For professional photographers, photo editing software is critical to their workflow. Some types of image software focus on traditional edits including tweaking exposure, contrast, grain, or adding bokeh and blur effects. Others rely on artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance images or even generate them on your behalf. You can also download apps focusing on creative effects, combining art and photography.Adobe apps are often considered the gold standard in photo editing, but they are not the only options in the market, nor are they the only solutions that provide tools for automating your editing workflow. Whether you are a professional, enjoy photography as a hobby, or want to dip your toe into the field, there is a photo editing suite out there for you.What is the best photo editing software right now?ZDNET has tested dozens of photo editing software solutions throughout the years, and we monitor the market to find the best solutions available.Our favorite photo editing software is Adobe Photoshopsince it has all of the photo editing tools you could ever need for advanced image editing and workflow management. Subscriptions start at $23 per month, or you will need to sign up for a Creative Cloud plan.To reduce your professional workload or to bring your photography to life, check out the rest of our top picks for photo editing software below. Sort by All The best photo editing software of 2025 Show less View now at Adobe Adobe Photoshop is the gold standard for many photography professionals -- and for good reason. Adobe's photo editing suite has dominated the market for years. It is well-known for having an advanced, wide variety of tools and options for image creation and manipulation.Photoshop can be used for color adjustment, resizing, masking, layering, and more. Every professional tool is at your disposal, from minor corrections to layer adjustments, color tweaks, and generative fills to object removal. New features added to the latest update include distracting object removal, background generation, and workflow enhancements. In addition, Photoshop has now launched an iOS app with Android due to land later this year.Customers consider Adobe Photoshop to be intuitive, fast, and one of the best options on the market. I've used Adobe Photoshop for everything from photo editing to creative projects for over a decade, and I agree.In the early days, Adobe Photoshop was standalone software, but it's now offered on a subscription basis -- a change that is not exactly popular with long-term users. You will need to pay $23 per month, or you can combine your plan with other apps through the $60 per month Creative Cloud subscription. This option includes all of Adobe's creative apps such as Lightroom, Illustrator, and InDesign. You can also combine Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom for $14.98 per month.Adobe Photoshop specs: Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, online | Mobile? Yes | Cloud backup? Yes | RAW support?Yes | Price: Subscription model, free trial Pros Extensive library of tools Professional standard Bridge applications Workflow-friendly Cons A steep learning curve Subscription-only Adobe Photoshop is the gold standard for many photography professionals -- and for good reason. Adobe's photo editing suite has dominated the market for years. It is well-known for having an advanced, wide variety of tools and options for image creation and manipulation.Photoshop can be used for color adjustment, resizing, masking, layering, and more. Every professional tool is at your disposal, from minor corrections to layer adjustments, color tweaks, and generative fills to object removal. New features added to the latest update include distracting object removal, background generation, and workflow enhancements. In addition, Photoshop has now launched an iOS app with Android due to land later this year.Customers consider Adobe Photoshop to be intuitive, fast, and one of the best options on the market. I've used Adobe Photoshop for everything from photo editing to creative projects for over a decade, and I agree.In the early days, Adobe Photoshop was standalone software, but it's now offered on a subscription basis -- a change that is not exactly popular with long-term users. You will need to pay $23 per month, or you can combine your plan with other apps through the $60 per month Creative Cloud subscription. This option includes all of Adobe's creative apps such as Lightroom, Illustrator, and InDesign. You can also combine Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom for $14.98 per month.Adobe Photoshop specs: Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, online | Mobile? Yes | Cloud backup? Yes | RAW support?Yes | Price: Subscription model, free trial Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less Adobe Lightroom is specifically designed to reduce the workload during batch image editing. When I need to edit photos taken at events, including weddings, I always use this software to manage my workflow. It has handy tools including batch contrast and refinement tweaks, presets, and masking for applying effects like bokeh. These tools drastically reduce the amount of time you need to edit hundreds of photos.Between the cloud-based system and desktop-based Classic version, I find that the former works best for mass editing. I prefer Classic's wider range of tools including brushes and editing effects. Both are great when paired with a Loupedeck.Other users say that Adobe Lightroom's tools and efficiency are a bonus, but many report that customer service needs serious improvement.Subscriptions begin at $12 per month. Like Photoshop, you can opt for the full Creative Cloud plan for $60 per month to access all of Adobe's creative apps. You can also combine Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom for $14.98 per month. A trial is available.Adobe Lightroom specs: Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, online |Mobile?Yes |Cloud backup?Yes|RAW support?Yes |Price: Subscription model, free trial Pros Workflow management Impressive user interface Professional tools App bridging Cons Web version has fewer tool options than Classic Subscription only Adobe Lightroom is specifically designed to reduce the workload during batch image editing. When I need to edit photos taken at events, including weddings, I always use this software to manage my workflow. It has handy tools including batch contrast and refinement tweaks, presets, and masking for applying effects like bokeh. These tools drastically reduce the amount of time you need to edit hundreds of photos.Between the cloud-based system and desktop-based Classic version, I find that the former works best for mass editing. I prefer Classic's wider range of tools including brushes and editing effects. Both are great when paired with a Loupedeck.Other users say that Adobe Lightroom's tools and efficiency are a bonus, but many report that customer service needs serious improvement.Subscriptions begin at $12 per month. Like Photoshop, you can opt for the full Creative Cloud plan for $60 per month to access all of Adobe's creative apps. You can also combine Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom for $14.98 per month. A trial is available.Adobe Lightroom specs: Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, online |Mobile?Yes |Cloud backup?Yes|RAW support?Yes |Price: Subscription model, free trial Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Affinity Affinity Photo 2 could be the best subscription-free alternative to Adobe's Creative Cloud on this list.It supports raw image format (RAW) and comes with a wide range of user-friendly image editing tools. These include photo retouching functions, layering, cropping, object removal, color adjustments, brushes, and filters.During testing, I found Affinity Photo 2 to be a powerful photo editor without the learning curve I experienced with Adobe products. Users say that Affinity Photo 2 is a reasonable editor but lacks some of the comprehensive tools of its rival. Still, the one-time payment is very attractive if you want a photo editor but don't plan on subscribing. Due to this, I would recommend Affinity Photo 2 to anyone who likes editing photos and images as a hobby as well as photography professionals on a budget.The price point is certainly likely to lure in photography enthusiasts and professionals alike: Excluding tax, you will pay only $70 for a desktop lifetime license. Alternatively, you could opt to pay $165 -- plus tax -- for a universal license including access to Affinity Photo 2, Affinity Designer 2, and Affinity Publisher 2. IPad-only licenses are available for $18.49, alongside a seven-day trial.Affinity Photo 2 specs: Platforms: Mac, Windows, iPad |Mobile?iPad only|Cloud backup?Yes|RAW support?Yes |Price: One-off, $70, trial Pros Fast Lifetime license RAW image support Reasonable set of tools No subscription required Cons No Android compatibility Affinity Photo 2 could be the best subscription-free alternative to Adobe's Creative Cloud on this list.It supports raw image format (RAW) and comes with a wide range of user-friendly image editing tools. These include photo retouching functions, layering, cropping, object removal, color adjustments, brushes, and filters.During testing, I found Affinity Photo 2 to be a powerful photo editor without the learning curve I experienced with Adobe products. Users say that Affinity Photo 2 is a reasonable editor but lacks some of the comprehensive tools of its rival. Still, the one-time payment is very attractive if you want a photo editor but don't plan on subscribing. Due to this, I would recommend Affinity Photo 2 to anyone who likes editing photos and images as a hobby as well as photography professionals on a budget.The price point is certainly likely to lure in photography enthusiasts and professionals alike: Excluding tax, you will pay only $70 for a desktop lifetime license. Alternatively, you could opt to pay $165 -- plus tax -- for a universal license including access to Affinity Photo 2, Affinity Designer 2, and Affinity Publisher 2. IPad-only licenses are available for $18.49, alongside a seven-day trial.Affinity Photo 2 specs: Platforms: Mac, Windows, iPad |Mobile?iPad only|Cloud backup?Yes|RAW support?Yes |Price: One-off, $70, trial Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Skylum Skylum's Luminar NEO is an artificial intellience-first photo editor that focuses on usability. It has a clean, easy-to-understand interface with photo editing tools that encourage experimentation and having fun with creative projects.You can use simple sliders to enhance your images, play around with contrast, tweak an image's composition, crop, tint, and change clarity. Ready-made filters are available to change everything from color selections to grain levels.I find Luminar enjoyable to use, but it should be considered a compromise between basic photo editing tools and professional suites. It lacks some of the more intricate features used in professional editing, but that's not an issue, as the software shines for creative projects, quick editing, or beginning photographers.Users like how easy Luminar NEO is to learn and use as one of the few AI-first photo editing solutions on the market. It is not considered anything close to an Adobe alternative, and workflow management can be slow.As of publication, Luminar NEO is currently on sale. We like that you can choose between an ongoing subscription or a one-off payment for a perpetual license. A one-year subscription costs $69 and comes with a license for the software,100 add-ons, and a starter course. Alternatively, choose a lifetime license for $119. A 14-day trial and 30-day money-back guarantee is available.Skylum Luminar NEOspecs: Platforms: Windows, macOS|Mobile?Yes |Cloud backup?Manual only|RAW support?Yes |Price: Subscription or one-off payment, trial Pros AI tools Plugin option 14-day trial Perpetual license available Easy to use Cons Some processes could be streamlined Limited OS support Skylum's Luminar NEO is an artificial intellience-first photo editor that focuses on usability. It has a clean, easy-to-understand interface with photo editing tools that encourage experimentation and having fun with creative projects.You can use simple sliders to enhance your images, play around with contrast, tweak an image's composition, crop, tint, and change clarity. Ready-made filters are available to change everything from color selections to grain levels.I find Luminar enjoyable to use, but it should be considered a compromise between basic photo editing tools and professional suites. It lacks some of the more intricate features used in professional editing, but that's not an issue, as the software shines for creative projects, quick editing, or beginning photographers.Users like how easy Luminar NEO is to learn and use as one of the few AI-first photo editing solutions on the market. It is not considered anything close to an Adobe alternative, and workflow management can be slow.As of publication, Luminar NEO is currently on sale. We like that you can choose between an ongoing subscription or a one-off payment for a perpetual license. A one-year subscription costs $69 and comes with a license for the software,100 add-ons, and a starter course. Alternatively, choose a lifetime license for $119. A 14-day trial and 30-day money-back guarantee is available.Skylum Luminar NEOspecs: Platforms: Windows, macOS|Mobile?Yes |Cloud backup?Manual only|RAW support?Yes |Price: Subscription or one-off payment, trial Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Gimp First published in 2018, Gimp is an acronym for GNU Image Manipulation Program. It's free, open source, powerful, and customizable -- from the plugins you can implement to the user interface. It's available for download for Windows, MacOS, Android, and Linux operating systems.If you're looking for a flexible option, Gimp could be the right choice. You will need to learn how to edit photos properly, but the team behind this software provides a set of how-to guides and tutorials.You can perform various editing tasks such as retouching and photo enhancement. Gimp supports a variety of file formats, including JPEG, TIFF, PSD, and BMP. If you want to work with raw image format (RAW), you'll likely want to use a standalone editor or converter before opening the file in Gimp. The hardware support also includes USB and MIDI controllers -- giving you more control over your workflow.Users say that this solution is powerful and fast but lags behind many paid options in terms of its user interface. You may need to demonstrate some patience while you learn how to use the software effectively.Its latest release, Gimp 3.0, includes new file format exports, text editing improvements, improved layer management and creation, and enhanced color management.GIMP specs:Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |Mobile?Android|Cloud backup?Yes|RAW support?Minimal, plugin|Price: Free Pros Free Open source Plugin support Customizable interface Cons Learning curve First published in 2018, Gimp is an acronym for GNU Image Manipulation Program. It's free, open source, powerful, and customizable -- from the plugins you can implement to the user interface. It's available for download for Windows, MacOS, Android, and Linux operating systems.If you're looking for a flexible option, Gimp could be the right choice. You will need to learn how to edit photos properly, but the team behind this software provides a set of how-to guides and tutorials.You can perform various editing tasks such as retouching and photo enhancement. Gimp supports a variety of file formats, including JPEG, TIFF, PSD, and BMP. If you want to work with raw image format (RAW), you'll likely want to use a standalone editor or converter before opening the file in Gimp. The hardware support also includes USB and MIDI controllers -- giving you more control over your workflow.Users say that this solution is powerful and fast but lags behind many paid options in terms of its user interface. You may need to demonstrate some patience while you learn how to use the software effectively.Its latest release, Gimp 3.0, includes new file format exports, text editing improvements, improved layer management and creation, and enhanced color management.GIMP specs:Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |Mobile?Android|Cloud backup?Yes|RAW support?Minimal, plugin|Price: Free Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Procreate Procreate is image editing software for those who want to add artistic flair to their photographs rather than more traditional edits. The software includes hundreds of brushes, numerous effects, and is suitable for use with a stylus and an iPad.If you are looking for a solution that combines photo editing and art, Procreate is a fantastic, affordable option available with a lifetime license. While it doesn't natively support RAW, it does handle file types, including PSD, JPEG, PNG, and PDF.Customers like Procreate as a polished, flexible, fast, and intuitive art and image editing app, especially for the iPad. I find the range of tools, brushes, and actions a lot of fun to work with. Plenty of users wish there were a fair Android alternative, but there doesn't seem to be on the market at the moment.A benefit of this software is how cheap it is -- a $13 one-off payment for the app. It's a pity that Procreate is limited to the Apple ecosystem, though.Procreate features:Platforms: macOS, iOS|Mobile?iOS only|Cloud backup?Yes|RAW support?No (major file types)|Price: One-off payment, $13 Pros Ease of use Hundreds of effects to choose from Active user community Affordable Cons Some tools need further development No Android app Procreate is image editing software for those who want to add artistic flair to their photographs rather than more traditional edits. The software includes hundreds of brushes, numerous effects, and is suitable for use with a stylus and an iPad.If you are looking for a solution that combines photo editing and art, Procreate is a fantastic, affordable option available with a lifetime license. While it doesn't natively support RAW, it does handle file types, including PSD, JPEG, PNG, and PDF.Customers like Procreate as a polished, flexible, fast, and intuitive art and image editing app, especially for the iPad. I find the range of tools, brushes, and actions a lot of fun to work with. Plenty of users wish there were a fair Android alternative, but there doesn't seem to be on the market at the moment.A benefit of this software is how cheap it is -- a $13 one-off payment for the app. It's a pity that Procreate is limited to the Apple ecosystem, though.Procreate features:Platforms: macOS, iOS|Mobile?iOS only|Cloud backup?Yes|RAW support?No (major file types)|Price: One-off payment, $13 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Best photo editing software, compared Photo editing softwarePlatformsCloud services, backups?AI capabilities?PriceAdobe PhotoshopWindows, macOS, iOS, Android, onlineYesYes$23 per month+Adobe LightroomWindows, macOS, iOS, Android, onlineYesYes$12 per month+Affinity Photo 2Mac, Windows, iPadYesLimited$70 or $18.49 iPad-onlySkylum Luminar NEOWindows, macOSManualYes$69 per year or $119 one-off paymentGIMPWindows, macOS, Linux, AndroidYesNoFreeProcreatemacOS, iOSYesNo$13one-off payment Show more What is the best photo editing software for you? I've worked previously as a professional wedding and event photographer in the U.K.. I always take my setup abroad with me. My interests have now evolved to include candid street photography and portraiture.I have over a decade of experience in this field, so I understand that editing is just as important as shooting raw images. Personally, it's my favorite part of the process.It is worth investing in photo editing software that is frequently updated and developed if you'll be using it professionally, and even more so when the software includes means to reduce the burden of editing workflows. If you are editing for fun or for small projects, a budget-friendly or free option could be just what you need to get started.Choose this photo editing software...If you want...Adobe PhotoshopThe best photo editing software overall. Adobe Photoshop is the gold standard in image editing and has a variety of professional editing tools. There is a learning curve and a cost, but you can't go wrong with this editor.Adobe LightroomThe best photo editing software for managing workflows. Adobe Lightroom has an impressive and intuitive user interface and makes batch editing easy. Whether you go for classic or the cloud, Lightroom is a fantastic solution for professionals.Affinity Photo 2A powerful Adobe alternative. Affinity Photo 2 provides a good selection of editing and retouching tools in its suite and won't rope you into a subscription, giving you more freedom.Skylum Luminar NEOTo experiment with AI. Skylum Luminar NEO is an excellent option for exploring the capabilities of generative AI in photo editing. It's simple to learn and has an attractive interface but won't likely be the right choice for workflow-based professional work.GimpA free option. There is a learning curve to using Gimp, but it is very customizable with different tools and plugins. Consider this option if you want to explore and learn about photo and image editing.ProcreateTo combine art and photography editing. Procreate is a popular and successful service with a massive variety of creative tools. Unfortunately, it is only available for macOS and iOS. Show more Factors to consider when choosing photo editing software When you are deciding on what type of photo editing software to try out, consider the following factors:The learning curve: You might want to test out a beginner-friendly solution if you are new to the world of photo editing. If you dive straight into a professional suite -- such as Adobe Photoshop -- it might be overwhelming.Plugins: This one is for professionals. If there are plugins you enjoy using to streamline your workflow or enhance your photos, check that the solution you choose supports their usage.Downloadable tools: Just like plugins, if downloadable styles, brushes, and layering tools are something you enjoy using, not every photo editing software solution will allow this. It's worth checking, first.Synchronization, backups: You might want a solution that provides backup facilities, syncing, or cloud storage options -- but these features are not always available -- especially if you use free software. If these functions are important to you, check that the solution you are interested in provides them.Free options: If you are a casual user and only want photo editing software for hobbies, a free solution might be enough. However, keep in mind that advanced editing features or cloud services might be locked behind paywalls.Platform: Do you want a more traditional photo editing suite for your desktop PC or do you want a compact mobile app? Check software compatibility before you buy.Price: You need to think about your budget and whether you want to sign up for a subscription to photo editing software. Many photo editing providers have made the transition from one-time purchase models to monthly or annual plans, and while this ensures you receive updates and improvements, it's still a cost to consider. Show more How did we choose these photo editing solutions? Photo editing solutions created by dominant players in the photography market, like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, have existed for years. However, there are also exciting developments and software options from younger vendors worth considering.When we were compiling our top picks for the best photo editing software of 2025, we considered the following factors:Platforms: It's important to us that our photo editing software recommendations support a wide range of operating systems, platforms, mobile types, and cloud services.Licensing: Subscription models are now standard, but not everyone wants to add yet another subscription to their monthly or yearly budget. We included a range of subscription and licensing options.Image file type support: We want to see photo editors able to process and handle different kinds of file types, including RAW, PNG, JPEG, and PSD.Workflows: Not everyone needs tools or features focused on improving editing image workflows. However, we ensured that some of our recommendations included these functions, as they can be crucial for professionals.AI use: We like to see photo editing software developers exploring new technologies and techniques for improving editing. AI is a buzzword for many industries, but we have seen some genuinely useful applications in the creative space.Free options: We included free options and alternatives that do not employ a subscription-based model for casual use. They may offer some paid premium features, but you won't have to pay if you do not want to. Show more Photo editing software FAQs Should I buy or subscribe to photo editing software? If you're going to use photo editing software on a frequent basis or for business purposes, it's worth subscribing to receive new updates and features. However, if you're dipping your toe in to learn the trade, you might want to stick to a trial run or practice with free photo editing options first. I'd also suggest that you look at tutorials and guides on the photo editing software you are considering buying to see if its interface and tools are right for you. Show more What do photographers use to edit photos? Professional photographers, including myself, typically rely on Adobe editing software suites, including Photoshop and Lightroom. However, some of us may also use standalone RAW file processors -- the gold standard for photo image types -- or software designed for studio setups including CaptureOne Pro. While expensive, we will use subscription-based tools as they are crucial to our workflows. Show more Is there a free version of Photoshop? Adobe Photoshop isn't free and there is no free, legal version. However, you can access the software and try it out for free by signing up for its free seven-day trial. If you aren't going to go ahead with subscribing to a plan, remember to cancel the trial before it ends. Show more Does Microsoft have a photo editor? Yes. Microsoft has a Photos app on the Windows operating system. However, this app isbest used for viewing images and very basic editing, such as image rotation, tweaking brightness and contrast, adding filters, and cropping, rather than any advanced editing tasks. Show more Is Canva good for photo editing? As a design tool, Canva has real value,especially for small business owners. It provides a host of free and premium tools for design and marketing and includes a photo editor. However, I would say that Canva is best used for basic batch image work rather than intricate photo editing. Show more What does AI have to do with photo editing software? Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are algorithms based on data sets that are now commonly integrated with creative applications.These technologies can be used to make minor adjustments and improve consistency, thereby optimizing workflows. You may also be able to use AI to automatically optimize photos, alter backgrounds, or even fully create images based on a few prompts.In my experience, AI can be a lot of fun to work with and can perform some fantastic editing, but alone it doesn't replace traditional editing tools and techniques. Show more Can ChatGPT edit photos? Yes, ChatGPT can edit photos. However, you are limited to very basic edits such as cropping, rotation, and minor adjustments. It can be handy in a pinch if you just need a small tweak, but it doesn't replace standalone photo editing software. Show more Alternative photo editing software to consider Further ZDNET Tech Coverage Smartphones Smartwatches Tablets Laptops TVs Other Tech Resources ZDNET Recommends