10 Best Photo Editors for Beginners 2024
Looking to start editing photos but don't know where to begin? Here's a quick rundown of the top 10 photo editors for beginners in 2024:
- Luminar Neo - AI-powered, user-friendly
- GIMP - Free, open-source Photoshop alternative
- Affinity Photo - Pro-level features at a budget price
- Pixlr X - Browser-based editor with free option
- PhotoWorks - Easy-to-use with AI enhancements
- Fotor - Simple online editor with basic to advanced tools
- Photopea - Free Photoshop-like editor in your browser
- PhotoScape X - Intuitive interface with creative tools
- Canva - Design-focused with photo editing capabilities
- Paint.NET - Free Windows editor with plugin support
These editors range from free to paid options, offering various features to suit different needs and skill levels. Whether you're looking for AI-assisted edits, powerful free tools, or user-friendly interfaces, there's an option for every beginner.
Quick Comparison:
| Editor | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Luminar Neo | AI editing | $6-$15/month |
| GIMP | Advanced editing (free) | Free |
| Affinity Photo | Pro features on a budget | $70 one-time |
| Pixlr X | Quick online edits | Free - $8/month |
| PhotoWorks | Easy portrait retouching | $19-$80/year |
| Fotor | Social media content | Free - $7/month |
| Photopea | Photoshop-like online editing | Free - $9/month |
| PhotoScape X | All-in-one editing suite | Free - $40 one-time |
| Canva | Graphic design with photo editing | Free - $15/month |
| Paint.NET | Basic editing on Windows | Free |
Choose based on your needs, budget, and how much time you want to invest in learning. Start with basic edits and explore more advanced features as you grow comfortable with your chosen editor.
Related video from YouTube
What Beginners Need in a Photo Editor
Starting out in photo editing? Finding the right software can be tricky. Here's what to look for in a beginner-friendly photo editor:
Easy-to-Use Interface
You want software that feels like chatting with a friend, not wrestling with complex menus. Look for:
- Clean layouts
- Clear icons
- Helpful tooltips
These features guide you through editing without the headache.
Basic Editing Tools
Master the basics first. You'll need tools for:
- Tweaking exposure
- Adjusting contrast
- Fixing white balance
- Cropping and straightening
- Simple object removal
Bryan Striegler, a photography forum contributor, says:
"With any photo editing software for beginners, it helps to learn basic photo editing skills like: Adjusting the exposure, Adjusting the contrast, Adjusting white balance, Cropping, Straightening, Erasing objects."
Built-in Tutorials
Learning new software can be tough. That's why built-in guides are gold for beginners. Some editors, like Adobe Photoshop Elements, offer step-by-step tutorials for creating specific effects.
Non-Destructive Editing
Want to experiment without fear? Non-destructive editing is your friend. It lets you make changes that you can easily undo or tweak later. This feature builds confidence as you learn.
AI-Powered Tools
AI makes complex edits simple. Look for software with:
- Automatic subject selection
- One-click sky replacement
- Smart noise reduction
These tools help you achieve pro-looking results while you're still learning.
RAW File Support
You might not use RAW files right away, but choose software that supports them. RAW files give you more flexibility for big adjustments without losing quality.
Easy Sharing
In today's connected world, you'll want to show off your work. Pick software that lets you post directly to social media. It's a great way to get feedback and track your progress.
Budget-Friendly Options
Good news: You don't need to spend a fortune. Many great photo editors are affordable or even free. GIMP, for example, is a powerful, free alternative to Photoshop.
1. Luminar Neo
Luminar Neo is a game-changer for photo editing newbies. It's like having a pro photographer in your pocket, but without the scary learning curve.
Here's why it's a hit with beginners:
- It's super easy to use. The layout is clean and the icons make sense.
- AI does the heavy lifting. Tools like EnhanceAI and AccentAI make your photos pop with just a click.
- You can't mess up your original photos. Go wild with edits - your originals are safe.
- It comes with 22+ preset looks. Instant pro-level edits, no experience needed.
The CropAI tool is pretty neat. It's like having a composition expert on speed dial. It tweaks your photo's crop and perspective automatically.
Using Luminar Neo
Luminar Neo keeps things simple:
- Catalog: Where your photos live
- Presets: One-click magic
- Edit: Where you fine-tune
That's it. No maze of menus to get lost in.
"Skylum Luminar Neo is the easiest AI photo editing tool on the market at an affordable price." - Unite.AI
And they're not wrong. Beginners love how quickly they can pick it up.
Help When You Need It
Luminar Neo's got your back:
- Built-in guides
- Practice photos
- 24/7 tech support
Plus, Skylum offers a massive 28-lesson course. It covers everything from landscapes to portraits. Perfect for leveling up your skills fast.
What'll It Cost You?
Luminar Neo's pricing is flexible:
| Plan | Price |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $14.95 |
| Yearly | $8.25/month |
| Two Years | $6.21/month |
| Lifetime | About $250 |
There's a 7-day free trial too. Try before you buy.
Compare that to Photoshop at $19.99/month. Luminar Neo is easier on the wallet, especially with that lifetime option.
2. GIMP
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free photo editing powerhouse. It's perfect for beginners who want to edit images without emptying their wallets.
The interface might look scary at first, but it's actually pretty easy to use once you get started. You've got your toolbar on the left, your main workspace in the middle, and a panel on the right for layers, paths, and brushes. And guess what? You can move things around to fit your style.
GIMP's got some serious muscle under the hood. Here are some tools you'll love:
- Crop tool: Chop off the parts you don't want
- Scale tool: Make your photos bigger or smaller
- Rotate tool: Fix those tilted shots
- Colors menu: Play with brightness, contrast, and colors
But here's the real kicker: layers. They let you edit different parts of your image separately. It's like having superpowers for your photos.
Need help? No problem. GIMP's got a huge community that's created tons of tutorials. Check out the "Basics Tutorial" on GIMP's website to get started. When you're ready for more, "GIMP Tutorials from How to GIMP" will teach you some pro moves.
Now, let's talk money. Or rather, the lack of it. GIMP is 100% free. Always has been, always will be. As JD Sartain from PCWorld puts it:
"GIMP has matured into a truly incredible photo-editing program."
And did I mention it works on Windows, Mac, and Linux? Use it on any computer you've got.
Here's a pro tip: If you're used to Photoshop, you can change GIMP's shortcuts to match. Just go to Edit > Keyboard Shortcuts. Easy peasy.
Sure, GIMP might not have every fancy feature out there. But for beginners? It's got more than enough. With its solid tools and zero-dollar price tag, GIMP is a no-brainer for anyone starting their photo editing adventure.
3. Affinity Photo
Affinity Photo is giving Photoshop a run for its money. It's a powerful photo editor that won't break the bank or your brain. Let's dive in.
Easy to Use, Hard to Master
Affinity Photo's interface is like a well-organized toolbox. It's split into "personas" - fancy speak for workspaces:
- Photo: Your main editing playground
- Liquify: Warp and twist your images
- Develop: Process those RAW files
- Tone Mapping: HDR magic
- Export: Get your masterpiece out into the world
Tools on the left, adjustments on the right. Simple, right?
Pro-Level Features Without the Pro-Level Headache
Don't let the clean look fool you. This software packs a punch:
- Non-destructive editing: Oops-proof your work
- Real-time adjustments: See changes as you make them
- Layers: Stack 'em up like a photo sandwich
- RAW processing: Work with the big boy files
- PSD compatibility: Play nice with Photoshop files
The live mesh warp tool is a standout. It's like Photoshop's liquify tool on steroids.
Learning the Ropes
Affinity Photo comes with training wheels:
- Built-in video tutorials
- Online docs
- User forums (where the real magic happens)
Simon Ringsmuth, an Educational Tech Specialist, puts it simply:
"Get Affinity Photo if you want an inexpensive, full-featured photo-editing program."
Wallet-Friendly Pricing
Here's where Affinity Photo really shines:
| Platform | Price |
|---|---|
| Windows/macOS | $69.99 |
| iPad | $19.99 |
| Universal License | $169.99 |
One-time purchase. No subscriptions. Your wallet can breathe easy.
Beginner's Cheat Sheet
- Stick to the default workspace at first
- Play with adjustment layers - they're forgiving
- Crop and move tools are your best friends
- Export options are your ticket to sharing your work
Affinity Photo is like a Swiss Army knife for your photos. It's powerful, versatile, and won't require a second mortgage. Whether you're just starting out or fleeing from subscription fatigue, it's worth a look.
4. Pixlr X
Pixlr X is a browser-based photo editor that's both powerful and user-friendly. No downloads needed - just open your browser and start editing.
Here's what Pixlr X offers:
- Basic adjustments (brightness, contrast)
- Cropping and resizing
- Filters
- Text and overlays
- Advanced features like layers and masks
It's like a simplified version of Photoshop, perfect for beginners but with enough features to satisfy more experienced users.
The interface is intuitive, with clear icons and helpful tooltips. If you need extra guidance, check out their "Retouch like a PRO Series" on YouTube.
Pixlr X has a free version and two paid plans:
| Plan | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Basic editing, ads |
| Plus | $1.99/month | Ad-free, 80 AI credits/month |
| Premium | $7.99/month | All features, 1000 AI credits/month |
The free version is great for casual users, while the paid plans offer more features for those who get hooked.
Pixlr X has been around since 2008 and has built a solid reputation. It's popular for social media content creation and presentation design.
"Pixlr X is an online photo editor so feature-packed, it gives desktop apps a serious run for their money." - TechRadar
In short, Pixlr X is an excellent choice for beginners and casual users looking for a capable, easy-to-use photo editor. Its browser-based nature and free option make it accessible to everyone. Give it a try - you might be surprised by what you can create.
5. PhotoWorks
PhotoWorks is a beginner-friendly photo editor that doesn't overwhelm you with complexity. Its clean interface lets you start editing right away.
The AI-powered auto-enhancement is a standout feature. One click, and your photo looks way better. It's perfect if you're not sure how to tweak settings manually yet.
Portrait editing? PhotoWorks has you covered. Its Portrait Magic tech spots faces automatically. You can smooth skin, zap blemishes, and even add digital makeup. It's a shortcut to pro-looking portraits without the pro skills.
Got a perfect landscape shot... except for that random person in the background? No problem. PhotoWorks lets you remove unwanted objects from your photos. Bye-bye, photobombers!
If you're feeling creative, there's a ton of one-click effects and filters to play with. Want your photo to look vintage? Or maybe you're after that modern, color-graded look? It's all there.
And don't worry about feeling lost. PhotoWorks comes with tutorials to help you level up your editing game.
Here's what it'll cost you:
| Plan | Price | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $19.25/year | Basic tools |
| PRO | $39.20/year | 150+ effects |
| Ultimate | $79.80 (one-time) | Everything, 180+ effects |
Not sure? Try it for free first.
An industry expert puts it this way:
"PhotoWorks is praised for its user-friendly interface and robust features, making it a compelling alternative to more expensive software like Adobe Photoshop."
That sums it up nicely. PhotoWorks gives you powerful tools that are easy to use, all without emptying your wallet. Whether you're fixing up family snapshots or diving into creative edits, it's a solid choice for beginners in 2024.
6. Fotor
Fotor makes photo editing a breeze for beginners. Launched in 2012, it's all about making image enhancement simple and fun.
The interface? Clean and straightforward. You can jump right in and start tweaking your photos. Sure, there are lots of tools, but they're laid out in a way that won't overwhelm you.
Here's where Fotor really shines: AI-powered features. Their one-tap enhancement tool is a game-changer. Not sure how to manually adjust your photo? No problem. One click, and boom - instant improvement.
As you get more comfortable, you can dive into:
- Cropping and rotating
- Color tweaks
- Filters and effects
- Text and overlay additions
Love taking selfies? Fotor's got you covered with Portrait Magic. It spots faces automatically, letting you smooth skin, zap blemishes, and even add digital makeup. Easy peasy.
Now, let's talk money:
| Plan | Price | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Free | Basic tools, watermarked exports |
| Pro | $3.33/month (yearly billing) | Advanced features, no ads |
| Pro+ | $7.49/month (yearly billing) | Everything in Pro, plus tons of stock photos |
The free version lets you test the waters. Want more? The paid plans unlock the good stuff.
Fotor's cloud storage is pretty neat. Start editing on your laptop, finish on your phone. Your projects, anywhere you go.
James, who writes about games for a living, says:
"Fotor gives you way more control over single image edits, with a ton of tools (especially if you go Pro)."
Is Fotor perfect? Nope. But it hits that sweet spot between powerful editing and ease of use. If you're new to photo editing in 2024 and want to create slick images without pulling your hair out, Fotor's got your back.
7. Photopea
Photopea is a web-based photo editor that's turning heads in the design world. It's like Photoshop in your browser, but without the price tag.
Interface
Open Photopea and you'll think you've launched Photoshop. The layout is nearly identical:
- Toolbar on the left
- Canvas in the center
- Layers panel on the right
It's clean, organized, and easy to navigate.
Features
Don't let "free" fool you. Photopea is packed with pro-level tools:
- Layers and masks for complex edits
- Adjustment options to fine-tune images
- Filters for extra flair
- PSD file support (yes, you can open and edit Photoshop files!)
There's even a RAW editor. It's not as robust as Photoshop's, but it gets the job done for most beginners.
Learning Curve
Photopea doesn't have built-in tutorials, but don't sweat it. The internet's got you covered. A quick search will unearth tons of how-to guides and video tutorials. If you know Photoshop, you can even use Adobe's guides to learn Photopea.
Pricing
Here's where Photopea shines:
| Version | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Full functionality with ads |
| Premium | $9/month | No ads, more history states |
The free version gives you all the tools. It's perfect for beginners who want to test the waters without spending a dime.
Real-World Use
Chris Gampat, a seasoned reviewer, says: "Photopea has a lot of the main tools Photoshop does, but it's less refined and lacks some of the most recent and AI-based tools."
It's a great starting point for beginners who don't need all the extras. But remember, as a web-based tool, it can be slower than desktop apps. You're trading speed for accessibility.
Pro Tip: Always log in to save your work. There's no autosave feature to catch you if your browser crashes.
Photopea hits the sweet spot between power and simplicity. It's free, accessible from any device with internet, and has enough features to take your photo editing from zero to hero. For beginners in 2024, it's a solid choice to kickstart your editing journey.
8. PhotoScape X
PhotoScape X is a photo editor that's perfect for beginners. It's easy to use, packed with features, and won't break the bank. You can get it for Windows or Mac.
When you open PhotoScape X, you'll see a clean, simple layout. The main functions are in tabs: Viewer, Editor, Batch Editor, Page, Combine, and GIF creation. It's easy to find what you need.
The Editor is where you'll do most of your work. Here's what you can do:
- Crop your photos
- Resize images
- Adjust colors
- Make advanced edits
One cool feature is the Cut Out tool. It lets you remove backgrounds like a pro, even if you're just starting out.
Need to edit a bunch of photos at once? The Batch Editor has your back. It's a real time-saver.
If you're feeling creative, try the Collage and GIF tools. They're fun and easy to use.
PhotoScape X has a free version with lots of features. If you want more, here's what it costs:
| Version | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Basic editing, some filters |
| Pro | $39.99 | 1000+ filters, advanced tools |
The Pro version is a one-time purchase, not a subscription. That's a good deal.
Nathan Collins, a content creator, says, "I believe PhotoScape X is the best free photo editing software." That's high praise.
New to photo editing? Don't worry. There are lots of guides and tutorials online to help you learn PhotoScape X.
PhotoScape X shows that you don't need complicated or expensive software to edit photos well. Whether you're fixing up family photos or creating content for social media, PhotoScape X has what you need.
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9. Canva
Canva is a user-friendly photo editing tool that's perfect for beginners. It's like having a design expert at your fingertips, without the high cost.
The interface is simple to use. Everything's clearly labeled and easy to find. You can move elements around with a drag-and-drop editor, making it a breeze to design.
Canva offers more than just basic photo editing:
- Adjust white balance, light, color, and texture
- Apply a range of filters
- Crop images to preset or custom sizes
- Rotate photos precisely
If you need help, Canva provides plenty of tutorials to guide you through the process.
Let's talk pricing. Canva's basic photo editor is free, with no watermarks or trial periods. For those wanting more, here are the paid options:
| Plan | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0/month | Basic editing, 250,000+ templates |
| Pro | $14.99/month | Premium features, 100+ million stock assets |
| Teams | $29.99/month | Pro features plus team collaboration |
The free version includes 5GB of cloud storage and access to over a million free photos and graphics.
Canva Pro, at $14.99 a month, offers 100+ million premium photos, videos, and graphics. It also includes features like background removal and 1TB of storage.
As of March 29, 2024, Canva is launching a new photo editor that allows direct editing from your uploads folder, streamlining the process.
Start with the free version to get familiar with the tools. If you find yourself wanting more, try Canva Pro with their 30-day free trial.
10. Paint.NET
Paint.NET is a free photo editing tool that's perfect for beginners. It's like the Goldilocks of image editors - not too simple, not too complex, but just right.
Here's the deal:
Paint.NET started as a college project with Microsoft's help. Now, it's a solid tool that feels familiar to Windows users. You can move stuff around, close tools you don't need - it's pretty flexible.
What can you do with Paint.NET? Quite a bit:
- Layer your edits (like a photo sandwich)
- Undo mistakes (as many times as you want)
- Apply cool effects (35 different ones)
- Fix common photo issues (like red-eye and noise)
But here's the best part: Paint.NET has a huge online community. Need help? Want to learn new tricks? There are tons of tutorials and friendly folks ready to assist. Oh, and did I mention there are almost 1,000 free plugins to beef up the software?
Rick Brewster, the guy behind Paint.NET, puts it this way:
"I don't consider Paint.NET to be a Photoshop replacement for high-end graphics designers, but for those Windows users who just need some good photo editing tools that goes beyond brightness, cropping, and resizing, while adding tools such as brushes, layers, blending modes, and cloning, this might be all you need."
Paint.NET is 100% free, but you can buy it from the Microsoft Store if you want to support the developers. It's a great way to start editing photos without breaking the bank.
New to photo editing? Here are some Paint.NET tips:
- Use the Lasso tool: Hold Ctrl while selecting, and Alt to deselect.
- Work with layers: Always add a new layer before pasting stuff back onto your image.
- Try the Pencil Sketch effect: It's great for turning photos into drawings.
Sure, Paint.NET doesn't have all the fancy features of expensive software. But for most beginners, it's got more than enough. Plus, it's fast and runs smoothly on most computers.
Even though it's a one-person project, Paint.NET gets updated often. Bugs get squashed, performance improves, and new features pop up regularly. If you like living on the edge, there's even a beta program.
Bottom line: Paint.NET shows that you don't need complicated or expensive software to edit photos like a pro. It's easy to use, packed with features, and has a great community. For beginners diving into photo editing in 2024, Paint.NET is a solid choice.
Photo Editor Comparison
Picking a photo editor can be tough. Let's break down the top options to help you choose.
Ease of Use
New to editing? You'll want something user-friendly. Adobe Lightroom Classic is a top pick here. It's smooth and easy to navigate.
Michael Muchmore from PCMag says:
"Lightroom is ideal for those who like their editing to be smooth and efficient."
GIMP is another option. It's powerful, but takes more time to learn. It's great if you're willing to put in the effort to master a free tool.
Pricing
Money matters. Here's what you'll pay for some popular editors:
| Software | How You Pay | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Adobe Photoshop | Monthly | $9.99 (includes Lightroom) |
| Affinity Photo 2 | One-time | $69.99 |
| GIMP | Free | $0 |
| Skylum Luminar Neo | Yearly or one-time | $79/year or $275 forever |
| Canva | Free or monthly | $0 or $14.99 (Pro) |
Affinity Photo 2 is a good middle ground. You pay once and own it forever.
Features
Photoshop is still the king for features. But others are catching up fast. Luminar Neo uses AI to make quick fixes. It's great for social media content.
Want AI without the Photoshop price? Try CyberLink PhotoDirector 365. It's $39.99 a year and packed with smart features.
Where Can You Use It?
Think about where you'll edit:
- On your computer only? Try Photoshop Elements or Affinity Photo 2.
- On computer and phone? Go for Lightroom Classic.
- In your browser? Check out Photopea for quick edits.
- Mostly on your phone? Snapseed is free and made by Google.
Learning Help
Just starting? Look for editors with built-in help. Photoshop Elements is great for this. It guides you through common edits step-by-step.
GIMP doesn't have built-in tutorials, but there's tons of help online from other users.
Special Needs
- Fixing RAW files? DxO PhotoLab ($229) is amazing for cleaning up noise and fixing camera issues.
- Making graphics? Canva is perfect for social media posts and simple designs.
- Pro-level workflow? Many pros love Capture One Pro ($24/month) for its top-notch RAW file handling.
Final Thoughts
Picking your first photo editor doesn't have to be a headache. The trick? Find software that grows with you.
Start simple. Look for an editor with a clean interface. It should feel like chatting with a friend, not fighting with complex menus. Luminar Neo or Canva are solid starting points. They're user-friendly and offer helpful tips as you edit.
As you get better, try more advanced features. Many newbies like Adobe Lightroom Classic. It's easy to use but has room for growth. Michael Muchmore from PCMag says:
"Lightroom is ideal for those who like their editing to be smooth and efficient."
Don't ignore free options. GIMP is powerful, but takes time to learn. It's great if you want a robust tool without spending money.
Think about how you work:
- Need to edit on different devices? Try cloud-based options like Adobe Lightroom or Canva.
- Prefer working on your computer? Check out Affinity Photo 2 or Photoshop Elements.
- Want quick edits on your phone? Snapseed might be your answer.
The best editor is one you'll actually use. Start with basic tweaks like exposure, white balance, and contrast. As you get comfortable, try more advanced tools.
Here's a quick look at some top picks for beginners:
| Editor | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Canva | Quick designs, social media | Free / $14.99/month (Pro) |
| Luminar Neo | AI-powered edits | $79/year |
| GIMP | Advanced editing (free) | Free |
| Adobe Lightroom Classic | All-around photo management | $9.99/month (with Photoshop) |
Don't forget about learning resources. Look for editors with built-in tutorials or active online communities. Photoshop Elements offers step-by-step guides for common edits.
Photo editing is a big world, but don't let that scare you. Start small, practice often, and have fun with it. Your skills will grow as you explore your chosen editor.
FAQs
What is the simplest photo editing app?
Canva takes the cake for simplicity in photo editing. It's a breeze to use, thanks to its drag-and-drop interface. You can whip up eye-catching designs and edit photos in no time. The best part? Canva offers a free version with basic editing tools. It's perfect if you're just dipping your toes into photo editing.
What is the easiest photo editor for beginners?
Adobe Photoshop Elements is a top pick for newbies. It's like Photoshop's friendly cousin - powerful, but not overwhelming. The guided edits feature is a game-changer. It walks you through common editing processes step-by-step.
Michael Muchmore, Lead Software Analyst at PCMag, puts it this way:
"If you're interested in building your photo editing chops with more Photoshop-like editing, Adobe Photoshop Elements is a simpler version of Adobe's software with more handholding."
You get a solid set of tools without the head-spinning complexity of full Photoshop. It's a great launchpad for your photo editing journey.
What is the easiest photo editing program to use?
If you're after dead-simple photo editing, look no further than what's already on your device. Apple Photos (for Mac and iOS users) and Google Photos (for Android folks) are your go-to options. They're free, pre-installed on many devices, and offer basic editing tools that won't make your head spin.
Want to level up without the learning curve? Check out Skylum Luminar Neo. Its AI-powered tools make complex edits a cakewalk. It's beginner-friendly but has room for you to grow.
Amateur Photographer sums it up nicely:
"If you want an editor that you can be up-and-running with in no time, but still has plenty of scope for those who want to explore further, then Luminar Neo is an excellent choice."
So there you have it - from bare-bones simplicity to AI-powered editing, there's an easy-to-use photo editor out there for everyone.