7 Best Image Editors for Mac: Which One is Right for You?

Whether you need to crop your photo, add text or logos, or even edit an image you’ve already taken on your Mac, there are many different image editors that can help you do the job. This article will go over 7 of the best image editors on the market right now to help you find the right one for your needs and your computer. To make sure we’re comparing apples to apples, we will be judging each editor on user-friendliness, editing options and features, price, and overall value. Let’s get started!

iPhoto

While iPhoto offers a lot of features to edit your photos, it’s an entry-level program that might be better for newer users and those who want just a few simple edits. I found the interface to be a little outdated and unintuitive, making it difficult to find tools and menus. It also has a limited range of functions such as cropping, red eye removal, adding overlays, filters, and borders.

Pixelmator

It’s easy to take one look at Pixelmator and assume it’s just another imitator. But we like to think of it as the original—the first true image editor on the Mac launched more than a decade ago. It may not have every filter under the sun, but what it does have works beautifully. And best of all, there are no subscription fees or additional in-app purchases to buy filters or effects. Plus, you can save your work either locally or in iCloud Drive so you never lose your project.
This app has everything you need without all the fluff you don’t.

Photoshop CC

For decades, Photoshop has been one of the most powerful pieces of photo editing software available. Featuring a range of adjustment tools, filters, and effects, its wide use in the photography industry speaks to its versatility. While it may be an expensive investment, it’s ideal for those who want professional-level features without having to learn how to use complicated software.

Lightroom CC

Lr offers robust capabilities to help photographers work more efficiently and make better-looking images. Enhance, Edit, and share your photographs with Adobe’s industry-leading tools. Lr helps you find that perfect image by automatically improving photos, removing distractions, and artfully enhancing your shots. It’s the smarter way to turn even the most challenging raw file into an award-winning photo.

Affinity Photo

*Affinity Photo* is a cross-platform image editor. On the surface, it’s simple and intuitive to use—designed so you can focus on making images, not figuring out how to use the software. Like many programs of its type, it offers a plethora of photo enhancement tools, has options for exporting and web publishing your work, and offers a full range of editing capabilities including layers.
Another area where Affinity Photo excels is with its GPU-accelerated processing.

Paintstorm

With a number of powerful yet accessible photo editing tools, Paintstorm makes it easy to edit your photos, add special effects and turn them into works of art. With over 100 textures and 700 objects, you can easily create eye-catching collages and stunning graphic designs. If you’re more interested in manipulating text than graphics, Paintstorm also includes the ability to create beautiful calligraphy with the built-in lettering tool. The app features an intuitive user interface that simplifies the process of getting started.

Sketch

Photoshop is considered by many to be the best and most well-known image editor, but it’s certainly not the only option. There are plenty of other photo editors on the market that work with just about any operating system, from Windows to Linux. Below are seven different options to consider if you’re looking for a more cost-effective alternative.