Mac computers have been known for their exceptional graphics capabilities and photo editing features. Mac users are always on the lookout for the best photo editing software that can deliver professional-grade results. Fortunately, there are several photo editing software for Mac available in the market today that can cater to different levels of expertise and needs.
The Best Photo Editing Software for Mac
Here are the top photo editing software for Mac that you should consider:
1. Adobe Photoshop — Best Photo Editing Software for Mac Overall
Adobe Photoshop is the industry standard in photo editing software. It has been around for over 30 years and has continually improved its features to cater to the evolving needs of photographers and graphic designers. With its powerful tools and features, Adobe Photoshop is the go-to software for professional photo editing.
Pros
- Advanced editing tools for retouching, color correction, and compositing.
- Wide range of presets and filters to enhance your photos.
- Support for layers and masks for non-destructive editing.
- Compatibility with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps.
- Mobile version available for iOS devices.
Cons
- Expensive subscription-based pricing.
- The steep learning curve for beginners.
- Can be resource-intensive and slow on older Macs.
Link: https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop.html
2. Affinity Photo — Best Photo Editing Software for Mac with One-Time Purchase
Affinity Photo is a powerful photo editing software for Mac that offers a similar set of tools and features as Adobe Photoshop. It boasts a fast and responsive interface that allows for seamless photo editing. Affinity Photo is an excellent alternative to Adobe Photoshop, especially for those who do not want to pay a subscription fee.
Pros
- Affordable one-time purchase pricing.
- Advanced editing tools for retouching, color correction, and compositing.
- Non-destructive editing with layers and masks.
- Compatibility with other Affinity apps.
- Mobile version available for iOS devices.
Cons
- The steep learning curve for beginners.
- Not as widely used as Adobe Photoshop.
- Some compatibility issues with other software.
Link: https://affinity.serif.com/en-gb/photo/
3. Luminar Neo — Best AI Photo Editing Software for Mac
Luminar Neo is a photo editing software perfect for beginners and professionals alike. It offers a range of editing tools and presets that can help you enhance your photos quickly and easily. Luminar also has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate and use.
Pros
- Affordable one-time purchase pricing.
- Wide range of presets and filters to enhance your photos.
- Non-destructive editing with layers and masks.
- Plugin support for additional features.
- AI-powered tools for automatic enhancements.
Cons
- Limited compatibility with other software.
- Less advanced editing tools compared to other software.
- The steep learning curve for beginners.
Link: https://skylum.com/luminar
4. Pixelmator Pro
Pixelmator Pro is a photo editing software for Mac that offers advanced editing features and tools. It has a modern interface that is easy to use and navigate. Pixelmator Pro is an excellent choice for those who want to take their photo editing skills to the next level.
Pros
- Affordable one-time purchase pricing.
- The streamlined user interface for easier editing.
- Advanced editing tools for retouching, color correction, and compositing.
- Non-destructive editing with layers and masks.
- Mobile version available for iOS devices.
Cons
- Limited plugin support compared to other software.
- Some features may not be as advanced as other software.
- Less widely used compared to Adobe Photoshop.
Link: https://www.pixelmator.com/pro/
5. GIMP — Best Free Photo Editing Software for Mac
GIMP is a free and open-source photo editing software for Mac that offers many editing tools and features. It is a powerful software that can rival even some of the paid photo editing software in terms of capabilities. GIMP is an excellent choice for those who want a free alternative to Adobe Photoshop.
Pros
- Free and open-source.
- Advanced editing tools for retouching, color correction, and compositing.
- Non-destructive editing with layers and masks.
- Plugin support for additional features.
- Available for multiple platforms.
Cons
- The steep learning curve for beginners.
- It a not as polished a user interface as paid software.
- Less support and documentation compared to paid software.
Link: https://www.gimp.org/
Photo Editing Software for Mac: What to Look For?
When choosing photo editing software for Mac, you should consider the following factors:
1. Features
The software should have a wide range of editing tools and features that can cater to different levels of expertise and needs. It should also offer advanced features such as layers, masks, and blending modes.
2. User Interface
The software should have a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate and use. It should also have customizable shortcuts and a well-organized menu to help you save time.
3. Compatibility
The software should be compatible with the Mac operating system and should also be able to support different file formats such as JPEG, RAW, and PSD.
4. Price
The software should offer a reasonable price or subscription fee that can fit your budget. It should also offer a free trial or a money-back guarantee to help you test the software before purchasing it.
FAQs about Photo Editing Software for Mac
Here are some frequently asked questions about photo editing software for Mac:
No, paying for photo editing software for Mac is unnecessary. There are free and open-source software like GIMP that offer similar capabilities as paid software like Adobe Photoshop.
Yes, some photo editing software for Mac like Adobe Photoshop and Affinity Photo offers a mobile version that is compatible with iOS devices.
Final recommendations
Choosing the best photo editing software for Mac can be a daunting task, but with this guide, we hope that you were able to find the software that best fits your needs and expertise. Whether you are a beginner or a professional photographer, there is photo editing software for Mac that can help enhance your photos like a pro.
Remember, when choosing photo editing software for Mac, consider the software’s features, user interface, compatibility, and price. Don’t be afraid to try different software and see which one works best for you.
So, what are you waiting for? Start enhancing your photos like a pro with the best photo editing software for Mac today!
