15 Best Photo Editing Software for Beginners

The idea of editing photographs is far from a novel idea. It was part of many production and photography life, in which the action encouraged to raise the occasion and memory of the photographed moment. That photo editing process is also called post-processing. The action is no longer limited to professionals. Even beginners, learners, students, or normal users can do it. 

That fact goes to the vast range of beginners' friendly photo editing software in the market. The accessibility and the functionality encourage beginners to learn and use many options. Some functions of photo post-processing, such as color correction, filters, saturation, and removing some things, are no longer part of advanced techniques. 

Beginners can learn and do so with the help of different software. Some image editors also embrace the beginners class as their market. Thus, many sets of photo editing tools are available at lower prices, with straightforward UI and not overly complicated uses. Therefore, if you are a beginner that wants to taste the options, here is the list to start your journey.   

1. GIMP or GNU image manipulation program 

The name GIMP is always related to editing software, especially for photo post-process procedures. As one of the most common programs you can find in the market, GIMP offers you a free program to work with. GIMP also has a huge range of compatibility for many platforms, such as windows, macOS, and Linux. 

As an inexperienced photo editor, you don't need to spend money to try the software. Despite being a free option, it comes with a great range of image manipulation tools. You can modify saturation, hue, contrast, and some essential parts. Since it is made for beginners, it has more clear photo editing UI and features.

Some other photo works include broad ranges of masks, layers, and manipulation. It has over 150 filters and effects. You may even download and use free Photoshop actions here. Even though it does highlight beginners' altering functions, GIMP supports a huge range of photo file types. You can work and edit many types of files, such as JPEG or PNG. 

Source: gimp.org

2. Canva 

Canva won many beginners' photo editor hearts from its easy-to-use function. Not only that, but you can also use the free version or get the pricing plan for about $13 per month. What makes it one of the best photo editing software for beginners? As a pretty new program in the market, Canva is an all-kill program for image editors or designers. 

It mostly focuses on online social media image manipulation and enhancement. So, most of the web-based functions will link to the function for preset social media images. That is why the program's popularity soared during the social media craze from 2020 to 2021. It works for many social media, such as Facebook, Instagram, to youtube. 

However, the online photo editor software is a good beginner's option. It comes with more than 8000 templates that make your design work smooth and swift. You can simply pick a template and make simple image alterations to your photo. The editing process will not take time, and you can post it straight from Canva. 

It is a great option for beginners since you don't have to make an edit from scratch. The template, huge library of elements, thousands of stock images, and customizable design preset help you gain inspiration. At some point, it can appear as good as professional photo editing software results. But the free version will always have a watermark on it. 

Source: canva.com

3. Picsart

Picsart is another excellent photo editing software for beginners, offering a wide range of tools and features to help you create stunning images. One of the standout features of Picsart is its incorporation of AI for photo editing. This technology can save time and effort by automatically making enhancements to images and can often achieve results that would be difficult or impossible to do manually. Additionally, Picsart's AI photo editing tools can be used to generate new images or add special effects, making it a versatile and powerful option for those looking to take their photo editing skills to the next level.

Whether you're looking to make simple adjustments or dive into more advanced techniques, Picsart provides an accessible platform for users of all skill levels. With its intuitive interface and innovative AI for photo editing capabilities, Picsart is a strong contender for the best photo editing software for beginners.

4. Wondershare Pixstudio 

Another online-based program you can use for editing photos is Wondershare Pixstudio. It operates similar to Canva, in which you can use thousands of templates and presets for your photo. Overall, it is an all-in-one edit software that is suitable for everyone, including beginners or someone that only wants to taste the world of image editing.  

The UI and functions are pretty much what beginners need. You can drag and drop many creative templates and elements into your photograph. The simple editing steps and the friendly interface does not require any professional skills. With a little tweak and a good choice of filters used in the program, the software can convert such stunning professional artwork pieces. 

While there are a lot of offers and the online software can bring out some professional editing tools, it is not a free option. The online photo editor has some price tags, including free, which is good for beginners. It also has monthly bills starting from $6 billed yearly and $8 per month that you need to pay every month.  

Source: wondershare.com

5. Pixlr x photo editor 

If you are not ready to work with more advanced editing tools, Pixlr x Photo editor might be the best pick for you. Beginners that highlight simple and fun processes will find that the editing function in this software is pretty much the basic and what you need. You can also use it for free, so there is nothing to lose. 

With this kind of beginner software, you will work online. In other words, you need to upload the photo and continue the editing process. The UI from PIxlr will retain you to the old basic paint software. As you upload the photo, the process starts with choosing the resolution. After that, you will need to click the create button to start editing. 

In the edit mode, you can do as much as you want. Pixlr x gives you some essential editing tools such as crop, color correction, removing background, and other essential options. Even with its fundamental beginner features, the photo editing software also gives you a large library of effects and filters. 

It has no watermark, even as free software. The easy-to-use aspect, simple UI, and library of images plus tools will encourage beginners to work around the limited option. But again, the free option does give a good amount of editing tools for free software. So, don't expect too much since the effects are hardly adjustable.   

Source: pixlr.com

6. Photoscape x

Windows users can also enjoy PhotoScape x as one of the image editors. The software does not take too much time to master. And you, as one of the beginners, can get as many editing options as possible from this software. Since it is made with an easy-to-use focus, the interface and the editing process are very easy to navigate. 

Photoscape x can also be a good option if you are trying to convert raw files to jpeg effortlessly. It means that the software offers more than just simple basic photo editing tools. You can add text, adjust color, make color corrections, combine merge, or batch-processing. Overall, it brings an all-in-all operation but limited options to edit photographs. 

Source: x.photoscape.org

7. Pizap 

If you are not sure about the software compatibility, you should check the web-based photo editing software. In this case, PIZap is one of many options that you can run through a browser for free or pay about $3. That much price is enough for beginners to work around the introductory tools. You can alter many photographs and make them look a tad bit better. 

The Pizap allows you to make collages, edit photos, remove the red-eye effect, design cover, basic crop, and color correction. Not many things that the software can offer. But, the modest function made perfect with filter libraries and some skin touch filters function. Unfortunately, the free version contains ads.

Source: pizap.com

8. Photos App 

If you are a beginner that wants to start from the basics and free program, try the native photos app. So, to make it worth it, please underline that windows and mac native photo editing apps will offer different functions. Windows 10's native app already gives you enough tools to make some basic edits. 

You can organize, crop, add filters, draw over the photos, or remove the red-eye effect. It is also pretty easy to use, even for beginners and non-designer. You don't need to fuse around to make simple image edit in this software. However, the app is not the best option for complex edits such as liter or effects adjustment. 

macOS also has solid native photo editing software. The powerful software gives you enough tools to make some corrections, such as white balance, desaturating, color correction, adding a vignette, and many effects or fitters. The MacOS one also allows you to have a file sharing option. So, a great basic photo editing in many cases.  

Source: apps.microsoft.com

9. ACDsee 

Only for 100 USD, Windows users can also use the latest ACDSee app for editing photos. The software might not be dedicated to photo editing, but it works like professional options on the market. The formerly image viewer program now allows beginners to make professional edits. Some of them are Blended clone tools, Curves, light EQ, filters, and many more.

The beginner's app also has a new feature or function called face recognition. It allows users to manage photos under the same keywords or pictures. The long list of LUTs and filters also make ACDSee one of the many photo editing software that is beginners friendly. However, please underline that it lacks advanced tools. And also a tad bit expensive. 

Source: acdsee.com

10. Ashampoo photo optimizer 2019 

Targeting the social media users and batch process photo editing, this software makes a good beginner option. It is an all-in-one software that allows users to create an image or video editing. Ashampoo also highlights some easy-to-use and quick processes. Thus, you can do some quick alterations for many photos with this 30USD program. 

One thing that makes the product stand out is the quick editing option. The software will do the rest simply by clicking the optimize button. The automatic process was part of the imaging algorithm. So, it will adjust the color correction, vibrancy, and white balance. Some other good beginner tools include powerful cropping or optimization. 

Source: ashampoo.com

11. Capture one pro 

Starting with $241, this editing software might not be everyone's option. It is especially true if you are just a beginner that considers value as much as worth. With that price tag, you can also consider the software as the professional editor program on par with adobes. That is why it is better used for people that are building professional careers.  

A quick impression of the capture one pro is the professional-looking tools as well as the functions. It gives certain advanced functions such as linear gradient, luminosity masking, film curves, and many others that need some basic editing knowledge. But performance-wise, the software is a solid option, and beginners can learn some professional work from it. 

Source: captureone.com

12. Fotor

The least intimidating program for beginners is Fotor. In this software, you can play around with a plethora of photo editing templates for social media posts. You can make one with a few clicks away. Some image enhancement, alteration, and functions are pretty basic. That is why it is a great option for new designers or students.  

Source: fotor.com

13. Photozoom pro

Aside from photo editing software that allows you to cover some blemishes or remove objects, Photozoom pro focuses on enlargement programs. It allows the editor to blow the photos with a lot of pixels without losing details, sharpness, and edges. With that editing power, beginners can decrease noise and avoid JPEG compression. Unfortunately, you should pay around $175 for it. 

Source: benvista.com

14. Adobe photoshop elements 2019

For beginners that are ready to work with Adobe software, Photoshop elements will be the right pick to start. In this program, you got all of the basic and some advanced editing tools. The performance is exquisitely faster but also looks simpler than the Lightroom. So, you can learn more before moving to the last software on this list. 

The unique thing about this program is the focus on social media content. So, most of the preset layouts or templates will be aligned to social media functions. But, the photo editing functions are also range. Some features allow automatic colorization, correction, adding effect, creating colleges, or making memes. 

It also supports some basic features such as removing a blemish or erasing an object quickly and automatically. In the latest update and improvement, most of the photo editing features are automatic. So, you can make alterations quickly. However, it is not free beginner software. You will need to pay a monthly subscription fee of around 10 USD.  

Source: adobe.com

15. Adobe lightroom classic cc

The more sophisticated and advanced software will be adobe lightroom classic cc. You can get it for a 10 USD monthly subscription or $53 with adobe creative cloud. For most photo editors, Adobe Lightroom is industry-standard software. So, what you get from this program will eventually help you sail like a professional. 

There are many reasons why it is one of the best photo editing software. You have complete control over the editing tools, including the advanced features. It also supports a broad type of RAW file formats. It is an excellent standard anyways. However, it might not be a good option for beginners to learn. It would be perfect for pros or people with professional goals. 

Source: adobe.com

Final Words

Please be aware that the number does not indicate specific best to worst or bad to good order. Those options are merely some of the known and commonly used photo editing programs you can try. Highlight that some of them might come with differing offers, such as more complex functions, features, easier to use UI, and many more. Try it, and find the one that fits your needs the best.