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Mac computers are popular in the photography industry, and with good reason. They offer powerful hardware, beautiful displays and are ideal for professional and amateur photographers alike. However, no matter how good the hardware might be, if you’re not using the right software, you won’t be able to produce stunning photos.
There are numerous photo editing software options on the market, but not all of them live up to the hype or provide the features you need. This article focuses on the top seven photo editing software programs for Mac users.
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What is Photo Editing Software?
Photo editing software is a tool that enables you to manipulate, edit, and enhance digital images. With the right software, you can transform a mediocre photo into a stunning masterpiece. There are several types of photo editing software available, ranging from simple, user-friendly options to professional-grade software with intricate features.
The best photo editing software for Mac will depend on your specific needs. It’s important to consider your level of expertise, budget, and the features you will need.
Best 7 Photo Editing Software for Mac Recommendation on 2021
1. Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is considered the industry standard for photo editing software. It’s been around since the 90s, and despite an array of newer programs, it remains the go-to choice for many professional photographers.
Photoshop provides a wealth of features, allowing you to manipulate and enhance images in almost any way imaginable. From simple filters and effects to detailed layer-based editing, this software offers something for everyone. You can improve color, tone, and exposure, remove unwanted elements from images, and add text or graphics to your photos.
Pros:
+ Offers a wide range of tools for advanced editing
+ Integrates well with other Adobe products such as Lightroom and Illustrator
+ Original files are preserved and can be accessed repeatedly for additional editing without loss of quality
Cons:
– Can be overwhelming if you’re new to the software
– Requires a relatively steep learning curve
– High cost for a single app subscription
2. Affinity Photo
Affinity Photo is a pro-level photo editing software for Mac users that rivals Adobe Photoshop in functionality and capabilities. This software is particularly suitable for editing Raw images, and features a wealth of tools and features, including advanced layer editing, masking options, and a vast array of filters and effects.
Affinity Photo has also been built to integrate seamlessly with other software, allowing you to switch between apps quickly and easily. It’s a great option for professionals and dedicated photography enthusiasts looking for pro-level photo editing capabilities on their Macs.
Pros:
+ Intuitive user interface
+ One-time purchase – no need for a subscription
+ Fast processing speeds
Cons:
– Lacks some of the advanced features found in Adobe Photoshop
– Some users have reported limited compatibility with third-party plugins
– Steep learning curve for beginners
3. Skylum Luminar
Skylum Luminar is a popular photo editing software known for its intuitive user interface and ease of use. With Luminar, you can make quick and easy edits to your photos, or dive into more complex adjustments using sophisticated tools. This software offers professional-level features including AI Sky Replacement, AI Skin Enhancer and non-destructive layer-based editing.
If you’re looking for a user-friendly photo editor with powerful features, Skylum Luminar is a fantastic choice.
Pros:
+ Intuitive user interface
+ AI-powered features enable quick and easy edits
+ Comprehensive editing tools
Cons:
– The range of features may not be sufficient for professional photographers
– No cataloguing system, making it difficult to manage large numbers of photos
– Lacks some of the advanced features found in Adobe Photoshop and Affinity Photo
4. Capture One Pro
Capture One Pro is a popular and well-respected photo editing software among professional photographers. It’s highly regarded for its excellent RAW processing capabilities, allowing you to make complex adjustments to your images with incredible precision.
This software features advanced color editing tools, including color grading and precise color correction. Additionally, Capture One Pro provides a range of other helpful features such as sharpness control, noise reduction, and a Layer panel add depth and dimension to your images.
Pros:
+ Excellent RAW conversion capabilities
+ Robust and intuitive photo editing options
+ Speeds up workflow with efficient tools for batch processing
Cons:
– Steep learning curve for beginners
– The cataloguing feature is not user-friendly
– Expensive
5. Pixelmator Pro
Pixelmator Pro is a powerful photo editing software that offers professional-grade editing capabilities while maintaining an affordable price point. This software makes it easy to get professional-looking results, with an intuitive and customizable user interface.
Pixelmator Pro features a range of powerful tools, including layer editing, masking, liquify tools, and a wide variety of filters and effects. This software is an excellent choice for casual photographers or photo enthusiasts that need robust functionality and simplicity in software.
Pros:
+ Affordable
+ User-friendly without compromising advanced features
+ Integrates well with other MacOS apps such as Photos and iCloud
Cons:
– Lacks some of the advanced features found in Adobe Photoshop
– The learning curve for some features can be steep
– Limited plugin support
6. GIMP
GIMP is a free and open-source photo editing software that offers tremendous value for Mac users. While it does not have all the features of professional-grade software, it is an excellent option for those on a tight budget.
GIMP includes a wide range of editing tools, including layers, masks, filters, and effects. It also supports third-party plugins, allowing you to expand its capabilities beyond what comes with the base software.
Pros:
+ Free and open-source
+ Wide variety of editing options
+ A large community and catalogue of plugins available
Cons:
– Outdated user interface
– Limited non-destructive editing options
– Steep learning curve for some features
7. Apple Photos
Apple Photos is a photo management software that is pre-installed on every Apple device. It’s an easy-to-use software designed for photo organization and basic photo editing.
Apple Photos comes equipped with the basic editing tools that you would expect from any photo editing software, including cropping, color correction, and filters. This software is a great option for casual users who want to make quick fixes to their photos without the need for extensive editing.
Pros:
+ Free and pre-installed on all Apple devices
+ Easy to use
+ Integrates well with other Apple products
Cons:
– Limited photo editing capabilities compared to other software on this list
– No options for advanced photo editing
– No support for RAW image processing
Comprehensive Comparison of Each Software
The following table compares the top seven photo editing software programs for Mac users:
| Feature | Adobe Photoshop | Affinity Photo | Skylum Luminar | Capture One Pro | Pixelmator Pro | GIMP | Apple Photos |
|————–|—————-|—————-|—————-|——————|—————-|——–|—————|
| Free Trial | 7 days | N/A | 14 days | 30 days | N/A | Free | N/A |
| Price | $20.99/month | $49.99 | $89 | $299 | $39.99 | Free | Free |
| Ease of use | Advanced | Intermediate | Beginner | Intermediate | Intermediate | Advanced | Beginner |
| Value for money | Good but high | Great | Good | Good | Great | Excellent | Average |
Our Thoughts on Photo Editing Software
When it comes to photo editing software for Mac users, there are numerous options available. For beginners or casual photographers, Apple Photos or Pixelmator Pro will suffice. But for professionals, Adobe Photoshop and Capture One Pro are the industry standards.
If you’re on a budget, GIMP and Skylum Luminar are good budget-friendly options, with a wealth of features and capabilities. For those who require advanced photo editing capabilities, Affinity Photo is an excellent choice, providing pro-level editing features at a relatively affordable price point.
In summary, the best photo editing software for you will depend on your level of expertise, budget and specific needs.
FAQs about Photo Editing Software
Q1: What are the benefits of using photo editing software?
A: Photo editing software allows you to make corrections and enhancements to your images, improve their visual appeal, and correct any flaws. With the right software, you can easily adjust exposure, contrast, sharpness, and other critical elements, bringing out the best in your photos.
Q2: What are the differences between basic and advanced photo editing software?
A: Basic photo editing software typically includes tools for cropping, color correction and sharpening, whereas advanced photo editing software includes tools for deep color correction, masking, layers, plugin integration, advanced object removal, full RAW support, and more.
Q3. Why is Adobe Photoshop the industry standard for professional photographers?
A: Photoshop has been around for nearly three decades and has become a staple in the photography industry. It’s widely regarded as the leader in photo editing software due to its comprehensive suite of editing tools, customizable interface, and a massive catalog of plugins. Additionally, it integrates seamlessly with other Adobe products such as Lightroom and Illustrator.
Q4: Can photo editing software replace the need for quality photography?
A: No, photo editing software cannot replace the need for quality photography. While photo editing software can enhance your images, it’s essential to start with high-quality photos in the first place.
Q5: Do I need to be a professional photographer to use advanced photo editing software?
A: No, you don’t need to be a professional photographer to use advanced photo editing software, but it does require a learning curve of learning the software. If it’s your first time using advanced software, you’ll need some guidance. However, as you become more familiar with the software, it becomes easier to use.
In Conclusion
There you have it – the top seven photo editing software programs for Mac users. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional photographer, there’s a tool out there to suit your needs. Take the time to explore your options and try out some of the software programs listed above – you may be surprised at what you can achieve with the right photo editing software.