2024 Image Editing Tool: Choose the Perfect Picks for Your Needs

Photo editing finery is solely dependent on personal skill, knowledge and technical experience. In doing so, an image editor or a graphic designer achieve the aesthetic height with the help of several editing tools and software apart from photoshop. With the advancement of digitalization there are much software online, both paid and unpaid, available online. These tools are handy in making the image manipulation or image editing services easy and time saving.  Each software tools have its own specialties and functionalities to grab attention to their users and customers.

Why Photo Editing Software is Essential in 2024

The scenario is at present, our workload is so heavy as the demand of image editing services has been so competitive. Photoshop is the best tool in photo editing, there is no doubt about that, but it is a manual, time consuming and so extensive that requires to be vehemently expert to operate it.

On the other hand, other Image editing tools or software are automated in several basic level work. These tools quicken the work speed and can be able to bring the desired accuracy and quality as well. Therefore, choosing a right photo editing software is very important for a designer and editors according to their necessities.

The tool is a gateway to your creative expression. As we navigate through 2024, the landscape of photo editing has expanded dramatically. Modern software offers capabilities that go beyond basic cropping and color correction, incorporating advanced features powered by artificial intelligence. These tools can enhance image quality, restore intricate details, remove unwanted objects, and execute complex retouching tasks with remarkable ease.

If you are on the same quest, my aim in this blog to show guideline and illuminate your journey in selecting the ideal photo editing software that resonates with your creative vision.

What is Photo Editing Software, and How Does it Work?

At its core, photo editing software is designed to manipulate digital images to enhance their look and quality. Most programs operate on fundamental principles such as adjusting brightness, contrast, saturation, and sharpness. However, they also offer extensive functionalities that support traditional darkroom techniques in your PC. For instance, Adobe Photoshop and GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) function as sophisticated digital darkrooms. Just as photographers developed film to perfect exposure, modern software allows for meticulous adjustments across various elements of a photo. Users can crop images to refocus attention, modify colors to evoke specific moods, and utilize advanced techniques like Dodge and Burn to add depth and dimension.

 List of Photo Editing Tools in terms User Acceptances

Top Features to Look for in Photo Editing Software

Choosing photo editing software, is little bit a tedious work—you want something that fits your needs. It can be with advanced AI features, intuitive design, or seamless compatibility with your operating system. ChatGpt and google can be helpful about that but I will make your search smoother, for sure.  Here are some of the top features to consider:

• User-Friendly Interface/Ease of Use: A clean and intuitive interface can definitely enhance your editing experience. If you’re new to editing, simplicity will matter most. Some tools, like Photoshop Elements, are built for beginners with guided edits and tutorials, while others like Affinity Photo cater to pros. Look for a software interface that feels intuitive to you.
  
• AI-Driven Editing Tools: AI-powered software can automate your easy but repetitive tasks quick, such as background removal or object enhancement. In 2024, AI tools like Luminar AI use machine learning to analyze and edit photos in seconds. AI can even help you retouch portraits by smoothing skin or enhancing facial features without going through manual implementation.
  
• Layer Functionality: Just like a real painting an image editing software should have multiple layers functionality. Software like Photoshop, GIMP, Canva let you stack layers on top of each other, so you can edit different parts of an image independently. This flexibility means you can adjust the background without affecting the subject, or vice versa.
  
• Support for Various File Formats: The ability to work with RAW files is essential for professional photographers. Professionals know that shooting in RAW format allows for higher-quality edits since RAW files contain more data than JPEGs. Not all software supports RAW, so if you’re serious about image quality, look for options like Adobe Lightroom, Capture One, or ON1 Photo RAW.
  
• Advanced Color Correction and Filters: Suppose you want to create a vintage look or enhance a sunset? Many tools offer one-click presets or filters that apply a specific style to your photo instantly. These features are particularly helpful for social media influencers or anyone building a brand aesthetic.

Which Free Photo Editing Software is Best for Beginners?

For those just starting their photo editing journey, several free options provide robust features without overwhelming complexity:

Canva:

Canva is one of the most widely used free online image editing tool for beginners. With 175 million monthly users, it added another 10 million by the end of 2022. [source]. This platform is so resourceful with graphic elements, template, video etc. though its free plan allows users limited features to use. Hence, Canva includes basic photo editing features that make it popular among users looking to create graphics for social media and other platforms. (Source: Canva)

GIMP

While exact user numbers are not specified, GIMP is recognized as one of the most popular free editing tools, particularly within the creative and developer communities. GIMP is a renowned open-source alternative to Adobe Photoshop. It offers comprehensive set of professional tools capabilities for image manipulation. With a large community support, it has a dedicated user base that contributes to its ongoing development and improvement. (Source: GIMP Annual Report 2022)

Photopea

Photopea is particularly popular among students and casual users looking for accessible and basic editing tools.  It serves as a free alternative to Photoshop, attracting users who need basic editing capabilities without any cost.
Since 2014, form its beginning Photopea’s revenue has steadily uplifted to its growing user base and wider adoption across industries. By 2024, its revenue hit $2.8M, a big jump from $1.5M in 2023. [Source].

Pixlr

Pixlr is a web-based photo editor. Its interface is straightforward and user-friendly, making it a flexible tool for those who are new to photo editing. Pixlr X, designed for quick and easy edits. Plus, it has AI tools for background removal. With around 20 million monthly active users as of 2024, this online image editing software is getting more popular every day.  (Source: Tekpon).

Adobe Express:

Adobe express is also an online based tool, formerly known as Adobe Spark, Adobe Express is part of Adobe’s cloud suite and is designed for creating graphics and simple photo edits. It’s great for social media graphics or collages and includes templates, fonts, and icons to enhance your projects. Adobe Express has not achieved the standard level of user acceptances as it has so limited features in free plan.

Fotor

Fotor is a versatile online photo editing platform with over 350 million users worldwide and around 40 million active each month. It was launched in 2012. Its free plan allows access to only basic features, need to punch card or payment method to start unlike Canva. On the other hand, Fotor provides a good range of editing tools, including AI-powered features for background removal and object editing. It is widely used by amateur photographers, content creators, and businesses for its versatility and ease of use.

Google Photos

 Google Photo with basic editing features integrated with photo storage. It is useful for casual users. Google Photos has surpassed 1 billion users since its starting in 2015, with strong adoption due to its integration with Android devices and its free storage options. Users can upload and edit photos easily, using it for everyday photo management choice and basic editing needs. (Source)

Choosing the Best Paid Photo Editing Software

At professional level of advanced image editing tasks, free version of any tool falls naturally short. It is not possible to reach out the desired quality with the free plan. Paid or premium plan of software often opens up the door of all features, technical support, and updates. Paid tools like Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Capture One, and Skylum Luminar provide tools and flexibility that a designer and editor require to achieve the finest result. If we look over the global market volume of photo editing software is projected to grow significantly, reaching values between $446 million and $886 million by 2032.

According to the source, the rise of smartphones and social media is driving the demand for both free and paid photo editing tools as well.

01. Adobe Photoshop

In the world of graphic design Adobe Photoshop is the pioneer and capture the lion portion of market share. There are no advances features that Photoshop lacks and it offers all the features necessary more than any other tools online.

It supports layer-based editing, advanced retouching, and countless plugins, making it ideal for photographers, graphic designers, and digital artists.

Photoshop include several Creative Cloud. The paid plan starts with US$22.99/mo. for the annual paid monthly plan or opt for annual billing at US$263.88/yr. The subscription model drives substantial revenue, contributing to the global photo editing software market’s estimated $28.2 billion in 2023. With a projected CAGR of 9.6%, this market is set to grow significantly through 2032.

Adobe Lightroom:

Adobe Lightroom is specialized to work with large sets of images. The basic difference between Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom is that first one helps with photo manipulation, quality enhancement and the later focused on edit, organize and processing the images.

Lightroom’s ability to edit in batches and manage raw files makes it indispensable for photographers working on high-volume projects. Now, it is used by approximately 46.8% of photographers. The excellent workflow management of Lightroom lets them changes without losing the original file quality.  especially for those who need to organize large sets of images. For its powerful photo organization and editing capabilities, As suit of Adobe Creative Cloud. Lightroom has over 23 million subscribers, contributing to overall revenue growth; expected market value of $496.6 million by 2034. (Source: CYME)

Capture One

Capture One Pro is another top-tier choice for professionals, Known for particularly those who work with RAW images. It boasts powerful tethering capabilities and exceptional color grading tools, making it ideal for studio photographers.

Capture One’s color balance tool with color accuracy and fine control is so powerful that letting you achieve real life effect or true-to-life tones that are especially useful in portrait or landscape photography.

Despite facing some decline in market share, Capture One is preferred by about 8% of photographers in 2024. (Source: CYME)

Luminar

If AI-powered tools are your priority, Luminar AI is fully packed with innovative and different type of features, like Atmosphere AI, Skin AI, Sky AI, Composition AI, Portrait bokeh, GenErase, GenSwap, Magic Light AI, Skin retouching. These features are absent in most other platforms. A new comer can easily understand what the functionalities of these features without much ado.

Another reason of its popularity is its plugin facility to integrates with Lightroom Classic (Starting from version 6), Photoshop (From version CS5), Photos for macOS Luminar has its own user community, approximately 4.7% of photographers (Source: CYME) use this tool. In 2023, reflecting a decline in its popularity compared to previous years. From recently the users are increasingly viewing it as a specialized retouching software rather than an all-in-one solution for cataloging and editing photos.

Affinity Photo

Affinity Photo is a one-time paid software, you don’t need to pay regular monthly subscription fee. Though it is an expensive software, it is built with a pile of pro tools, filters, and effects letting you be creative with your images editing and manipulation.

It will captivate you with its premium photo manipulation tools, enabling you to experiment with your images and achieve stunning results. Retouch HDR photos, artistic filters application, layers and masks, and create intricate photo compositions by merging multiple images.

Key Features:

1. Super-fast photo editing capabilities
2. Handles high-volume files with ease (over 100 MB)
3. Flawless photo touch-up functionality
4. Includes a built-in brush collection
5. Compatible with 15 different file formats, including JPG, GIF, PSD, and PDF

Pricing:

• One-time payment of $69.99
• Alternatively, get access to all apps with the Affinity V2 Universal License for $169.99

Troubleshooting Common Issues in Photo Editing Software

By considering factors like features, budget, and usability, you can be spontaneous in your creative potential and enhance your photography skills effectively. Along with it, you have to check and consider some issues if you don’t intend to ruin the your hard fast working effort in the middle it. Common issues may include:

• Software Crashes: Ensure your computer meets system requirements; consider reducing file sizes if working with large images.
• Slow Performance: Close unnecessary applications running in the background or upgrade your hardware if needed.
• File Format Issues: While importing and exporting image, always check compatibility between different file formats and which software support your file format carefully.

Finding the Right Photo Editing Software for Your Needs

Photo editing software has come a long way, Choosing the right photo editing software in 2024 involves understanding your specific needs—be it casual use or professional-grade work. In this guide I have tried to discuss on all the effective tools including free and paid available online that can be utilized in image editing practice and professional works.

Anyone will be able to select by analysis and comparing the tools in respect of their requirements. When selecting your software, consider factors like ease of use, features, and cost. And don’t forget to experiment with different tools until you find the one that best supports your creative vision. As every tool has its own specialties and target market. SO, which suit you best, it depends upon you. Investing in the right software will help you get the most out of every image. ClippingCreationsIndia, is clipping path service provider company. We have team of skilled image editor and world class Graphic designer to provide you service in every aspect, using top photo editing tools in the market.