List of photo editing programs. The best photo editors for PC. Best Free Photo Editor: Krita

No more annoying searches for suitable software on the Internet! These PC photo editing programs, free and commercial, simple and complex, will allow you to improve the quality of your photos and design them to your liking. Let's sum it up - let's go through the most interesting representatives of the list.

Many professionals still prefer the unchanging classics - Adobe Photoshop . It is not surprising - after all, the software includes a full set of functions necessary for complex photo processing - basic and artistic. However, paying a significant amount of money each month for a subscription can put a big dent in your wallet.

It’s not for nothing that he heads our “top photoshops”. This program is a favorable compromise between functionality and cost. The software allows you to process photos in detail and get results highest quality. All actions are automated and simplified as much as possible, so, unlike Photoshop, PhotoMASTER is also suitable for novice users.

Choose the editor that best suits your needs, skills and finances, and immerse yourself in the exciting world of photography!

• 1. Types of photo editors
• 2. GiMP
• 3. Photo! Editor
• 4. Photoscape
• 5. Adobe Photoshop
• 6. Potential of Adobe Photoshop:
• 7. Adobe Photoshop Lightroom

Just a few decades ago photography was a kind of sacrament. The creation of each photo was approached with special care, saving frames on film. But with the development of technology, the archives of each user were filled with hundreds of thousands of photographs.

The more relevant programs for processing photos on a computer become. But how to choose the optimal solution in each individual case? What programs are designed for professionals? And which ones can be used by amateurs? More details about this in our review.

Types of photo editors

There are many innovative programs for efficient work with photos. It’s quite easy to get lost in such an assortment. Many applications are designed exclusively for professionals high level. They have particularly powerful potential, but at the same time, a rather complex interface. There are also those that are intended exclusively for beginners. Such utilities are equipped with many useful tools and support the format of modern digital cameras. But their functionality is limited.

Let's take a closer look at what can be used at home and which programs require an exclusively professional approach.

GiMP

An extremely popular application that can handle photo editing and processing tasks with ease. GiMP functionality is very useful. It provides support for multi-layer images, working with RAW format and integrated vector graphics tools, retouching, and batch conversion. Various templates are provided for applying special effects.

The advantage is that this program free. The disadvantages are concentrated in the limited HDRi support and the interface, which is somewhat complex for beginners.

Photo! Editor

This is a fairly simple and comfortable photo editor for working with. The functionality of the program allows you to easily remove the so-called red eye effect and even apply makeup to your face. In addition, you can create real caricatures, as well as adjust the contrast, brightness, and gradient. The disadvantage of the utility is that it does not support the RAW format, and also that its interface is not Russified.

Photoscape

Enough simple program for quickly changing photos. And although the functionality is not available at a professional level, for the average person such a utility will be a real godsend. The Photoscape interface is Russified. The editor supports many plugins. A special feature of the program is the presence of an integrated collage generator. Using this functionality, you can print frames created from several photos at once.

Nevertheless, such a utility is characterized by some inconsistency. After all, having a comfortable Russified interface, support for external plugins and multi-layered images, as well as excellent stability when working with high-resolution images, Photoscape does not open the RAW format. Accordingly, its scope of use is significantly limited. In general, the functionality of the utility is quite good. This is the best option for beginners.

Adobe Photoshop

A true leader in the category of the best photo processing programs. This is truly unique software, popular in all corners of the planet, the name of which has long been used as a common name. In fact, its possibilities are endless. She can do everything. And even if there is no specialized tool, it can be easily installed using a plugin, thereby expanding the functionality.

Potential of Adobe Photoshop:

• The ability to work with each layer separately, create entire groups of layers, attach various elements and masks to them;
• Ability to add filters, blur, styles, noise in real time;
• You can change the layer mode and opacity;
• A huge choice among arrows, lines, autoshapes (you can create new ones if necessary);
• Manual and auto selection;
• Sorting layers;
• You can edit the RGB channels of an image;
• Availability of special tools in Raw Camera format for processing files;
• You can eliminate the so-called red-eye effect;
• You can successfully work with scanned images;
• Functions for light correction, retouching, scaling, collaging, graphics transformation and rotation.

And this is not the entire list. The main advantages that Adobe Photoshop has:

• Availability of your own 3D editor that supports UV chart overlay;
• All elements in the interface can be moved, reduced or enlarged, undocked or attached, added and deleted;
• Ability to add your own options for textures, patterns, textures and brushes;
• Supports 32 and 64 bit Microsoft OS, excellent optimization with Windows 8.1 and Windows 10;
• Live updates on the official website via Creative Cloud;
• Function for creating GIF animations;
• Many different add-ons in Adobe Stock;
• Printing photos in several or one copy at once;
• Availability of software modifications for Android and iOS;
• Ability to process raster and vector images;
• Russian-language interface.

Despite the excellent benefits, this program is not without its disadvantages. First of all, we are talking about an overly complex interface. In order to understand the basic principles of operation and functionality of this program, it takes time.

In addition, such a utility cannot be used on all PCs. The reason for this is increased system requirements. But the main drawback is that this program is paid. The trial period is only 30 days. Next you need to buy a license.

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom occupies a confident leading position among top programs. The utility allows you to do color correction, remove unnecessary objects in the photo, level the horizon, create collages, and much more. The application interface is intuitive, understanding all the functions is quite simple.

The functionality of the program is complete:

• Restoring brush;
• The ability to align vertically, reduce and add light;
• Radial gradient;
• The ability to create a slide show and photo album, converting to black and white photos.

The main advantages of the program are concentrated in:

• Increased functionality;
• Excellent performance;
• You can integrate frames into Photoshop and back with just one click.

However, the program has some disadvantages. Among these is the need for at least 2 GB random access memory, lack of a Russian-language interface, the ability to work only on devices with Windows 7 and higher. In addition, this utility is paid. The free period is only 30 days, but you can try to find it on torrents.

Main conclusions

When choosing programs for photo processing, we pay attention to different points. For some, ease of learning, the presence of a Russified menu or a user-friendly interface are important. Someone carefully studies the functionality. However, thanks to the abundance of educational material on the Internet, you can master the basics of even the most complex program. The main thing is the desire to do it.

Among photographers, the Lenslight application is considered quite specific. Its main feature is a large number of different optical and lighting effects, glare, glows and bokeh. Each effect can be carefully customized and a filter can be applied to the photo. After adding effects, the rays look very natural. R The implementation of the program is also quite simple: after the first work with it, all its wide possibilities become clear. Application in English.

Requirements:

• Android 4.0 or later

Examples:

VSCOCam: “the new standard in mobile photography”?

For iOS and Android

Undoubtedly, VSCOCam can be called the most popular application for iPhone. By the way, the creators proudly call their program “a new standard in mobile photography.” And, in general, for good reason: VSCOCam allows you to apply a variety of filters and experiment with settings. There is a document on working with the application, so before you start, you can thoroughly study all the features of the program. Another advantage is the intuitive interface. Again, according to the developers, they did everything so that users “do not waste time on long post-processing, but get beautiful shots simply and quickly.” The photo editor itself is free. Additionally, you can purchase paid content. The program is in English.

Requirements:

• iOS 5.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Optimized for iPhone 5.
• Android 4.0 or later

Examples:

Afterlight (33 rubles): experimenting with color rendering

For iOS andAndroid

Like all other photo editors, Afterlight comes with a lot of hipster filters and frames. But what sets this program apart is its color rendering: photographers compare it to Lightroom. Afterlight will not replace professional software, but it is suitable for small work. For your convenience - 15 editing tools. You can adjust, for example, contrast, saturation, image temperature. The application has 23 “film” effects that allow you to “light up” a photo, add texture, mirror the image, etc. Separately, we can say about all kinds of frames: there are so many of them that even from the simplest picture you can get quite an interesting result. Application in English.

Requirements:

• iOS 5.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Optimized for iPhone 5.
• Android 2.3 or later

Examples:

Mextures (66 RUR): add magic to your photos

For iOS

The first thing that makes an impression is the design of the application. He's already inspiring. As soon as we start working, we see a rich selection of various textures, which, unusually, are presented in the form of “formulas” from ready-made collections. By the way, you can create textures yourself by experimenting with different parameters. For those who like to create beautiful color pictures reminiscent of illustrations from fairy tale books, this program is ideal. When launched for the first time, the user can view the main features of the application. Today Mextures is in the overall top 100 best paid applications. The program is in English.

Requirements:

- iOS 6.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Optimized for iPhone 5.

Examples:

Snapseed: add drama

For iOS and Android

Another popular photo editor. Snapseed provides a lot of possibilities: a huge number of filters and effects, such as tilt-shift and focus adjustment, sharpness and color adjustment. There is automatic editing. Among the filters, we can distinguish a group of, so to speak, especially “atmospheric” ones, which will look good with both color and black and white photos, adding some drama and mystery to the picture. Application in English.

Requirements:

• iOS 5.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Optimized for iPhone 5.
• Android version 4.0 or later

Examples:

Pixlr Express: 100% free

For iOS and Android

The product of the major developer Autodesk has quite a lot of options. As with Mextures, it has an interesting, nice interface and design. All functionality is combined into categories. This is one of those rare photo editors where paid components are completely absent. The huge selection of filters, frames and other functions is interesting: you can make a photo truly archival, you can add an inscription, decorate it with all kinds of bokeh and lighting effects like LensLight. AND Another nice little thing is that the program menu appears before you each time with a different background, which is the previously edited frame. Application in English.

Examples:

Adobe Photoshop Express: for RAW processing

ForiOSAndAndroid

Compared to other programs, there is nothing particularly noteworthy here - all the same typical settings and effects, half of which are paid. On the other hand, it was not for nothing that the developers put the word “express” in the name, which speaks for itself that the program is designed for quick processing of captured images, which Photoshop Express copes with perfectly. What is especially valuable is that you can process RAW files here. The application language is English.

Requirements

• Android version 4.0.3 or later

Examples:

Rookie: universal for every genre

For iOS and Android

In just a couple of months of its existence on App Store photo editor Rookie managed to score a huge number of rave reviews and a high score. The application has both a free set of functions and a paid one. The premium version, which includes 72 filters, 142 stickers and 130 frames, can be purchased for 169 rubles. The standard application package includes many vintage filters adapted for different genres of photography: portraits, landscapes, city sketches, macro, etc. Each group of filters has its own settings. For example, in filters for portraits, you can adjust the level of the Skin Smoothing parameter. After processing, the photo can be sent to Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Flickr or saved in the gallery. Application in English.

Requirements:

• iOS 6.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPad and iPod touch. Optimized for iPhone 5
• Android version 2.3 or later

Examples:

Aviary: optimal for Android

For iOS And Android

Aviary photo editor is considered one of the best apps for mobile devices based on Android. In general, it is very reminiscent of the updated Instagram: there is also a large selection of different filters, the same standard settings for brightness, contrast, saturation, but in addition to this you can add stickers, decals, inscriptions (though the choice of fonts is small), and create everyone’s favorite memes . The application is adapted for the Russian language.

Requirements:

• iOS 7.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Optimized for iPhone 5.
• Android version 2.3.3 or later

Examples:

Pho.to Lab: for imaginative creatives

For iOS and Android

Requirements:

• Android is device dependent.

Examples:

3 Apps to Add Text to Photos

Over (33 RUR)

For iOS and Android

Over is an app for adding text to a photo. To get started, you can look at what users have already done with this application. The program is in Russian. The process is incredibly simple and straightforward: you select a photo, insert text, change its color, size, position and font. In a word, it is impossible to get confused. Initially, not all fonts are available to the user. For a complete set you will need to pay about 40 rubles. At the same time, the program's capabilities are somewhat limited: you cannot make the style bold or italic, or use a background for your inscription. Application in Russian.

Requirements:

• iOS 6.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Optimized for iPhone 5.

Examples:

Phonto: the richest functionality

For iOS and Android

In addition to the built-in fonts (and there are about 50 of them), Phonto has the ability to install any fonts you wish. The program is implemented very easily: to add an inscription, just click on the photo. Then you can do absolutely anything with the text. Alignment, changing font, color, transparency, adding symbols and background - in Phonto, unlike Over, you can realize any creative idea. By the way, you can edit the photo itself by applying one of the filters to it. An additional set of frames and filters is available for RUB 66. Application in English.

Requirements:

• iOS 7.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Optimized for iPhone 5.

Examples:

Typic: for those who care about friendly design

For iOS

Typic can automatically crop pictures to a square. After selecting a frame, you can apply one of 11 free filters, add text, choose one of 30 fonts and 7 colors, adjust its transparency, and, finally, decorate the result with a frame or pattern. The available fonts work correctly only with the Latin alphabet. Perhaps we can also note the pleasant interface of the program. A larger number of fonts and filters and fonts are available in the second “version” of the program - Typic+ for 33 rubles. Application in English.

Requirements:

• Requires iOS 7.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Optimized for iPhone 5.

Examples:

3 Collage Apps

Moldiv: collages and more

For iOS and Android

Free app from the creators of PicsPlay Pro. With it, you can easily combine and edit multiple photos. Here you will not only find various frames and a wide selection of options, but you will also be able to decorate your pictures with inscriptions and stickers. You can combine up to 9 pictures in one collage! In addition, you can make the corners of photos rounded, choose a background, customize the font (the choice of fonts is simply huge, and they are also adapted for Cyrillic).Before you start, you can see video about the application's capabilities, but most likely you can figure it out without it. The program is very convenient and understandable.The photo editing function is also top notch: out of 45 effects, you will definitely find something that will bring your creative vision to life.And those for whom this set is not enough will be able to purchase a premium package for 66 rubles. Application in Russian.

Requirements:

• iOS 6.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPad and iPod touch. Optimized for iPhone 5.
• Android version 4.0 or later

Examples:

Photo Grid: making announcements and video stories

For iOS and Android

Another free application, which allows you to create not only collages, but also unique postcards and “bulletin boards”. Photo Grid cannot boast of the same rich functionality as Moldiv (for example, here you cannot adjust the thickness of the frames), but it has a number of other advantages. So, with the help of this program you can create video stories using your photos and favorite music, as well as photo stories with text and stickers. In total, the program offers about 3,000 layouts and stickers. In addition, the application allows you to edit individual photos. The program is in English.

Requirements:

• iOS 6.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Optimized for iPhone 5.
• Android version 2.3 or later

Examples:

Pic Joiner: simple and fast

For iOS and Android

Unlike the previous two applications, Pic Joiner offers to make the most ordinary collages: simply and quickly. The user can choose from 64 schemes. The thickness, roundness of frame borders and color can be adjusted to your taste. A premium account will allow you to choose the background of the scheme.

Requirements:

• iOS 6.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Optimized for iPhone 5.
• Android version 2.3 or later

Examples:

3 apps for creating multi-expositions

MultiExpo: the first application for multiple exposures

For iOS

For those looking for an interesting application for creating a multiple exposure effect, we suggest you pay attention to MultiExpo. By the way, MultiExpo is the pioneering application of multi-exposure on mobile devices. And for the “discoverer” it is implemented quite well: a clear and pleasant interface in Russian, the ability to crop each frame separately and apply filters to an already combined image.The application is completely free, there is no additional premium package.

Requirements:

• iOS 5.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Optimized for iPhone 5.

Examples:

Instant Blend: multiple exposure as one of the functions

For iOS

An application that allows you to create double exposure photos. The free set of functions includes the ability to apply various filters to images, contrast correction, exposure for each frame, various frames and adding captions. The premium feature package allows you to diversify your options. In English.

Requirements:

• Requires iOS 6.0 or later.

Examples:

Picamerge (33 RUR)

For iOS

The first thing that should be noted is the user-friendly interface in Russian. But compared to the free photo editors listed above, Picamerge seems too simple: here you can’t even rotate or crop the image. All you can do is combine two images into one and apply a filter to them.

Requirements:

• iOS 7.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Optimized for iPhone 5.

Examples:

You can get the perfect photo only if it is additionally processed using a variety of photo editors. A huge number of programs of this type have been developed. There are a lot of differences between them. Which editors are considered the best and for which platforms are they suitable?

The best photo editors for computer

The best results in photo processing are obtained when the image is edited directly on the computer. Programs designed for PCs are distinguished by greater functionality.

Photoshop CC

The legendary Photoshop rightfully occupies a leading position in the TOP best editors photo. The advantages of the system include:

• abundance of brushes;
• differentiation of interface settings;
• many filters;
• different modes of overlaying photos on top of each other.

Photoshop is compatible with Windows and macOS operating systems. This editor is not suitable for PC owners running Linux. To use the program you will have to pay $9.99 per month. The editor is designed for experienced users. Beginners simply won’t need many of Photoshop’s functionality.

Adobe Lightroom CC

There is a fee to use this program. The cost of a monthly subscription is the same as for Photoshop. The advantages of the editor are:

• ease of making routine edits;
• automatic synchronization with Android and iOS phones.

The photo editor is compatible with Windows and macOS. For others operating systems he doesn't fit.

Link to official website - adobe.com

Luminar

An excellent alternative to Photoshop and Lightroom. This editor is also paid, but the program is purchased once. The cost of the software is $69. Features of the system are:

• a large number of professional tools designed for editing;
• possibilities for manual correction of optics;
• support for Photoshop and Lightroom plugins.

The program is suitable for both professionals and beginners. Luminar can be installed on computers with Windows and macOS.

GIMP

One of the best free photo editors. The program is available for all popular operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux). In addition, the advantages of GIMP include:

• impressive tools;
• support for many image formats.

The presented program is best suited for beginners. For professionals, GIMP's capabilities will clearly not be enough.

Pixlr

The developers position Pixlr as an ideal program for . The advantages of the editor include:

• free;
• 600 available effects for photo editing;
• convenient interface.

By the way, Pixlr and Photoshop designs are very similar. Therefore, mastering this program in most cases will not cause any problems.

The best photo editors for Android

Modern gadgets on Android can boast of very high quality and good cameras. By using graphic editors users will be able to quickly process photos, increase the contrast of details or change the brightness of the image. Most applications have a lot of possibilities.

Adobe Photoshop Express

This photo editor for Android is rightfully considered the best in its class. A convenient system of tips has been developed especially for beginners. The application supports the Russian language, so there will be no problems with editing. Adobe Photoshop Express features include:

• quick red eye removal;
• a large number of frames;
• creating your own filters;
• contrast and color control;
• retouching;
• rollback changes.

Important: The photo editor is designed for operating systems Android 4.0 and higher. Owners of older gadgets will have to first.

Photo Editor

Handy Photo

Handy Photo is one of best programs for photo processing. Its advantage is that it is suitable for Android versions 2.3 and higher. That is, this application can be installed even on old smartphones and tablets. Additional advantages of the photo editor are:

Users identified the abundance of advertising as the only problem with the utility. Therefore, it is better to use Photo Lab Pro with the mobile internet and Wi-Fi.

The variety of photo editors for PC can baffle anyone. To help you find the right one, we offer a brief overview of 5 quality photo editors that meet a wide variety of user needs.

A selection of photo processing programs

1. "PhotoMASTER"- a modern program for fast photo processing. With its help, you can crop a photo, adjust its exposure and color, blur the background, sharpen the photo and much more. Main advantages of the editor:
   • simple Russian-language interface;
   • support for all popular formats (JPEG, RAW, PNG, TIFF, BMP);
   • smart background replacement; schematically mark the object and background, and then select a new background;
   • instant retouching: quickly remove highlights and redness on the face, do makeup, whiten teeth, etc.;
   • 150+ photo effects; turn your photos into frames from famous films, retro posters, apply light and other filters.
2. Photo editor Movavi– an easy-to-use program with extensive tools that is perfect for photo processing enthusiasts. Thanks to the interface completely in Russian and accessible tips, you will master the program without difficulty.

   Program interface in Russian

   Program features:

3. Photoscape– a program that combines a convenient photo editor, a program for batch image processing, as well as many other modules.
   
   Main features of the program:
   • viewing photos in a folder;
   • editing using various color correction tools, filters, retouching and others;
   • batch image processing;
   • creating collages and GIFs.

   It's worth noting that the color filter settings are not as flexible, and some tools will take some time to get to grips with. However, Photoscape is a good option for beginners because it is free.

4. Pixlr is a paid application that requires a subscription to use. The functionality available in the paid version is quite extensive. In addition to standard filters and auto-correction, it also has the following interesting tools:
   
   • merging two images into one;
   • combining b/w mode and color brush;
   • realistic stickers;
   • focal blur.

   Thus, the functionality of this editor is a little more complicated than the previous ones. In addition, it is only available in English, so we recommend using it when you have already gained experience in other, simpler programs.

5. Polarr– shareware program. This means that the functions trial version are limited and you have to pay for the full version.
   
   Peculiarities:
   • a large number of filters, including black and white;
   • color correction;
   • skin retouching and noise reduction tools;
   • setting up vignettes.

   The editor also has standard tools, such as cropping and rotating images. Working with color, tone and light is a fairly complex combination of settings, so this editor can also be classified as an application for professional image processing.

6. Home Photo Studio– good software, domestically produced, similar in tools to Adobe Photoshop, but much simpler.
   
   So, in this editor you can:
   • create collages, postcards and calendars;
   • apply decorative masks and frames;
   • draw over objects;
   • perform standard image editing.

   The editor is simple enough for a beginner to understand, but a more experienced user should choose something more complex and powerful.

All of the editors described provide basic tools such as cropping, rotating, and adding effects, but each of them has one or another tool that makes them stand out from the others. In order to choose the one that is right for you, it is worth considering your level of proficiency in such programs, as well as the result that you want to get.