6 Top Photo Editing Software Options For PC
6 min. read 
Published on
Finding the right photo editing software can transform your images from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a casual user, the PC offers a wide range of options to suit every skill level and budget. This article explores six of the best photo editing software choices for PC, highlighting their key features and benefits.
So, how do you choose the best photo editing software for your PC? We’ll delve into the top contenders, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and pricing to help you make an informed decision.
6 Top Photo Editing Software Options For PC?
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is the industry standard for professional photo editing. Its comprehensive toolset allows for everything from basic adjustments to complex manipulations. Photoshop’s power and versatility make it a go-to choice for photographers, graphic designers, and artists alike. It has an intuitive interface that provides easy access to all the tools a user may need to edit photos to a professional standard.
Photoshop can help you create stunning visuals for any project, from retouching portraits to designing website graphics. Its advanced features and robust performance make it a worthwhile investment for serious creatives.
Top Key Features:
- Layer-based editing for non-destructive workflows
- Advanced masking and selection tools
- Extensive filter and effect library
- Content-Aware Fill for seamless object removal
Pricing: Starting at $22.99/month
Affinity Photo
Affinity Photo is a powerful and affordable alternative to Adobe Photoshop. It offers a comprehensive suite of professional-grade tools, including RAW editing, HDR merging, and focus stacking. Affinity Photo is known for its speed and responsiveness, making it a pleasure to use for even the most demanding tasks.
Affinity Photo is a great option for those who want a professional-level photo editor without the subscription cost. Its robust feature set and intuitive interface make it a strong contender in the photo editing landscape.
Top Key Features:
- Full RAW editing capabilities
- HDR merging and tone mapping
- Focus stacking for increased depth of field
- Unlimited layers and adjustments
Pricing: $69.99 (one-time purchase)
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)
GIMP is a free and open-source photo editor that offers a surprising amount of power and flexibility. While its interface can be a bit daunting for beginners, GIMP provides a wide range of tools and features comparable to commercial software. It supports layers, masks, filters, and more, making it suitable for a variety of editing tasks.
GIMP is an excellent choice for users who want a capable photo editor without spending any money. Its open-source nature means it’s constantly being updated and improved by a community of dedicated developers.
Top Key Features:
- Free and open-source
- Layer-based editing
- Customizable interface
- Extensive plugin support
Pricing: Free
Corel PaintShop Pro
Corel PaintShop Pro is a user-friendly photo editor that offers a balance of power and ease of use. It provides a wide range of tools for editing, retouching, and enhancing photos, as well as creative features like painting and drawing tools. PaintShop Pro is a good choice for both beginners and experienced users who want a versatile and affordable photo editor.
PaintShop Pro is a great option for those who want a comprehensive photo editor without the complexity of Photoshop. Its intuitive interface and wide range of features make it a solid choice for a variety of editing tasks.
Top Key Features:
- User-friendly interface
- AI-powered features for automated editing
- Extensive collection of brushes and textures
- Support for layers and masks
Pricing: $79.99 (one-time purchase)
Luminar AI
Luminar AI is a photo editor that focuses on artificial intelligence to simplify the editing process. It offers a range of AI-powered tools that can automatically enhance your photos with just a few clicks. Luminar AI is designed to be easy to use, making it a great choice for beginners and casual users.
Luminar AI is an excellent option for those who want to quickly and easily enhance their photos without having to learn complex editing techniques. Its AI-powered tools can produce impressive results with minimal effort.
Top Key Features:
- AI-powered editing tools
- Sky replacement technology
- Portrait enhancement tools
- Easy-to-use interface
Pricing: $79 (one-time purchase)
Fotor
Fotor is an online photo editor that offers a range of basic and advanced editing tools. It’s a convenient option for users who want to edit photos without having to download and install software. Fotor also offers a variety of templates and design tools for creating social media graphics and other visual content.
Fotor is a great choice for those who need a quick and easy way to edit photos online. Its intuitive interface and wide range of features make it a solid option for a variety of editing tasks.
Top Key Features:
- Online photo editor
- Basic and advanced editing tools
- Templates and design tools
- Batch processing capabilities
Pricing: Free (with limited features), Pro version available
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Adobe Photoshop | Affinity Photo | GIMP | Corel PaintShop Pro | Luminar AI | Fotor (Pro) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | \$22.99/month | \$69.99 | Free | \$79.99 | \$79 | Varies |
| Layer Editing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| RAW Editing | Yes | Yes | Yes (via plugin) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| AI Features | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| User-Friendliness | Moderate | Moderate | Low | High | High | High |
This table provides a quick comparison of the key features and pricing of each photo editing software, helping you to narrow down your choices based on your specific needs and budget.
Tips for Choosing Photo Editing Software
- Consider your skill level: Choose software that matches your experience and comfort level.
- Think about your needs: Determine what types of editing tasks you’ll be performing most often.
- Try before you buy: Take advantage of free trials or demos to test out different software.
- Read reviews: See what other users have to say about the software’s performance and features.
- Check for compatibility: Make sure the software is compatible with your operating system and hardware.
The right tool for the picture
Choosing the right photo editing software depends on your individual needs and budget. Whether you need professional-grade tools or a simple, user-friendly interface, there’s a PC photo editor out there for you.
FAQ
What is the best photo editing software for beginners?
Luminar AI and Fotor are often recommended for beginners due to their intuitive interfaces and AI-powered features that simplify the editing process.
Is GIMP as good as Photoshop?
GIMP is a powerful free alternative to Photoshop, but it may have a steeper learning curve and lack some of Photoshop’s advanced features.
What is the best photo editing software for professional photographers?
Adobe Photoshop is generally considered the industry standard for professional photographers due to its comprehensive toolset and advanced capabilities.
Can I edit RAW files in all of these programs?
Most of the programs listed, including Adobe Photoshop, Affinity Photo, Corel PaintShop Pro, and Luminar AI, support RAW file editing. GIMP requires a plugin for RAW editing.
Related reading
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help MSPoweruser sustain the editorial team Read more
Improve this guide
User forum
0 messages