10 Best Photo Editor Software Programs

• Qayyum
• October 14, 2016
• 2,730

Gone are the times when Photoshop was the only best photo editor available. Today, you can find a plethora of photo editor software programs that can provide you with great tools for editing images, helping you express your ideas just as you desire. While many users idealize Photoshop, it has its limitations. Particularly, for those who are seeking creative inspiration, this program is not of much help.

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There are so many software programs that are very helpful for different purposes. Here are some of the best photo editor software programs that can help you have both the practical tools as well as creative ideas essential to perfect your photos. .

1. Google Nik Collection

Google Nik Collection, one of the best photo editor programs, built some of the most fantastic plug-ins available. Color Efex Pro is a great source of inspiring effects, Silver Efex Pro is perhaps still the best mono plug-in there has ever been. Dfine's noise reduction tools and Sharpener Pro are possibly past their best. All in all, a very compelling plug-in suite for both PC and Mac users.

2. Adobe Photography plan

While a software such as Photoshop is perfect for layers, masks, selections, multi-step imaging processes, you don’t get lot of freedom of single-click creative effects. It also does not provide any way of organizing photo collection. Lightroom, on the other hand, is an essential part of the Adobe double-act. It combines an image classification database with Adobe Camera Raw's 'non-destructive' editing tools in a smoother interface. So you can make non-permanent modifications in an image that can be altered when you want. And at the same time, your original photos remain intact. BUT it can’t do all and you will need Photoshop for layers, selections etc.

3. PhaseOne Capture One Pro 9

One of the best photo editors, Capture One started out as a software tool for Phase One's professional medium-format cameras. However, it did not develop into a useful raw conversion and image-editing tool. At the moment it is strong competitor to Lightroom. With its help you can import your images into an integrated, searchable database. You can then apply non-destructive alterations and preset effects. It means the original images do not change. In addition to its great editing workflow, layer-based localized adjustment tools are also amazing.

4. Serif Affinity Photo

If you are a Mac user, try using Serif Affinity Photo. This program is popularly known as a developer of budget Windows creative apps such as PhotoPlus. It has branched out into professional Mac software with its latest 'Affinity' variety. Affinity Designer is a drawing/illustration app that has done a great job while Affinity Photo is the Photoshop rival. While there are slight changes in these, if you can use Photoshop you will not have lot of problem using the photo editors by Serif.

5. MacPhun Creative Kit 2016

MacPhun is well recognized for creating powerful software that combines single-click presets which users can make the most of with powerful back-end adjustments for experts and hobbyists. Through this kit you get an array of photo editor software programs which can be used individually or as plug-ins for Photoshop or Lightroom. Programs such as Noiseless and Snapheal are very easy to use and also very useful for noise and object removal respectively. Focus can be great for bokeh and tilt-shift effects, while FX Photo Studio's in-your-face photo effects expose startling subtlety and profundity.

6. Adobe Photoshop Elements 14

Photoshop Elements is more user-friendly, but it does not have the advanced features of Photoshop. Yet, it makes one of the best photo editors due to its ability to cater for all types of user. Its Version 14 features a de-haze tool in addition to shake reduction, new guided edits and various other enrichments. For newbies, it can be a great tool

7. ON1 Photo 10

Another photo editor worth exploring, ON1 has long been enjoying success with its variety Photoshop plug-ins before wrapping them up together as a standalone 'PhotoSuite' of applications. Photo 10, the latest edition, updates the process. All the tools in the ON1 Photo 10 combine easy and fast edits based on a highly effective range of preset effect, corrections, filters and enhancement. Its wonderful range of effects is what makes it one of the best photo editor software programs.

8. Corel PaintShop Pro X8

Offering the versatility and image editing strength of Photoshop, this is another great tool for those who wish to edit photos. But even with version X8's speed enhancements, some of its tools are not as quick as you would expect.

9. Cyberlink PhotoDirector 6 Ultra

Lightroom has been a source of inspiration for various software developers as it appears. Why? Well, photo editor tools such as PhotoDirector 6 also mirror all it does. Yes, it does offer a number of additional features including Edit, a workflow split into Library, Slideshow and Print panels. However, PhotoDirector does not have the same depth as that of Lightroom'. In addition, the programs does not support external editors.

10. DxO Optics Pro 10

Optics Pro started as a useful program for correcting the distortion, edge softness, chromatic aberration, and vignetting with the help of lab-developed correction profiles. It is also another best photo editor which has a variety of tone and color adjustments, but no localized adjustments. On the plus side, it produces superb results. But this photo editor software has some downsides as well. You will require additional tools for handling and organizing your photos.