Photo Editing Software

Features of FotoWorks XL 2025:
This powerful photo editing software combines classic editing tools with creative effects and practical extras. The clear interface allows a quick start, so you can begin editing your photos without a long learning curve.

If questions arise, an integrated step-by-step help guide is available. FotoWorks XL 2025 is designed to make editing as simple as possible while bringing your creative ideas to life.

With just a few clicks, you can apply quick tweaks or fine-tune edits with high precision. Use the automatic enhancement feature for optimized contrast and colors, or manually adjust your images.

Interface and Usability:
The software is characterized by a clear and self-explanatory menu system. All essential editing tools are easily accessible, making it simple for beginners to get great results. Its excellent price-performance ratio and the option to try a free trial before purchase make it very appealing.

During editing, you can compare the original and edited images side by side. Changes are instantly visible, and with comprehensive help features, all tools are easy to use.

Additional Features:
Beyond basic editing, this program offers extras like batch processing to optimize several images at once and built-in watermark protection. You can also adjust exposure and contrast across entire photo series.

Ideal for:
Hobby photographers and beginners looking for easy yet thoughtful photo editing.

Advantages:

• No extensive training required – software is ready to use immediately.
• Varied functions: auto-fix, effects, filters, batch processing, special effects, plus in-app support.
• Watermarking feature for single images or entire sets.
• Customizable interface for personalized workflows.
• Automatic optimization of colors, contrast, brightness, and exposure.
• Built-in tool for straightening tilted photos.

Operating System: Windows
Licenses: Lifetime license
Download Size: 67 MB
Price: Free download

Review criteria:
Ease of Use: 9/10
Feature Range: 9/10
Speed: 9/10
Overall Rating: 9/10

Ideal for:
Photographers, graphic designers, and pros who need a detailed photo editing software with professional-grade tools.

Advantages:

• A wide range of overlays, textures, brushes, and filters for creative freedom.
• Industry-standard software trusted by designers, artists, and agencies.
• Built-in AI-powered tools for automated, high-precision editing.
• An abundance of tutorials and learning resources to support skill development.
• Basic video editing tools to expand creative possibilities.

Video editing note:
While Photoshop emphasizes photo and graphic editing, it also offers basic video tools like trimming, filters, and frame exporting. For complex video editing, specialized tools like GoPro Quik or PicsArt are recommended. These apps often use a similar interface to ease the transition. With minimal effort, you can improve short clips or footage.

Operating Systems: Windows, macOS
License: Subscription
Download Size: about 20 GB (100 GB SSD recommended)
Price: approximately $19.99/month with the Creative Cloud Photography plan (includes Lightroom)

Review criteria:
Ease of Use: 8/10
Feature Set: 10/10
Speed: 9/10
Overall Rating: 9/10

Ideal for:
Photographers and creatives looking for a powerful RAW development and image organization software.

Advantages:

• Cloud-based workflow with edits synchronized across devices.
• Intuitive interface with advanced tools for exposure, color, and detail.
• AI-driven features like automatic object masking and subject selection.
• Built-in RAW editor with lossless editing.
• Organization features like collections, tags, and face recognition.

Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
License: Subscription
Download Size: about 1 GB
Price: approximately $11.99/month with the annual Lightroom plan (1 TB)

Review criteria:
Ease of Use: 9/10
Feature Set: 9/10
Speed: 9/10
Overall Rating: 9/10

Ideal for:
Photographers, designers, and creatives seeking a professional, subscription-free editing solution. Affinity Photo delivers both image and graphic editing capabilities, making it accessible for beginners and advanced users alike.

Advantages:

• Layers, masks, compositing, and retouching
• RAW development with Persona workspace
• Supports PSD and other industry-standard formats
• High performance, including Apple Silicon
• One-time purchase — no subscription
• Seamless integration within the Affinity Suite
• Comprehensive tools for both print and web

Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, iPadOS
License: One-time purchase per platform or Universal License
Download Size: approx. 550 MB–1.5 GB depending on platform
Price: $69.99 for Windows/macOS desktop; $164.99 for Universal License (includes iPadOS)

Review criteria:
Ease of Use: 9/10
Feature Set: 9/10
Speed: 8/10
Overall Rating: 8.7/10

Ideal for:
Hobbyists and professional photographers who want to save time and achieve stunning, automated results.

Advantages:

• AI tools for sky replacement, skin retouching, object removal, and more
• Intuitive interface that supports fast workflows
• Expandable via modules and add-ons
• Works as a plugin for Photoshop/Lightroom
• Regular updates with new AI features

Operating Systems: Windows, macOS
License: One-time purchase or subscription (with optional lifetime bundle)
Download Size: approx. 4.7 GB (macOS) / 4.9 GB (Windows)
Price: $79/year (subscription) or $139 one-time Lifetime License

Review criteria:
Ease of Use: 9/10
Feature Set: 8/10
Speed: 9/10
Overall Rating: 8.7/10

Ideal for:
Hobby photographers, beginners, and intermediate users looking for a simple alternative to professional Photoshop.

Advantages:

• Auto-tools like subject selection and one-click enhancements streamline editing.
• Clean, modern interface for quick mastery.
• A wide range of templates and filters for creative photo effects.
• One-time purchase – no recurring subscription fees.
• AI-powered features for impressive results with minimal effort.

Operating Systems: Windows, macOS
License: Perpetual license, free trial included
Download Size: approx. 10 GB (installer + temporary files)
Price: $119.99 for a 3-year perpetual license (standard edition) – bundle (with Premiere Elements): $149.99

Review criteria:
Ease of Use: 9/10
Feature Set: 8/10
Speed: 9/10
Overall Rating: 8.5/10

Ideal for:
Photographers and designers who need feature-rich, budget-friendly photo editing software.

Advantages:

• Comprehensive editing tools for all skill levels.
• Advanced painting tools for artists and illustrators.
• AI-powered corrections and automatic enhancements.
• Professional vector tools for precise design work.
• Automatic noise reduction and sharpening.
• One-time purchase – no subscription required.

Operating Systems: Windows
License: Perpetual license, free trial available
Download Size: approx. 200 MB
Price: $79.99 for PaintShop Pro Ultimate; or $99.99 bundle with VideoStudio Ultimate – subscription-free

Review criteria:
Ease of Use: 8/10
Feature Set: 8/10
Speed: 9/10
Overall Rating: 8.5/10

Ideal for:
Photographers and ambitious hobbyists who need specialized, non-destructive RAW editing.

Advantages:

• Open-source with high RAW precision
• Accurate tools for color correction, noise reduction, and sharpening
• Supports many RAW formats and non-destructive workflows
• Cross-platform—available on Windows, macOS, and Linux with frequent updates

Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, Linux
License: Open-source / Free
Download Size: approx. 120 MB (varies by version)
Price: Free

Review criteria:
Ease of Use: 8/10
Feature Set: 9/10
Speed: 8/10
Overall Rating: 8/10

Ideal for:
Anyone looking for an accessible, no-install photo editor for browser-based editing or design projects.

Advantages:

• Fully browser-based—no download needed
• Intuitive with AI tools for background removal, retouching, and more
• Free tier available with optional upgrades
• Two editor modes: Pixlr X (beginner) and Pixlr E (advanced)
• Includes a large library of templates, stickers, and effects

Operating Systems: Platform-independent (web browser)
License: Free tier with optional Premium upgrade
Download Size: Not applicable—web-based
Price: Free; Plus plan (ad-free, 80 AI credits) $1.99/month; Premium plan (1,000 AI credits etc.) $7.99/month

Review criteria:
Ease of Use: 9/10
Feature Set: 7/10
Speed: 8/10
Overall Rating: 8/10

Ideal for:
Intermediate and professional users looking for integrated photo management, editing, and creative tools in one platform.

Advantages:

• Catalog management and keyword tagging
• RAW editing for 700+ camera formats
• Layer editing with mask support
• AI-powered tools like noise reduction and sky replacement
• GPU acceleration for faster workflows
• One-time purchase — no subscription required

Operating System: Windows
License: Perpetual purchase or upgrade
Download Size: approx. 1.5 GB
Price: $79.95 (regular price $149.99, currently on sale)

Review criteria:
Ease of Use: 8/10
Feature Set: 8/10
Speed: 8/10
Overall Rating: 8/10

Ideal for:
Ambitious hobbyists and photographers seeking top-tier image quality with manual control.

Advantages:

• Automatic lens and camera corrections
• DeepPRIME AI noise reduction for outstanding detail
• U-Point technology for selective local adjustments
• No subscription—perpetual licensing
• Seamless integration with Lightroom

Operating Systems: Windows, macOS
License: Perpetual purchase (Standard = $229.99; Essential = $139.99)
Download Size: approx. 700 MB + ≥4 GB free disk space

Review criteria:
Ease of Use: 8/10
Feature Set: 9/10
Speed: 7/10
Overall Rating: 8/10

Ideal for:
Beginners and hobby photographers looking for a free, functional photo editing software.

Advantages:

• Clear and intuitive interface
• Fast and efficient performance
• Expandable with plugins
• Completely free to use

Operating Systems: Windows
License: Free
Download Size: approx. 79.5 MB
Price: Free

Review criteria:
Ease of Use: 9/10
Feature Set: 6/10
Speed: 8/10
Overall Rating: 7.5/10

Ideal for:
Users who need a free and flexible photo editing software with advanced features.

Advantages:

• Completely free and open source
• Cross-platform support
• Highly customizable interface
• Extensive plugin support and active community

Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, Linux
License: Free / Open Source
Download Size: approx. 50–800 MB (installer), around 300 MB installed
Price: Free

Review criteria:
Ease of Use: 7/10
Feature Set: 9/10
Speed: 7/10
Overall Rating: 7.5/10

Ideal for:
Users who want user-friendly photo editing software for photo tweaks, collage creation, and batch editing.

Advantages:

• Many editing and optimization tools
• Supports multiple formats, including RAW
• Easy-to-use tools with pro-grade features
• Built-in RAW editor
• Free to use, with an optional upgrade to Pro

Operating Systems: macOS, Windows
License: Free (Basic) or one-time purchase Pro license
Download Size: ~350 MB
Price: Free; PhotoScape X Pro costs $39.99 one-time, as listed on the Microsoft Store and Capterra

Review criteria:
Ease of Use: 8/10
Feature Set: 7/10
Speed: 6/10
Overall Rating: 7/10

Ideal for:
Beginners and hobbyists seeking easy-to-use yet feature-rich image editing software.

Advantages:

• Preset templates for designs and collages
• Tools for image correction, filters, retouching, text & graphics
• AI features like enlargement and object recognition
• Optimized for touch devices
• Runs smoothly even on older PCs

Operating Systems: Windows, macOS
License: Free (limited), subscription, or one-time purchase
Download Size: ~3 MB installer
Price: Pro version is $34.99 one-time, per Capterra/Software Advice / subscription for macOS listed at $7.99/month

Review criteria:
Ease of Use: 8/10
Feature Set: 7/10
Speed: 6/10
Overall Rating: 7/10

Ideal for:
Users looking for a Photoshop-like photo editing software that runs directly in the browser – no cost or installation required.

Advantages:

• Free, browser-based photo editor with professional features.
• Supports PSD files and many other formats.
• Layers, masks, filters, and adjustment layers.
• No login or download needed – ready to go instantly.
• Compatible with Photoshop shortcuts and workflows.

Operating Systems: Platform-independent (browser-based)
Licensing: Free with ads / Premium ad-free version available
Download Size: No installation required
Price: Free / From approx. $3.49/month (ad-free Premium plan)

Review criteria:
Ease of Use: 7/10
Feature Set: 8/10
Speed: 6/10
Overall Rating: 7/10

Ideal for:
Digital artists, illustrators, and beginners who want intuitive photo editing software focused on creative drawing – especially with stylus/tablet support.

Advantages:

• Completely free and open-source photo editing software – no ads or subscription fees.
• Tailored for digital painting with customizable brushes and layer effects.
• User-friendly and highly adaptable interface.
• Supports PSD files and many popular formats.
• Frequent updates from a passionate open-source community.
• Large selection of templates and tools designed for artistic image editing.

Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, Linux
Licensing: Open Source / Free
Download Size: Approx. 150 MB
Price: Free

Review criteria:
Ease of Use: 7/10
Feature Set: 8/10
Speed: 6/10
Overall Rating: 7/10