- January 01, 2020
- 18 min to read
Free photo editing software for Mac: 11 of our favorites 1. Why we love it: We thought we’d start with the OG of Mac photo editors. Photos made its first. Why we love it: Luminar boasts 60-plus filters for maximum results with minimum time and tinkering. A good photo organizing software will help you choose your best body of work, by displaying, selecting and organizing your photos based on their date, location, categories, etc. Not only do they allow you to tag, keyword and filter your images, but some of the software featured in this article, also allow you to share photos directly on social.
If you need to make a few tweaks to your images, but do not want to use Photoshop, you are in luck as there are several superb solutions. Here are the 15 best alternatives in no particular order:
1. Luminar 4 (Free Trial 7 days) Change default app mac not working.
When time for editing your photos is a luxury, Luminar 4 can help. Luminar 4 lets you transform your photos in a flash and synchronizes all the edits that you have made effortlessly. What makes it so great is that you can easily browse all your photos as it automatically organizes your photos which makes navigation simple. Luminar Libraries also boast a very modern interface which optimizes the viewing experience.
Luminar 4 offers many great adjustable styles, features, and tools that you will fall in love with such as its AI Sky Enhancers, Advanced Contrast, and Dehaze to mention only a few.
2. Pixlr (Free Version Available)
Pixlr boasts an interface that is really not much different from Photoshop. It offers hundreds of overlays, borders and other effects. If you simply want to crop your image or whiten your teeth on your iOS or Android device, Pixlr is the right tool for the job. With Pixlr, you can complete all the editing tasks that a good basic photo editor will allow.
Best photo viewers in 2020 for Mac and Windows in 2020. Full list of the best image viewer apps and software for fast photo viewing. Best Mac Photo Editing Software - Free/Trial or Cheap 1. Apple’s Photos (Built-in app) 2. Luminar (7 days trial) 3. Photolemur 3 (Free Version with watermark) 4. Aurora HDR (14 days trial) 5. Pixelmator (Trial 30 Days) 6. Adobe Photoshop Elements 2020 (Trial link) 7. Affinity Photo (Free Trial) 8.
3. PicMonkey (Trial 7 days)
The beauty of PicMonkey is found in its easy-to-use interface. If you need to put together a collage, this is your tool to use. All you have to do is upload your images and drag them into the right spot.
4. Adobe Photoshop Elements (Free Trial 30 days)
Do not be fooled by the name, Adobe Photoshop Elements is not the actual Photoshop. However, countless users have experienced that the Adobe Photoshop Elements app offers all the tools that they require to enhance their images. In short, this app has been reduced to the essentials.
With the help of its Adjustment and Blend layers, you can turn any photo into the most amazing image in barely any time at all. Thanks to its guided mode, it is also geared towards beginners.
When it comes to finding a Photoshop alternative, your only challenge will be to identify the software solution that works the best for your unique needs. Why not give them all a try? You might just discover that the best course of action will be to use a couple of these tools instead of just one.
5. Sketch (Free Trial 30 days, MacOS only)
If you are working on a Mac and in need of a budget-friendly alternative to Photoshop, Sketch is the answer. Sketch is a vector graphics app that has the design field all excited, specifically website designers. As it is so popular, you will be able to access countless plug-ins that have been created by the community that will make this app even more functional.
Its user interface is easy to understand and boasts several features such as gradients and layers that are similar to Illustrator and Photoshop. What is more, it also offers a color picker and style presets. You can use one of the basic shapes to create your own graphic or start from scratch with the help of the pencil tool. This app is really so flexible!
6. GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP)
GNU is an open-source cross-platform image editor. As its interface is very similar to Photoshop, it will not take you too long to familiarize yourself with GIMP. Though, users who do not have any image editing experience will find the different GIMP tutorials very useful.
It offers color correction, enhancement as well as painting tools to mention only a couple of its features and is compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac.
7. Acorn (Trial 14 days)
Mac users who are searching for image editing software need to look no further than Acorn. It is a cost-effective solution if you do not have access to Photoshop. What makes it so great is that it is quick, enjoyable to use and offers useful features.
Some of its features include non-destructive filters, custom brushes and layer styles to mention only a few. Eyecloud app for mac. The software is easy to use, but, you can rest assured, there are tutorials available for both beginners as well as image editing experts.
8. Affinity Photo (Trial)
Affinity Photo is for sure one of the best Photoshop alternatives. It is ideal for professional designers and photographers as it is completely compatible with Photoshop as well as other file formats. What makes it such a great alternative is that it is not nearly as expensive as Photoshop. Though, users can rest assured as it will still deliver the same performance (if not better).
It is compatible with Mac and Windows. If you are using an iPad, you will be happy to know that Affinity Photo for iPad is also available.
9. Pixelmator Pro (Trial 30 days)
Pixelmator is not a new Photoshop alternative, but recently the Pixelmator Pro version which uses a user-friendly single-window interface has been added to the mix. On top of that, the Pixelmator Pro version also boasts non-destructive image editing and offers features that include split view and a hidden interface that allows you to view your images without any distractions.
It is only available for Mac users.
10. SumoPaint (Online + Desktop)
The different standard features that you would expect in a Photoshop alternative, SumoPaint has to offer. There are shapes, brushes, gradients, text, and pencils that you can effortlessly access.
Though a word of warning to Photoshop users - a couple of its tools work differently and there are some limitations. Overall, this image editor remains very capable and can load in a flash.
11. Paint.net
Paint.net is a powerful and practical tool that Windows users can rely on instead of Photoshop. It is a capable and functional tool that concentrates less on artistic creation and more on photo editing.
It offers a decent variety of tools and special effects that include brightness/contrast and repeat selections. It might not boast all the serious editing tools, but that only means that it is not as difficult to master making it the ideal image editor tool for beginners.
12. Canva (Free Basic Plan + Trial 30 days)
Canva is where you will find countless layouts, stock photos, fonts and other great design elements. The best part is that several of these you can use at zero cost. You can use this app to design your business card or put together a birthday card.
13. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite (Trial 15 days or Full Paid or Monthly sub)
Windows users will love the tools that CorelDRAW has to offer. This Photoshop alternative boasts an interactive tool that will help you to straighten your image or adjust the perspective. Though, one of its most impressive features is its stylus control that reacts to a different pressure.
If you are working with Windows 10, this is the perfect fit. Windows users will also be happy to know that it supports 4K displays and multi-monitor viewing.
14. Photolemur (Free Version with watermark available)
Best choice for beginners or people who have no time to edit photos. Enhancing your images has never been easier thanks to Photolemur. By using AI, this automatic photo enhancer app enhances your images without you having to lift a finger. You simply need to import your images to Photolemur and it will get the job done automatically. This means that you do not require any prior editing experience to complete tasks like getting rid of imperfections. It is oh-so easy and available for both Mac and Windows.
15. Serif PhotoPlus
Many people have already relied on this app for years. It is ideal for users who are only starting with image editing now as it offers great support for new users in the form of videos and tutorials. What is more, users can get great tips on their active forum for fellow users. Thanks to its latest release, Serif PhotoPlus users will be also able to work with their RAW image files much easier.
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Looking for the best photography apps to help you capture amazing landscapes? These 23 landscape photography apps will help you land the perfect shot.
Every landscape photographer has to have the right tools to capture the perfect shot, no matter how troublesome the light or zany the setting. There’s the cameras. The lenses. The gear. Now, there’s another tool that every landscape photographer must add to their arsenal: landscape photography apps.
Whether you’re looking to capture the perfect shot to headline your beautiful new online portfolio, sell more landscape photography online or help boost your Instagram follower count, these 23 photography apps will ensure every landscape shot is absolutely killer.
Landscape Photography Apps for iOS
1. GPS Kit and GPS Kit HD
If you really get off the beaten path, so much so that you lose signal, then this is probably the one of the best photography apps for you. You can track your routes so you can find the same spot again and again, and monitor your friends so you don’t get split up. GPS Kit also boasts the most basemap options of any iOS app. It’s great for finding those hidden vantage points for the perfect landscape shot.
2. AyeTides
Perhaps you’re coastal and trying to snap some amazing pictures of the ocean…but you’re not certain of the tidal schedule. This landscape photography app will be your best friend. AyeTides monitors the tides and currents in over 12,500 spots around the world, and also offers offline functionality, so you can use it even if you’re not close to home. Don’t get caught with your camera in hand at low tide!
3. TideGraph
Similar to the photography planning app mentioned above, TideGraph can help you monitor the tides from your own phone regardless of your phone’s connectivity. This app boasts a more comprehensive interface as well as tidal information for any spot you may find yourself in. Catch that perfect high tide picture, wherever you are.
4. Focalware
This sunrise/sunset app is used by landscape photographers and filmmakers alike. Focalware allows you to monitor the sun and the moon based on your location and the time. So, if you want to snap the perfect picture featuring the clarity of natural sunlight or the mystery and allure of moonlight, Focalware can help you time it all perfectly.
5. SkyPhysics
SkyPhysics will also help you monitor the positions of the sun and the moon from wherever you are, online or offline. Boasting a super user-friendly interface, SkyPhysics is one of the best sunrise/sunset apps to take your sunset photography to the next level; it optimizes your photographing time by sharing where and when you’ll have your light.
6. PhotoPills
With the award-winning landscape photography app PhotoPills, you can plan your shot, monitor the spot over a period of time, check natural lighting changes, and share any details or plans with others.
7. TrueDoF-Pro DoF Calculator
Measuring depth of field is an exact art, and landscape photography app TrueDoF wants to help you get those measurements right. One of the best DOF apps for iPhone, It uses the most up-to-date algorithms to calculate depths of field—allowing you to take the sharpest pictures. The makers of TrueDoF claim it is the best DoF calculator app on the market. It’s even used by professional cinematographers!
8. LExp—Long Exposure Calcs
Long exposures are a super popular photography style, especially for stargazers. LExp offers to be the one-stop app to help you take that perfect long exposure shot. This landscape photography app helps you pick the perfect graduated ND filter, stack multiple ND filters, track the stars and moon, and a lot more.
9. Pocket Light Meter
No longer will you have to carry around an actual light meter! Just use this app instead, which allows you to gauge the exact right time exposure and aperture. The newest update of the Pocket Light Meter even allows reciprocity calculations.
10. NDTimer
The NDTimer is a timer which helps you time exposures, whether they be long or short, when you’re using one or more ND filters.
Landscape Photography Apps for Android
11. DOF Calculator
Similar to the iOS apps listed above, this app offers its users a super-comprehensive system that calculates hyperfocal distance, near focus limit, far focus limit, and depth of field.
12. DSLR Remote
Need to step away from your camera but still want to capture that perfect shot? The DSLR Remote allows its users to control their camera remotely through the app. You can do all the basic functions—like long exposures, interval snapping, time-lapse—plus more complicated photography stuff without having to carry around additional equipment.
13. Photo Tools
This landscape photography app is one of the best photography apps. It has all the photography tools you could need, rolled into one app. From a field of view calculator to a light meter to a sharpening radius estimator, this app has it all.
14. Tide Chart FREE
The Best Photography Apps For Mac Free
Here is another tidal-monitoring app for all you sea-lovers. This one lets Android users know when it’s high tide and when it’s low tide, along with how the currents are moving at any given location at any given time, so you can always optimize your photo ops.
Landscape Photography Apps for iOS and Android
15. StarWalk
This photography planning app is for those of you with your eyes—and lenses—on the skies. SkyWalk allows you to monitor the celestial bodies, by day or by night. You can track their orbits, find the constellations, and even identify all the stars in view.
16. Lightning Finder
Lightning Finder does just what the name suggests: it finds lightning! So, for all of you weather-chasers looking to snap a bolt pic, you can download this app and see where real-time lightning strikes are occurring in the United States.
17. Sun Surveyor
This landscape photography app allows you to monitor the sun and the moon. Mac run app from terminal with arguments. However, the cool twist with Sun Surveyor is that it allows you to visualize how the sun or the moon would illuminate or cast shadow on different buildings or structures from your vantage point at any given time. This advantage could help you plan your perfect urban landscape photo well in advance.
18. The Photographer’s Ephemeris
This guy features the most comprehensive and versatile interface of all the light-monitoring landscape photography apps. TPE allows you to monitor natural lighting for your pictures for any location at any time around the world, and has received some pretty rave reviews from National Geographic photographers.
The Best Photography Apps For Mac Computers
19. Peak Finder
As far as landscape photography apps go, this one is pretty unique. Have you ever been on a mountaintop and wondered which mountain you were on, or which mountains were around you? Peak Finder can answer those questions for you. Just hold up your phone and this app will identify all the peaks around you by name, thanks to the wonders of geolocation.
The Best Photography Apps For Mac Osx
20. VSCO
VSCO is one of the many great free photo editing apps out there. If you’ve snapped some photographs with your phone, or just on your digital camera, you can edit them with this editing app. VSCO is very user-friendly, so it’s great if you’re just starting out. Perfect for that little touch up on the go!
21. Adobe Lightroom CC
This photography app is pretty top-notch when it comes to editing. It brings things back to basics, using darkroom photography tricks to help the user optimize their images. This app is part of the Adobe Suite, so you know it’s quality. Fair warning, though: this app is pretty advanced, so practice makes perfect.
22. Google Earth
I bet you didn’t expect to see this app on this list! Well, believe it or not, Google Earth is a great landscape photography app. Want to check out a spot anywhere on earth from any and every vantage point? This is the app for you. The high-definition 3D map of the earth is pretty unrivalled, so you can eliminate any surprises from the equation with this one.
23. My Gear Vault
The Best Photography Apps For Mac Os
For all of those wandering photographers out there, it is imperative to know what you’re bringing with you so you don’t lose track of your expensive stuff. MGV keeps an inventory of all your equipment so you’ll never misplace that expensive lens again.
More inspo to improve your landscape photography business:
The Ultimate Guide to Building A Photography Website
The Best Free Online Courses and Tutorials for Photographers
Why Tethered Photography Can Help You Land the Perfect Shot
The Ultimate Guide to Building A Photography Website
The Best Free Online Courses and Tutorials for Photographers
Why Tethered Photography Can Help You Land the Perfect Shot