As a photography enthusiast, you want your images to shine, but you don’t want to spend a fortune on complex software or invest hours in learning a new program.
Fortunately, Mac users have a range of excellent free photo editing options at their disposal. In this article, we’ll explore the best free photo editing software for Mac in 2025, offering both desktop and online solutions. We’ll also mention their compatibility with Windows for those who dual-boot.
1. Evoto AI for Mac and Windows
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Evoto – The Most Efficient AI Photo Editor
2. Apple Photos for Mac
Why it’s a favorite: Apple Photos, an OG in the Mac photo editing world, has been around since 2015. It’s the go-to option for basic editing needs. Its user-friendly tools seamlessly integrate with iCloud Photo Library, making it a complimentary option for Mac users.
Considerations: While great for simple edits, Apple Photos falls short for more intricate creative work.
3. Adobe Photoshop Elements for Mac and Windows
Why it’s a favorite: Although not entirely free, Photoshop Elements offers a free trial and ranks among the top photo editing software for Mac and Windows. Its automated editing tools tackle common photo issues with ease, making it suitable for MacBook Pro users.
Considerations: It’s not as powerful as the full Adobe Photoshop, and its price point is relatively high.
4. Darktable for Mac, Windows, and Linux
Why it’s a favorite: Darktable is a robust free photo editing software that rivals professional tools. It features cataloging, photo organization, support for both JPEGs and RAW files, and impressive perspective distortion and lens correction. Non-destructive editing is a significant advantage.
Considerations: The interface might be less polished than other options, but for a free Mac Photoshop alternative, it’s hard to complain.
5. Pixelmator Platform: Mac
Why it’s a favorite: Pixelmator consistently appears in discussions about the best free image editing software for Mac. With powerful layer-based functionality, it caters to both graphics creation and photo editing. Pixelmator Pro 1.4 Hummingbird offers machine-learning-enabled color matching, a Free Transform tool, and templates.
Considerations: The trial is free, but you’ll need to purchase the full version after 30 days. Some users might find its effects and filters less intuitive.
6. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program): Browsers for Mac, Windows, Linux
Why it’s a favorite: GIMP, short for GNU Image Manipulation Program, has maintained its reputation as one of the best free photo editors since its inception in 1996. This open-source image editor provides a rich set of tools, similar to Photoshop. Its interface echoes Adobe’s software, making it an easy transition for Adobe users.
Considerations: Occasional bugs may appear due to its open-source nature, but it remains a top choice for free photo editing software for Mac.
7. Fotor for Mac, Windows, Linux
Why it’s a favorite: Fotor aims to provide straightforward, one-touch photo editing with impressive results. It excels in batch processing, allowing users to apply filters to multiple photos simultaneously.
Considerations: While sleek and intuitive, it lacks high-end features and contains ads in the free version. A Pro version offers a cleaner experience.
8. Picktorial for Mac
Why it’s a favorite: Picktorial’s free photo editing software boasts impressive graphic features and a built-in photo organization tool. Its filters and effects rival more expensive options.
Considerations: To access advanced features, you’ll need to purchase the Pro version. It’s exclusive to Mac, limiting cross-platform use.
9. Affinity Photo for Mac, Windows, iPad
Why it’s a favorite: Affinity Photo packs professional-grade features, including focus merge, photo stitching, and support for various color spaces. While it offers a trial, its capabilities are hard to resist.
Considerations: The learning curve is steep, making it more suitable for experienced users.
10. Google Photos Online photo editor
Why it’s a favorite: Google Photos provides a simple yet efficient online photo editing option. Its cloud-based photo management system and 15 GB of free cloud storage are highlights.
Considerations: Image size limits and lack of a desktop version are drawbacks, but it’s still among the best free online photo editors.
11. Pixlr X Browsers on Mac and Windows, Android, iOS app
Why it’s a favorite: Pixlr X, an easy-to-use online photo editor, offers surprising power for beginners. Its slider-based adjustments and filters simplify photo tinkering.
Considerations: Saving files may result in downsizing, making it more suitable for online sharing than full-size prints.
Evoto – The Most Efficient AI Photo Editor
Conclusion
Selecting the best free photo editing software for Mac in 2025 depends on your specific needs, budget, and skill level. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned photographer, there’s an option on this list that will help you enhance your images. We hope this article assists you in finding the ideal photo editing software to suit your requirements.
