20 Best Free Photo Editing Softwares for Mac and PC in 2024

Searching for top-notch photo editing software that won't cost a penny in 2024?

Look no further! Explore our curated list of the 20 best free options for desktop and online editing, perfect for photographers, designers, and hobbyists alike. Elevate your creative projects without breaking the bank!

How to Choose the Best Free Photo Editing Software

When it comes to selecting free photo editing software, it's like finding the perfect tool for your creative toolbox without breaking the bank. Here are five friendly tips to help you decide:

1. User-Friendly Interface:
   Look for software with an interface that feels like a friendly companion, guiding you through the editing journey, especially if you're just starting.
2. Feature Set and Flexibility:
   Find software that strikes a balance between must-have tools and cool features. You want a friend that grows with you as your editing skills evolve.
3. Supported Formats and Export Options:
   Think of your software as a versatile friend who understands all types of photo formats and has plenty of options for sharing your creations. Compatibility is key!
4. Stability and Performance:
   Nobody likes a friend who constantly cancels plans. Ensure your software is reliable and won't bail on you during crucial editing moments.
5. Community and Support:
   A good friend is there when you need them. Check for a friendly user community and reliable customer support – your editing buddies when you need a hand.

Considering these 5 factors, we carefully select 20 top-performing photo editing software options for desktop and online use, each distinguished by specific features.

20 Best Free Photo Editing Software for Mac and PC in 2024 (Tested and Reviewed)

Discover the perfect photo editing companion for your creative journey with our list of the 20 best free software options in 2024

1. Best for AI-Powered Photo Editing Features: YouCam Online Editor
2. Best for Digital Painting and Illustration:  Krita
3. Best for Quick and Intuitive Online Editing: Pixlr X
4. Best for All-in-One Photo Editing: PhotoScape
5. Best for Advanced Open-Source Editing: GIMP
6. Best for Simplified Desktop Editing: Adobe Express
7. Best for Photo Retouching: Movavi Photo Editor
8. Best for High-Quality Image Upscaling: VanceAI PC
9. Best for Batch Processing: Fotor Photo Editor
10. Best for Professional Desktop Editing: PicWish Pro
11. Best for Effortless Graphic Design: Canva
12. Best for Advanced Editing on Windows: Photo Pos Pro
13. Best for Windows-Based Drawing Tools: Paint.NET
14. Best for Browser-Based Photoshop Alternative: Photopea
15. Best for Precise Image Cutouts: Cutout Pro
16. Best for Creative Photo Editing: Befunky
17. Best for Social Media-Ready Edits: Ribbet
18. Best for Photo Color Correction: Skylum
19. Best for Creative Collages: PicsArt
20. Best for Professional Editing and Design: Photoshop

1. YouCam Online Editor: Best for AI-Powered Photo Editing Features

YouCam Online Editor excels in real-time face enhancement and boasts advanced AI-powered photo editing features. Tailored for online use, it offers a range of tools for refining selfies or portraits.

YouCam Online Editor harnesses the power of AI for quick and advanced photo enhancement. Featuring AI enhancement improvements, object removal to eliminate unwanted elements, and background removal for creative compositions, it offers a streamlined and innovative editing experience. AI-Powered Photo Editing and Enhancing

YouCam Online Editor's cutting-edge AI Avatar Generation feature is perfect for crafting high-quality profile pictures (PFP). Seamlessly blending advanced artificial intelligence with intuitive design tools, it empowers users to create personalized avatars that reflect their unique style and personality, ensuring an ideal representation for online profiles.

2. Krita: Best for Digital Painting and Illustration

Krita is a powerful open-source tool, renowned for its extensive set of brushes and tools tailored for digital painting and illustration. Perfect for artists and graphic designers, Krita's intuitive interface and advanced features make it a standout choice for creative projects.

3. Pixlr X: Best for Quick and Intuitive Online Editing

Pixlr X is a user-friendly online photo editor that excels in providing quick and intuitive editing capabilities. With a range of basic and advanced tools, Pixlr X is ideal for users who want to enhance their photos without the complexity of a full-scale editing suite.

4. PhotoScape: Best for All-in-One Photo Editing

PhotoScape is an all-in-one photo editing and management software that caters to users seeking a comprehensive solution. From basic editing tools to batch processing and Animated GIF, PhotoScape is perfect for those who want a versatile program that covers various aspects of photo manipulation.

5. GIMP: Best for Advanced Open-Source Editing

GIMP, the GNU Image Manipulation Program, is a robust open-source editor suitable for users looking for advanced editing capabilities without the price tag. With features comparable to commercial software, GIMP is the go-to choice for individuals and small businesses seeking powerful editing tools.

6. Adobe Express: Best for Simplified Desktop Editing

Adobe Express is a desktop photo editing software designed for quick and easy edits. With a simplified interface and essential editing tools, it's perfect for users who want to enhance their photos swiftly on their desktop.

7. Movavi Photo Editor: Best for User-Friendly Editing and Retouching

Movavi Photo Editor stands out for its user-friendly interface and a wide range of retouching tools. Ideal for users looking for a straightforward editing experience, Movavi is perfect for quick touch-ups and enhancements.

8. VanceAI PC: Best for High-Quality Image Upscaling

Introducing VanceAI PC, the epitome of photo editing software designed for unparalleled image upscaling quality. Elevate your visual content to new heights with cutting-edge technology, ensuring that every detail is enhanced and every image is transformed into a high-quality masterpiece.

9. Fotor Photo Editor: Best for Collage Creation and Batch Processing

Fotor Photo Editor excels in collage creation and batch processing, making it a versatile tool for users who want to organize and edit multiple photos simultaneously. With its user-friendly interface, Fotor simplifies the process of creating visually appealing collages.

10. PicWish Pro: Best for Professional Desktop Editing

PicWish Pro - Desktop is tailored for professional desktop editing, offering a range of advanced features for photographers and designers. With capabilities for precise editing and manipulation, it's an ideal choice for those seeking professional-grade results.

11. Canva: Best for Effortless Graphic Design

The Canva Desktop App extends the user-friendly experience of its online counterpart, making it an ideal choice for effortless graphic design. With a vast library of templates and intuitive drag-and-drop functionality, Canva Desktop App is perfect for users looking to create visually stunning designs with ease.

12. Photo Pos Pro: Best for Advanced Photo Editing on Windows

Photo Pos Pro is a Windows-based photo editor that excels in advanced editing capabilities. With a range of tools for retouching, layering, and special effects, it caters to users who require professional-grade editing features on the Windows platform.

13. Paint.NET: Best for Windows-Based Drawing Tools

Paint.NET is a Windows-based photo editor known for its simplicity and extensibility through plugins. Ideal for users who want a lightweight yet powerful editing tool with the option to enhance functionality through plugins.

14. Photopea: Best for Browser-Based Photoshop Alternative

Photopea is a browser-based photo editor that closely resembles Adobe Photoshop, making it an excellent alternative for users who prefer the convenience of online editing with a familiar interface. It's a versatile choice for various editing tasks directly from the web browser.

15. Cutout Pro: Best for Precise Image Cutouts

Introducing Cutout Pro, a powerful photo editor specialized in precise image cutouts and advanced editing features. Ideal for desktop use, it offers a range of tools for creating intricate cutouts and enhancing images with precision and creativity.

16. Befunky: Best for Fun and Creative Photo Editing

Befunky is a fun and creative photo editor that caters to users looking to add playful elements to their images. With an array of filters, effects, and customization options, Befunky is perfect for those who want to infuse a sense of fun into their photo editing.

17. Ribbet: Best for Social Media-Ready Edits

Ribbet focuses on providing tools for creating social media-ready edits with features like filters, stickers, and easy-to-use design elements. It's an ideal choice for users who want to quickly enhance their photos for sharing on social platforms.

18. Skylum: Best for Photo Color Correction

Skylum offers AI-powered enhancements and color correction tools, making it a top choice for users seeking advanced automation in their photo editing process. With a focus on user-friendly AI tools, Skylum simplifies the enhancement and transformation of photos.

19. PicsArt: Best for Creative Collages

PicsArt is a comprehensive photo editor that excels in creative editing and collage creation. With a wide range of artistic tools and a vibrant community, it's perfect for users who want to express their creativity through mobile photography

20. Photoshop: Best for Professional Editing and Design

Adobe Photoshop remains the gold standard for professional photo editing and design. With its extensive set of tools for retouching, compositing, and graphic design, Photoshop is indispensable for photographers, graphic designers, and creative professionals aiming for precision and excellence in their work.

Start Editing Photos With the Best Photo Editing Software for Desktop and Online

Ready to take your photos to the next level?

Discover the best photo editing software for both desktop and online use.

Unleash your creativity, enhance your images, and transform moments into masterpieces.

Start editing photos now and bring your vision to life!

More Photo Editing Tips

• 5 Free Ways to Brighten Dark Photos
• How to Unblur Text With the Best AI Image Enhancer
• How to Remove Background From Image Online

Best Photo Editing Software FAQ

What is the best photo editing software in 2024?

Here's a curated list of the top 20 best photo editing software in 2024

1. Best for AI-Powered Photo Editing Features: YouCam Online Editor
2. Best for Digital Painting and Illustration: Krita
3. Best for Quick and Intuitive Online Editing: Pixlr X
4. Best for All-in-One Photo Editing: PhotoScape
5. Best for Advanced Open-Source Editing: GIMP
6. Best for Simplified Desktop Editing: Adobe Express
7. Best for Photo Retouching: Movavi Photo Editor
8. Best for High-Quality Image Upscaling: VanceAI PC
9. Best for Batch Processing: Fotor Photo Editor
10. Best for Professional Desktop Editing: PicWish Pro
11. Best for Effortless Graphic Design: Canva
12. Best for Advanced Editing on Windows: Photo Pos Pro
13. Best for Windows-Based Drawing Tools: Paint.NET
14. Best for Browser-Based Photoshop Alternative: Photopea
15. Best for Precise Image Cutouts: Cutout Pro
16. Best for Creative Photo Editing: Befunky
17. Best for Social Media-Ready Edits: Ribbet
18. Best for Photo Color Correction: Skylum
19. Best for Creative Collages: PicsArt
20. Best for Professional Editing and Design: Photoshop
    

What editing software do most photographers use?

For enhancing photo quality post-capture, many photographers turn to YouCam AI Photo Enhancer. Known for its robust AI algorithms, YouCam Online Editor offers powerful tools, including intelligent image enhancement, object removal, and background modification, making it a popular choice among photographers for refining and elevating their images.

What app can I use to edit pictures professionally?

Several photo editing apps provide professional-grade features for mobile users, such as YouCam Enhance, Photoshop Express, Lightroom CC, Fotor, and Canva.

Download these free apps to begin your journey in professional photo editing and unleash your creativity.