In today’s digital age, photo editing has become more accessible and user-friendly. Whether you’re a professional photographer, a graphic designer, or simply someone who enjoys editing photos for fun, Mac users have access to a wide range of powerful photo editing applications. In this article, we will explore some good photo editing apps for Mac that cater to different skill levels, offering an intuitive experience while delivering professional-quality results. These tools will help you elevate your creativity and take your photo editing skills to the next level.

1. Adobe Photoshop

When it comes to photo editing, Adobe Photoshop is the gold standard. It has been a favorite among professionals for decades and is known for its comprehensive set of features. Whether you’re retouching photos, creating intricate designs, or manipulating images, Photoshop offers an unmatched suite of tools.

Key Features:

  • Advanced retouching and image manipulation tools
  • Layers and masking for non-destructive editing
  • Wide range of filters, brushes, and presets
  • Integration with other Adobe apps like Lightroom
  • Support for RAW files and extensive file format compatibility

Best For: Professional photographers, graphic designers, and creative professionals.

Price: Subscription-based, starting at $9.99/month for the Photography Plan (Photoshop + Lightroom).

2. Affinity Photo

Affinity Photo is a strong competitor to Photoshop, offering many similar features but with a one-time purchase price. This app is perfect for those who need advanced editing capabilities without subscribing to Adobe’s monthly plans. Its performance on Mac is highly optimized, making it one of the fastest editing tools available.

Key Features:

  • Full RAW image editing
  • HDR merging and panorama stitching
  • Non-destructive layers and adjustment options
  • Comprehensive selection of retouching tools
  • Fully customizable workspace

Best For: Enthusiast photographers and professionals looking for a cost-effective alternative to Photoshop.

Price: One-time purchase for $54.99.

3. Pixelmator Pro

Pixelmator Pro is designed specifically for macOS, ensuring deep integration with Apple’s ecosystem. It offers powerful editing tools wrapped in an easy-to-use interface, making it suitable for beginners and experienced users alike. Pixelmator Pro supports machine learning technology, allowing for smart auto-enhancements.

Key Features:

  • AI-powered editing for automatic adjustments
  • Non-destructive editing with layers
  • Advanced selection and masking tools
  • Support for RAW formats and HEIF images
  • Seamless integration with macOS features like iCloud and Apple Photos

Best For: Beginner and intermediate users looking for an affordable, intuitive photo editing app.

Price: One-time purchase for $39.99.

4. Adobe Lightroom

Adobe Lightroom is another excellent option for photo editing, especially for photographers who work with large collections of images. Lightroom is known for its non-destructive editing capabilities and its ability to handle RAW files with ease. The app also includes a robust cataloging system that helps you organize your photos efficiently.

Key Features:

  • RAW image processing and batch editing
  • Powerful tools for color correction, exposure, and contrast
  • Cloud storage for easy access across devices
  • Presets and filters for one-click adjustments
  • Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud

Best For: Photographers who need to edit and organize large photo libraries.

Price: Subscription-based, starting at $9.99/month (Photography Plan).

5. Luminar Neo

Luminar Neo is a photo editing app that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to simplify complex editing tasks. It’s an ideal tool for users who want to achieve professional results without a steep learning curve. Its AI-driven features include sky replacement, object removal, and portrait enhancements, all designed to save time while ensuring great results.

Key Features:

  • AI-powered tools for quick adjustments
  • Sky replacement and scene relighting
  • Portrait retouching with skin enhancement
  • Non-destructive workflow
  • Customizable templates for one-click edits

Best For: Photographers and enthusiasts looking for advanced features with an easy-to-learn interface.

Price: One-time purchase starting at $79 or subscription at $59/year.

6. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

For those who are looking for a powerful photo editor without spending a dime, GIMP is one of the best options. As an open-source software, GIMP offers a wide array of professional tools and supports various plugins to extend its functionality. Although it has a steeper learning curve, GIMP is a robust option for those willing to invest time in learning the platform.

Key Features:

  • Customizable interface and tools
  • Supports layers and masks
  • Wide range of plugins for additional functionality
  • Supports various file formats, including RAW
  • Advanced photo retouching and manipulation tools

Best For: Users looking for a free yet powerful photo editing solution.

Price: Free (open-source software).

7. Fotor

Fotor is a simple yet effective photo editor that is perfect for beginners or casual users. It offers a variety of tools for basic editing tasks such as cropping, rotating, and adjusting brightness and contrast. Fotor also includes a range of filters and effects, allowing you to enhance your photos quickly.

Key Features:

  • Easy-to-use interface with one-click filters
  • Basic editing tools for cropping, resizing, and color correction
  • Collage maker and design templates
  • Cloud-based editing for easy access across devices
  • Supports batch processing

Best For: Beginners and users who need quick, simple edits.

Price: Free version available; Pro version starts at $8.99/month.

8. Photoscape X

Photoscape X is an all-in-one photo editing app that offers a range of tools from basic edits to more advanced features. It includes functionalities like color adjustment, filters, and even a GIF creator. Its user-friendly interface and extensive feature set make it a versatile choice for Mac users.

Key Features:

  • Wide variety of filters and effects
  • Tools for retouching, cropping, and resizing
  • Batch editing and RAW file support
  • Built-in collage and GIF maker
  • One-click enhancement tools

Best For: Casual users and hobbyists who want a comprehensive yet easy-to-use photo editor.

Price: Free with a Pro version starting at $39.99.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the best photo editing app for beginners on Mac?

For beginners, Pixelmator Pro and Fotor are excellent choices. Both offer easy-to-use interfaces and include helpful tutorials for those new to photo editing.

Q2: Is there a free photo editing app for Mac?

Yes, GIMP is one of the best free photo editing apps for Mac. It offers powerful tools and a wide range of plugins, making it suitable even for more advanced tasks.

Q3: What is the difference between Photoshop and Lightroom?

While both are developed by Adobe, Photoshop is designed for intricate, detailed image manipulation and design, whereas Lightroom is focused on photo organization and basic to advanced photo enhancements, especially for large photo libraries.

Q4: Can I edit RAW photos on Mac?

Yes, many photo editing apps for Mac, such as Adobe Lightroom, Affinity Photo, Luminar Neo, and Pixelmator Pro, support RAW file editing, allowing you to preserve maximum image quality.

Q5: Are there any one-time purchase photo editing apps for Mac?

Yes, Affinity Photo, Pixelmator Pro, and Luminar Neo offer one-time purchase options, which can be more affordable than subscription-based models.

Q6: What is the best photo editing app for professionals on Mac?

Adobe Photoshop and Affinity Photo are the top choices for professional photographers and designers, as they offer comprehensive editing tools and powerful capabilities for detailed image manipulation.


By exploring the best photo editing apps for Mac, you can find the right software that matches your needs and skill level. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, there’s a tool on this list that will help you create stunning visuals. Happy editing!

This page was last edited on 10 September 2024, at 9:52 am