The powerful hardware offered by the MacBook and the software ecosystem of macOS make photo editing an artistic experience. However, choosing the right software is the most important step in the process. Whether you want to edit your photos professionally or quickly optimize them for social media, here are the 10 best photo editing apps for your MacBook!
1. Adobe Photoshop: The Peak of Creativity
Adobe Photoshop is the revolutionary software of the photo editing world. This tool, which knows no bounds in creativity, continues to be indispensable for professionals and amateurs.
Features:
- Working with Layers : Thanks to layers, you can edit your photos regionally and have full control over every detail.
- Advanced Selection Tools : Thanks to the precise selection tools, you can make detailed edits to the desired area.
- Color Correction : Provides accurate color management for professional printing and digital projects.
- 3D Modeling and Graphic Design : Besides photo editing, it also offers an excellent platform for graphic design and 3D modeling.
Photoshop offers the richest creative tools for MacBook users.
2. Adobe Lightroom: Photographers’ Favorite
Lightroom is a great choice for those who want to manage large photo collections and quickly edit photos. Both professionals and amateur photographers enjoy using the color correction and library management tools that Lightroom offers.
Features:
- RAW Editing : Allows you to edit photos in RAW format to obtain the highest quality.
- Presets and Filters : Provides presets and filters for quick edits.
- Cloud Sync : Support cloud storage to access your photos from anywhere.
- Precise Localized Edits : You can precisely edit specific areas with brush and gradient tools.
Lightroom is a great choice for quickly editing your photos and managing your collection.
3. Affinity Photo: A Powerful Alternative to Photoshop
Affinity Photo offers a low-cost yet professional alternative to Adobe Photoshop, equipped with advanced editing tools for both graphic designers and photographers.
Features:
- Layered Editing : It offers detailed layer support, which gives you precise control over any photo editing.
- HDR Editing : You can make detailed edits to high dynamic range photos.
- Price-Performance Ratio : It offers similar functions to Photoshop at a much more affordable price.
Affinity Photo is an affordable option for those who want access to Photoshop's professional tools.
4. Pixelmator Pro: Optimized Editing for Mac
Pixelmator Pro is a fast and powerful photo editing tool optimized specifically for Mac users. With its user-friendly interface and AI-powered editing tools, it's a great choice for both amateur and professional photographers.
Features:
- AI-Powered Editing : AI-powered tools can make automatic corrections to specific areas of your photos.
- iCloud Integration : Allows file syncing between MacBook and iPhone.
- Layer and Vector Support : Provides flexibility by performing both pixel and vector-based editing.
Pixelmator Pro is also ideal for amateur users who want to get professional results.
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5. Luminar AI: AI-Powered Editing
Luminar AI lets you make quick edits with artificial intelligence support. Features like changing the sky and editing portraits allow you to get professional results with just a few clicks.
Features:
- AI-Powered Editing : Automatically optimizes colors, lighting, and shadows.
- Sky Change : You can change the sky in your photos with a single click and add a dramatic effect to your photos.
- Portrait Correction Tools : You can edit skin tones and optimize facial features.
Luminar AI is ideal for users looking for speed and ease in photo editing.
6. Capture One: RAW Editing for Professional Photographers
Capture One is a standout application for RAW editing, especially for professional photographers. With its precise color management and detailed editing tools, it allows you to achieve excellent results on high-resolution photos.
Features:
- Advanced Color Management : Provides high level of color accuracy for professional projects.
- RAW File Processing : Allows you to control every detail by processing high-resolution RAW photos.
- Catalog Management : Keeps large photo libraries organized and easily manageable.
Capture One is the ultimate editing tool for professional photographers.
7. GIMP: A Free and Powerful Alternative
GIMP is known as a free and open source alternative to Photoshop. Offering professional-level features, this software offers a budget-friendly and effective solution for MacBook users.
Features:
- Layer Support : Provides advanced layer editing capabilities.
- Customizable Interface : You can personalize the software according to your needs with add-ons.
- Free : Being a completely free software is a great advantage.
GIMP gives you free access to professional photo editing tools.
8. Darkroom: Fast Editing and Social Media Integration
Darkroom is an app that offers quick photo editing tools, optimized for both iPhone and MacBook users. A perfect option for social media content creators, Darkroom stands out with its user-friendly interface.
Features:
- Quick Edit : Fast and effective editing tools for those who want to save time.
- Social Media Integration : Makes your photos suitable for social media platforms.
- RAW and Live Photos Support : You can make edits in professional formats.
Darkroom is the perfect solution for those who create content for social media.
9. Polarr: Minimalist and Powerful Organizing Tool
Polarr is ideal for both amateurs and professionals with its minimal design and powerful editing tools. It offers a user-friendly solution for those who want to make quick and effective edits.
Features:
- Minimal Interface : Thanks to its simple interface, users can make quick edits.
- Advanced Color Editing : You can edit color settings and exposure in detail.
- Layer Support : You can make detailed edits using layers.
Polarr is a powerful editing tool for those looking for speed and minimalism.
10. Fotor: Easy Online Editing
Fotor is a simple yet effective photo editing tool available online. It is a perfect solution for users who want to make quick edits without installing any software. It provides basic editing tools for both amateur and professional users.
Features:
- Online Usage : You can make edits via your internet browser without having to download software.
- Easy Interface : Simple and user-friendly interface appeals to users of all levels.
- Filters and Presets : Ready-made filters and effects to quickly optimize your photos.
- Ready for Social Media : You can edit your photos in sizes and formats suitable for social media platforms.
Fotor is the ideal app for users who want to make quick edits and are looking for simple solutions.
Don't forget to check out our article on turning your MacBook into an art gallery !
MacBook Best Photo App Comparison Chart
By checking out the MacBook best photo app chart below, you can easily choose the app you need!
Photo Editing Apps Table
| APPLICATION | Featured Features | Purpose of Use | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Photoshop | Detailed editing with layers, advanced color management, 3D modeling | Professional photo editing and graphic design | Paid (Subscription) |
| Adobe Lightroom | RAW editing, presets and filters, cloud sync | Photo library management and quick edits | Paid (Subscription) |
| Affinity Photo | Layered editing, HDR and panoramic images, affordable price | Professional-grade photo editing at an affordable price | Paid |
| Pixelmator Pro | AI-powered editing, layer and vector support, iCloud integration | Fast and user-friendly editing optimized for Mac | Paid |
| Luminar AI | AI-powered editing, sky replacement, portrait correction | Fast and easy edits with artificial intelligence | Paid |
| Capture One | Advanced color management, professional RAW editing, catalog management | Detailed RAW editing for professional photographers | Paid |
| GIMP | Free, layer support, customizable interface | Free alternative, basic and advanced editing | Free |
| Darkroom | Fast editing, social media integration, RAW support | Social media content producers and amateur users | Paid |
| Polarr | Minimal interface, advanced color editing, layer support | Fast, minimal and flexible edits | Free and Paid versions |
| Photo | Online use, easy interface, social media integration | Simple, practical and online arrangements | Free and Paid versions |
