9 Best Photo Editing Apps for Mac in 2024 (Free & Paid)

In the ever-evolving world of photo editing, having the right tools at your disposal can make all the difference between a mediocre image and a stunning visual masterpiece. Whether you're a professional photographer, a casual hobbyist, or someone who just enjoys enhancing their photos, having access to high-quality photo editing apps is essential. In 2024, the Mac ecosystem offers a range of photo editing apps that cater to various needs and budgets. Here’s a rundown of the nine best photo editing apps for Mac this year, both free and paid, to help you find the perfect tool for your photo editing journey.

1. Adobe Photoshop CC

When it comes to photo editing, Adobe Photoshop remains the gold standard. As of 2024, Adobe Photoshop CC continues to be the most powerful and versatile photo editing software available. Its extensive feature set includes advanced tools for retouching, color correction, and image manipulation. With capabilities like Content-Aware Fill, advanced selection tools, and an array of filters and effects, Photoshop offers unparalleled control over every aspect of your photos. Though it's a paid app with a subscription model, its comprehensive features justify the cost for many professional photographers and designers.

2. Lightroom Classic

Adobe Lightroom Classic is another heavyweight in the photo editing world, known for its robust organization and editing features. Ideal for photographers who need to manage and edit large volumes of images, Lightroom Classic provides tools for everything from basic adjustments to advanced color grading. Its non-destructive editing process ensures that your original images remain untouched, while its powerful batch processing capabilities save time. Like Photoshop, Lightroom Classic operates on a subscription basis but offers a range of pricing plans to fit different needs.

3. Capture One Pro

Capture One Pro is renowned for its exceptional color grading and tethering capabilities, making it a favorite among professional photographers. The software boasts a sophisticated user interface and a range of powerful tools for precise image adjustments. Capture One Pro’s color editor, in particular, allows for highly detailed color correction, which is ideal for photographers who require accurate color representation in their work. While Capture One Pro is a paid app, it offers a free trial period, allowing users to test its features before committing to a subscription.

4. Affinity Photo

For those seeking a high-quality photo editing app without the subscription model, Affinity Photo is a compelling option. This one-time purchase app provides a comprehensive suite of features, including advanced retouching tools, layer management, and a variety of filters and effects. Affinity Photo is known for its fast performance and robust feature set, making it a worthy alternative to Adobe Photoshop. With its reasonable price tag and regular updates, Affinity Photo has garnered a strong following among both amateur and professional photographers.

5. Pixelmator Pro

Pixelmator Pro offers a user-friendly interface combined with powerful editing tools, making it an excellent choice for Mac users who want a balance between functionality and ease of use. Its machine learning-based features, such as the ML Enhance tool, automatically improve the quality of your images. Pixelmator Pro supports a wide range of file formats and integrates well with macOS, offering features like layer-based editing, color adjustments, and retouching tools. With a one-time purchase fee, it’s a cost-effective alternative to subscription-based apps.

6. GIMP

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a highly versatile and powerful open-source photo editing software. Although it might not have the same polished interface as some commercial apps, GIMP offers a rich set of features that can rival paid software. It includes advanced tools for retouching, color correction, and image manipulation, as well as support for various plugins and extensions. As a free app, GIMP is an excellent option for users who need robust editing capabilities without the financial commitment.

7. Luminar Neo

Luminar Neo is a newer entrant in the photo editing market but has quickly gained attention for its innovative features and user-friendly interface. Leveraging AI technology, Luminar Neo offers tools for enhancing photos with minimal effort, such as automated sky replacement and portrait retouching. Its intuitive interface and customizable workspace make it accessible for users of all skill levels. Luminar Neo is available for purchase with a one-time fee, and it often runs promotional discounts, providing an affordable alternative to subscription-based software.

8. Darktable

Darktable is another free and open-source photo editing app that’s gaining traction among photographers. It provides a range of powerful tools for non-destructive editing, including advanced color grading, tone mapping, and noise reduction. Darktable’s modular interface allows users to customize their workspace according to their needs, making it a flexible option for various editing workflows. Although it may have a steeper learning curve compared to some commercial apps, Darktable’s capabilities and zero cost make it an attractive choice for budget-conscious users.

9. ON1 Photo RAW

ON1 Photo RAW is a comprehensive photo editing app that combines powerful editing tools with features for organizing and managing images. It includes advanced capabilities for retouching, color correction, and effects, along with a range of filters and presets. ON1 Photo RAW’s non-destructive editing approach ensures that your original images remain intact, while its customizable workspace allows for a tailored editing experience. With a one-time purchase fee and regular updates, ON1 Photo RAW offers a solid value proposition for users who prefer to avoid subscription costs.

Choosing the right photo editing app for your Mac in 2024 depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Adobe Photoshop CC and Lightroom Classic remain top choices for those seeking industry-standard tools with extensive features. For users looking for cost-effective alternatives, Affinity Photo, Pixelmator Pro, and Luminar Neo offer excellent functionality without ongoing subscription fees. Free options like GIMP and Darktable provide robust capabilities for those who need powerful tools without spending a dime. Finally, ON1 Photo RAW delivers a comprehensive editing experience with a one-time purchase model. By evaluating these top photo editing apps, you can find the perfect tool to enhance your photos and elevate your creative projects.

FAQs

1. What are the best photo editing apps for Mac in 2024?

In 2024, some of the best photo editing apps for Mac include Adobe Photoshop CC, Lightroom Classic, Capture One Pro, Affinity Photo, Pixelmator Pro, GIMP, Luminar Neo, Darktable, and ON1 Photo RAW. Each app offers a unique set of features catering to different needs and budgets.

2. Which photo editing app is best for professional photographers?

For professional photographers, Adobe Photoshop CC and Capture One Pro are highly recommended. Photoshop CC is renowned for its advanced editing tools and versatility, while Capture One Pro excels in color grading and tethering capabilities. Both apps offer powerful features suitable for high-end photo editing tasks.

3. Are there any free photo editing apps available for Mac?

Yes, there are several free photo editing apps for Mac, including GIMP and Darktable. GIMP is a versatile open-source tool with a wide range of features, while Darktable offers advanced non-destructive editing capabilities at no cost.

4. What are the advantages of using paid photo editing apps?

Paid photo editing apps like Adobe Photoshop CC and Affinity Photo often provide more advanced features, better customer support, and regular updates compared to free alternatives. They offer comprehensive toolsets, enhanced performance, and often come with additional resources such as tutorials and presets.

5. Can I use Pixelmator Pro without a subscription?

Yes, Pixelmator Pro is available for a one-time purchase, meaning you do not need to commit to a subscription. This makes it a cost-effective option for users who prefer not to pay ongoing fees.

6. What makes Luminar Neo stand out from other photo editing apps?

Luminar Neo stands out for its use of AI technology to simplify and enhance photo editing. Features like automated sky replacement and portrait retouching make it accessible for users of all skill levels. Its intuitive interface and customizable workspace also contribute to its appeal.

7. Is Lightroom Classic worth the subscription cost?

Lightroom Classic is considered worth the subscription cost for many users due to its robust organizational features, non-destructive editing, and powerful color grading tools. Its ability to handle large volumes of images efficiently makes it a valuable tool for both professional and serious amateur photographers.

8. How does Affinity Photo compare to Adobe Photoshop CC?

Affinity Photo offers a comparable feature set to Adobe Photoshop CC but at a lower one-time purchase price instead of a subscription model. While Photoshop CC remains the industry standard with its extensive tools and integrations, Affinity Photo provides a cost-effective alternative with powerful editing capabilities.

9. Can I try these photo editing apps before buying?

Yes, many photo editing apps offer free trials or demo versions. Adobe Photoshop CC and Capture One Pro, for example, provide trial periods to test their features before committing to a subscription or purchase. Similarly, some apps like Luminar Neo offer promotional discounts or trial versions.

10. What should I consider when choosing a photo editing app for Mac?

When choosing a photo editing app for Mac, consider factors such as your editing needs, budget, and preferred features. Evaluate whether you need advanced tools for professional work, a user-friendly interface for casual editing, or specific capabilities like batch processing or color grading. Additionally, consider whether you prefer a subscription-based or one-time purchase model.

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