Last year, I taught myself some graphics design and photo editing skills. I needed photo editing software for Mac (I'm an iSheep). So, I turned to Google for some good photo editing apps. I needed a tool that's easy to use, fits my budget, and offers a good selection of features.
Ughhh… I was bombarded with so many suggestions, reviews, comparison articles, and much more that I felt overwhelmed. But after spending a few days scrolling, testing, and second-guessing, I finally found one.
I created this article to narrow readers' search options so you can save time and easily find a paid or free photo editor Mac that covers all your needs.
Let's review together.
Best photo editing software for Mac: Comparison table (2026)
Fast local AI colorization, manual color tweaks, Apple Photos integration
Specialized (colorization only); AI colors not always historically accurate
Best photo editing apps for Mac: Free and paid
1. TouchRetouch for one-click photo cleanup
TouchRetouch is the best photo editing software for Mac when you need to fix a perfect photo with a trash can or telephone line ruining the background. With a single click or line, it removes unwanted items, photobombers, skin blemishes, and even entire backgrounds.
To do this, TouchRetouch uses an advanced set of algorithms that have now been enhanced with AI. This has expanded the app's capabilities to include background blur, watermark remover, quality enhancement, and skin color corrections.
It's not a complete photo editor like others we'll look at, but that specialty is part of the charm and the reason it's my most-used app for quick edits.
TouchRetouch is best for
Anybody who needs quick but realistic object removal without opening a full editor to do it.
Problems TouchRetouch solves
Distracting backgrounds: Quickly removes trash cans, signs, and any other objects you don't need in the background.
Skin blemishes: Gets rid of pimples, wrinkles, dust specks, and studio glare from your portraits.
Linear objects: Traces telephone wires, power lines, fences, and other linear objects through a dedicated line remover.
TouchRetouch feature benefits
AI-powered background removal fills the background accurately after object removal.
Dedicated line removal tool makes cleaning up linear items faster and more accurate.
Clone stamp allows you to remove objects that are in complex areas or near other objects.
One user shared their experience, saying, "Excellent little app that makes removing objects and small imperfections very straightforward. I tried more expensive software and found them difficult to use and get to grips with; this, however, is so simple to use and yet, relatively powerful. Much less daunting than the likes of Photoshop." This perfectly captures why Photos Revive is a go-to solution for those looking for effective editing without the complexity.
TouchRetouch strengths
Gives impressive and fast results with very minimal effort.
The interface is simple with minimal or no learning curve.
It integrates directly with Apple Photos as an extension.
TouchRetouch limitations
Complex backgrounds can occasionally produce imperfect results.
Doesn't include color correction, exposure adjustments, or other general editing tools.
Pricing info on TouchRetouch
Included in Setapp Membership for a flat monthly fee, along with 260+ other apps. No extra purchase needed.
An app-specific option is also available from $4.99/mo on Setapp Marketplace.
Object removal in Photoshop means masks, layers, and a learning curve you don't need. TouchRetouch does the same job in a tap — and does it better for this one task.Get TouchRetouch free for 7 days.
2. Luminar Neo for powerful AI-powered editing
Luminar Neo is the best photo editing software for Mac when you want to get pro editor results, but you're actually not a pro. Luminar Neo offers users complex functionalities you'd find in tools like Photoshop, but it mostly automates them through AI (which makes it one of our best AI photo editors).
You can use it to remove background objects, blur the background, enhance colors, replace the sky, enhance facial features, add dimensional lighting, and revive old photos. The best part is that all you need to do is select a tool, then adjust a slider to fit your preference. It's actually the most fun photo editor I've ever used.
Luminar Neo is best for
Amateurs and enthusiast photographers who want professional-looking results without learning complex photo editing. It's particularly great if you enjoy creative editing and playing around with AI-powered enhancements.
Problems Luminar Neo solves
Dull skies: You can replace flat or overcast skies with a dramatic alternative in a single click.
Poor lighting: It has several AI-powered relighting tools you can use to brighten the background and darker subjects.
Time-consuming retouching: All you need to do is select a tool and adjust a slider. Even for complex edits like reshaping facial features.
Luminar Neo feature benefit
Sky AI and Structure AI transform photos with a click by enhancing lighting and pulling out fine details.
Portrait Bokeh AI and Face AI perform professional portrait retouching within a few seconds.
The slider-based controls allow you to completely transform a photo within seconds.
It works as a standalone, but you can add it to Lightroom and Photoshop to simplify complex workflows.
Luminar Neo strengths
The AI results are genuinely impressive and fast, with a minimal learning curve.
It has a commendable selection of adjustment tools, filters, and creative effects.
It works as both a standalone editor and as a plugin when you want advanced tools.
One-time purchase or Setapp access, which is much cheaper than Adobe's subscription.
Luminar Neo limitations
Can feel heavy and resource-intensive when working with RAW files.
Lacks the advanced photo management and keywording features of Lightroom.
Pricing info on Luminar Neo
Included in Setapp Membership for a flat monthly fee, along with 260+ other apps. No extra purchase needed.
App-specific option also available at $5.69 + tax per month per device on Setapp Marketplace.
Replace skies, remove objects, relight faces, and apply professional presets — all AI-driven, all in one window, on a Mac-native app that actually runs fast.Start your 7-day Setapp trialand get Luminar Neo + 260+ apps included.
3. Adobe Photoshop for professional-grade editing
Photoshop is still the standard against which all other photo editors are measured. It's been regarded as the best photo editing software for Mac for over three decades due to its advanced features and the level of control it offers on every aspect of an image.
It's layer-based and has a wide range of photo editing tools, filters, effects, and other state-of-the-art features for professional results. However, you'll need to invest time and effort to learn these.
That said, AI tool additions over the past few years have lowered the learning curve and expanded what the tool can do.
Adobe Photoshop is best for
Photographers, designers, and creative professionals who want to have complete control over their images. It's also the best choice when looking for complex image manipulation and compositing.
Source: adobe.com
Problems Adobe Photoshop solves
Complex composites: Combine elements from multiple images using layers and masks.
Advanced retouching: Offers pro-level tools like Frequency Separation and advanced healing brushes.
Generative AI tasks: Can add, remove, or extend image parts from text prompts.
Adobe Photoshop feature benefits
Layer-based editing allows users to edit complex projects without destroying the originals.
Its selection tools, like Subject Select and Pen Tool, are the best for working around complex subjects.
It has extensive plugin support that expands functionality beyond the built-in toolset. For example, you can plug in Luminar Neo if you have Setapp or a license.
Adobe Photoshop strengths
The depth and precision of the complex photo correction and manipulation are unmatched.
The generative AI features are excellent at their job.
It remains the industry standard.
Adobe Photoshop limitations
It has a notoriously steep learning curve for beginners.
Subscription-only (contract) pricing is quite costly.
Pricing info on Adobe Photoshop
$22.99 billed monthly under a yearly contract
4. CameraBag Pro for cinematic filters and batch editing
CameraBag Pro is a bit more unique in that it handles both photos and videos, making it one of the best photo-video editing software for Mac. And the most interesting bit? It uses the same editing workflow for both media formats.
The editing app is built around presets to simplify photo editing. It comes with 200+ presets that cover lighting, cover film emulations, cinematic grades, black-and-white interpretations, and stylized looks.
All presets are customizable via sliders, and you can layer several to achieve the results you want. You can then automatically apply the style to multiple photos or videos for consistent results.
CameraBag Pro is best for
CameraBag Pro is best for photographers and videographers who want to achieve professional-looking color grades quickly. It's particularly useful when editing multiple files, as you can batch-process them to maintain a consistent visual style.
Problems CameraBag Pro solves
Inconsistent looks: You can apply the same filter(s) or adjustment across a folder of photos or videos.
Complex color grading: It creates cinematic looks through ready-made, adjustable presets instead of manual grading.
Fragmented workflows: You don't need separate photo and video editors, as it handles both formats.
CameraBag Pro feature benefits
The 200+ fully-adjustable presets and film emulations give users a quick starting point.
The tile-based interface allows users to layer and preview multiple presets without dealing with complex stacks.
Batch processing (including RAW files) makes editing fast and consistent without much effort.
CameraBag Pro strengths
Exceptional variety of built-in filters and film emulations.
Handles photo and video editing within the same app.
Exceptionally fast execution speeds and minimal app footprint.
"I used to spend way too much time trying to get the right look in complex editing software. With CameraBag Pro, I can apply cinematic color grading and effects in just a few clicks — no steep learning curve, no wasted hours. It's fast, easy, and makes my footage look polished without the stress", shares Stefan-Radu Gogolan, video editor, digital marketing specialist.
CameraBag Pro limitations
The interface takes getting used to, as it's different from traditional editors.
No photo organizing or library management features.
Pricing info on CameraBag Pro
Included in Setapp Membership for a flat monthly fee, along with 260+ other apps.
An app-specific option is also available from $4.99/mo on Setapp Marketplace.
5. Adobe Lightroom for organizing and editing photoshoots
Adobe Lightroom is one of the best photo editing software for Mac if you are a professional photographer or often take many photos.
While Photoshop handles one photo at a time, Lightroom is the opposite. It has an extensive file organization system with cataloging tools, letting you add keywords, star ratings, face tags, and geo-locations to manage thousands of images. You can then search for any of them.
Lightroom provides users with the tools to make photos look professional. These include color grading, effects, retouching, and AI masking. When you are happy with an edit, you can apply it to the entire batch of your travel or wedding photos.
It's quite good at working with RAW files as its non-destructive processing engine unlocks the full dynamic range, shadow details, and color data captured by your sensor.
Adobe Lightroom is best for
Photographers who need a complete workflow for importing, culling, organizing, editing, and exporting large numbers of photos. It's particularly suitable for those working with RAW files.
Problems Adobe Lightroom solves
Photo chaos: Uses keywords, ratings, flags, and collections to organize massive photo libraries.
RAW processing limitations: Provides detailed control over exposure, color, detail, and noise reduction.
Inconsistent edits: Applies edits across hundreds of photos to give a consistent visual style.
Fragmented workflows: Combines photo management and editing in a single platform.
Adobe Lightroom feature benefits
Its excellent cataloging tools make large photo libraries easier to search and manage.
Non-destructive editing preserves original files while still allowing unlimited edits.
Cloud syncing edits and presets allows adjustment from mobile and web.
Adobe Lightroom strengths
Excellent balance between editing power and photo organization.
One of the best RAW processing engines available.
Batch editing can save hours that would be spent on repetitive adjustments.
Integrates seamlessly with the broader Adobe ecosystem.
Subscription pricing can be difficult to justify for casual photographers.
The difference between Lightroom and Lightroom Classic can confuse new users.
Cloud storage needs can increase costs over time.
Pricing info on Adobe Lightroom
$11.99 billed monthly under a yearly contract.
Note
If you're editing photos every day, you're going to end up making a ton of pictures each day. Keeping our laptops tidy can be a bit tricky, especially when they're filled with duplicate and similar-looking photos. That's why I really love using CleanMyMac. It's such a handy tool for getting rid of that duplicate clutter, including photos. With its awesome Cleanup feature, you can easily search through your entire system for duplicates and delete them in just a few clicks.
6. Preview for quick and simple built-in edits
Preview is often overlooked in photo editing, but it's quite capable. Beyond simply opening your images and PDFs, it offers several editing tools to handle a good number of everyday edits.
For example, you don't need to launch a full editor when you just need to rotate, resize, or crop an image on a Mac. Preview can also adjust exposure, add annotations, extract text, and convert a file from one image to another. It can even remove an image's background.
It won't replace any photo editing app you are using (unless it really isn't one), but it can't be ignored, as it saves a lot of editing time.
Preview is best for
Every Mac user who needs to crop, resize, annotate, convert, or make basic adjustments to photos and images without installing additional software. As one Redditor put it, "I use the Preview app on my MacBook for 90% of my editing. Add a little contrast, maybe cut the highlights a bit, add a tad of saturation, sharpen a bit, done."
Problems Preview solves
Simple crops and resizes: Adjusts image dimensions quickly without requiring additional software.
Basic color corrections: When you just want to improve exposure, contrast, saturation, and color balance, you don't need an extra tool.
Format conversion: Converts images between formats such as JPG, PNG, and TIFF in just a few clicks.
Quick annotations: It adds text, arrows, signatures, shapes, and markups directly to images and PDFs.
Preview feature benefits
Markup tools make it easy to annotate screenshots and documents. You can add text, arrows, signatures, and shapes.
Precise resize controls help prepare images for websites, presentations, and email.
Color adjustment tools can improve simple images without requiring a full photo editor.
Preview strengths
Free and included with every Mac.
Super-fast for opening and saving image edits.
A straightforward interface that's easy to learn, even for complete beginners.
Preview limitations
No advanced editing tools.
Edits are destructive (applied directly to the file)
Pricing info on Preview
Free and included with macOS.
7. Apple Photos for everyday photo management
Apple Photos is already on every Mac, and its integration with the larger Apple ecosystem makes it one of the best photo-editing apps for Mac.
While it doesn't compete with the likes of Luminar Neo or Photoshop, it offers a decent amount of editing features to enhance your photos easily. The main one is Auto-Enhance, which is like a magic wand. It analyzes a photo and instantly improves exposure, contrast, and color saturation.
There are also many others, like retouching, light balancing, color adjustments, curves, filters, and markup. Apple Intelligence also added Clean Up, a generative AI feature that lets you erase objects and people from your background.
Besides that, it's quite effective as a photo organization tool. You can create the standard files and albums, but there are many smart features that reduce clutter, categorize images, package memories, and make identification easy.
Apple Photos is best for
Apple users who want a simple way to organize, edit, and sync their photo libraries across Mac, iPhone, and iPad.
Problems Apple Photos solves
Library syncing: It keeps your photos, albums, and edits synchronized across Apple devices.
Finding photos: On-device machine learning helps locate images by people, places, objects, and events.
Quick enhancements: Improves photos through built-in adjustment tools and Cleanup features.
Photo organization: Automatically organizes your growing library without complex catalog management.
Apple Photos feature benefits
Deep Apple ecosystem integration makes importing and managing photos effortless.
Advanced editing controls like curves, levels, and selective color provide enough adjustment for casual users.
RAW editing support allows photographers to make non-destructive adjustments.
Apple Photos strengths
Seamless syncing across Mac, iPhone, and iPad through iCloud.
Great balance between simplicity and editing controls.
Smart search and organization tools save time as your library grows.
Non-destructive editing keeps original photos safe.
Apple Photos limitations
No layers, masks, or advanced compositing tools.
Large libraries may require additional iCloud storage.
Pricing info on Apple Photos
Free with macOS and iOS. Additional iCloud storage plans start from $0.99/month
8. PhotoBulk for editing hundreds of photos at once
PhotoBulk isn't really competing with the likes of CameraBag Pro and Luminar Neo, but it's one of the best photo-editing apps for Mac when dealing with bulk photos.
It's meant to help users with many photos they want to share, organize, or upload to the web. It lets you drop even hundreds of them and apply the same treatment for uniformity. The main batch operation tools are watermark (text, image, datestamp), resize, optimize, convert, and rename.
I started using the tool long ago when I started uploading several how-to photos to a blog. To use it, all you need to do is drag and drop your entire catalog. Select a tool and make the necessary adjustments, preview your photos, and click Start. It operates offline and within seconds.
PhotoBulk is best for
Mac users who regularly apply the same operation – watermark, resize, rename, convert – to large batches of images.
Problems PhotoBulk solves
Watermarking photos individually: You can apply text or image watermarks across entire galleries in a single operation.
Slow image loading on the web: You can quickly resize and optimize large photos for faster uploads and loading times on the web.
Inconsistent file naming: It renames entire batches of images using a consistent naming structure.
Repetitive editing tasks: It processes hundreds of files with a single click.
PhotoBulk feature benefits
Batch processing saves a lot of time you'd spend on repetitive image edits.
Real-time previews show the final result before actual processing begins.
Preset saving makes recurring workflows easy to repeat.
PhotoBulk strengths
Saves hours of manual work through batch processing.
The simple drag-and-drop workflow has no learning curve.
Supports all popular image formats, including HEIC, JPEG, and PNG.
PhotoBulk limitations
Doesn't offer creative editing or photo correction tools.
Specialized for batch processing, not general photo editing.
Pricing info on PhotoBulk
Included in Setapp Membership for a flat monthly fee, along with 260+ other apps.
9. Pixelmator Pro for a Mac-native Photoshop alternative
Pixelmator Pro is pretty much Apple's answer to Photoshop on Mac, the way Final Cut Pro is to Adobe Premiere Pro. And it's, in fact, the better fit for most professional Mac users.
The tool is available at a very reasonable $49.99, just about what you'd pay for two months of Photoshop (under a yearly contract!). It also offers an interface that feels like a Mac photo editor should. It's responsive, intuitive, and optimized for Mac more than any other pro photo editor.
In terms of tools and features, I'd say it covers about 80% to 90% of what everyday creative professionals need in Photoshop (not all features). This includes advanced color adjustments, vector graphics, layer-based compositing, and on-device AI masking.
However, the tools are organized completely differently to reflect a modern Mac user, not a 36-year-old industry titan.
Pixelmator Pro is best for
Mac users who want a powerful, full-featured image editor at a one-time price. It's the best way to avoid Adobe's aggressive subscriptions while retaining the capabilities.
Source: pixelmator.com
Problems Pixelmator Pro solves
Subscription fatigue: Provides pro editing tools through a one-time purchase model.
Photoshop complexity: Offers advanced editing features through a cleaner and Mac-like interface.
Separate design and photo tools: Combines raster and vector editing in the same app.
Pixelmator Pro feature benefits
RAW editing support for 750+ cameras provides extensive control over image quality and adjustments.
AI-powered enhancement tools speed up common editing and restoration tasks.
Vector tools make it possible to create graphics and illustrations alongside photo edits.
Pixelmator Pro strengths
Feels super-fast and responsive on modern Macs.
One of the best feature-to-price ratios in photo editing.
Has an elegant, modern, and intuitive user interface.
Excellent PSD support for collaborating with Photoshop users.
Pixelmator Pro limitations
No built-in photo cataloging system like Lightroom.
Lacks some niche workflow features used in specialized professional environments
Pricing info on Pixelmator Pro
One-time purchase price of $49.99
10. PhotosRevive for colorizing old photos with AI
PhotosRevive is a bit more specialized, but it's still one of the best photo editing software for Mac if you have some precious old photos lying around. It's primarily meant for people working through family archives who want to colorize them without the manual Photoshop process.
The app uses a local AI engine to colorize photos in a few seconds. In addition to the automatic functionality, it also gives users control over colors to help create the most realistic version of the photo.
One extra thing I like about it is that it integrates with the Photos app, simplifying the editing process.
PhotosRevive is best for
Anyone looking to bring old family photos, historical images, or black-and-white archives to life without learning advanced restoration techniques.
Problems PhotosRevive solves
Faded memories: Automatically adds realistic color to old black-and-white photos.
Manual colorization work: Eliminates the complex colorization process in tools like Photoshop.
Damaged photos: It's AI helps restore faded or lightly damaged images.
PhotosRevive feature benefits
The app's AI colorization engine automatically generates realistic colors for black-and-white images.
Manual color controls help improve AI-generated results for more realistic results.
Photos app integration makes it easy to work within existing Apple photo libraries.
PhotosRevive strengths
Extremely easy to use, even for complete beginners.
Produces impressive results with minimal effort.
Focuses on one task and performs it very well.
Here is what a Setapp user says about PhotosRevive, "Like magic — turns old B/W photos from years past into fresh memories. love it.
Included in Setapp Membership for a flat monthly fee, along with 260+ other apps.
App-specific option also available at $11.39 + tax per year on Setapp Marketplace.
Import a scan or photo, let the AI work, then fine-tune colors manually if you want more control. Works as a standalone app and as a Photos extension. Requires Setapp AI credits or your own OpenAI API key. Free for 7 days on Setapp.Try PhotosRevive Free.Orget PhotosRevive standalone via Marketplacefrom $18.99 one-time — no membership needed.
How to pick the best photo editing software for Mac: My approach
Photo editing tools for macOS differ wildly in their features, learning curve, ease of use, speed, and pricing. Here's what I recommend looking into when choosing photo editors:
Your purpose: Do you need a basic photo editing app for cropping, resizing, and enhancing some images? Are you a professional looking for advanced software with enterprise-level functionalities? Choose a tool that best suits your needs.
Price: What is your budget? Are you looking for a free or paid tool? Maybe you're willing to pay a nominal price for an excellent set of image editing features.
Features: Think of the most common use cases your photo editor should cover for you. It doesn't matter which bells and whistles an app offers if it can't satisfy your primary needs.
Learning curve: You might need a day off to master professional tools like Adobe Photoshop. Make sure you're aware of the learning curve.
Now, let's talk about the apps I've picked for you.
Photo editing tools for macOS: Verdict
Pre-installed tools like Preview and Apple Photos are free but offer basic features like cropping, resizing, and annotating. Tools like Photoshop and Lightroom are suited for enterprise-level work but are expensive.
CameraBag Pro, PhotoBulk, PhotosRevive, Luminar Neo, and TouchRetouch are affordable and powerful, offering features for professional work. In my opinion, it's worth paying a little for the tool you're going to use every day. Four photo editors, four different superpowers — all in one Setapp membership, free for 7 days. Find the one that fits your workflow before you pay for anything.TouchRetouch, PhotosRevive, Luminar Neo, and CameraBag Pro are all on Setapp alongside 250+ other curated Mac apps. Start My 7-Day Free Trial.Need just one app?Browse Setapp Marketplacefor individual purchase options.
FAQ
What is the best tool to edit photos on a Mac?
The best tool to edit photos on a Mac is TouchRetouch. This app has all the photo editing tools you'll need, whether you're just starting out or are a seasoned pro. Plus, it has a super handy quick retouching feature that lets you easily get rid of unwanted objects from your pictures in no time.
Does the Apple Mac have photo editing software?
The Apple Mac has a pre-installed Preview app and Apple Photos that let you edit images. However, this software provides basic functionality. If you're looking for a professional-level tool, check out the Luminar Neo app.
What is the best photo editing app for Mac free?
Preview and Apple Photos are the best free photo editing apps for Mac. But it makes sense to pay a little to get access to advanced features like batch image processing, line removal, magic color correction, and many more. Try out highly affordable apps like CameraBag Pro, TouchRetouch, and PhotoBulk for professional image editing at affordable costs.
Are there any free photo editing tools for Mac that are worth using?
For basic image editing, you can try the Preview app and Apple Photos, free photo editing tools for Mac.
Which photo editing software is best for beginners on Mac?
The best photo editing software for beginners on Mac is TouchRetouch. If you're a beginner looking for low-cost but professional, feature-rich photo editing tools for macOS, the app is a solid choice.
What are the top professional photo editing tools available for Mac users?
The top professional photo editing tools available for Mac users are Adobe Photoshop, Luminar Neo, Adobe Lightroom, and Pixelmator Pro.
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