There is hardly any doubt that Apple devices can give you one of the best photo shoots with the utmost clarity. However, despite its flawless picture outputs, Mac users often struggle with finding a reliable photo editing software. And as we all know, Apple does not allow many third-party software in their device, it is hard to find the right one for you.
Furthermore, a photographer needs various favorable environments for taking a good picture, but sometimes even that does not suffice. Moreover, if you are using a Mac device for taking pictures, you would require perfect photo editing software to fix the imperfections in your pictures.
In this blog, we will address the top 10 best photo editing software for Mac and which one you should choose.
Why Should You Consider Taking A Photo Editing Software for Mac?
Mac devices undoubtedly give you one of the best photo qualities you can take from that device, but even in this clarity, you cannot help but notice a few imperfections. For instance, these imperfections may include a lack of details, distractions, less lighting, bad backgrounds, and many more.
A good photographer always uses good photo editing software to complete the captured image, regardless of the device he is using. Nonetheless, photographers choose editing software for Mac for various reasons. For instance, you can refer to:
- Photo optimization for getting a clear image and readjustment.
- Flawless integration with the Apple environment.
- Higher stability mode and convenient user experience.
- Availability of exclusive tools for editing your picture.
- Various security and privacy concerns.
These are some of the reasons why you should consider choosing a photo editing software for your Mac device. Furthermore, you can also rely on suggestions based on your problems. Nonetheless, whatever the reason may be, you would always need a good picture to get a better clarity output for your photos.
Top 10 Best Photo Editing Software for Mac
As we have described several reasons why you should consider choosing an editing software for yourself, here is the top 10 list you can pick your choice from:
1. PhotoDirector Essential

One of the best solutions for editing your Mac photos is the PhotoDirector Essential. Furthermore, this photo editor is a free software that provides its users with a wide variety of editing tools for both novice and expert levels of efficiency. Also, this editing software is good for individuals regardless of their skill level.
Nonetheless, this software is arguably the perfect choice for Mac users as it gives you advanced picture editing functions of Photoshop and the management facilities of Adobe Lightroom from a single place. Moreover, this editor supports various editing functions such as panorama picture merge, advanced color management, and many more.
Also, by using this software, you get a lot of free stock images, backgrounds, frames, and outlays to assist you in crafting the perfect photo selection for your social media post.
Key Highlights of PhotoDirector Essential
- It has guided edits and AI-driven functions for newbies.
- You get AI modifications for retouching skin, face, and body.
- There is a wide range of creative features such as picture animations, templates, stickers, and many more.
Pros And Cons of PhotoDirector Essential
Pros
- You can regularly update the software to get the latest features.
- The software has an intuitive and user-friendly interface.
- The editing functions are really easy.
Cons
You might need to pay for a few features.
PhotoDirector Essential Ratings
- Shotkit Rating: 5/5.
- Beginner-Friendly Tools: 5/5.
Pricing Options
- The software is free to use
- Premium subscription starts from 3.75 per month.
2. MyEdit

Mac devices can have several photo editing software programs that you can use to give your pictures a clearer touch. However, one such instance is the MyEdit software, which is popular for quick photo editing software in online mode. Furthermore, if you are a newbie or a first-time user, the photo editor can easily guide you with its functions without many hurdles.
Moreover, by using this editing software, you also get AI-driven functions such as AI avatar maker, AI image maker, AI background, AI scenes, and many more, as a huge selection of AI-driven text-to-image functions. Furthermore, you can also find several background removal tools in this software, which are highly accurate and can remove the unnecessary background without leaving much trace.
Furthermore, you won’t find many Product photo editing software programs that offer features without a premium subscription. Moreover, this editor is easy to use, affordable, fast, and user-friendly; all this reason makes it an optimal choice for your selection.
Key Highlights of PhotoDirector Essential
- The software offers more than 11 cartoonizer effects with cartoon-style presets.
- You can rotate, resize, and crop your pictures with basic picture editing functions.
- The editor allows you to choose and replace several parts of your photo by using text prompts with its AI functions.
- You can use a single picture to make expert headshots and a variety of headshots in a matter of time.
Pros And Cons of PhotoDirector Essential
Pros
- You do not need to pay or download the software to edit your pictures.
- The editor is beginner-Friendly with powerful and easy AI-driven functions for users.
- You can get free 3 credits each day for AI-generative functions.
Cons
- There is a daily usage restriction for the free version.
MyEdit Ratings
- Beginner-Friendly Tools: 5/5.
- Overall Rating: 4.5/5.
Pricing Options
The premium subscription is available for:
- 4 dollars per month for Image.
- 7 dollars per month for Image and Enhancer.
3. Photoscape X

Another exceptional example of a suitable photo editing software application for Mac devices is the Photoscape X editor. Moreover, this editor is mainly famous among users for its batch editing efficiency and image conversion abilities. Moreover, if an individual wants to implement quick modifications on various pictures at once, they might want to go with the Photoscape X picture editor.
This picture editor is one of the best free options for Mac devices because of the advantages the editor can offer. Moreover, this photo editor has several tabs that are solely for group edits, such as Batch Rename, Batch Resize, Batch Format Change, and many more.
Moreover, you can do multiple editing tasks for your photos. For instance, you can refer to cropping, merging, combining, and resizing pictures alongside attaching stickers, filters, and text to an image or an entire picture gallery. Furthermore, you can also get several efficient color tools. For example, you can expect:
- Point Color: You can select a single color to indicate and create the rest of the picture in black and white.
- Selective Color: You can alter the vibrancy of a picture, for instance, you can increase or decrease the intensity of every color of your selection.
- Replace Color: You can replace a single color with a different one throughout your pictures.
Main Functions of Photoscape X
- It has more than one hundred leaks and effects.
- You can also slice a picture into various fragments by implementing the picture splitter tool.
- The editor can also use a healing brush to fix tiny mistakes or distractions in your pictures.
Pros And Cons of Photoscape X
Pros
- Users can have a variety of free functions for editing pictures.
- It has a very user-friendly interface.
Cons
- There is a daily usage restriction for the free version.
Photoscape X Ratings
- Capterra Rating: 4.6/5.
- Beginner-Friendly: 4.5/5.
Pricing Options
- This photo editing software is free to use and does not require any subscriptions.
4. PicsArt

Whether you are an Android, Windows, or Mac user, any photographer has heard of the name PicsArt because of its broad popularity and editing functions. Moreover, this photo editor is popular among people because of its creative efficiency in making personalized picture collages. And even though the editor is mostly usable on Android devices, Mac users can also use this software.
Furthermore, PicsArt is one of the perfect choices that you can come across for your Mac device to create a sense of professionalism and creativity in your pictures. Moreover, PicsArt mainly focuses on its variety of creative functions for delivering a better picture output. For instance, you can refer to posts for social media, templates, frames, graphical assets, and many more.
Nonetheless, this free photo editing software also includes an in-built social network, and this social network allows its users to navigate other people’s works, follow their accounts, and even share their works on the network. Furthermore, this photo editor also has several AI-driven functions and tools such as AI Unblur, AI Enhance, AI Restore, and many more.
Moreover, you can also experience several text-to-image AI functions for creating a lot of edits. For instance, you can refer to faces, logos, art, GIFs, and many more. And all of these features make it a great choice for Mac users.
Key Highlights of PicsArt
- You can turn your pictures into cartoons with its AI cartoon filters.
- There are several picture filters and AI-driven effects for single-click solutions.
- You can instantly upgrade your pictures with its AI functions.
Pros And Cons of PicsArt
Pros
- Users can always be on-trend with the recent technology of the regular updates.
- Thousands of creative functions include frames, stickers, templates, and many more.
Cons
- You need to buy their subscription to use the best features.
- The editing software lacks a manual and advanced functions.
PicsArt Ratings
- G2 Rating: 4.5/5.
- Beginner-Friendly Tools: 4.5/5.
Pricing Options
There are two premium subscriptions available for users:
- Premium: 5 dollars per month.
- Premium Plus: 7 per month.
5. Pixlr

It might be hard to digest, but there are a lot of Android photo editing tools that you can also use for your Mac device. And just like PicsArt, we have another suggestion we can make, which is the Pixlr photo editing software. Moreover, this photo editing software application is extremely popular among people for its easy-to-use functions, regardless of any skill level, especially for those individuals who need quick adjustments on their pictures.
Surprisingly, there are a lot of apps where you can find the app services. For instance, you can refer to Pixlr Express, Pixlr Editor, Pixlr Designer, and many others. Moreover, each of these apps has different functions you can use, for example:
- Pixlr Editor: With this app, you can professionally edit your pictures.
- Pixlr Express: The Pixlr Express app allows its users with single-click powered tools.
- Pixlr Designer: This app allows you to remove the backgrounds of your pictures.
The Pixlr application also has several professional features for users. For instance, you can refer to personalized brushes, and the choice of cutting functions such as lasso, drag, magic, and shape. Furthermore, when you use this application for your Mac device, it allows you to edit your pictures professionally, and you can also manually edit them.
Key Features of Pixlr
- This editing application is a collage maker with personalized grids.
- You can find several themed design templates in a broad variety of aspect ratios.
- There are many choices, such as Color Replace, Color Picker, and Color Fill, for local color regulations.
Pros And Cons of PicsArt
Pros
- The editor includes powerful and precise AI features.
- It offers a streamlined layout, which makes it convenient to find what you require.
Cons
- When you are editing pictures, it might take a lot of time to process.
- You need to edit your pictures in online mode.
Pixlr Ratings
- G2 Rating: 4.4/5.
- Beginner-Friendly Rating: 4.5/5.
Pricing Options
There are two subscription choices you can get:
- Premium Subscription: 0.99 per month.
- Premium Plus: 4.90 per month.
- Teams: 9.91 per month.
6. Pixelmator Pro

When you are looking for a preference for your Mac device to edit photos, there are not many photo editors out there, however, we have one choice to suggest to you, which is the Pixelmator Pro application. Moreover, this application is suitable for Mac users because it contains one of the best built-in Apple tools and Mac apps.
Furthermore, this picture editing application is specifically suitable for Apple users, especially if you want to stick to Apple-specific products. Nonetheless, this editing application provides numerous high-quality editing features. Also, users can experience full macOS integration and let them conveniently drag their pictures from several apps. For example, you can refer to Messages, AirDrop, Notes, FaceTime, Mail, and many more.
Moreover, if you are using an Apple product like a MacBook or an iPad, you get the assistance of features such as Sidecar and Apple Pencil for editing your picture with precision. Nonetheless, Apple’s advanced and modern graphics acceleration function, Metal, makes sure that users get optimal performance.
Key Features of Pixelmator Pro
- This app supports raw pictures from more than 600 digital cameras.
- Users can quickly separate any color from their pictures.
- You can edit and customize your pictures with clarity and texture adjustments.
Pros And Cons
Pros
- The application consists of pro-level tools such as layer editing and RAW picture support.
- It also has an adjustable user interface.
Cons
- The application does not support group editing.
- There is no free version, only a free trial.
Pixelmator Pro Ratings
- SoftwareHow Rating: 4.3/5.
- Beginner-Friendly Tools: 4.5/5.
Pricing Options
- You have a seven-day free trial, then you pay 49.99 per month.
7. Fotor

There are several photo editors for your Mac that you can find, and there are a lot of popular options that support multiple platforms. Nonetheless, one such stellar example of a popular photo editor would be the Fotor application. And if you are wondering, the Fotor editor app is primarily famous for its AI text-to-image functions for beginners.
Moreover, if you are a beginner on your Mac device, you would find the editing software very easy to use, especially when you are trying to go through the menus. Furthermore, the editing functions are also swift and easy, ultimately giving the individuals a user-friendly interface.
Moreover, most of its functions are automatic, where you would only require a slider to regulate the intensity. Nonetheless, you can also find several AI-generative functions such as avatars, pictures, headshots, arts, faces, and many more.
Key Highlights of Fotor
- It supports batch processing.
- You can remove unnecessary objects in your pictures with a minimum of clicks.
- The editor also contains picture collage interfaces and graphic design.
Pros And Cons
Pros
- It has a user-friendly interface.
- You can find several AI makers like avatars, pictures, and faces.
Cons
- You might have difficulty running this website on your web browser.
- It has a deceptive free trial.
Pixelmator Pro Ratings
- G2 Rating: 4.2/5.
- Beginner-Friendly Tools: 4.5/5.
Pricing Options
There are two premium subscriptions available:
- Premium: 3.33 dollars per month.
- Premium Pro: 7.49 per month.
8. Canva

Whether you edit your pictures on Android or Mac devices, Canva is the name you will hear from many people’s suggestions when you mention the words “photo editor”. Moreover, if you are wondering, Canva is famous for social media influencers with little design proficiency.
Moreover, people recognize Canva for its graphic design facilities, but it does not stop it from being a suitable photo editing application for Mac devices. Nonetheless, you can edit your pictures from an empty slate and implement many fonts from Canva. For example, you can refer to colors, backgrounds, fonts, and designs for your photos.
Key Features of Canva
- It has over 25000 free templates with over a hundred classes.
- The application includes logo making and brand kits.
- You get several facilities such as lighting, deblur enhancements, and saturation.
Pros And Cons
Pros
- You can use it both in online mode and install it to use it on your Mac device.
- There are a lot of free templates and design tools.
Cons
- You do not get the background in your free version.
- You only get normal tools to edit your pictures.
Canva Ratings
- PCMag Rating: 4.5/5.
- Beginner-Friendly Tools: 4/5.
Pricing Options
Premium subscription is available every year, such as:
- Premium Pro: 119.99 per year.
- Teams: 149.90 dollars per year.
9. Affinity Photo

Affinity Photo is one of the most highly regarded photo editing software options for Mac users, and it’s known for offering a professional-level experience at an affordable price. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, Affinity Photo provides a variety of features that can suit all levels of photo editing needs.
This photo editor provides tools comparable to Adobe Photoshop, allowing you to work on complex images with advanced features such as layer-based editing, RAW file support, and extensive brush control. With a one-time purchase option and no subscription fees, Affinity Photo is a popular choice for those looking for a cost-effective yet powerful alternative.
Key Features of PhotoPad
- Full suite of advanced editing tools, including layer editing, masking, and filters.
- Native support for both raster and vector-based design.
- Advanced color management with support for wide-gamut displays and color profiles.
- No subscription model – a one-time purchase gives you full access to all features.
Pros And Cons of PhotoPad
Pros
- A one-time purchase, making it budget-friendly compared to subscription-based models.
- Powerful tools for professional-level editing, including a high degree of customization.
- Excellent performance even with large files and high-resolution images.
- Intuitive interface with extensive tutorials and resources.
Cons
- Some users may find the learning curve steep, especially if coming from simpler editors.
- Lacks some features for non-photographers that you might find in Adobe Illustrator or other creative software.
PhotoPad Ratings
- Shotkit Rating: 5/5
- Beginner-Friendly Tools: 4/5
Pricing Options
You get two premium subscriptions:
- One-time purchase: $54.99
- No subscription required, which makes it a great alternative to Adobe’s subscription-based pricing models.
10. Darktable

At the end of our list, we are going to suggest Darktable for your Mac device. And just like the other options in our list, this photo editor is mainly famous for being a great replacement for the Adobe Lightroom software. Moreover, this photo editing software application gives accurate control over your capability to edit your pictures.
Furthermore, you can also access similar functions of Lightroom. For instance, you can refer to exposure regulations, hot pixel faces, white balance, denoising, and many more. Moreover, you can use it as a seamless option for editing your images with facilities such as tethered shooting, culling, important functions, and more than 10000 pictures.
Key Highlights of Darktable
- It supports many color codes such as sRGB, Linear RGB, Adobe RGB, and XYZ.
- It can process raw pictures for more than 400 cameras.
- You can search pictures by stars, tags, and color labels.
Pros And Cons of Darktable
Pros
- It is a completely free Mac photo editing application.
- You can process high-quality raw images.
Cons
- The learning curve for beginners is complex.
- Some users might find the layouts complicated.
Blacktable Ratings
- Shotkit: 4.2/5.
- Beginner-Friendly Tools: 4/5
Pricing Options
- The application is completely free to use.
How do You Choose The Perfect Editor for Your Mac Device?
There are many ways to determine the perfect photo editor for your Mac Device. And most of the options include:
- Cross-platform Support: The application should allow you to use it on multiple platforms.
- Budget Friendly: You should be able to afford the subscription packages if you decide to purchase the premium package.
- Variety of Services: The perfect photo editor should provide you with many AI functions and services for editing pictures easily.
- Easy-to-Use: The editor should have a user-friendly interface.
Conclusion
Now that we have listed the top 10 options for photo editing applications for your Mac Device, you should be able to choose the perfect selection that meets your personal or business requirements. Furthermore, all the above-mentioned options may still contain unsatisfactory services, so it is advisable to conduct your research to select the right option, whether it’s a photo editing app or the Best Antivirus Software to keep your device secure.
Other than that, you can rely on any one of these options because of the variety of services they offer and their wide range of features for editing pictures.
FAQs
What is the best photo editing application?
Although there is no definitive option for the best photo editing app, it relies on its subscription packages, features, and user-friendly interface.
Which Mac computer is the best for picture editing?
For editing pictures, you can refer to the Mac computer, which is a MacBook Pro (M4, 2024); this computer is overall good for all sorts of editing.
Which is the best picture management software for Mac?
If you are using a Mac device, you can rely on the Adobe Lightroom application for your photo management.
Which is the best photo editing application for Apple?
Although you can find many options in the market, if you are an Apple user, the best choice for you would be Adobe Lightroom.