simple
Cons:
- No mobile version
- No browser version
- No Mac version
Canva
Platform: web application
Link: canva.com
Link: canva.com
Canva is not an editor as much as a visual constructor. With thousands of graphic assets, from icons and images to fonts and backgrounds you can come up with countless variations for your needs. However, some of the assets are not free and need to be purchased separately. On the bright side, you can upload your own images.
Photo by Moose
You can create social media posts, book covers, infographics, flyers, magazine covers, the list goes on… If your future creation has a name, Canva probably has a library of presets to kick off your project.
It also has adjustments & filters to tune up your whole project. However, you can’t adjust the impact of each filter, it’s either on or off. You can’t combine them either – you’d have to save your project and re-upload it, and then apply the next filter as a workaround.
Overall, Canva is a great visual builder with some editing features for your photos in stock, but not to the point where it could be considered a fully-functional photo editor. But then again, it’s not supposed to be.
Pros:
- Great for social media posts
- Rich text & graphical assets library
Cons:
- No layers
- No blending
- Not many photo-editing features
Snapseed
Platform: iOS, Android
Link: play.google.com; Itunes
Link: play.google.com; Itunes
This list would be incomplete without a fully mobile photo editing app.
Snapseed works exactly like your standard mobile photo app. Only on steroids. If yours has 10 filters, Snapseed has 100. It also has plenty of specific tools, like tilt-shifting, perspective, grain, glow, etc. It also has a healing tool to help you get rid of blemishes & scratches on your pictures in a simple manner.
You can also save your own custom filters as presets and use them in the future.
It’s easy to import your photo to any social network or save it for future reference. If you’re using your phone camera often and want to enhance your photos before uploading them somewhere, Snapseed is a great choice, available both for iOS and Android.
Pros:
- Mobile
- Easy to use filter-based app
Cons:
- Mobile only
- Can’t combine several images – edit only one at a time
Best Free Photo Editing Software For Advanced Users: Candidates
GIMP
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Download link: gimp.org
Download link: gimp.org
How can there be an article about free photo editing tools without mentioning GIMP, the Photoshop of free editors? Released in 1996 exclusively for UNIX systems, this photo editor became widely adopted among the design community and subsequently was released for Windows and macOS systems.
The program was developed by a wide community of volunteers and has been updated dramatically since its first release. Even though the development stagnated for a while (there were no major updates since 2012), GIMP was still widely used and appreciated for its stability and editing potential. However, the last April update was a huge boost to all aspects of the program, from user interface to new tools and hardcore improvements to its performance. After addressing all the community feedback from the last few years, the program is now back in the race among the most up-to-date free editing software on the market.
GIMP includes everything you need to edit your photos: layers, masks, channels, blending modes, filters, and color adjustment tools. In the latest update, color management was added as a core feature of GIMP, not an extension as it was before. Advanced transformation tools like warping and handle transform also allow you to employ all sorts of distortion and correction in your photos.
Talking about extensions – plugins are one the hallmarks of GIMP. As there is a wide community of developers and designers working on the project, there are countless plugins that you can add to the editor, expanding its capabilities. Another advantage is a highly customizable UI – you may go as far as replicating Photoshop UI if you prefer working in a similar environment.
You can also draw in GIMP, and in the recent update the brush engine was updated, smoothing the brushwork and adding more advanced features like symmetry painting.
Lastly, the community offers a wide range of educational resources for beginners and experienced users. The program is hard to master, just like any advanced photo editing software, however, the learning curve is sweeping – learn things as problems arise and you won’t be overloaded with information.
Pros:
- Customizable UI
- Lots of educational videos & articles
- Plugins that expand functionality
Cons:
- Rare updates
- Rare performance issues (on non-Linux systems)
RawTherapee
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Download link: rawtherapee.com
Download link: rawtherapee.com
The primary purpose of RawTherapee is to convert from RAW photo formats to other, more popular formats, e.g. JPG. However, even experienced photographers admit that they can have a blast with this editor’s functionality.
If you browse the photographer’s forums, you’ll find that many people like certain, specific functions of this program. For example, vignetting or rendering of fine tonality. Given the simple interface and workflow of the editor, you may find that certain things you are used to doing with Photoshop or any other advanced editor are much simpler and more fun to do with RawTherapee.
Another advantage of RawTherapee, perhaps due to its close connection to raw formats, is that it’s great at retaining a natural look of the photos. Many other photo editors use heavy algorithms to process your image, which often results in an unnatural look. If you want to convey the atmosphere of your original photo while still being able to fine tune it, you should try using RawTherapee.
This free photo editor is regularly updated, and it has a version for macOS, Linux, and Windows. The installation is easy and straightforward – it won’t take more than a few minutes to tune in and try the editor for yourself.
Pros:
- Supports most raw formats (like Pentax, Sony Pixel Shift, Canon Dual-Pixel)
- Preserves the natural look of your photos even after heavy editing
- Convenient history of edits
Cons:
- Not all features are explained on the website and tutorials
- No layers, no drawing – only photo editing
Photo Pos Pro
Platform: Windows
Download link: photopos.com
Download link: photopos.com
Photo Pos Pro is a free photo editor with a common-looking UI that resembles that of a GIMP, Paint or Photoshop. It has a staggering amount of buttons in it, which might cause confusion for non-experienced users. However, there’s nothing new to what the program does in terms of editing and you will find many functions working exactly like they do in other photo editors.
The editor comes with plenty of features for both basic photo editing (red-eye reduction, filters, auto-corrections) and advanced editing (magnetic selection, layer blending, color adjustment).
It also offers a layer system similar to that of Photoshop with opacity control and a lot of blending modes. However, as with all Photoshop analogs, the biggest limitation of Photo Pos Pro is the absence of adjustment layers.
Extensive tutorials available on the website are a plus. However, the amount of restrictions in the free version is upsetting: you can only export 1024 x 1014 pictures & many advanced features and brush presets are only available after purchasing the premium version.
Pros:
- Extensive user guide from creators of the program
- Ready-to-use tools for common problems (e.g. red-eye reduction, auto-correction)
Cons:
- No keyboard shortcuts
- No adjustment layers
- Many functions are unlocked after purchasing the premium version
- Occasional freezes
- Many advanced editing features are not available with the free version
- Outdated UI
PhotoScape
Platform: Windows
Download link: photoscape.org
Download link: photoscape.org
This free photo editor has a very confusing UI when you use it for the first time. It’s really far from your typical Photoshop & Paint – like programs. Don’t let that discourage you. This editor is a gem. It was developed precisely for photo editing and it’s surprisingly easy to use.
What are the most popular photo editing tasks – fixing red-eye? There’s a button “Red-Eye Correction”. Click it, select red-eye on the photo, and PhotoScape fixes it. A mole? Same thing. If you need to cover some nasty stuff with Mozaic… Well, you got the idea.
80% of usual photo editing tasks are grouped together in buttons that you can use right away. There are 35 film effects, several editing brushes (smooth, blur & darken), a paintbrush (kind of primitive, though) and a collage maker.
Basically, this free photo editing software is not super advanced, but not too simple to be included in the “casual” section of this article. If you often do basic stuff with your photos and nothing too serious, PhotoScape is for you.
Pros:
Photo Editing Software Free Mac
- Easy to use once you get through clumsy UI
- Fast
- Install within 2 minutes
Cons:
- Outdated, clumsy UI
- No layers
- No updates – the latest update dates back to 2014
Pixlr Editor
Platform: web application
Link: pixlr.com
Link: pixlr.com
Pixlr Editor is another product from Pixlr company, a free web-based photo editor with some advanced features you won’t find in a more simplified Pixlr X.
First of all, it supports layers and editing tools, like brushes, stamp tool and fills to name a few. The second advancement comes from filters – there are more of them and you can fine-tune their strength and combine them in a linear fashion – one after another. The history of edit will allow you to return to any of your previous edits without constantly having to press the “Undo” button.
Photo by Moose
Overall, Pixlr Editor is an online version of Paint.Net with a modern look and more filters & adjustments available. It also has a red-eye reduction tool and spot-healing that prove useful in most photo edits. Don’t let the simplicity of UI deceive you – this free photo editor is extremely powerful and has features you wouldn’t usually expect from a web-based application, like layer blending modes and layer masks.
However, it comes at a price – the app has ads. A small price to pay, considering it’s free otherwise.
Pros:
- Simple, intuitive modern UI
- Powerful features in a simple shell
- Web-based – no install required, only internet connection
Cons:
- Works on flash – consider performance & security issues
- Ads
Krita
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Download link: krita.org
Download link: krita.org
Strictly speaking, Krita is a free drawing software (and a great one) and was not specifically designed for photo editing. However, if you already have it or draw a lot – why not use it for both?
It has everything you need for an advanced photo editing – layers, adjustment curves, filters, selections tools… Come to think of it, it’s a photo-editor hidden in a painting program because nowadays digital art has a lot to do with both drawing and image-editing.
The layer system in Krita is so advanced it’s the closest to premium image editing programs you can find. Better yet, Krita has a staggering amount of blending modes that allow you to create all kinds of special effects in your projects. Talking about effects – Krita has a bunch of filters and adjustments – and you can use filter masks with all of them for non-destructive editing.
The layer system in Krita is so advanced it’s the closest to premium image editing programs you can find. Better yet, Krita has a staggering amount of blending modes that allow you to create all kinds of special effects in your projects. Talking about effects – Krita has a bunch of filters and adjustments – and you can use filter masks with all of them for non-destructive editing.
If you want to create artistic projects based on your photos – Krita is your choice. There are plenty of tutorials available for you on the website, although most of them are dedicated to digital painting and you will have to transfer the knowledge to your photo projects.
Pros:
- Strong brushwork
- Plenty of selection tools
- Non-destructive edits with layered adjustments
Cons:
- You won’t find many photo-editing tutorials for a drawing-oriented program
Don’t miss free tools by the Icons8 team:
Icons8, a library of about 90K icons
Moose, a big collection of stylish stock photos by pro photographers
Photo Creator, free collage maker to make custom photos for your story
Ouch!, a collection of free vector illustrations
Fugue, royalty free music for videos of any kind
Lunacy Editor (Sketch for Windows), free software to view, create and edit Sketch files for Windows users.
Icons8, a library of about 90K icons
Moose, a big collection of stylish stock photos by pro photographers
Photo Creator, free collage maker to make custom photos for your story
Ouch!, a collection of free vector illustrations
Fugue, royalty free music for videos of any kind
Lunacy Editor (Sketch for Windows), free software to view, create and edit Sketch files for Windows users.
Best Mac Editing Software Free
Check the previous tool reviews on free vector tools and free drawing software