Finding cameras and mobiles capable of taking excellent photographs is quite simple these days, but they still always leave room for improvement. And is that one of the programs that have been used for a long time is the photo and image editor for PC, necessary for various reasons and it is worth making the best use of it. Therefore, today we present to you some of the best photo editors for PC with Windows 10, macOS or Linux.
All of us as users, at some point we have had to do some retouching to a photo or an image; many times using only programs that are already pre-installed, to make simple modifications. But that has changed with the need for much more complex edits, as well as the ability of programs to carry them out.
Among the variety of programs that exist, we are not going to feel comfortable with all of them. That is why we will recommend to you some of the best photo editors for PC that you can get and try. Most are free, easy to use, and feature-rich. Anyway, if you have any additional recommendations, you can always leave them in the comments.
What Is an Image Editor for PC?
An image or photo editor for PC is a program used to improve and readjust the parameters of image files that are stored on the computer. These files can be from photos and drawings to renderings or graphics; and each of its tools allows you to modify colors, sharpness, contrast, shapes, size and more parameters.
The tools to edit photos are increasingly common and are present in each of the computers. Even a simple program like Paint is an image editor for PC that can fulfil useful functions for amateur users. And it happens that one of its main benefits is that in most cases they are very easy to use.
Photo editing is a practice that we see all the time, everywhere. On web portals, in magazines, in the media and even by fans on social networks. Come on, we have even edited a selfie or a photo that we liked, to improve them.
With a photo editor, or anyone can turn a work into something of high quality. But, even with how easy it is to learn to use these programs, you need some knowledge about the best photo editors for PC to achieve expected results. Since not all bring the same tools, nor do they serve the same purpose.
You Need a Basic, Online or Professional Photo Editor
Today, we can find a wide variety of programs for users of all kinds, each one with a greater or lesser aptitude for dealing with technology. And precisely, with the best photo editors for PC, exactly the same thing happens.
We are going to find some much more complete and professional alternatives, as well as there, are simple options that are only limited to the basic settings. The first thing you should ask is, why do you need to purchase the image editor? Keep in mind that just because a photo editor has too many built-in features, it doesn’t necessarily make it the best for you.
If what you want is to make simple and small adjustments, color adjustments, contrast, apply filters, watermarks or you want to make memes, you should not complicate too much. A fairly basic PC photo editor can be more than enough. You can even opt for an image editor that works on the web, for quick edits without installing anything on your computer.
However, the situation changes when you must make more advanced adjustments to achieve a high-quality result. While a simple photo editor has limited functions and an intuitive interface, a professional photo editor is much more complete. Not only will you find new functions, but there are also other methods for these types of edits.
In this Top, we will break down the best photo editors for PC according to the scope of their functions, so that you can determine which one best suits your needs. And in case the budget is important, you should know that most of our recommendations here have a free version that will allow you to know its functions. Let’s see them.
Best Basic Photo Editors
As we have already mentioned, there is a wide variety of free programs that can be very useful, but since nobody wants to have useless applications installed on their computer, I will limit myself to mentioning the most popular and best valued by users.
Anyone can use them to retouch their photos since the interface is simple and does not need much prior knowledge. Some have a more updated interface than others, as well as additional functions. However, they do have the basics anyway, and we cannot expect entirely professional results.
Microsoft Photos (Windows 10)
The first application that I recommend may not be the best of all, but it comes pre-installed in Windows 10, and it is the one that the system uses to open the images by default. It is a program that also has a simple, totally free photo editor. Its main advantage is that it receives constant updates, with a friendly interface.
Although we generally use it as a photo viewer, it offers some extra features that serve as an image editor for PC. From the “Edit and create” section, we can switch to an interface that allows cropping and rotating photos; Another function is to add filters, colours, and effects. As well as there is a function focused on adjusting the color and clarity.
The edits that are made are simple, but Windows 10 also offers us the possibility of Drawing, adding 3D effects and even placing an animated effect on the photos. And if for some reason it is insufficient, the system itself recommends the Paint 3D tool.
PhotoScape
It is a fairly stable program to edit images very easily. Although it is one of the longest circulating among users, its regular updates have allowed it to keep up with current needs. Besides being free, it is also one of the easiest to use, with enough features to achieve professional editions.
The options they offer are for viewing and editing photos. With this program we can modify the size, brightness, contrast, colors and shapes in the image; as well as it is also possible to add effects, texts, templates, frames and much more. But PhotoScape has not limited to still images, as it has functions to assemble collages and edit gifs.
Its wide variety of predefined effects, together with the simple interface it shows, make it an excellent free alternative for any user to be able to edit photos as if they were a professional. It also has a paid version, which offers some extras and you can install it very easily both on Windows and on your macOS.
PicPick
This is a photo editor for PC, which is mainly focused on facilitating computer screen captures to designers and editors, all this in a fast way. It also brings an editor to retouch the capture, without the need to resort to another external program.
It has a number of functions that integrate quite well into the Windows 10 taskbar and works in the background. With easy setup, snapshots can be taken full size or in a specifically designated area on the screen. But it also has several additional functions for editing images.
It is a free tool, although you can always acquire the license to have all its professional functions. From this tool, you can also edit all kinds of images very easily. It also has a variety of accessories, there is the possibility of saving photos in the cloud and highlights its customizable interface for simpler use.
Photoshop Elements – Express
Even though Photoshop is one of the best PC photo editors that we can use today, it can be quite complicated to handle. However, and fortunately, there are some simple and quick alternatives that can get you out of any trouble.
First, we have the Photoshop Elements tool , a program designed by Adobe that is focused on editing photos, at a less complex level. It has a large number of very intuitive functions, which allow us to improve the photos through artificial intelligence that guides us through the edition. It also has additional functions to recover images and videos, but you must bear in mind that it is not a free option.
On the other hand, if you want a simple and free alternative, we can take advantage of the Photoshop Express tool . It is a program capable of performing a large number of basic adjustments to cut, rotate or link photos. It also supports its own AI-based auto-checker for easy editing and offers a variety of filters.
Photoshop Express has an online version for instant editing, without downloading or installing any files. Although its functions are very basic, it is still an excellent tool for users who want to make professional edits without knowing much about the subject.
Paint.NET
This is a much more complete version of the well-known Paint tool, which does not sacrifice its simple interface. Although it does not reach the level of Photoshop tools, it is an excellent alternative for inexperienced users, who are looking for a free photo editor for PC.
The simplicity of this program allows its execution in devices with little power. But in addition to the more basic features that we see in other editors, it also has certain important functions. Some of these are the history of actions, the support of layers and the possibility of applying effects or retouching photos quickly.
Although it is primarily aimed at novice users, Paint.NET brings a number of plugins designed by its developer community. These plugins are used to access a few more advanced functions, such as the ZOOM 3D for image recomposition. You can download it in Windows 10 totally free.
Fotophire Editing Toolkit
This is a powerful photo editor for PC, developed by Wondershare and available for Windows versions. An excellent alternative to editing images in a simple way, with a variety of interesting functions, all completely free. Although it is worth noting that if you don’t get your own license, the photos will have a noticeable watermark.
The Fotophire tool is made up of a series of blocks with very specific functions; that facilitate editing at a professional level without the need for great technical knowledge. The first is the Photo Editor, focused on editing filters, textures, colors, framing and other basic aspects.
We also have the Photo Cutter blocks, to eliminate the background of the photographs quickly when making photomontages; together with the Photo Erased function, which is used to edit and erase unwanted elements that are present in the image.
Finally, we have the latest features that have been incorporated. There is the Photo Maximizer, a complement that allows you to enlarge or zoom the photo without reducing quality and detail; and Photo Focus, to adjust colors, sharpness and blur to our liking.
Paint – Paint 3D
This alternative offers the most basic functions, which are not always the best when editing photos on the PC. Paint 3D offers us some additional tools to the original version, which can be used to make quick and easy edits; even if you don’t expect too much from this app.
Perhaps it is not the best, but it is important to keep them in mind, considering that they are free and in most cases, they are already installed with the latest version of Windows 10.
Best Photo Editors on the Web
To have an image editor for PC, you don’t always need to download and install a tool. There are many free alternatives that you can use online, which are simple but with professional functions in most cases.
The greatest advantage of these tools is that you can take advantage of them from any device, at any time and without restrictions or additional costs. In addition, it will not take up space, which is appreciated when the computer does not have much internal memory.
Fotor
A free image editor for PC, offering a good set of tools. It is used for simple photo editing, design making and even creating collages. All of this primarily intended for ordinary users who just want to do good editing, but it doesn’t work too much for professional purposes. Unless you purchase a license.
It is the top recommendation because it offers a variety of extra features, which cannot be found in other of the best photo editors for PC. To use it, it is only necessary to access its website , upload the image and start editing.
Befunky
The BeFunky tool is one of the best photo editors for PC that you can use from a browser. It is a free, intuitive and quite a complete editor, although its paid version offers some additional functions for users looking for something more professional. It also has a version for Android that is quite useful.
In general, this image editor is divided into 3 sections, which facilitates its use by less experienced users. The first is the editor with the main functions, the second is a tool for making collages and the third is dedicated to graphic design. Although it does not reach the level of Photoshop, it is still a professional, complete and easy-to-use alternative.
Canva
It is not exactly a photo editor for PC, since this tool focuses much more on the elaboration of infographics . However, it is used to create and edit photos through designs already created or even through our own resources, from scratch.
It is a useful website to develop advertising campaigns and content for social networks, with a wide number of functions and tools that it leaves at our disposal. And while we can take advantage of its free license with registration, you always have the Pro alternative, which brings other interesting features. As an alternative app, we have PicMonkey, a very similar tool.
Pixlr
We can’t list the best photo editors for PC online, not to mention a favorite of many users. Personally, it is also one of my favorites, because in addition to reminding Photoshop a lot, from the outset it offers you the option to choose between 2 versions. We have the PIXLR X for novice users, with a simple interface, and PIXLR E, for professionals.
Both versions have editing tools for retouching photos through the web, as well as artificial intelligence that allows better results than expected and supports practically all types of image formats. We can open PSD projects, created by Photoshop without problems.
I Love IMG
With a much more visual design, the I Love IMG program presents a wide variety of tools for editing images through the web. Each of its functions is divided to facilitate users’ work, making it an excellent free and intuitive alternative. Although its Premium version is not expensive at all, and it offers more functions.
It has direct tools to compress, crop, resize, rotate and even convert the image to other formats, or from HTML. In addition, its basic editor is present to adjust color, lighting, frames, filters and more. It even has a straightforward feature to quickly create memes and add watermarks.
FotoJet
If you are looking for a way to make quick edits instantly from the browser on your PC, this is the right option for you. It is a program with all the basic functions, necessary for simple edits. It does not need any type of installation or registration, you just have to access its website and then upload the photo from your computer or through a URL.
Its interface is quite intuitive and it is in Spanish, which is another benefit. Once the photo is loaded, in the left panel we can find a series of functions. In addition to the most common ones for editing brightness, colors and sharpness, we also have alternatives to create frames, place texts or superimpose images.
The extra functions are unlocked in its Pro version. But at least, you will be able to use the free version in an unlimited way and without problems with watermarks or damages in your editions.
Google Photos
We cannot forget the popular tool to store our photos and videos for free, and almost unlimited, that Google provides us. In this cloud service, we find a simple photo editor that can solve more than one problem.
Its functions are focused on retouching, cutting and editing the photos from its app, both on the PC and on the mobile. Its artificial intelligence is capable of making the process much easier by making recommendations for automatic improvements. We can’t expect miracles from this tool, but with its wide popularity and scope, it’s an alternative worth keeping in mind.
Best Professional Photo Editors
Although the programs mentioned so far are very useful, complete and even simple tools, they can sometimes fall short; This happens especially when we need to have as many functions as possible for a professional edition.
Advanced editing features can be present in a large number of programs. Here I will present you with the most popular and best-valued alternatives, to carry out any type of edition and achieve the result you want. Not all the options are paid, we can even find free options that offer spectacular finishes.
Photoshop
The best photo editor for PC that you can use today, with the best ratings and general acceptance is Photoshop. A tool developed by Adobe , which implements a variety of functions to do practically anything with photos and images.
It offers options for retouching, editing, removing or adding objects, playing with shapes and colors, filters, frames and a host of possibilities. One of the main benefits is that year after year it is updated with new features, allowing you to get more and more of it. This versatility makes it an excellent tool for users who depend on a professional PC photo editor, which can also be installed on any System.
Its biggest drawback is that, due to the large volume of functions it implements, it has become a somewhat complex program for all users. The interface is not simple at all and requires a bit of practice and prior knowledge to be able to use it properly. Also, it’s a bit of a pricey payment tool, but it really does offer everything it is worth.
GIMP
The best professional photo editor for PC is closely followed by GIMP. A program that is characterized by offering many of the tools that we have in Photoshop, with the advantage that it is free, open-source and a little easier to use. In addition, it is in Spanish and is supported on different systems, whether Windows, macOS or Linux.
As an image editor for PC, it offers a variety of functions and plug-ins for editions superior to other free programs. That has allowed its interface to be customizable, to the point where we can have it as similar to Photoshop; although, for obvious reasons, there are fewer functions compared to the other payment options.
However, we are talking about a free tool for professionals , which supports multiple platforms and is updated quite regularly. Even with its medium learning curve due to its slightly complex interface, it has good support and a large community of users who take advantage of its functions. An option that you must take into account.
Krita
This is another professional PC photo editor that we can use for free. Despite not being as popular as GIMP, it works very well for all those users who have some experience with photo editing and want to use better functions than the basic alternatives, without having to spend on options like Photoshop.
Krita is a program oriented mainly in drawing, illustration, graphic design and digital painting. With its tools, you can create all kinds of illustrations, comics and a variety of artistic material. It is also a very versatile and intuitive open-source application.
Being a free alternative, it may not be able to satisfy all the needs of each user, it falls a little short at times. But for illustrators it comes in handy, being a photo and image editor for PC that is worth knowing. And being designed for all systems , you can easily edit on any device without any problem.
Capture One
Another competition for Photoshop tools, with very complete functions and which has made good progress in recent years, is the Capture, One image editor. It is a program characterized by the customization options it offers.
It supports different formats for editing, including camera profiles to edit RAW photos easily, something necessary for all types of photographers, both professionals and amateurs. Even allowing you to edit the interface and the add-ons that can be used, you can adapt the program to a much more user-friendly design. Although it is still a complex alternative.
Not only is its design modern, but it also surpasses the Adobe app in speed and capacity. And being mainly oriented to photography, we have various functions for HDR, layers and color profiles, noise reduction, among other editing options. But you should keep in mind that their license is the most expensive on the list.
Paintshop PRO
An image editor for PC that has been on the market for almost the same time as Photoshop, and in addition to being its direct competition, it shares a fairly similar interface. We can say that the Paintshop Pro program is located in an intermediate point between Photoshop and GRIMP, with a variety of functions for editing; which despite not being free, is much cheaper.
It has options to adjust all kinds of elements in the photos, in addition to allowing any type of change and correction. It brings support for working with layers, HDR support, supports RAW format and offers the classic drawing tools found in other professional programs.
Although its popularity does not reach the level of Photoshop, it is an image editor for PC that you can take advantage of a lot; especially because of its cheaper license and you can use the 30-day free offer to see for yourself everything this program has to offer.
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom
Rather than being an image editor for PC, this tool is a fairly complete Photoshop extension, mainly focused on being a support for professional photographers and editors. Being multiplatform, it makes it a very flexible alternative.
This program is focused on the final retouching and finishing of the photos. It allows modifying a series of parameters quickly, with a simple and quite complete interface. However, its usefulness is limited to the final retouching of the photos, since it has somewhat limited functions. It is a plug-in that fits well with the popular Adobe tool, to facilitate editing.
It has an advanced artificial intelligence system, a large number of controls for the tool and has a Spanish version. In addition, even with its simple interface, you can get a variety of integrated tutorials that explain the best way to use Lightroom. If you are a professional and you work a lot with Photoshop, this is an extension that you should not miss.
