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10 Best Photo Editing Software For Macs 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Adobe Creative Cloud | 20+ Creative Apps plus 100GB Storage | 12- Month Subscription with Auto-Renewal | PC/MAC

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,272
Price and Licensing
Learning Curve and Support
Integration with Other Software

Most important from
171 reviews

Price and Licensing
The suite offers excellent value for those already invested in Adobe apps, with deals that can significantly reduce subscription costs when timed right.
Learning Curve and Support
Lightroom is praised for its ease of use, making it suitable for beginners and entry-level photographers who want quality results without complexity.
Integration with Other Software
Integration across Adobe apps remains a strong advantage, supporting seamless workflows for users working with multiple creative tools.

Adobe Creative Cloud offers a powerful suite of over 20 creative apps, including industry-leading photo-editing tools like Photoshop, ideal for Mac users looking for professional-grade software. Its user interface is polished and familiar to many, though beginners might find it a bit complex initially. The editing tools are extensive, with Adobe Firefly adding innovative AI-powered features such as generative fill and text-based editing, making creative tasks faster and more flexible.

Performance is generally smooth, but it depends on your Mac’s hardware, as some apps can be resource-intensive. The software supports a wide range of file formats, ensuring compatibility with most photo and graphic files you’ll encounter. Integration with other Adobe apps, like Illustrator and XD, allows for seamless workflows if you use multiple design tools. Although the learning curve can be steep for newcomers, plenty of tutorials and support resources help ease this process.

The 12-month subscription includes 100GB of cloud storage, which is handy for accessing projects across devices but may feel limited if you work with extremely large files. Price-wise, this subscription model may be more costly over time than standalone apps, but it delivers continuous updates and access to the full Adobe creative ecosystem. Creative Cloud suits photographers and creatives who want a versatile, all-in-one solution and are ready to invest time in learning and a subscription plan.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,272
Price and Licensing
Learning Curve and Support
Integration with Other Software

Most important from
171 reviews

Price and Licensing
The suite offers excellent value for those already invested in Adobe apps, with deals that can significantly reduce subscription costs when timed right.
Learning Curve and Support
Lightroom is praised for its ease of use, making it suitable for beginners and entry-level photographers who want quality results without complexity.
Integration with Other Software
Integration across Adobe apps remains a strong advantage, supporting seamless workflows for users working with multiple creative tools.
#2

Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps | Student & Teacher Discount |PC/MAC Online Code

Rating
9.6
Price and Licensing
User Interface

Most important from
171 reviews

Price and Licensing
The student-teacher subscription offers significant savings, especially during Black Friday deals, making it a smart choice for eligible users.
User Interface
Lightroom is praised for its ease of use, even by entry-level photographers, delivering high-quality results suitable for professional displays and social media.

Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps offers a comprehensive set of professional photo-editing and creative tools for Mac users, especially students and teachers who benefit from a significant discount. Its user interface is polished and adaptable, catering to both beginners and advanced users through intuitive templates and powerful features like Photoshop’s editing capabilities and AI-assisted tools. The software supports a wide range of file formats, ensuring compatibility with most projects.

Performance is generally strong, but running multiple apps together may require a well-equipped Mac to avoid slowdowns. Integration with other Adobe apps is seamless, making it easy to move between editing photos, videos, and graphics within the same ecosystem. Although the learning curve can be steep for newcomers, Adobe provides plenty of tutorials and community support to help users get started.

The subscription model means ongoing costs, which might not suit those preferring one-time purchases. Verification of student or teacher status is required to access the discounted price. This suite is a great fit for students and educators looking for versatile, industry-standard editing software, while casual users might find it more complex and costly than simpler alternatives.

Rating
9.6
Price and Licensing
User Interface

Most important from
171 reviews

Price and Licensing
The student-teacher subscription offers significant savings, especially during Black Friday deals, making it a smart choice for eligible users.
User Interface
Lightroom is praised for its ease of use, even by entry-level photographers, delivering high-quality results suitable for professional displays and social media.
#3

Adobe Photoshop | Photo, Image, and Design Editing Software | 12-Month Subscription with Auto-Renewal, PC/Mac

Rating
9.3
Customer Support and Community
Price and Licensing

Most important from
46 reviews

Customer Support and Community
Repeated issues with the download process, including installation freezes and lack of accessible support, can lead to significant frustration.
Price and Licensing
Activating the annual subscription can be frustrating, especially when purchasing through third-party platforms like Amazon.

Adobe Photoshop is a widely recognized photo-editing software that offers a comprehensive suite of tools for Mac users. Its user interface, while powerful, can be complex for beginners, which might result in a steep learning curve. However, the extensive range of editing tools available, including photo enhancement, illustration creation, and even 3D artwork, make it a versatile choice for professional and aspiring designers alike. The performance and speed of Photoshop are generally reliable on most Mac systems, ensuring that it can handle large files and complex projects efficiently.

Compatibility and integration are also strong points, as it seamlessly works with other Adobe products and various file formats, enhancing workflow. Customer support is robust, with numerous online resources and an active community to help users troubleshoot issues and learn new techniques. However, the price might be a drawback for some, as it requires a 12-month subscription with auto-renewal, which can be costly over time. Additionally, existing subscribers need to complete their current term before linking a new subscription, which may be inconvenient for some users.

Despite these drawbacks, Adobe Photoshop is a top choice for those in need of comprehensive and professional photo-editing software for Macs.

Rating
9.3
Customer Support and Community
Price and Licensing

Most important from
46 reviews

Customer Support and Community
Repeated issues with the download process, including installation freezes and lack of accessible support, can lead to significant frustration.
Price and Licensing
Activating the annual subscription can be frustrating, especially when purchasing through third-party platforms like Amazon.

Buying Guide for the Best Photo Editing Software For Macs

Choosing the right photo editing software for your Mac can significantly enhance your creative workflow and help you achieve professional-quality results. The right software should align with your editing needs, skill level, and the type of projects you typically work on. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting photo editing software for your Mac, along with explanations to help you make an informed decision.
User InterfaceThe user interface (UI) of photo editing software refers to how the software looks and how easy it is to navigate. A good UI is important because it can make your editing process more efficient and enjoyable. If you are a beginner, look for software with a simple and intuitive interface that offers guided tutorials and easy-to-find tools. For more advanced users, a customizable interface with advanced features might be more suitable. Your comfort and ease of use should guide your choice here.
Editing Tools and FeaturesEditing tools and features are the core components of any photo editing software. These include basic tools like cropping, resizing, and color correction, as well as advanced features like layers, masks, and filters. If you are a casual user, basic tools might be sufficient. However, if you are a professional or an enthusiast looking to perform complex edits, you will need software with a comprehensive set of advanced tools. Consider what types of edits you typically perform and choose software that offers the necessary features.
Performance and SpeedPerformance and speed refer to how quickly and efficiently the software runs on your Mac. This is important because slow software can hinder your workflow and be frustrating to use. Performance can vary based on the software's optimization for Mac hardware and the complexity of the tasks you are performing. For basic edits, most software will perform adequately. For more intensive tasks like working with large files or applying multiple effects, look for software known for its high performance and speed.
File Format SupportFile format support indicates the types of image files the software can open, edit, and save. This is important because you need to ensure the software can handle the file formats you work with. Common formats include JPEG, PNG, and TIFF, but if you work with RAW files or other specialized formats, make sure the software supports them. Choose software that supports the file formats you use most frequently to ensure compatibility and ease of use.
Integration with Other SoftwareIntegration with other software refers to how well the photo editing software works with other applications you might use, such as cloud storage services, graphic design tools, or other Adobe products. This is important for a seamless workflow, especially if you frequently move files between different programs. If you use other creative software, look for photo editing software that offers good integration with those tools to streamline your process.
Learning Curve and SupportThe learning curve refers to how easy or difficult it is to learn to use the software effectively. Support includes the resources available to help you learn and troubleshoot issues, such as tutorials, forums, and customer service. If you are new to photo editing, look for software with a gentle learning curve and plenty of support resources. For more experienced users, advanced software with a steeper learning curve might be acceptable if it offers the features you need. Consider your skill level and the availability of support when making your choice.
Price and LicensingPrice and licensing refer to the cost of the software and the type of license it comes with. This is important because it affects your budget and how you can use the software. Some software is available as a one-time purchase, while others require a subscription. Consider how often you will use the software and whether a one-time purchase or a subscription model is more cost-effective for you. Choose software that fits your budget and offers the best value for your needs.

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