Best Photo Editing Software Of 2024

Can Photoshop really shop 'til it drops when it comes to features? User reviews from the last year suggest a resounding "yes," with many considering it the undisputed king of image editing. Users consistently highlight its unparalleled power and versatility as major strengths, particularly praising the depth and breadth of its toolset. For instance, the AI-powered features like Generative Fill and Neural Filters are often lauded for their ability to achieve complex edits with surprising ease, setting Photoshop apart from more streamlined alternatives like PhotoWorks. While Photoshop's subscription model and steep learning curve are commonly cited drawbacks, users generally agree that the investment is justified for professionals and serious hobbyists who require the utmost control and precision in their work.

Is ON1 Photo RAW really all it's cracked up to be, or will it leave you feeling pixelated? User reviews from the past year paint a mixed picture of ON1 Photo RAW, a software aiming to be a one-stop shop for photographers. Many users praise its comprehensive toolset, offering everything from cataloging and developing to editing, all within a single program. This makes it a versatile option for photographers who want to streamline their workflow, much like Adobe Lightroom aims to do. The software also gets a thumbs-up for its speed, particularly in asset management and cataloging, even rivaling specialized tools like Photo Mechanic.

However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. The interface, while considered user-friendly by some, has been criticized by others for being dense and overwhelming, especially for new users. Imagine trying to find a specific spice in a jam-packed spice rack - it can be a bit much. Furthermore, some users have reported stability issues, particularly with exporting photos, which can be a deal-breaker for professionals on tight deadlines.

ON1 Photo RAW is often compared to other popular options like DXO Photolab and Adobe Lightroom. While some users find it easier to use than DXO Photolab, they often feel that Photolab delivers superior results. Similarly, while ON1 Photo RAW aspires to be a Lightroom replacement, some users still find Lightroom's masking capabilities more reliable. In essence, ON1 Photo RAW is like that promising new restaurant down the street - it has an enticing menu and potential, but there are still some kinks to work out in the kitchen. It's best suited for photographers who value a comprehensive toolset and speed, and who are willing to navigate a somewhat complex interface and potential stability issues.

Is PhotoDirector 365 picture perfect, or does it need to return to the darkroom? User reviews from the last year reveal a mixed bag. While many appreciate PhotoDirector 365's user-friendly interface and powerful AI-powered tools, some argue it's not quite ready to dethrone Adobe's industry-leading software.

A significant strength highlighted by users is the platform's intuitive design, making complex editing tasks like object removal and photo enhancement accessible even for beginners. This accessibility, coupled with a more budget-friendly subscription model compared to Adobe, makes it a tempting option for hobbyists and aspiring photographers. However, experienced users point out that while PhotoDirector 365's feature set is comprehensive, it may not match the depth and precision offered by Photoshop for professional-grade adjustments, particularly in areas like advanced color grading and masking.

Essentially, PhotoDirector 365 emerges as a strong contender in the photo editing arena, particularly for those seeking a balance between affordability, ease of use, and robust features. Its AI-powered tools are a major draw, simplifying complex edits and allowing users to achieve impressive results without steep learning curves. However, seasoned professionals may find its capabilities lacking for highly specialized tasks, potentially making Adobe's suite a more suitable choice for their demanding workflows.

Is Adobe Lightroom the right tool to brighten up your photo editing workflow? Users rave about Lightroom's robust features, particularly its efficient batch editing capabilities, which are a godsend for photographers working with numerous images. The software's intuitive interface and powerful organization tools, including auto-masking and face recognition, streamline the editing process, making it a favorite among both seasoned professionals and enthusiastic beginners.

Users highlight Lightroom's integrated AI noise reduction as a key strength, eliminating the need for additional plugins like Topaz Photo AI, especially when dealing with the bane of high ISO noise. Furthermore, its seamless integration with AI-powered tools like Aftershoot for culling and Imagen for advanced editing, all viewable within Lightroom or Capture One, significantly enhances its appeal. The cloud-based syncing feature is the cherry on top, allowing for effortless access and editing across multiple devices. However, some users have pointed out that Lightroom can be a resource hog, impacting battery life and potentially slowing down older devices. Overall, Lightroom emerges as a top contender in the photo editing arena, best suited for photographers of all levels who demand a comprehensive, integrated, and user-friendly platform to manage and elevate their photography workflow.

Is PaintShop Pro the photo editing software that lets you have your cake and eat it too, or will it leave you feeling framed? User reviews from the last year present a mixed picture of this Photoshop contender. PaintShop Pro is frequently praised for its affordability, offering a one-time purchase option in contrast to the subscription model of its main competitor, Adobe Photoshop. This makes it a tempting choice for budget-conscious users who want a robust set of features without recurring costs. Users specifically highlight the comprehensive toolset, including AI-powered features and pro-level editing capabilities, as major advantages.

However, while PaintShop Pro seems to offer a lot on paper, some users find the user experience to be its Achilles' heel. Reviews suggest that the interface can be clunky and counterintuitive, especially compared to the more streamlined experience of Photoshop. This clunkiness is particularly noticeable in the software's RAW image editor and the Photography workspace, which some users find jarringly different from the main editing interface.

In essence, PaintShop Pro is like a well-stocked toolbox – it has all the tools you might need, but finding the right one and figuring out how to use it can be a bit of a learning curve. This makes it best suited for users who prioritize value and a wide array of features over a seamless user experience, and who are willing to invest some time in learning the software's intricacies.

Is Picsart picture perfect, or does it need some editing? Picsart is a popular photo and video editing software known for its user-friendly interface and extensive features, including AI-powered tools like background removal and object removal. Users appreciate its accessibility, with many features available for free, making it suitable for both casual and semi-professional needs. Its wide array of creative tools, including AI-enhanced filters and templates for social media and business designs, makes it a versatile option for various creative projects.

However, Picsart does have its limitations. Professional photographers might find its basic editing tools, such as raw conversion and advanced adjustments for shadows/highlights and contrast, lacking compared to more specialized software. The abundance of creative tools, while advantageous, can sometimes lead to over-editing, resulting in an unnatural look. This tendency for excessive embellishment might not appeal to users who prefer a more subtle and realistic editing style.

Overall, Picsart is best suited for individuals who prioritize ease of use and a comprehensive toolset over advanced editing capabilities. Its accessibility and diverse features make it an excellent choice for casual users and those venturing into photo and video editing. However, professional photographers or users seeking advanced editing options might find its limitations restrictive and may need to consider alternative software that caters to their specific requirements.

Can you ACDSee yourself using this photo editing software? User reviews for ACDSee Photo Studio are a mixed bag, with some praising its potential as a Lightroom and Photoshop substitute, while others point out glaring flaws.

Fans of the software appreciate its robust digital asset management system and AI-powered features. For instance, the software allows users to organize their photos using AI keywords and provides a seamless transition between the "Develop" and "Edit" modules, unlike the back-and-forth dance required between Lightroom and Photoshop. However, the software stumbles when it comes to its selection tools, which are considered clunky and inferior compared to its competitors. The AI keyword tool has also drawn flak for its hit-or-miss accuracy, often misidentifying subjects in photos.

In a nutshell, ACDSee Photo Studio is like a swiss army knife of photo editing - it tries to do a lot but doesn't always excel in every area. It's a decent option for hobbyists or those seeking a cost-effective alternative to Adobe's subscription model, especially with its perpetual license option. However, seasoned professionals might find its shortcomings, particularly in the editing department, a deal-breaker.

Can you capture the essence of user feedback on Capture One Pro in a nutshell? User reviews from the past year paint a picture of a powerful yet polarizing photo editing software. While Capture One Pro garners praise for its exceptional tethered shooting capabilities and impressive color grading tools, its steep learning curve and premium pricing have left some users feeling cold.

A key strength highlighted by users is Capture One Pro's robust tethered shooting functionality, allowing photographers to control camera settings and preview images in real-time on a larger screen, a feature particularly beneficial in studio environments. Users also rave about the software's advanced color grading tools, which provide fine-grained control over color adjustments, surpassing what's offered by competitors like Adobe Lightroom. However, the software's complexity and high cost are sticking points for some. The interface, while customizable, can feel overwhelming for beginners, and the subscription-based pricing model has been met with resistance, especially by photographers who prefer a perpetual license option.

Capture One Pro emerges as a tool best suited for professional photographers and serious enthusiasts who demand top-tier image quality, extensive control, and are willing to invest the time and money to master its intricacies. For casual users or those on a tight budget, alternative options might be a better fit.

Is Luminar Neo a flash in the pan, or does it have real staying power? User reviews from the last year reveal a mixed bag. While many appreciate Luminar Neo's user-friendly interface and powerful AI-powered tools, some argue it doesn't quite measure up to industry giants like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.

Luminar Neo's strengths lie in its intuitive design and AI capabilities. Features like sky replacement and skin smoothing, often requiring multiple steps in other software, can be achieved with impressive speed and ease. This makes it a particularly appealing option for beginners or those seeking a more streamlined workflow. However, experienced users might find the cataloging system less robust compared to Lightroom, impacting organization for large photo libraries.

A key differentiator is Luminar Neo's approach to AI. Unlike some competitors, where AI feels like a novelty, Luminar Neo seamlessly integrates it into core features, simplifying complex edits without sacrificing control. For instance, the AI-powered sky replacement not only swaps skies but also adjusts lighting to match, creating a more realistic final image. This focus on practical AI applications is a significant draw for photographers seeking to expedite their editing process. However, some users report inconsistencies with AI accuracy, particularly in challenging lighting conditions, highlighting the need for manual adjustments.

Ultimately, Luminar Neo is best suited for photographers who value efficiency and ease of use. Its AI tools are genuinely helpful, not just gimmicks, and the interface is welcoming for all skill levels. However, those heavily reliant on advanced cataloging or seeking the comprehensive toolset of software like Photoshop might find Luminar Neo lacking.

Is Photoroom the key to unlocking your picture-perfect product photos? User reviews from the last year suggest it might be, particularly for e-commerce sellers and social media mavens. Photoroom shines with its AI-powered background removal tool, lauded for its accuracy and speed compared to competitors like Canva or Picsart, which often require more manual editing. Users rave about the "magic retouch" feature, effortlessly removing blemishes and imperfections, a godsend for creating polished product images. The platform's extensive template library, regularly updated with trendy designs, further distinguishes it, allowing even design novices to craft eye-catching visuals.

However, a recurring sour note in the symphony of praise is the app's customer service. Several users report frustrating experiences with billing issues, citing difficulties canceling subscriptions and unresponsive support. Some grumbles also surface about occasional bugs affecting Pro features, leaving some users feeling like their paid experience is stuck in beta mode.

Overall, Photoroom is a robust tool for anyone needing to quickly generate professional-looking product photos, especially for online use. Its AI-powered features are its crown jewels, offering a significant edge over competitors. However, potential subscribers should weigh the risk of potential customer service hiccups, especially those reliant on the app for business purposes.