Best Photography Editing Software: Pros, Cons & Full Review

Selecting the best photography editing software in 2025 is no walk in the park. There are so many options. Some are free, some paid, some are too basic, and some exceedingly complex, so that sometimes it seems like a never-ending conflict to find the ideal one.

But we've made this easier for you by reviewing the 6 ideal photo editing programs, noting their main features, advantages, and drawbacks. This review will assist you in locating the appropriate tool for your editing preferences and needs, whether you're a novice or a professional.

Part 1. How to Choose the Best Photography Editing Software?

Before you pick a good photography editing app, take these factors into account as they'll help you choose the optimal option that suits your needs:

• Ease of Use: Choose software with a simple, beginner-friendly interface that's easy to learn and navigate.
• Editing Power: Look for tools that offer strong editing features like layers, color correction, and precise adjustments.
• AI Features: Pick programs with smart AI tools for quick fixes, object removal, or automatic improvements.
• Price: Consider your budget, as some tools are free, while others require a subscription or a one-time payment.
• Compatibility: Make sure it works with your computer and supports the file types you use (like RAW).
• Speed and Performance: Choose software that runs smoothly without slowing down, even with large files.
• Output Quality: Make certain the program produces high-quality, detailed images.
• Cloud and Syncing: If you work across devices, look for cloud storage and syncing features.
• Customization: Check if you can personalize your workspace, shortcuts, and tools.
• Support and Updates: Go for software with good customer support, tutorials, and regular updates.

Part 2. Top 6 Best Photography Editing Software

The following are the best photography editing software for Mac and Windows users, including their core functionalities, pros, and cons:

1. Adobe Lightroom -- Editor for Professional Photographers

Adobe Lightroom is the best photography editing software for beginners and professionals alike. It supports desktop, mobile, and web, offering safe, non-destructive editing. Adobe Lightroom includes tools that automatically select parts of photos, remove distractions, reduce noise, and blur backgrounds.

The tool also organizes photos with tags and albums, supports RAW files, and syncs edits across devices. It includes batch editing, HDR and panorama tools, lens fixes, and tethered shooting for cameras like Canon and Fujifilm. In addition, Lightroom features AI edit tracking, object removal, and smart landscape editing.

2. Adobe Photoshop -- Ultimate Tool for Creative Photo Manipulation

Adobe Photoshop is the best photo editing software for photographers, designers, and artists for editing and digital art. Its AI tools let you add, remove, or expand image content, select objects or skies, and clean up distractions. The tool can also improve image details, match lighting and colors, and create smooth selections with the new brush tool.

In addition, Photoshop supports layers, supports other Adobe apps, and has a customizable workspace. The Generative Workspace creates images from text or from scratch, supports newer image formats, and brings back 3D object editing.

3. Canva -- Beginners and Social Media Creators

Canva is the best photography editing software online, desktop, and mobile app, offering lots of ready-made templates and an easy drag-and-drop editor. Users can access stock photos, icons, and fonts, edit images, and use AI tools to create text, visuals, or backgrounds. Canva also includes video editing, real-time collaboration, brand kits, and a mobile app for designing anywhere.

4. Luminar Neo -- AI Enhancement & Landscape

Luminar Neo is an AI photo editor for all skill levels that operates on its own or with Lightroom and Photoshop. Its AI tools can replace skies, fix lighting, improve details, remove noise, and detect different parts of an image.

The tool also offers features for removing powerlines, merging HDR photos, and improving portraits by brightening faces and smoothing skin. It supports RAW files, uses layers and presets, and includes a mobile app for easy editing anywhere.

5. Capture One -- Color Accuracy and Studio Work

Capture One is the best photography editing software for PC, known for its accurate colors and studio-friendly tools. It produces natural, detailed images with strong RAW processing and supports DNG files. Photographers can shoot directly to a computer for fast, dependable tethered capture.

The workspace is customizable, and AI helps with masking and cropping. The tool also allows collaboration with notes and live feedback, while its file management keeps photos organized. In addition, advanced tools and layers offer precise control over lighting, color, and sharpness.

6. GIMP -- Open-Source Photo Editor

GIMP is a free, open-source photo editor for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It supports many file types, including PSD, and offers tools for painting, retouching, and layering.

The software includes filters, effects with live previews, and non-destructive editing. New updates improve text, brushes, and color control, while AI tools help with object removal, selection, and upscaling. GIMP also allows automation through scripting.

Bonus Tip: Pixpretty AI -- Best Free Online AI Photo Editor

There are not many good photography editors available that are free and at the same time offer advanced features with a user-friendly interface. But PixPretty AI combines all of the good things. It's the best photography editing software for free, with professional features, and is ideal for both beginners and advanced users alike.

The tool utilizes AI to retouch portraits, facial and body contours, and edit, resize, convert (WeBP to PNG or JPG to PNG). You can also batch process images and compress them in a few clicks without manual work. In addition, PixPretty AI offers background and watermark removal and adjustable presets, effects, and filters. It can edit, extend the backdrop, and change its colors as well.

Part 3. FAQs on Best Photography Editing Software

Q1. What's the best photo editing app for beginners?

The best photo editing app for beginners is PixPretty AI. It's free, easy to use, and powered by AI, making editing simple for anyone. With PixPretty, you can quickly retouch portraits, resize images, remove backgrounds, and improve photos in just a few clicks.

Q2. What editing program do most photographers use?

Most professional photographers use Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop. Lightroom is great for organizing and improving large batches of photos with simple, non-destructive tools. While Photoshop offers advanced editing for detailed retouching and creative design. Many photographers use both together. Lightroom for overall adjustments and Photoshop for precise touch-ups and special effects.

Q3. Do I need Photoshop or just Lightroom?

If you mostly edit photos by adjusting lighting, colors, or cropping, Lightroom is likely all you need. It's easier to learn and perfect for everyday photo editing. However, if you want to do more complex edits, like removing objects, combining images, or adding creative effects, Photoshop is worth having. But many photographers use both. Lightroom for quick edits and Photoshop for detailed, artistic work.

Conclusion

The best photography editing software depends on your needs, skills, and budget. Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop are great for professionals, while Canva and Luminar Neo are easier for beginners. Whereas Capture One is ideal for studio work, and GIMP is a good free option for experienced users.

But if you want a free and professional tool for beginner and advanced users alike, an AI-powered editor like PixPretty AI is a top choice. It lets you easily retouch, resize, compress, convert, and improve photos without the cost or complications of complex editors.