Introduction
Photo processing has become not only an art, but also an essential tool for expressing our creativity and professionalism. Whether you are an amateur, professional photographer or marketer, the right photo editing app can transform an ordinary photo into a work of art.
Which photo editing software? In this review, we'll look at the different types of good photo editing software - from online apps to computer software to mobile apps. We'll show you apps that can be used for both simple fixes and complex edits. We'll talk about pricing, available language versions and also user reviews to help you choose the best photo retouching software.
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Which Online Photo Editing Programme?
We showcase the best online photo editing programmes that provide an accessible and often free alternative to traditional software. We will examine paid online photo editing software, usually on a subscription model, as well as free online photo editing software that offers users a relatively wide range of tools and features.
Pixlr - Free Photo Editing App
Pixlr is a widely used online photo editing software that offers users intuitive editing tools available directly in the web browser. It is suitable for both beginners and experienced users, providing a wide range of functions from simple retouching to advanced graphic effects.
Price
The basic version of Pixlr is available free of charge, while a paid subscription is required for more advanced features, with plans starting at US$1.99 per month for Pixlr Plus billed annually, or US$2.49 billed monthly (checked 22 October 2026, Pixlr pricing).
Rating
Capterra: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Available languages
Pixlr is available in many languages, including Polish.
Basics
Various resources are available for Pixlr users, including beginner's guides and a series of tutorials. You can find useful resources on the Pixlr blog, such as 'Pixlr 101: A Beginner's Guide' here and 'Best Photo Editing Tutorials for Beginners with Pixlr' available here.
Fotor - Free Photo Processing Software
Fotor is a comprehensive online photo reworking software that offers advanced editing, collage creation and graphic design features. It includes AI tools to streamline the editing process, such as automatic background removal and photo enhancement.
Price
Fotor offers a free basic version. Paid versions, Fotor Pro and Fotor Pro+, are available with an annual subscription for approximately US$3.33/month and US$7.49/month respectively.
Ratings
Capterra: 4.3 out of 5 stars
Available languages
The software is available in various languages, including English, Spanish and German.
Operating Basics
Various resources are available for Fotor users, including a blog and tutorials to help them use the programme's tools effectively. More information can be found on their website.
BeFunky
BeFunky is an online photo editing software that allows users to edit, create collages and graphic design projects. It offers advanced AI tools such as automatic photo enhancements, background removal and portrait enhancement.
Pricing
BeFunky Plus, which includes all advanced features, costs US$14.99 a month or US$83.88 billed annually, and £11.99 a month or £71.88 a year in the UK (checked 22 October 2026, BeFunky pricing).
Rating
Capterra: 4.5 out of 5 stars
User Basics
BeFunky offers a variety of resources for its users, including tutorials and guides to help them get the most out of the software. More information is available on their website.
The Best Photo Transformation Software for Your Computer
In the digital age, photography doesn't stop at the press of the shutter button. Photo reworking programmes for the computer open up a world of complete possibilities that not only allow you to improve the quality of your photos, but also to express the artistic vision of the photographer. Below are programmes that are not only powerful tools for professionals, but also friendly options for amateurs
Adobe Photoshop CC
Adobe Photoshop CC is a powerful and versatile photo editing programme, an essential tool for creative professionals. It includes comprehensive features for photography, graphic design, conceptual artists, designers, and more, offering unlimited possibilities for image editing and composition. Photoshop is available for free with a trial version.
Price
The Photoshop plan costs US$22.99 a month plus tax in the US and £22.78 a month including VAT in the UK, on an annual plan billed monthly (adobe.com, checked 22 October 2026).
Evaluation
Photoshop is highly rated by users and experts, with typical ratings in the range of 4.5-4.7 out of 5 on platforms such as Capterra.
Available languages
The programme is available in many languages.
Basics
Adobe provides a wide range of tutorials that can be found in the Adobe Help Center.
GIMP - Free Photo Editing Program
GIMP is a professional image processing program for free, often compared to Adobe Photoshop. It offers a wide range of features, from basic editing and retouching to advanced image manipulation and raster graphics. It is a popular tool among users looking for a powerful but free photo editing programme.
Price
This is the only free photo editing program for the PC in the list
Rating
4.4 out of 5 on Capterra. GIMP is highly rated by the user community for its versatility and flexibility. It is often recommended as a free alternative to more expensive editing programs.
Available languages
GIMP is available in many languages, making it accessible to users worldwide.
Operating basics
There are many tutorials available on the GIMP website.
Luminar Neo
Luminar Neo is an innovative photo editing program that uses artificial intelligence (AI) technology to simplify the editing process. The programme offers an intuitive interface and a range of tools for non-destructive editing of RAW files, portrait enhancement, background replacement and other advanced adjustments.
Price
Luminar Neo, now sold by Skylum simply as Luminar, comes with a one-off perpetual licence. The cheapest, desktop-only licence covers 2 computers. Skylum sets prices by country and runs frequent promotions, so check the current price in the Skylum shop. The generative AI tools work for 365 days, after which they need a Luminar Prime subscription (checked 22 October 2026, Skylum pricing).
Ratings
On the G2, Luminar Neo has a rating of 4.2 out of 5, indicating a high degree of user satisfaction.
Available languages
Luminar Neo is available in many languages.
Basics of use
Skylum provides a basic course on its website
Adobe Photoshop Elements 2027
Adobe Photoshop Elements 2027 is a relatively simple photo editing program. It offers a range of tools for creating effects, selecting objects, and advanced editing features.
Price
US$99.99 plus tax in the US or £86.75 including VAT in the UK, paid once, but for a 3-year licence rather than a perpetual one (adobe.com, checked 22 October 2026). Adobe has sold Elements this way since version 2025: the licence does not renew, and when it expires the program stops working, while your catalogue in Elements Organizer stays accessible (Adobe licence terms).
Ratings
Capterra: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Available languages
Adobe Photoshop Elements 2027 is available in multiple languages.
Operating basics
For detailed tutorials and guides, visit the official Adobe website.
Photo Editing Programs for Your Phone
Photo editing programmes for the phone are a tool that allows us to quickly and efficiently enhance images directly from our phones or tablets. In this section of the article, we will focus on the best mobile apps available on the market that allow both simple editing and advanced graphic manipulation.
We will look at the different apps, evaluating them in terms of functionality, accessibility, price, as well as user feedback. Our aim is to present readers with a wide range of options, from free and easy-to-use apps to more advanced tools that will satisfy even the most demanding mobile photography enthusiasts.
In this section of the article, you will find key information to help you choose the perfect photo editing app for your mobile device, whether you are a beginner or an experienced photographer.
Snapseed
Snapseed is a free photo editing app for your phone developed by Google. It offers a wide range of professional editing tools, including the ability to edit RAW files, selective colour editing, and advanced filters and effects. It is ideal for both amateur and professional photographers.
Price
Snapseed is completely free: no paid plans, no in-app purchases and no ads.
Rating
Google Play: 4.8 out of 5 stars, App Store: 4.9 out of 5 stars (US stores, 22 October 2026)
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Sometimes you do not need a full photo editor - you just need to resize an image to specific dimensions. Our marszalstudio image resizer does exactly that: upload up to 20 photos, choose from 33 platform presets (or set custom width and height), pick a scaling mode (stretch, crop, or fit with padding), and download the results. It runs entirely in your browser with zero installation, making it a perfect complement to the editing apps listed below.
Available languages: Snapseed is available in many languages, including English, Spanish, German, French and many more.
Adobe Express
Adobe Express, formerly known as Adobe Spark, is a partially free photo editing program. It is used to create graphics, web pages and short videos. Designed for both professionals and amateurs, it offers easy-to-use tools for graphic design, photo editing and visual content creation.
Price
The basic version of Adobe Express is available free of charge, while extra features and assets come with Adobe Express Premium at US$9.99 a month plus tax in the US or £10.42 including VAT in the UK, with a 30-day free trial (adobe.com, checked 22 October 2026).
Evaluation
Rated 4.5 out of 5 on the G2. This is a good photo editing programme and is highly rated by users for its simplicity, intuitiveness and rich functionality.
Available languages
Adobe Express is available in many languages.
VSCO
VSCO is a popular photo editing software for phones, known for its stylish filters and advanced editing tools. It is often chosen by lifestyle photographers and influencers for its unique and artistic effects. The app also allows you to create and share photo collections.
Price
VSCO offers a free basic version, as well as paid plans with extra filters and tools: VSCO Pro at US$59.99 a year or US$12.99 a month, and VSCO One at US$499.99 a year (checked 22 October 2026, VSCO plans). Subscriptions bought in the App Store are priced separately.
Rating
App Store: 4.7 out of 5 stars (US store, 22 October 2026)
Available languages
VSCO is available in a number of languages, including English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese and many others.
Adobe Lightroom Mobile
Adobe Lightroom Mobile is the mobile version of the excellent Adobe Lightroom photo editing software, offering advanced editing tools. It is an app ideal for professional photographers and enthusiasts, enabling precise editing, colour and light management, as well as RAW editing, which is one of the paid features.
Price
Adobe Lightroom Mobile offers a free basic version. Premium features, including sync with the desktop version, masking and RAW editing, need a paid plan. The Lightroom (1 TB) plan costs US$11.99 a month plus tax in the US or £12.70 including VAT in the UK, on an annual plan billed monthly (checked 22 October 2026, Adobe plan comparison). A subscription bought in the App Store unlocks premium features on mobile only.
Rating
Google Play: 4.5 out of 5 stars, App Store: 4.8 out of 5 stars (US stores, 22 October 2026)
Available languages
The app is available in a number of languages, including English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese and Chinese.
PicsArt
PicsArt is a versatile photo editing application that offers a rich set of tools for creating collages, drawing and adding graphic and text effects to photos. It is a popular tool among amateurs and professionals alike, allowing easy editing and personalisation of photos.
Price
PicsArt offers a free basic version with optional in-app purchases. The Gold plan is no longer on Picsart's pricing page. The paid Pro plan now costs US$15 a month or US$126 a year (£10.99 a month or £93.99 a year in the UK), and the higher Ultra plan is priced by credits (checked 22 October 2026, Picsart pricing).
Rating
Google Play: 3.9 out of 5 stars, App Store: 4.7 out of 5 stars (US stores, 22 October 2026)
Available Languages
The app is available in a number of languages, including English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Russian, Turkish and many more.
How Do I Choose Software?
When choosing photo editing software, it is important to consider your needs and skill level. For beginners, simple applications with an intuitive interface will be ideal, while more experienced users may be looking for advanced features and greater control over the editing process.
Basic Photo Editing Techniques
- Exposure and white balance correction - adjusting exposure and white balance can significantly improve the look of a photo.
- Cropping and straightening which allows you to use the cropping tool to improve the composition of a photo by removing unnecessary elements or changing its orientation.
- Colour correction, i.e. changing saturation, contrast and brightness, can help to emphasise important elements of a photo.
Advanced Editing Techniques
- Layer edits and masks - advanced software allows you to work on layers, giving you more control over editing individual parts of a photo.
- Retouchingand local correction - Retouching tools allow you to remove unwanted elements and local corrections, such as smoothing skin or correcting lighting.
Using Presets and Filters
Presets and filters are a quick way to give your photos a consistent style and look. Many apps offer presets that can be customised.
Storage and Organisation
Effective photo organisation is key, especially when working with a large number of files. Using tags, folders and naming systems will help you manage your photos easily.
Experimenting and Learning
Experimenting with different techniques and tools is the best way to develop your editing skills. Using online tutorials, courses and video tutorials can also significantly help you learn and improve your editing techniques.
Summary
Photo editing is a creative and technical process that requires practice and patience. Choosing the right software, learning basic and advanced techniques, and constantly experimenting and learning, are key to achieving professional results in photo editing. We encourage you to explore different styles and techniques to find the ones that best suit your needs and help you express your artistic vision.
There is no single best photo editor. The right choice depends on where you edit, how many photos you handle and whether you prefer a subscription or a one-off purchase.
On a computer, GIMP covers most tasks for free, while Photoshop and Lightroom remain the professional standard. On a phone, Snapseed is completely free, and Lightroom and VSCO add paid features on top of a free version.
Prices change often, so check the current offer on the developer's website before you buy. The prices in this article were checked on 22 October 2026.
