Editing photos and images has become a common activity for many people nowadays, especially when using computers. Whether you want to fix colors, crop an image, add a caption, or create a piece of art, having the right tool will help you a lot. A Mac image editor is software that aids Mac users in accomplishing such tasks promptly.
Therefore, in this article, we will explore 6 user-friendly and free image editing software for Mac users.
Edit photos with a Mac's built-in tool
Each Mac device has its own set of integrated tools enabling every user to make edits to photos and images without the need for an external application. Such tools are effective, though simplistic, for a number of edits such as cropping, color adjustments, or adding certain filters. However, an image editor for Mac might be preferable for thorough, detailed work.
How to edit photos on a Mac
With the Photos application on Mac, editing is fast and effortless due to the user-friendly utilities built into the application. You can perform both minor and major adjustments without the need for additional tools. The Mac photo editor provides various functions to enhance images, such as cropping and color adjusting. Here is how to use the free Mac photo editor:
- STEP 1
- Open your image in the Photos app
Launch the "Photos" app on your Mac and find the photo or video you want to edit. Double-click the thumbnail or select it and press Return to open it in the editor.
- STEP 2
- Use the editing tools
Click the "Edit" button to access the editor features. You can crop, straighten, add filters, and adjust lighting, color, and exposure to improve your image.
- STEP 3
- Apply final touches and save
Make any additional changes, like sharpening, or adjusting curves and levels. When finished, click "Done" or press "Return" to save your edited photo.
Aside from the built-in features that come with Mac, various tools provide more advanced options for photo editing. With these tools, you can get good results with more control and creativity. Checking such options for Mac will give you all kinds of editors, ranging from basic to advanced, based on your skill level and editing requirements.
Top 6 free photo editing tools for Mac users
Mac users often look for free yet reliable tools to edit photos without compromising quality. From basic retouching to advanced adjustments, several apps deliver strong features at no cost. Below are the top 6 free photo editing programs for Mac users:
CapCut desktop video editor
When it comes to video or photo editing, the CapCut desktop video editor is a one-stop shop that most Mac users prefer. It works well for individuals who want to create high-quality content without investing time in complicated applications. It stands out among free software as it supports swift adjustments and performs the best on Mac.
- Denoise images with a click: Easily remove unwanted noise from photos and denoise videos with AI. It helps you improve photo quality without needing complicated adjustments.
- Add diverse filters to images: Apply a range of filters to change the mood or style of your photos instantly, perfect for creative edits. Filters can give your images a fresh look with just one click.
- Adjust image colors with AI: Use AI-powered tools to automatically balance and enhance colors, saving time while improving photo quality. Moreover, use an AI video upscaler to enhance videos and export them as images.
- Generate images from text: Create unique visuals by turning text descriptions into images, which is great for designing custom graphics. It allows users to quickly visualize ideas without needing advanced design skills.
- Support exporting 1080p-8K images: Export your edited photos in ultra-high resolution, ideal for printing or detailed digital use. This ensures your final images look sharp and professional on any platform or medium.
- Occasional slowdowns when working with very large files.
- Requires a good internet connection for certain features.
How to edit and refine pictures with AI tools in CapCut
Users can download CapCut for Mac by visiting the official website. After downloading, open the installer and follow the simple steps to complete the installation. Users can get CapCut by clicking the download button below.
- STEP 1
- Import the image
Start the CapCut desktop app, choose "Import" to add your image, or drag it directly into the workspace. Then, drag it onto the timeline for editing.
- STEP 2
- Edit the image
After importing the video, select the 16:9 aspect ratio, which is ideal for platforms like YouTube. Then, open the "Basic" editing tab, click on "Enhance image" to improve clarity, and use "Reduce Image Noise" to remove any blurriness.
Next, select "Filter" to apply stylish visual effects that make your image more eye-catching. You can also tap on "Text" and "Stickers" to insert trending captions, relevant hashtags, or playful graphics that reflect current TikTok vibes and boost viewer interaction.
- STEP 3
- Export the 8K image
After editing and enhancing your image in CapCut, tap the three lines above the image preview. When the settings window appears, pick the format and 8k resolution, then hit "Export" to download it to your computer.
GIMP
GIMP is one of the most recognized picture editing software for Mac as it comprises various features for image editing ranging from detailed work to extensive work. People who are able to use GIMP prefer it because it provides features available in premium software without having to pay for it. Moreover, it provides flexible, creative options because it can be used with layers, masks, and other plugins.
- Completely free and open-source.
- Supports many file formats.
- Highly customizable with plugins.
- Strong community support.
- The interface can feel complex for beginners.
- Occasional stability issues on Mac.
Affinity Photo
Affinity Photo is a picture editing software for Mac users and is designed for professional use. Its speed and numerous features make it especially well-liked. Affinity competes with Adobe Photoshop for similarly sophisticated features but provides them at a lower price, with tools for HDR editing, panoramas, and RAW image support included.
- One-time purchase, with no subscription.
- Smooth performance on Mac.
- Comprehensive editing tools.
- Supports RAW and PSD files.
- Slight learning curve for beginners.
- Limited tutorials compared to competitors.
Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Lightroom has an excellent worldwide and Mac user reputation stemming from its function for professional photo editing and management. With it, you get photographer-specific tools for uploading, editing, and sharing images, which makes your work much more convenient. Its perfect compatibility with other Adobe products makes it one of the best free picture editors for Mac users.
- Powerful photo organization tools.
- Easy color correction and presets.
- Cloud syncing across devices.
- Great for batch editing.
- Requires a subscription for full features.
- Limited advanced retouching tools.
Fotor
Fotor is an image editing program for Mac users designed to assist with quick edits and other creative tasks. The application uses some form of AI technology that completes the most important tasks in basic editing. This helps users with numerous photos, especially those that need simple edits in just a few minutes. Fotor also provides collage and graphic design services, which make it multifunctional.
- Intuitive user interface.
- Includes collage and design tools.
- AI enhancements for quick fixes.
- Free version available with basic features.
- Limited advanced editing options.
- Watermark on free exports.
Pixlr
For MAC users who do not want to download anything, Pixlr is a cloud-based photo editing application that provides basic and advanced editing features. It is very useful for doing basic and creative edits on the go. While Pixlr is less feature-rich compared to many professional applications, it does support layers and masks, which are standard in professional-grade software.
- No installation is needed.
- Supports layers and masks.
- Fast and lightweight.
- Free version with useful features.
- Requires internet connection.
- Some features locked behind the premium plan.
How to efficiently use a picture editor on a MacBook
A free Mac photo editor is easy to navigate and efficient if you follow some straightforward guidelines. It is best to have an organized workflow to achieve better results quickly. Here are some expert tips to efficiently use any of the best free Mac photo editors:
- Start with high-quality images
Achieving better results in any form of artwork is simpler when you start with effective base images. Higher-resolution images provide the ability to edit more as well as provide greater detail, making enhancements, cropping, and retouching smoother and more accurate. CapCut supports high-resolution image imports for clearer editing and detailed adjustments.
- Utilize presets and filters for quick enhancements
A lot of tools provided by the best photo editors for Mac have presets and filters designed to improve photos. These features streamline processes by providing instant color and other corrections. These options ensure the application of commonplace modifications such as color correction in one click. CapCut offers a rich library of one-tap presets and trending filters for instant photo upgrades.
- Zoom in for detailed retouching and corrections
When zooming into your photograph, it becomes easier to identify areas that require rectification, such as blemishes and other obstructions. A good image editing program for Mac enables you to retrieve parts of the photo and work pixel by pixel, which helps with precision for better retouching. CapCut allows precise photo zoom and pixel-level editing for fine retouching on Mac.
- Use cropping to improve composition and focus
Cropping slices away unnecessary distractions in a photograph, hence focusing attention on the main subject. This action improves the balance and framing of the photo, making it more visually appealing. Most free photo editing programs for Mac have cropping features to improve your picture's composition. CapCut’s smart crop tool helps reframe your images easily to create stronger compositions.
- Adjust exposure, contrast, and color balance manually
Exposure, contrast, and color balance can be edited manually for better precision. Changing exposure affects brightness, contrast affects the difference between light and dark, and color balance changes tones, improving the overall image quality significantly. CapCut lets you fine-tune exposure, contrast, and color levels with intuitive manual sliders.
- Export images in the right format and resolution
For precise usability and optimum quality, saving the image merits attention. It should either be in JPEG or PNG form, and the resolution should match the intended use, online or print. A good Mac image editor enables you to select appropriate export options that are convenient for your work. CapCut provides flexible export settings, letting you choose file formats (PNG or JPEG) and 1080p-8k resolutions based on your output needs.
Conclusion
The right Mac image editor enhances the efficiency of the entire workflow and provides unparalleled convenience, making editing pictures a hassle-free and even enjoyable endeavor. The right tools tend to make the work quite effortless, whether one seeks basic adjustments or sophisticated edits. For those who seek seamless ease of use and flow, a desktop video editor like CapCut, which merges video and photo editing on Mac, serves as the best option.
FAQs
- 1
- Can I edit RAW photos on a MacBook photo editor?
Most MacBook photo editors support the editing of RAW photos, and hence, you can work with high-quality images. If you want something simple and effective, the CapCut desktop video editor is a good option, as it edits photos and videos and also supports editing RAW files.
- 2
- Is there free MacBook photo editing software?
CapCut is a free tool to download. With no initial payment for advanced features, this application is great for casual users or amateurs with limited experience in photo editing. To easily edit your images with AI tools on Mac, you can use the CapCut desktop video editor.
- 3
- What's the best MacBook photo editor for social media content?
CapCut is one of the best MacBook photo editors for social media posts, especially for sites like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts. It offers an enormous set of social media-focused features, including preset aspect ratio presets (like 9:16, 1:1, and 4:5), viral-style filters, and trending text effects that match popular trends.
