Image-editing software

Photo editing has evolved, and the programs can take you in many different directions...

- Rod Lawton

For a long time, Photoshop was considered the definitive professional photo editor, and still is by many. But today, when it's compared to other software, its specialist focus and limitations become apparent.

Photoshop may still be the best for in-depth photo editing, manipulation and compositing, but it's really designed for working in-depth on individual images. Lightroom, for example, is better suited to busy photography, where it can quickly display, organise and enhance whole batches of images. While Photoshop might be the 'best' in some respects, other programs offer tools, presets and inspiration that Photoshop doesn't. The fact that both Photoshop and Lightroom are included in the Photography Plan makes them a great double-act, but that doesn't make Adobe the best for everyone.

Subscriptions are unpopular with some, but that's the way the world is heading. A few of the programs in our list are available as single-fee licenses, but more and more publishers favour subscriptions Capture One looks to be choosing them in 2023, and Skylum has practically finished the transition. 

What to look for in a photo editor

Everyone has different editing needs. Here are some things to consider...

1 Organising tools