Any iPhone model sold today has advanced camera sensors that can create amazing images and videos. If you add to this the use of iOS apps that you can use filters and effects in pictures, the results are interesting.
It sounds great when you're thinking about taking selfies and posting them on Instagram, but if you're an avid photographer and want to have more control over your work, it's worth looking for apps with advanced editing tools that you can post to your Mac.
Apple is introducing the Photo program to all new Macs, but this program is designed to organize your photo library, so it has a limited selection of editing tools.
In this article we will provide you with all the methods used in the market, the best photo editing programs made for Mac. Many are free and many others offer free exams, so you can try them out before deciding on any of them.
The best photo editing apps for the Mac of 2020
Pixelmator
Pixelmator is one of the best-known Mac image editing applications, as it combines powerful editing tools, an attractive and easy-to-use interface, and a very competitive price. In fact, in the past, it has been one of Apple's Mac apps of the year.
There are two types of software available at this time, on the other hand the original version of it Pixelmator at € 32.99 in a basic way, and then a new one Pixelmator Pro, which costs € 43.99 in the Mac app store.
The standard edition will be used for many daily editing tasks, with the latest update working with MacOS Catalina and Apple Pencil support. Pro type, works with Mac technology such as Apple Metal and Touch Bar models on MacBook Pro.
Includes additional editing tools, brushes and effects to create the most impressive images. Fortunately, there are 30-day versions available on Pixelmator, so you can check them out.
Both versions are full of filters and effects, as well as quick selection tools and layers that provide precise control when making adjustments and adjusting parts of an image.
But what we love most about Pixelmator is the way in which all of these tools are presented within a customized interface that doesn't criticize new users. You can customize the main toolbar.
The Pixelmator website also has a well-written online booklet, as well as many video tutorials that can help you get started with basic image editing.
Adobe Photoshop Elements
Adobe Photoshop Elements is one of the most expensive amateur photography apps, but fortunately there is a trial version available for you to download and try for 30 days.
Photoshop Elements is, in fact, a two-in-one program, because it includes a primary editor, as well as an editor program that will help you sort and view your photo collection (some people prefer the Apple Photos owner).
As the name implies, Photoshop Elements is based on an expensive and professional version of Photoshop, and incorporates powerful editing tools that you have borrowed from your professional version.
It's full of filters and effects, including an impressive selection of & # 39; art & # 39; which can make your photos look like hand-painted paint or drawings. There is also a set of tools for automatic color balancing, reflections and lighting enhancements.
But the great power of Photoshop Elements is in a cleverly built environment, with three different ways of organizing depending on your level of experience and ease of programming.
Fast mode is for beginners and focuses on providing the basic tools that handle color, lighting and other basic settings. As you gain experience, assistive mode offers advanced techniques, such as creating dots and photo galleries.
Finally, there's the Expert mode, which gives you full access to powerful program selection tools, control controls and other features that allow you to really create with your photos.
Serif Affinity Photo
Affinity Photo has long been a seller of the store, as it offers exclusive and extensive selection of photo editing tools for just under € 54.99.
However, you'll need a little patience to get used to all these tools. The app allows for limited consistency for beginners, and the interface uses many different types of patterns, tools and menu commands.
Fortunately, the main home screen includes specific sample files that you can download and experience, as well as links to a selection of network video tutorials that will help you get acquainted quickly.
In time, you will find that Photo Affinity It has all the editing tools you need. There are a lot of filters and effects, including exciting & # 39; liquify & # 39; which allows you to distort images.
Affinity Photo supports captioning of captured images in HDR mode, as well as joining several images to create panoramas. You can also edit a 360 degree shot taken with special cameras for true VR projects.
There are special selection tools and layers that allow you to combine unique image elements with great effects. Affinity Photo is also available for Windows and you'll find it IPadOS Edition for iPad Total price.
Google Photos
For some reason, Google has decided to roll out its popular Picasa app a few years ago, and photo offers are now focused on the Google Photos online service, which combines storage and easy photo editing.
It's basically the Google version of Apple Photos and iCloud. There is a simple app available for Mac and iOS devices that will allow you to upload your photos to Google's website, as well as videos, if you wish,
You can set up sync with all your devices (as long as you're signed in to your Google account). You can also view all your photos online using the web browser on your Mac, and organize them into albums for easier viewing.
Basic editing tools, limited to selecting simple filters and slides to adjust the light and color, as well as tools to determine, rotate and adjust the aspect ratio.
You can also combine a set of images to create a collage or animation slide show, but Google Photos editing tools are limited beyond the Mac images and most of them are updated here.
The powerful point of Google Photos is that both high-resolution images and videos take up much of the storage space, and when you sign up with a Google account, the Google Drive service offers you 15 GB free compared to 5 GB automatically offered by iCloud
X pictures
PhotoScape X is a relatively new arrival before other photo editing veterans like Photoshop Elements, but this free app has proven popular with many users, both on Mac and Windows PC.
It completely ignores the traditional layout of its competitors for photo editing, because instead of relying on tool brakes and tracts, PhotoScape X shows its main editing window and a series of tabs at the top of the window.
Each tab focuses on a specific task, starting with the Viewers tab that provides a quick overview of the full image folder at the same time. After that you can choose which image you want to work on
We check that it has many different filters, effects and lighting controls, and a simple & # 39; Compare & # 39; showing previous & # 39; versions & # 39; & # 39; rear & # 39; your photos.
Some tabs above the editing window often focus on working with several images to crop, size or work the results on a whole bunch of images at once. We also like the animated GIF tab to use on the web.
The area where PhotoScape X falls is closer to the limited selection tools, which means you will have to add the edits and effects to the full image instead of the selected areas within the image.
Gimp
Gimp is an open source image editor that has been available for many years and is compatible with Mac, Windows and even Linux (its full name is Linux & # 39; s GNU Image Manipulation Program).
Although it's free to download, Gimp's powerful editing tools are light years away with the simple filtering and effects of selfies available in many free applications. No ads or shopping included.
The disadvantage of Gimp on Linux is that its visualization will come as a surprise to many Mac or Windows users. Instead of colorful icons and useful tools, Gimp fills a large editing screen with opaque gray icons and long menus.
The app may also feel slower when installing some complex effects, suggesting that it's not meant to use MacOS-specific technology, such as Apple & # 39; s Metal.
But if you're serious about avoiding spending, you'll find that Gimp offers a variety of advanced tools that are not available in the free application. There are many filters and effects, with active screen viewing.
Gimp also has many of the same editing tools as its more expensive competitors, such as Photoshop Elements, with accurate selection tools, layers, integration brush and various transition tools, such as size, scale and cut.
Gimp, without a doubt, is a powerful and flexible image editor, with the opportunity to draw on some of the most powerful and precise color control lighting.
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