Creative types tend to favor Apple’s Mac computers, and photographers are no exception. The top-notch screens on iMacs and MacBooks make for fine palettes when working with digital photos. Users of macOS also have plenty of excellent choices when it comes to photo editing software—so many that it can be hard to pick the right app for your particular needs. That’s where we come in.
Apple no longer produces its own pro-level photo software, having abandoned the outstanding Aperture program years ago (it still maintains its professional video editing software Final Cut Pro in state-of-the-art condition, however). That said, the Apple Photos app that comes with Macs is both easy to use and powerful. But you don’t have to stick with software exclusively from Apple, as a plentiful crop of Mac photo apps is available from imaging powerhouses Adobe, Capture One, and CyberLink, among others.
Here we list the best photo editing apps for Mac and explain how they’re different, followed by more tips on how to choose and buy the best photo editing software.
More About Our Picks
Best for Professional Photo Workflow
Bottom Line:
Adobe’s Photoshop Lightroom remains the gold standard in pro photo workflow software. It’s a complete package, with top-notch organization tools, state-of-the-art adjustments, and all the output and printing options you could want.
Pros
- Excellent photo management and organization
- Camera and lens-based corrections
- Brush and gradient adjustments with color and luminance masking
- Face detection and tagging
- Plug-in support
- Connected mobile apps
Cons
- Initial raw conversion is slightly more detailed in some competing products
- Requires subscription
Why We Picked It
Adobe Lightroom Classic is the longtime software choice of working professional photographers. In addition to top-notch importing and organizing tools, Lightroom Classic gives photographers the best tools for correcting and enhancing photos in a raw file process. It includes things missing from the non-Classic version of Lightroom (see below) that pros need, such as printing, soft-proofing, tethered shooting, and plug-in support. You don’t, however, get some of the features amateurs and hobbyists might like, such as basic video tools and lots of learning content.
Who It’s For
Lightroom Classic is primarily for professional photographers. In fact, it’s the industry standard. When pros and articles directed at them talk about Lightroom, they invariable mean Lightroom Classic. It’s also only for those willing to pay a recurring subscription fee. For pros who can’t stomach that, they can always choose options like Capture One and DxO PhotoLab, but then they’d miss out on the constant flow of new state-of-the art imaging tech coming from the leader in the field, Adobe.
Best for Detailed Image Manipulation and Design
Bottom Line:
Adobe Photoshop, the world’s most capable image editing software, includes mind-blowing AI-powered neural filters, automatic sky replacement, and unmatched selection tools, all in a helpful and polished interface.
Pros
- Vast set of photo correction and manipulation tools
- Slick interface with a lot of guidance
- Tools for mobile and web design
- Rich set of drawing and typography tools
- Synced Libraries and Cloud Documents
Cons
- No perpetual license option
- Premium assets aren’t cheap
- Interface can be overwhelming at times
Why We Picked It
Photoshop is the photo editing software that started it all. It is the most powerful image-editing software, bar none. It’s often where Adobe puts its latest state-of-the-art features first, such as the new AI-powered Neural filters. It includes the complex layer, masking, text and shape tools, gradients, and filters that professionals need.
Who It’s For
Photoshop is not for people who shrink from complexity, but rather for pros and serious image editing enthusiasts. Even though it has an incredibly deep set of tools, its interface is flexible and has gotten more manageable in recent versions, with things like hover-over help tips and a persistent search box at the top. As with other Adobe offerings, however, it’s not for anyone unwilling to cough up a recurring subscription fee, as that’s the only way to keep using it.
Best for Photography Hobbyists
Bottom Line:
Adobe Photoshop Elements is an excellent option for photo hobbyists who don’t want to pay a subscription or learn complex Photoshop techniques.
Pros
- Many powerful image-manipulation tools
- Strong face-tagging and geotagging capabilities
- Excellent image output options
- Powerful search
- Helpful guidance for advanced techniques
Cons
- No chromatic aberration correction tool
- No lens geometry profiles
- Too few social sharing options
- No local help system
Why We Picked It
Photoshop Elements includes much of the capability of its big sibling, Photoshop, but it wraps that functionality in a friendlier interface that emphasizes hand-holding. Guided Edits ease the process of creating stunning effects with your photos. You still get layers, filters, and a smart Organizer utility to keep track of your photo collection.
Who It’s For
Adobe describes the audience for Elements as “memory keepers,” those members of the family who want to create appealing keepsakes from family occasions. Elements also offers anyone a good way into the processes behind the pro-level effects designers get with Photoshop proper. It’s also good if you don’t want to keep paying a subscription, as it’s available for a reasonable one-time purchase price.
Best for Free, Easy Photo Editing
Bottom Line:
Apple’s already-impressive free desktop photo editor now has support for the ProRAW format used by the iPhone 12 Pro, better retouching features, and a vibrance slider.
Pros
- Free
- Intuitive, slick interface
- Face recognition
- Capable auto-corrections
- Plug-in support
- Neat tricks for iOS Live Photos
Cons
- Auto-created Memories not editable
- No chromatic aberration or geometry correction
- Sharing limited to Apple ecosystem
Why We Picked It
Yes, Apple Photos is included with every Mac for free, and it’s an excellent photo editing application. It includes strong organization and photo adjustment features and is particularly suited to those who take pictures with iPhones. But the app supports raw camera files from popular SLR models, too.
Who It’s For
Anyone with a Mac is likely to have used Apple Photos, and iPhone owners will need to use it. Consumers and even hobbyists are likely to be pleased with its functionality, but pros and more invested amateurs will want more capable software. That said, the fact that it’s free makes it appealing to all.
Best for Noise Reduction and Camera Profile Corrections
Bottom Line:
Though it’s still not a complete photo workflow solution, DxO PhotoLab can deliver image corrections beyond what’s possible in other software.
Pros
- Clear interface
- Best-in-class noise reduction
- Excellent autocorrection based on camera and lens characteristics
- Haze remover
- Geometry corrections
- Powerful local adjustments
Cons
- Few workflow tools
- Noise-reduction is a bit slow
Why We Picked It
DxO pioneered several technologies that went on to be used by other software products. Lens profile based corrections, geometry fixes, and deep time consuming noise reduction have all shown up later in competitors. In fact, its DeepPrime noise reduction is unmatched and can make unusable photos usable, and PhotoLab is worth getting for that alone. It’s also excellent at removing chromatic aberration and automatically fixing the lighting with its SmartLighting tool. The U Point technology offers unmatched control over local adjustments, too.
Who It’s For
DxO PhotoLab is mostly for professionals who need to get the best out of their raw camera files, but it will be of interest to engaged amateurs as well. If you just need the noise reduction and lens corrections, the more limited DxO PureRAW product will be of interest. It’s not for those looking for a cheap solution, but its pricing is one-time perpetual rather than a subscription—like most Adobe software.
Best for Serious Amateur Photographers
Bottom Line:
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate this updated version of Adobe Lightroom. This professional photo workflow program is slick and nimble, and it now boasts most of Lightroom Classic’s photo-editing tools.
Pros
- Simple, clear interface
- Syncs photos to cloud storage for access on other devices
- Light, color, and detail adjustments equal to Lightroom Classic’s
- Powerful raw profiles and filters
- Strong community features
Cons
- Expensive
- No local printing or plug-in support
- Limited sharing
- Forces you to upload all photos to its cloud storage
Why We Picked It
Lightroom combines some of the most powerful photo editing and organizing tools in one of the most usable, appealing interfaces. It simplifies the more pro-oriented Lightroom Classic, and keeps all your photos and edits in the cloud for anywhere-access. The learning and community features are hard to match, thanks to Lightroom’s Discover feature.
Who It’s For
Lightroom will appeal to serious amateur photography enthusiasts. It will also appeal to professionals who don’t need printing, plug-in support, or tethered shooting capability. Those who recoil at its $9.99 per month subscription fee will want to look elsewhere at software like Adobe’s own Photoshop Elements or CyberLink’s PhotoDirector, both available as one-time purchases.
Phase One Capture One Pro
Best for Top-Notch Raw File Conversion
Bottom Line:
Capture One offers professional and prosumer photographers excellent detail from raw camera files, as well as local adjustment, advanced color, and layer tools, but it still trails in photo-organizing features.
Pros
- Superb raw file conversion quality
- Pleasing, improved interface
- Fast import
- Excellent photo adjustment tools
Cons
- Interface can get complex, especially with layers
- No face recognition
- Weak for online sharing
- Expensive
Why We Picked It
Capture One is the software most often heard in connection with Adobe Lightroom alternatives. It is super-powerful professional photo workflow software, and it does the best job of interpreting a camera’s raw image date to a sharp, accurate photo. It also include an abundance of adjustments and local edit tools, as well as layers and advanced color grading. A unique speed edit feature lets you get to frequently needed tools with a keypress. It still trails Lightroom when it comes to workflow abilities, however.
Who It’s For
Capture One is squarely aimed at pro photographers and its interface could be intimidating to those not willing to put in the time to learn it. The program is priced like a professional application, too, available as both a subscription (costing more than Lightroom’s) and a one-time purchase.
Best for Unique AI Corrections and Effects
Bottom Line:
Luminar Neo has unique AI photo tools like power line and dust removal as well as a vast selection of effects and adjustments, all in a clear, pleasing interface. Workflow and organization are weak points, however.
Pros
- Unique AI photo-fixing tools
- Pleasing, clear interface
- Lots of adjustment tools, filters, and effects
Cons
- Some operations slow
- No face recognition or keyword tagging
Why We Picked It
Skylum Luminar is a well-designed photo app with some unique innovative tools, such as AI-based power-line removal and a tool that relights different parts of a photo based on distance. It’s also aces at fixing drab skies in your shots, as its name suggests. The interface is clear and simple.
Who It’s For
Anyone who wants to have a lot of fun enhancing their photos should check out the easy-to-use Luminar, whether pro or amateur. The program is a good value for a reasonable one-time price.
What Is the Best Photo Editing App for Macs?
When choosing a Mac photo editing app, look for a clean, well-designed interface with lots of help and tutorials. Some applications excel at workflow, using modes, which simply means you select a layout for the stage of work you’re doing—one mode for importing and organizing, one for adjusting and correcting, and another for exporting. Our pick for the best in this class is Adobe Lightroom Classic.
Some programs also divide adjusting and editing, with the former being basic lighting, color, and sharpness corrections and the latter the more creative aspects, like filters, overlays, and image alterations.
Some non-workflow software gives you all its tools all the time, and Adobe Photoshop is the undisputed best pick in this category, with an unmatched and ever-increasing set of state-of-the-art image editing tools. It excels at layer editing, which lets the user overlay other images and effects. It also is the best at letting you select areas and subjects within your image to choose where an effect applies. You also get plentiful drawing and typography tools in this beast of an application.
You need software that lets you organize your photo collection after you import the images. Some helpful features around this include pick, reject, color tags, keyword tags, and star ratings. This lets you quickly find an image you’re looking for. You should also be able to search for an image based on the equipment (camera and lens), shot settings (aperture, exposure, and ISO), date, and whether you’ve edited it. Some software lets you organize images by faces and places, too. The apps use AI to identify and group shots of the same face, and they show geotagged photos in thumbnails on a map.
What Is the Best Free Photo Editing Software for Macs?
Our top pick for best free photo editing software for Mac is Apple Photos, as mentioned above. It’s “free” in that it comes included with the purchase of any Mac. Aside from Apple Photos, there are other free tools for editing your photos on a Mac.
Google Photos, for one, excels at organization and backs up your photos online, with up to 15GB worth for free. It syncs photos from both Androids and iPhones. Another excellent option is Polarr, which, like Apple Photos, has both mobile and desktop versions, though it does offer in-app purchases. Picktorial(Opens in a new window) is another popular choice in the Mac App Store, and it handles raw camera files. Of course, the open-source Photoshop wannabe GIMP(Opens in a new window) raises its ugly interface in every discussion of free photo software, and if you don’t mind navigating its Byzantine, outdated UI, it could suit your needs, as the powerful tool set is there.
What Do Mac Photo Apps Do?
Photo editing software must be able to import and organize your digital photos. After that, you need tools to crop the pictures and adjust their lighting, color, and detail (adding sharpness or removing noise, for example). Then comes the fancy stuff: bokeh, artistic effects, overlays, black-and-white, colorization, and pixel manipulation—things like removing unwanted objects or creating selection masks. Finally, you have to output the image to the destination and in the format of your choice.
Some tools perform nearly all these functions, such as Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop Elements, CyberLink PhotoDirector, and ON1 Photo RAW. Other products specialize in one or another of them. For example, DxO PureRAW and Topaz DeNoise are all about reducing noise and, in the case of PureRAW, camera and lens distortions.
The most famous photo application of all, Adobe Photoshop, does image adjustment and manipulation—corrections, selections, layers, effects, compositing, adding text, and so on. It’s not for importing and organizing your photo collection, however. For that, you’ll need Lightroom. Serif Affinity Photo is similar in that regard, though as you’d expect, it lacks Photoshop’s state-of-the-art tools and polished interface. Some tools (not included in this roundup) are just about organizing and importing: Adobe Bridge, Photo Mechanic, MyLio, WidsMob, Phototheca, and the open-source digiKam.
How to Choose Photo Editing SoftwareEditing Raw Camera Files on a Mac
If you use a DSLR or mirroless camera, you’re best off shooting in raw camera files rather than JPGs; that way you can get a lot more out of the image at the editing stage, in terms of lighting and color adjustment. This is particularly important when you’re trying to retrieve detail from a very dark or light part of an image. In particular, a Shadows slider is used to bring out detail in a dark area, while the Highlights adjustment can show the blue and clouds in an otherwise bleached-out white sky.
Adjusting raw files also lets you change the white balance you chose at the time of shooting. For example, if a photo looks overly warm—towards the red, orange, and yellow side of the spectrum—changing the white balance can make the colors more true-to-life.
Most of the higher-end software now includes some automatic corrections based on your camera model and lens. This includes corrections for lens geometry distortion (think warped edges on a wide-angle shot), vignetting (dark edges), and chromatic aberration (color fringes). Make sure the software you choose has profiles for your equipment.
Recommended by Our Editors
Other tools you want in your photo software involve detail—this includes sharpness and noise reduction. Useful related tools include dehaze, clarity, texture, and microcontrast (called Texture in Lightroom).
Getting Creative
For more creative editing, look for selection tools, blemish repair, masks, filters, and text overlay capabilities. Photoshop now has tools that let you reshape a face, and CyberLink PhotoDirector has body-reshaping tools. Some software supports LUTs (aka CLUTs—color lookup tables); these are filters that create moods by shifting color. The motion picture industry has long used LUTs to give a shot a sunny dreamy effect or to simulate nighttime even if the shooting took place during the day.
Mac Photo Output Options
Finally, you want output options. All the software in this roundup lets you output from raw format to JPG, which is universally accepted, especially for online use. Some let you create images optimized for social networks and directly upload them to online services. Many support online galleries for your work, to which you can upload from inside the app. If you need to print, look for a program with soft proofing, which shows whether all the colors in your image can be printed. Applications like Apple Photos, Google Photos, and Lightroom include excellent book layout options and let you order custom photo books directly.
Next Step: Get a Camera
If you’re a beginner in digital photography, your first step is to make sure you have some good photography hardware. Phones have better and better cameras these days, but they still can’t beat a good dedicated camera. For help choosing one, read our roundups of the best digital cameras and the best camera phones for equipment that can fit any budget.
Once you’ve got your hardware, make sure to educate yourself with our quick photography tips for beginners and beyond-basic photography tips. After that, you’ll be ready to shoot great pictures that you can make even better with the software included here.
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