How to Choose Photo Editing Software

Phones and cameras take better pictures than ever, but a little editing can still turn a good photo into a great one. Straightening a horizon, brightening a dark room or removing a distracting object takes only seconds with the right program. With so many photo editors available, from simple apps to professional suites, it helps to know what to look for before you buy.

Decide what you want to do

The best photo editor depends on how you plan to use it.

• Quick fixes. If you mainly want to crop, rotate, adjust brightness and apply filters to holiday and family photos, a simple editor is usually enough.
• Creative projects. Collages, greeting cards, social media graphics and photo books benefit from programs with templates, text tools and effects.
• Serious photography. If you shoot in RAW, edit large batches or want precise control over colour, look at more advanced software with professional-level tools.

Features worth looking for

Most photo editors cover the basics, but some features make a big difference as your skills grow.

1. Layers and masks. These let you edit parts of an image separately and combine multiple images without changing the original.
2. Non-destructive editing. Your original photo stays untouched, so you can undo or change edits at any time.
3. RAW support. If your camera can shoot RAW files, check that the software supports your camera model.
4. Retouching tools. Healing, clone and object removal tools help clean up dust spots, blemishes or unwanted objects.
5. Batch processing. Applying the same resize, watermark or adjustment to many photos at once saves a lot of time.
6. Organising tools. Tags, ratings and albums make it easier to find photos in a large collection.

For many home users, a straightforward program such as this photo editor for Windows PC covers everyday edits and effects. Those who want more advanced tools can look at fuller suites like Corel PaintShop Pro Ultimate.

Licence or subscription?

Photo editing software is usually sold in one of two ways:

• One-off licence. You pay once and can keep using that version. Major upgrades may cost extra later.
• Subscription. You pay monthly or yearly and usually get updates and new features as long as you subscribe. Some subscriptions also include cloud storage.

Think about how often you edit. Occasional users often prefer a one-off licence, while people who edit regularly and want the newest features may find a subscription worthwhile.

Check your computer

Advanced editing, especially with large RAW files, can be demanding. Before buying, check the system requirements:

• Supported operating system, such as Windows or macOS
• Recommended amount of memory
• Graphics card support for faster processing
• Free storage space for the program and your photo library

A colour-accurate monitor also helps if you plan to print your photos, as it makes it easier to judge colours and brightness.

Try before you commit

Many software makers offer free trials. Use the trial to edit a few of your own photos, try the tools you expect to use most and see whether the layout feels comfortable. A program that suits the way you work is more valuable than one with features you will never use.

Browse more options in our photo and design category to find software that matches your projects and budget.