1. Free Photo Editor For Mac
2. Adobe Photo Editor For Mac
3. Mac Photo Editor Built In
4. Best Photo Editor For Mac Os X

Best Mac Photo Editing Software 2019 - Photo Editor Reviews

Recently, we spent over 50 hours testing 10 Mac photo editing programs. We compared the programs' editing capabilities by importing the same group of photos into each one and applying the same edits. We also took into account how easy each program is to use, preferring those that are powerful as well as easy to learn. We further evaluated each software’s photo organizing features, including how many categorization and search options it offers. After all our testing was said and done, CyberLink PhotoDirector Ultra 10 stood out as the best Mac photo editing software. We think it is a good fit for users of any skill level, but it has features that make it especially good for beginners. To find out if this software is a good option for you, check out CyberLink’s 30-day free trial.

CyberLink PhotoDirector Ultra 10

PhotoDirector not only offers some of the easiest-to-use editing tools, it also offers one of the best photo organizing systems we've seen.

Pixelmator 3.3

Bonfire Photo Editor Pro. Another Android image editing app that is raising in popularity slowly is Bonfire. Before we go any further, this one is free to use, but it offers some in-app payments. Free Download – Bonfire Photo Editor for PC, Windows 7,8,10 and Mac May 25, 2018 Qasim Saif Apps, Software, Tools This the photography app through which you can edit your pictures with lots of professional tools. If you need to download and install Bonfire Photo Editor for PC or Mac Laptop you need to get an Android Emulator on your PC like BlueStacks. With the help of using the BlueStacks App Player, you will be able to use/run Bonfire Photo Editor on Laptop or Computer. Free Download BlueStacks!

Pixelmator 3.3 is easy to learn and costs less than many other programs. It is compatible with a wide range of file types and offers editing tools to enhance your images like a pro.

Affinity Photo

The Bonfire Photo Editor Pro is now available for 2.990 for both iPhone and iPad owners.The application is designed for use in English language. Bonfire Photo Editor is a professional photo editor providing stunning effects. It enables you to improve your photos in a real-time way. It also provides quite user-friendly interface to adjust.

This software's tools are comparable to Adobe Photoshop. One of the biggest differences between the two programs is Affinity's lower-cost.

Best Overall

CyberLink PhotoDirector Ultra 10

CyberLink PhotoDirector Ultra is one of the easiest programs to use, which makes it ideal for beginners.

Experienced users will also find that it offers the tools needed to edit and organize their work. You can arrange your photos using a star rating system, color labels, keyword tags and even by tagging specific people's faces. There is a wide range of editing tools and we found that they work super well when making changes. The object removal tool was especially impressive, removing unwanted elements and replacing the space believably. We also found an easy HDR feature and lens distortion correction tools. Unfortunately, there were no vector graphics tools.
The interface is built differently than many other photo editing programs. Instead of displaying toolbar icons, the program is split into category tabs, which contain various editing tools. Instead of simply clicking on the cloning brush icon in the toolbar, you'll need to click on the 'People Beautifier' tab in the 'Edit' section to access this feature. PhotoDirector works with the most common image file types including PSD, JPG, TIFF and RAW files. This software also makes it easy to post your favorite images directly to Facebook or send your photos to loved ones using email from within the program. You'll find tutorials and a FAQs page on the website. While emailing the company is free, you have to pay for a phone support plan if you want to get technical help.

Best Budget

Pixelmator 3.3

Pixelmator 3.3 is a less-expensive photo editor with advanced editing capabilities. Considering all included tools, this is a very good value.

You get all the basic tools such as red-eye removal, selection tools, and color management, along with more advanced tools like background removal, creative filters and automatic editing options. Unfortunately, while the program works in layers, you cannot apply layer masks to your images. You also cannot easily fix lens distortion, create HDR images or stitch together panoramas with this software. There is no organizing system, so you will have to purchase a dedicated program if you want that capability. You can, however, view your photos' EXIF information.
Pixelmator works with the most common image files, including RAW, JPEG, TIFF, PNG, GIF, PSD and PDF. It can also help you optimize your photos for online usage. You can post photos directly onto social media sites such as Facebook, or email photos from within the program, but there is no online photo gallery. Also, you cannot make animated GIFs with this software.
If you want help with Pixelmator, there are various video tutorials, FAQs and even a user forum to help you learn and find answers. If you want to contact a representative, you can do so via email.

Best Alternative to Photoshop

Affinity Photo

Affinity Photo is one of the most powerful photo editing programs we tested. It didn't score as high as other program since it lacks a photo organizing feature.

You'll find that many of the tools you use in Photoshop are also in this program. In fact, it uses many of the same hotkeys. We were quickly able to remove unwanted objects from our photos with the content-aware fill tool. We counted 42 preset filters in the program that you can quickly add to your images.
We also found it easy to work with and manipulate the various layers as we worked. The program will help you create HDR photos and panoramas using simple step by step windows. There is no lens distortion tool per se, however, you can use the perspective tools to fix any warping caused by your camera. This program can be bought for a one-time purchase of roughly $50, which is much cheaper than Adobe's monthly or yearly subscription plans.
Affinity does offer a free demo of the software, but you'll need to use it quickly as it only lasts for 10 days. There is no photo organizing system built-in to this software so if you're specifically wanting a program that can sort your images, this might not be the best choice for you. We didn't find any printing project resources within the program. It will only allow you to make basic print requests.

Best for Learning Adobe

Adobe Photoshop Elements 2018

Adobe Photoshop Elements 2018 is one of the best Mac photo editors on the market. You navigate through the interface by choosing between the Guided, Quick and Expert modes. As expected, Guided mode helps you become acquainted with the various tools. It even offers tutorials and written instructions to fully explain everything.

Quick mode allows you to automatically make common adjustments to your photos, which can save time when you know your enhancements won't take long. You can adjust contrast, brightness and color. The Expert Mode gives you access to all of Photoshop Elements' tools.
There are more than 90 filters that can quickly add artistic effects to your favorite images. It also features advanced tools like content-aware fill, which gets rid of objects in an image and fills the space believably.
Photoshop Elements comes with Elements Organizer 2018, a separate program dedicated to organizing your photos. You can tag photos by time, date, name and rating. While Elements Organizer 2018 allows you to organize and catalogue your photos in a variety of ways, it can get tiresome jumping between the two programs. You can use Elements Organizer 2018 to store your photos directly in the cloud so you can access them anytime, anywhere.
This program is compatible with all the common image file types, including RAW, PDF, PSD, PNG, GIF and TIFF. You can also choose to share your photos directly onto Flickr, Facebook and Twitter. Should you need help, there are dozens of video tutorials online along with user forums and a FAQs page.

Best for Making HDR Images

Acorn 6

Use the tools to alter the hue, brightness and contrast of your images to make them look the way you want them to.

This software also works in layers to quickly view and select various elements when making changes. You can create both HDR and panoramic images using this software. The HDR guide steps you through the process making it easier to combine two or more images into one for a vibrant and lively finished product. Since it works with HDR images, it's not surprising that the software is compatible with RAW images, in addition to the most common file types. There is no photo organizer, so you'll have to purchase another one separately if you're wanting to manage your images. Fortunately, it does include a batch processor to make changes to multiple images at once and save you time. The cloning tool can help you eliminate unwanted objects from your images whether that be acne from a portrait or phone wires from a landscape. It also happens to be one of the least expensive programs in our comparison, selling for roughly $30.

Why Trust Us?

We have been testing Mac photo editing software for the past seven years. Whenever we evaluate products, we use the same testing methodology on each product to get fair and honest results. Our testers are often a mixture of experienced and inexperienced users, so we can gauge how different audiences react to a piece of software. With photo editing software, we look at every feature, tool and capability to determine how useful and intuitive each program is overall. Our testing helps us determine whether or not a program is best for beginners, advanced users or a mixture of both. We prefer to recommend programs that help you grow from a novice to an experienced artist while offering all of the best editing tools and sharing capabilities.

We contacted Brooklyn Parks - a graphic designer of 6 years – and Lisa Dixon – a professional photographer of 4 years to get more insights about photo editing programs. We also reached out to John Yoo, Head of Sales at CyberLink to learn more about PhotoDirector Ultra.

How Much Does Mac Photo Editing Software Cost?

You'll find that the best Mac photo editing software ranges between $30 and $100. Usually, programs costing $50 and up will give you more creative freedom and control over your work. The excessively expensive programs that cost more than $100 aren't always worth the cost, since you can usually find a program that fits your needs for less. Determine the tools and features you want most and then choose a program that offers them.

How We Tested

This year alone, we spent 50 hours testing 10 products. Our testers are graphic designers and photographers with a range of photo editing software skills. To determine which programs have the best editing capabilities, we uploaded the same images to each piece of software and applied the same edits. We paid attention to the intuitiveness of each product and compared the edited images side by side.

When the programs allowed, we also shared images to social media sites to see how well the sharing process worked. Programs with more editing features scored higher, while programs with fewer features scored lower. Our ease-of-use score was determined by the number of tools each program offered combined with the effectiveness of applied edits and the intuitiveness of each program's interface. Programs that were well organized and offered plenty of help tools scored higher.

We looked at file compatibility and awarded programs with more points when they worked with a wider range of common image file types. This also included the ability to optimize images for use on the web. The best software also comes with extensive resources, especially online video tutorials. Programs that offered a larger quantity of quality video instructions, a FAQs page and a user forum scored higher in our review.

What to Look For

Editing Tools

When we spoke to Parks, she told us that the best programs are the ones with intuitive tools. 'The name makes it obvious for what [the tool] does and it's easier to find what you are looking for,' she said. We score programs higher that were easier to use, this included making it easier to find the specific tools you need. What you need from a photo editor depends on what you intend to do with your images. Any true photo editor should offer basic editing tools like red-eye removal, cropping, color management, shape tools and the ability to add text to images. More comprehensive programs also have background removal software and a variety of brushes. Advanced tools help you make fine tweaks to your photos like touching up skin blemishes with touch-up or cloning tools.

It's also nice having a program that can fix lens distortion and create panoramas and HDR images. Batch processing is a super-convenient feature that allows you to make the same edits to several images at once. If you plan on taking dozens of photos at a time on a frequent basis, it's worth finding a program that offers it.

Yoo told us that if you can take the time to correctly adjust your camera before taking your photo, you will save yourself some hassle. 'The biggest lesson I learned that saved me time in post-processing was to take the extra time to compose the photo and light in the beginning when shooting. A well-composed photo will save you a lot of time later.' So, it's worth taking the time to prepare your scene.

Pricing
As far as Mac photo editing software goes, you should be able to find a basic editing program for under $100, typically starting for as little as $30. Paying more than $100 will often land you a professional editing program with additional editing tools and presets compared to the basic versions. It's good to note that you don't always have to pay the more expensive prices to get the specific tools you need. Before making your purchase consider what you think are the most important tools and find a software that offers them. If content-aware and cosmetic brush tools are most important to you, you can get a relatively cheap program that still includes those options like Affinity Photo. Programs generally have a trial period as well, so use this to try out the software and see which ones work best for you.

Organizing
Not all photo editing programs come with built-in photo organizing systems. While this isn't a critical feature, it can be incredibly convenient and save you time. The most common systems organize by location, faces, dates, times, titles, ratings and color labels. Categorization options vary from program to program.

File Compatibility
Since file compatibility is an important factor of a program's usability, we gave more points to programs that covered the most common image files such as RAW, JPEG, TIFF, PNG, GIF, PSD and PDF. Make sure you choose a program that works with the file types you use most. Yoo told us, 'I always shoot in RAW since it keeps the most light information in case I need to edit.' RAW images give you the most control over the editing process when they are imported into editing programs, which is why many photographers prefer to work with them.

Sharing Capabilities
Being able to post photos to Facebook or email them to family and friends directly within a photo editing program is a nice feature. Many companies offer online photo gallery accounts for you to use for free, but some cost extra. This can be a good place to back up your photos in case of computer failure.

If you plan on printing your photos or designs, Dixon told us it's best to work with 300 dpi, which is short for “dots per inch”. 'You can print pretty much anything,' she said. Many photo editing programs allow you to determine the resolution and size of new files or adjust the resolution and size of current images. This high resolution allows you to print images the size of movie posters and larger without getting blurry or pixelated imagery.

Parks told us that a super simple thing to help you when using photo editing software is to know the size of your project before you start. 'It will save you headaches later on,' she explained, 'otherwise when you transfer your files it can look like garbage.' Pulling a small image onto a larger file can make the small image pixelated and blurry so it's best to know the size of your end goal project when you start.

Help & Support
Advanced photo editors have so many features that you will likely need help learning how to use them. Video tutorials, FAQs pages and user forums can go a long way in helping you become an editing expert. Look for companies that also offer customer service in the method that you most prefer, whether through email, live chat or phone.

Parks told us that 'the biggest resource for learning is YouTube.' She further explained that she loves using it to find multiple ways to solve the same problem. If you ever get stumped jump on the web and see what other users have figured out.

Tips from the Pros

• If you're wanting to add vectors and symbols to your work, Parks suggests you use The Noun Project, a royalty-free icon library. 'You pay for vectors or PNG objects and symbols. It saves you a lot of time.'
• 'There are a billion artists and YouTube tutorials out there. There are things out there that already exist, there are pictures for you to use. Don't steal things outright, but use things to help you make something.' Many professional artists and graphic designers use imagery that already exists but combine it in a new way to make something unique. As long as you aren't stealing someone else's work, this can be a good method for enhancing your own photography.
• As parting thoughts, Parks explained, 'When looking for a job, it might not be something you imagined, but you can get something using [photo editing] skills.' We couldn't agree more. Being able to use this kind of software opens doors to many different job opportunities, from freelance work to positions within a company.

More Photo Editing Guides:

Related Product Reviews

Instagram is one of the most popular photo and video sharing social media website. It allows the users to quickly post the photos and images from their computer or Smartphone. Instagram already gives you customizable filter options to make your images attractive and perfect for sharing. If you have been using instagram, you will find that the users who are getting more attention from the users are doing something extra with the images they are posting. May be they are just adding the frames, styled quote or some unusual effects on the images, they will get more popularity. For this, Intagram photo editor apps are there for Android, iOS and desktop users. You can use any of the photo editing apps for Instagram to create the difference in your popularity.

Part 1. Top 6 Instagram Photo Editing Apps for Android

Android Smartphones are pretty common among the present generation. Thus, if you have downloaded Instagram on your Android Smartphone then you can get the best Instagram Photo editor app which is especially designed for Android. Such types of apps enable the users to transform their photos and make them Instagram ready.

1. Snapseed

Price: Free

URL: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.niksoftware.snapseed&hl=en

Dropbox and Google Photos can be edited with the help of this photo editing software. It can open JPG and RAW files and allow you to adjust the colors, add a soft darkness, and retouch exposure. With the help of this app, various types of special effects and filters can be added to your photos. Users can share the photos edited on this app directly on Instagram.

2. B612

Price: Free

URL: https://b612.snow.me/#

It is the Instagram photo editor app that allows click photos as well. There is a time, tilt and shift features which add the depth to your images. It retouches your selfies with various editing tools. Over 1500 stickers and 50 filters for photos are there which can make your standout from the crowd and enable you to convey your message in the comprehensive way.

3. Boomerang

Price: Free

URL: https://boomerang-from-instagram.en.uptodown.com/android

This app is launched by Instagram for editing photos for Instagram posts. It joins up 10 photos together to make the GIF like videos. Tap a button to start editing with tools like crop, smudge, blur and adjust colors to make the photos fully customized according to your choice. Fast-motion hyperlapse footage can be captured with this app.

4. SKRWT

Free Photo Editor For Mac

Price: $1.99.

URL: http://skrwt.com/

Description of the app: SKRWT gives the full artistic freedom to transform your pictures and make them ready for Instagram post. It offers high precision effect in your photos so that it can look smooth even if you view it in the maximum size. Perspective correct and automatic crop feature is there to correct the faults from your photos and remove the unwanted elements. Pre-import previews helps in doing the favorite editing for your photos.

5. Bonfire Photo Editor Pro

Price: up to $9.99

URL: https://www.apkmonk.com/app/com.gogoinv.bonfire.android/

You can get the HDR pictures with this app. Apply filters like black and white, funk filters, art filters, fancy and others to enhance your photos on Bonfire Photo editor pro. The basic cropping and editing tools of this app are handy to use. Rotate, vibrance, flip, saturation tools can be used for making your photos better. If you want to post your selfie on Instagram, you can use skin smoothening and blemish removal tools to makes your photos better before posting on Instagram.

6. PhotoDirector

Price: $4.99

URL: https://www.apkmonk.com/app/com.gogoinv.bonfire.android/

You can get the HDR pictures with this app. Apply filters like black and white, funk filters, art filters, fancy and others to enhance your photos on Bonfire Photo editor pro. The basic cropping and editing tools of this app are handy to use. Rotate, vibrance, flip, saturation tools can be used for making your photos better. If you want to post your selfie on Instagram, you can use skin smoothening and blemish removal tools to makes your photos better before posting on Instagram.

Part 2. Top 6 Instagram Photo Editing Apps for iPhone & iPad

Many of the iPhone and iPad users have the complaint that they are not able to use some of the photo editing apps on their devices. This is because they are unable to find out the best Instagram photo editor.

1. Facetune 2

Price: Free for trial version/ $9.99 for in-app purchases

URL: http://www.facetuneapp.com/

Facetune2 is available for iOS for editing photos for Instagram. This app offers delightful presets for light room to create the perfect photos. It is the portrait and selfie editing tool so you can edit all the types of photos with an ease. This app also scans a photo for a face hence automatically detects the faces. A live 3D mesh of your face can be created with the help of this app. This app can be used for editing photos for the business purpose as well.

2. Overgram

Price: Free

URL: http://www.overquick.com/

It is compatible with iOS 7 and later. If you have less time to share your stories, simply add text to the images to make your pictures perfect. Various font styles and font color options can be chosen to make the text attractive. Multiple filter options make your photos better for Instagram. If you want to post any quote then also you can make it impressive with the help of this app. Add a caption or description to the photos without affecting their quality.

3. Superimpose

Price: $1.99

URL: http://www.superimposeapp.com/

Professional looking superimposed or juxtaposed photos can be created with the help of Superimpose photo editing app for Instagram. You can flip move, resize, scale rotate the background and foreground of the pictures. Smoothen tool is there to smoothen the edges and give perfect finishing to the photos. Colors, exposure, hue, contrast, saturation can be adjusted to make the photos better for Instagram post.

4. PicStitch

Price: Free

Adobe Photo Editor For Mac

URL: https://pic-stitch.en.softonic.com/iphone

It is suitable for iOS and can be downloaded for free. With the help of this app, you can create the flipbooks view the photos easily. This app also allows the users to stitch your photos in more than 300 styles, apply photo effects and rotate images. 15 different aspect ratios are available on this app to make the photos perfect for making collage. Various types of grid layouts are there to make your collage impressive and attractive.

5. Afterlight

Price: Free

URL: https://afterlight.co/

This app allows the users to re-design and re-develop the photos. It supports for HEIC export and RAW import. Curves and selective color tools are available for perfect photos. You can also create fusion filters. Extra style of frames can be created for making your photos better. Cropping and selection tools, and more than 77 photo frames are there to add the customized look to you photos. It offers various types of in-app purchases.

6. Vintagio

Price: $3.99

URL: https://itunes.apple.com/in/app/vintagio/id335148458?mt=8

Download the app on iOS 5.0 and up to give a vintage feel to your images. Multiple photos can be imported for editing with various types of tools. Multiple HD filters from 20s to 80s gives the vintage look to your photos. It offers soundtrack for your photos. This app allows the users to edit photos 2X faster. If you are looking for the app easy-to-use editing then Vintagio is the best one. This app is perfect for keeping the retro effect in your photos.

Part 3. Recommended Instagram Photo Editing for Desktop Users

Wondershare Fotophire Editing Toolkit is one of the free photo editors for desktop users. It allows the users to edit their photos with various photo editing tools. You can create the eye catchy effects in your photos with the help this photo editing app. If you need to enhance the brightness of your photos, adjust the saturation or if you want to add the stylish frame to it, this Instagram photo editor is the best to use.

Mac Photo Editor Built In

You can Get Wondershare Fotophire Editing Toolkit for Mac Here.

Key Features of Fotophire Editing Toolkit

• • It can edit the photos easily with multiple photo editing tools
• • It offers photo cutting feature hence photo cropping can be done easily
• • Background can be removed easily
• • All the unwanted objects from the photos can be removed
• • Allow you to apply over 200 effects to images

Best Photo Editor For Mac Os X