Apple’s computers are deservedly positioned as an optimal platform for creative work, a universal tool for the artist of the digital era. This collection presents the most exciting photo editing software for Mac users. So with this software, you could start creating your favorite photo in your photo collection.
Photo – standard editor for Mac OS X
New native free photo editor from Apple was not conceived for direct competition with Photoshop or similar heavy applications. With it, it’s challenging to create elaborate pictures from scratch, but it’s easy to quench creative itching by editing finished photos. Or to use as a sole, budgetary tool a full-time specialist in the design of graphic materials for websites and printed publications.
- Gimp is a free open-source photo editing app that has been on the market for over 22 years and is available for Windows, Mac, and even Linux. Unlike many free apps, Gimp doesn’t have any ads or in-app purchases. Its grey interface might seem a little old-fashioned and it may be a bit sluggish when it comes to complex effects, though.
- Photoscape X is another free photo editor for Mac that appeals to a niche audience. That said, it has tools that some of the others do not, including the ability to create animated GIFS. Its primary function is to fix and enhance photos, with all of the tools you associate with image editing.
The functionality of the Photo application is based on the use of many filters and masks, the assortment of which can be replenished as needed. As an additional processing – vignetting, working with histograms, correction of white balance, a thought-out system of revision history. There is not that depth of manipulation with every single layer you could get used to, work is rather quick strokes, almost on the run. Remove the red-eye effect, adjust the contrast, crop the edges to insert into the article, etc. – all these one-click filters.
GIMP – photo editor for Mac OS X
Full-featured graphics open source software, for which we love the army of fans. Others can grumble – the application requires a particular study, training new skills. But persistent professionals, enthusiasts of their business, this is not a hindrance, good, Gimp now works without complications in all versions of MAC OS X.
Read Also- 8 Best Photo Editing Application for Linux List of best paid & free photo editing software for Mac OS. The list of best photo editing software has tutorial classes which will help you to complete your task easily on time.
Like the main competitor in Photoshop, this application has a fully customizable multifunctional interface, support for layered best mac photo editing and a rich set of highly specialized tools. Colorize the riotous color of an inconspicuous picture or create a monochrome masterpiece, make point or scale edits, remove defects, or maybe add them – the Gimp is ideally suited for intricate work, and for honing new professional techniques.
One of the main limitations of this editor for Mac is the specific support for working with RAW files, which the application recognizes, but can not be directly edited. It will take several lessons and tinker with plug-ins, which can scare off a quick-tempered neophyte. But for those who immerse themselves in the project, additional resources are opened, such as GIMPology textbooks, custom filters, various utilities and updates for different occasions. This best photo editing is a real alternative to Adobe software. Gimp the best, because it is free and Gimp opens RAW files.
Paintbrush
The project is continuously updated and modernized – the application is fully adapted for OS X El Capitan. Functionality with filters and effects is surprising. The interface within the app remained forever in the 80’s. The last century, when users more than enough features of the most straightforward graphics editor, which is included in the package by default for each computer sold. Neither Microsoft with its Paint, nor Apple did not consider it expedient to change anything – the authors of Paintbrush wholeheartedly agree with them. There will always be a lot of simple tasks, for which there is a sufficient set of virtual chalk, eraser and fill function. The application supports only the most popular formats: BMP, TIFF, JPEG, PNG, GIF.
Photo editing for Mac
Free photo editing, naturally, is not at all like cumbersome photo editors and intuitively understandable. Fotor in the version for desktop apple computers can: Adjust the contrast, brightness, and other image parameters; Crop the image; Provide it with filters or templates of “scenes”; Apply “Shift effect”; Make your quality photo collage.
Do not try to open RAW files in Fotor – the risk of falling out of image fragments during processing is excellent. There is no work with layers, powerful complex tools, authoring the interface, and most of the manipulation is limited to the use of ready-made, template correction algorithms. But – quickly and easily, optimally for streaming work.
Pixelmator
This mac image editor is recommended for two categories of users – those who do not need to process RAW files, as well as anyone who wants to get rid of the burden in the form of paid subscription and the need to buy updates. You pay the equivalent of $ 30 and get a “budget adobe photoshop,” with the difference that Pixelmator was created for Mac OS X (Apple often advertises Pixelmator). That’s why it demonstrates excellent performance on computers with the age of several years or more.
Comparison with Adobe products is not accidental, in this editor supports the proprietary format PSD. Yes, yes, created in Adobe Photoshop can be edited in Pixelmator, and with almost the same photo editing tools. This is a thoughtful work with layers, and megaton effects and filters, and the editing tool “restoring brush” and much more. But there is not that flexibility in exporting data; there is no functionality for digital processing photos, there is no support for 3D structures. Quite a reasonable fee for the desire to save money on a graphics source image editor, without losing the main thing.
Remember when we sent off our tiny rolls of film to be developed? These days, powerful photography is a mere click away with the incredible photo editing software available for personal computers and smartphones. Try your hand at photography for personal or professional use using Polar Photo Editor. A feature-packed and impressive editing tool.
If you are looking to touch up some photos without the expense or large footprint of professional programs like Adobe Lightroom, then check out this app. For a free and lightweight program it is a remarkably empowering tool. From the basic functions of cropping and color correction to curve adjustments and haze removal. An award-winning app that is said to be one of the best free photo editing tools on the market.
The one-stop photography shop for beginners and pros alike
Thorough toolbox for efficient editing
Today even a simple photo editing app can transform your photos using auto-enhance features and inbuilt filters. Why go to the trouble of downloading a new app? Polarr Photo Editor for Mac has a free version that will give you more powerful tools for complex photo editing, without your bank account or hard drive taking the hit of bigger paid programs.
Crop, edit or add text to your photos using the inbuilt tools. You can also customize your own filters (and save them for future use) or select one of the comprehensive library of tools on the menu on the right hand side. Make adjustments to the color, play around with the exposure and add highlights, a vignette, or a border. The drop-down menu of tools on the right is encyclopedic – add photorealistic effects, radial or gradient masks, change the perspective, or amount of “noise”. You can use the curve tool to radically change the color balance or make more subtle edits with the temperature or saturation tool.
Instead of walking you through the features of this program (which are in abundance) let’s see where this app stands ahead or behind of its competitors.
Free Photo Editor For Mac Os X 10.6.8
Compared with industry behemoths Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop, this app is lightweight and easy-to-use. This may come at the price of lacking some complexity offered by the others. The free version of Polarr Photo Editor does not give you the option of adding or removing layers for example. Nevertheless, for only 44.9 MB of space (both Lightroom and Photoshop are over 1GB) you get a huge array of editing options in a sleek and simple user interface. When you install the app you can choose the “Express” for personal use or “Pro” version, and then select to view it in Light, Dark or Dark+.
Compared with Photoshop, this app was refreshingly uncluttered and intuitive. Open a photo with the upward facing arrow, save your image with the downward arrow below. For personal photo editing you have all the tools you need and more, and you can tailor your own menu on the right with the instruments you want quick access to. For first-timers to the program or photography beginners there is whole library of short tutorials and links to online resources. The tutorials offer a succinct snapshot of the program features with clear and illustrated examples. You can personalize the app with keyboard shortcuts, and if you choose to go Pro then there is the possibility of family sharing between six accounts.
When you have finished editing your photo you have the option of adding a watermark, logo, or metadata like the artist name or copyright. Unlike Windows Photos however there is no geotagging or keywords and the shadows and highlights tool has a shorter range.
This is not the only area where Polarr Photo Editor falls short however. The “sharing” button is pretty limited. On the Mac version you can only share your photo through Mail, Message, Airdrop, or you can add it to your Photos (there is no button for instant upload to social media platforms). Also if you are using the free version be wary of what tools you use; edit with “Pro” tools and you will have to upgrade in order to save your photo.
Where can you run this program?
Polarr Photo Editor is multiplatform. The app is supported on Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems, and both Android and iOS devices. You will need Windows 8, 8.1, or 10. For Apple users, Mac OS X v10.9 or up. The program is also optimized for Windows 10 tablets so you can use touch screen. For mobile devices you will need Android 4.2 or iOS 10.0 with at least 512 RAM.
Is there a better alternative?
Best Photo Editing Apps For Mac
For more complex photo editing then the Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop are the most popular programs – for a reason. Both offer options for geotagging your photos and an even greater range on tone contrasts and shadows. Software such as Adobe Lightroom Classic, or Dx0 PhotoLab are the programs of choice for professionals for their vast range of enhancement features and in-depth edits. You will need to pay however as all these programs come with stiff price tags. For budget alternatives the Google Photos Editor is a surprisingly powerful unsung free option that allows you to enhance images or organize them into collages.
If you are looking to edit photos from your smartphone Photorr is an insane armory of editing tools. Radically improve and correct your photos right from your phone and it is entirely free.
Our take
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As photo editing software goes, Polarr is far from perfect. It could be improved by an auto-enhance tool to give you a basic leg up before you start editing and the limited sharing option is frustrating. That said, for a free program you would be hard to beat this app. It supports a whole range of images and allows for RAW camera import. There are tons of ready-made filters available and if you are new the editing game then the tutorials will get you familiar with the program in no time at all. The Express version will allow for complex editing like dehazing photos or distorting the lens to add a wide angle or fish-eye effect. For even more features there is a paid upgrade, but the free version is pretty thorough.
Should you download it?
Whether you simply want to tweak some photos, or you are a budding professional this is an ace program full of editing options. Do download it and see it for yourself, it won’t cost you anything!
Mac Os Photo Editor
5.6.0