Last updated: January 5, 2023

Best Free photo editing app for mac in 2022

Number 1: Seashore

ProductSeashore
Website:https://apps.apple.com/us/app/seashore/id1448648921?mt=12
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Seashore is an open source picture editor based on GIMP technology. It is a Mac OS X application that uses the same file format as GIMP. It has gradients, textures, anti-aliasing text and brush strokes, according to the developer. Furthermore, it enables numerous layers as well as alpha channel editing

AdvantagesDisadvantages
User friendly for beginners.Still has some of GIMP’s idiosyncrasies.
Powerful and free feature setIn the case of digital painting it’s not the best option.
All-in-one interface window improves on GIMPHas less options for graphic designing.

Number 2: GIMP

ProductGIMP
Website:https://www.gimp.org/downloads/
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The GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free and open-source image editor that has gained a reputation as a powerful alternative to proprietary software like Adobe Photoshop. While GIMP has been available for Windows and Linux for many years, it is now also available for Mac OS X, making it a great option for Mac users who want a feature-rich image editing tool without the cost of a subscription.

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Wide range of editing tools.Takes a learning curve for its best use.
Large selection options for plug-inns.The interface might look a bit clumsy at the beginning.
Flexible for any type of image editing.Does not perform well if you need to edit big images with lots of layers.

Number 3: Chocoflop

ProductChocoflop
Website:http://www.chocoflop.com/
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Chocoflop is a powerful photo editor for Mac that offers a wide range of tools and features to help you enhance and transform your digital images. With its intuitive interface and easy-to-use controls, Chocoflop makes it easy to touch up blemishes, adjust exposure, add filters, and much more. It’s an editor that utilizes Apple’s CoreImage technology and harnesses the power of your GPU (graphics processing unit) to provide real-time previews of filters and keep modifications live. This allows for a seamless editing experience when working with your photos or designing graphics.

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Non-destructive image editing software.It is still under development.
Small, Launches in a pair of seconds.Not very easy for people who rarely edit photos in mac.
Easy to use for photoshop usersIt doesn’t support MAC OS X Snow Leopard.

Number 4: Pixen

ProductPixen
Website:https://pixenapp.com/
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Pixen is a powerful and intuitive photo editor for Mac users. It is designed specifically for pixel art, but it can also be used to edit and enhance photographs. With Pixen, you can create pixel art compositions using layers, adjusting their opacity and blending modes for creative effects. The photo editor also offers a variety of filters to adjust colors and create effects, as well as a palette feature to organize your most frequently used colors. Additionally, you can use Pixen to create and arrange image frames in the filmstrip view to create animations. The program can import animations in various formats, including GIFs, PNGs, and sprite sheets, and can also export animations in various formats including GIFs, PNGs, movies, and sprite sheets.

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Best editor for pixel art.Less suited for deep photo editing.
Has basic photo edit and enhancement options.Suffers with large files.
It has a robust animation feature.Not as versatile as Adobe Photoshop or Luminar AI.

Number 5: Apple Photos

ProductApple Photos
Website:https://recipekeeperonline.com/
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Apple Photos is a photo management and editing application that comes pre-installed on all Apple Mac computers. It offers a variety of powerful tools for organizing and enhancing your photos, making it a great choice for both amateur and professional photographers. You can edit your photos and videos using the intuitive built-in editing tools or your favorite photo apps. iCloud Photos allows you to keep all your photos and videos in iCloud. They can be accessed on your Mac, Apple TV and iPhone, iPad and PC. Photos intelligently organizes and curates your photos, videos and other media so that you can see the best of your memories.

AdvantagesDisadvantages
It’s a native software for Mac and IOS.Best only for basic editing.
One of the easiest photo editors to use.Has limited options.
Works great as a photo management app.Not equipped for professional use.

Number 6: Darktable

ProductDarktable
Website:https://www.darktable.org/
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Darktable is a photo editing program that can compete with some expensive alternative softwares. While many free online photo editors are streamlined and rather basic. It is a free and open-source photo editor that is popular among photographers for its comprehensive set of editing tools and raw image processing capabilities. It has a user-friendly interface and supports various image file formats, including raw files from popular camera brands. Some users have reported that it can be somewhat resource-intensive, but overall it is a powerful and reliable photo editor.

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Handles raw files well.The interface isn’t very eye soothing.
Perspective distortion and lens correction features are impressive.Takes a while to understand the tools.
Also offers non-destructive editingLower accuracy in local selection tools.

Number 7: Pixelmator

ProductPixelmator
Website:https://www.pixelmator.com/pro/
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Pixelmator is in almost every conversation about the best free image editing software for Mac. The software is powerful and versatile with layer-based features that allow users to create graphics and edit photos. The interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, and the app is known for its fast performance. In addition to its extensive editing features, Pixelmator also has a convenient selection of pre-designed templates and effects for quickly enhancing images. Overall, Pixelmator is a solid choice for photographers and graphic designers looking for a versatile and high-quality photo editing app.

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Powerful and versatile, with layer-based editing functionality.Free for 30 days and then a purchase is required.
Can be used to produce graphical works.Takes a learning curve to understand it.
Offers a great machine-learning-enabled color matching.The effects and filters are impressive, but not as intuitive as some of the other options.

Number 8: Fotor

ProductFotor
Website:https://www.fotor.com/
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Fotor is a simple and easy-to-use photo editing platform that delivers impressive results with just a single click. Its filters are designed to enhance your photos and give them a professional touch. One of the standout features of Fotor is its batch processing capability, which allows you to apply the same filter to a group of photos all at once. The user interface is easy to use and intuitive, making it a good option for beginners. In addition to its editing features, Fotor also offers a number of design templates and tools for creating social media graphics and other designs. Overall, Fotor is a reliable and feature-packed photo editor that is suitable for both casual and advanced users.

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Very user friendly for any level of users.Lacks high-end features.
Has filters to retouch images in one click.Has ads on the free version.
Great at batch processing.Less equipped for professional use.

Number 9: Picktorial

ProductPicktorial
Website:https://www.picktorial.com/
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With Picktorial, organizing and editing your images is a breeze. The sleek interface of this photo organizer is intuitive and user-friendly. It is a powerful and intuitive photo editor for Mac that is suitable for both amateur and professional photographers. It offers a wide range of advanced editing tools, including raw image processing, layers, and masks. The user interface is modern and easy to navigate, making it a good option for users of all skill levels. In addition to its extensive editing capabilities, Picktorial also includes a number of pre-designed templates and effects for quickly enhancing images. Overall, Picktorial is a reliable and feature-rich photo editor that is well worth considering for Mac users.

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Good color correction tools.Pixel layers aren’t supported.
Non-destructive editing method.Have to purchase the premium version for deep features.
RAW files support.Not open source.

Number 10: Google Photos

ProductGoogle Photos
Website:https://photos.google.com/
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If you’re in search of a simple photo editor for your Macbook Air, Google Photos is a solid choice. This online photo editor is user-friendly and efficient. The app also includes a feature called “Memories,” which creates custom montages of your past photos and videos, set to music and themed around specific events or trips. One of the standout features of Google Photos is its cloud-based photo management system, which comes with a generous 15GB of free cloud storage. In addition, it offers a selection of useful filters and basic editing tools.

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Very easy to use.Has limited options.
Cloud based, so no chance to lose photos.Not suited for professional use.
Has one touch filters to make the images pop.Not good with RAW photos.

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