Photos have been manipulated since the early days of photography in the 19th century,
when snappers would use ink, paint and scratches to alter their
pictures. The emergence of digital photography transformed the editing
possibilities.
The usability, features and prices of today's editing apps vary immensely. The best pick for you will depend on the type of images you take, the purpose of your editing and the time you want to spend doing it.
Advanced photo editing software can have a hefty price tag attached, but there are also more affordable options on the market with an impressive range of features.
Our top picks overall are:
The GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) is an excellent option for the thrifty photo editor. The free software offers advanced features for desktop users, who can customise the view and behaviour of their interface to suit their personal preferences.
The usability, features and prices of today's editing apps vary immensely. The best pick for you will depend on the type of images you take, the purpose of your editing and the time you want to spend doing it.
Advanced photo editing software can have a hefty price tag attached, but there are also more affordable options on the market with an impressive range of features.
Our top picks overall are:
1. Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop remains
the dominant photo editing software in the market and CC is its
flagship version. The app works across desktop and mobile devices and
can create and edit photographs, videos, websites, banners, app designs
and 3D artwork.
It includes a wide range of professional photography tools to retouch and combine images, advanced cropping tools and a variety of Adobe Stock templates. It's available for a selection of pricey monthly subscription fees. Adobe also produces a range of simpler and cheaper alternatives, including Photoshop Elements.
It includes a wide range of professional photography tools to retouch and combine images, advanced cropping tools and a variety of Adobe Stock templates. It's available for a selection of pricey monthly subscription fees. Adobe also produces a range of simpler and cheaper alternatives, including Photoshop Elements.
2. GIMP
The GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) is an excellent option for the thrifty photo editor. The free software offers advanced features for desktop users, who can customise the view and behaviour of their interface to suit their personal preferences.
3. Corel PaintShop Pro
4. CyberLink PhotoDirector
PhotoDirector
packs a wealth of editing features into a user-friendly product. Users
can identify and individuals in images and then sort them for easy
browsing, automatically fix unwanted tints, blend layers from multiple
photos, turn videos into images or create animated GIFs.
The standard version is the £49.99 Deluxe edition. PhotoDirector is also available in the £79.99 Ultra version, which adds storage space in the CyberLink Cloud Service and a range of features including editing for photos taken using 360-degree cameras. Both editions are available on a free trial.
The software was built for professional photographers and is regularly updated. It's available for £48.99 and as a free trial for both Mac and Windows.
The standard version is the £49.99 Deluxe edition. PhotoDirector is also available in the £79.99 Ultra version, which adds storage space in the CyberLink Cloud Service and a range of features including editing for photos taken using 360-degree cameras. Both editions are available on a free trial.
5. Affinity Photo
Affinity Photo offers comprehensive editing for RAW images and all major camera files formats. Features include precise selection refinement, advanced adjustment layers and a vast range of filters, and a range of retouching tools for everything from quick corrections to detailed modifications.
The software was built for professional photographers and is regularly updated. It's available for £48.99 and as a free trial for both Mac and Windows.