How to Choose the Best Photo Editing Software: 10 Things to Consider

In recent years, photography has become far more accessible than ever before. Modern technology has lowered the price of digital cameras, while smartphones with powerful cameras allow anyone to snap a high-quality photo anytime. As the world of photography continues to flourish, it’s no surprise that photo editing software has risen to popularity alongside it. In fact, the global photo editing software market size was valued at a whopping 0.932 billion in 2021, projected to reach USD 1.31 billion by 2028, exhibiting a growth rate of 4.9% during the forecast period. But, with a sea of options available, knowing how to choose photo editing software can be a real challenge.

While price and popularity are important, they’re not the only factors that matter these days. The best photo editing software should be a long-term partner that caters to your unique needs, requirements and budget. This article will explore ten crucial criteria to consider when comparing photo editing software.

Article Contents:

1. Camera Compatibility
2. Hardware/OS Compatibility
3. Editing Performance
4. Workflow
5. Organization & Management
6. Presets/Filters
7. Frequency of Software Updates
8. Cross-Platform Licensing Options
9. Customer Support
10. Training Material

1. Camera Compatibility

Camera compatibility is a key factor to keep in mind when searching for the best photography editing software. You’ll want to ensure that the software you choose can support your camera and lenses and includes a RAW photo editor for RAW files. After all, camera compatibility is crucial in achieving accurate colors, maintaining fidelity in the details and accessing customized tools. With the right software, you can bring out the full potential of your shots and achieve stunning results that leave a lasting impression.

2. Hardware/OS Compatibility

Before settling on what photo editing software you should use, it’s vital to consider its compatibility with your system’s hardware requirements. After all, there’s no point in investing in a program that won’t run smoothly on your machine. To simplify your decision-making process, verifying compatibility with your operating system, graphics card and processor is wise. By doing so, you can compare photo editing software options and focus on finding something that can easily handle your machine’s capabilities. This can lead to a more seamless and efficient editing experience, allowing you to produce stunning results without any technical hiccups.

3. Editing Performance

Photography is a form of art. Just like every artist has their own unique style, each photographer has their distinct editing needs. As a result, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for finding the best photo editing software.

Depending on your niche, you may require specific photo editing tools that cater to your artistic style. For instance, if you specialize in landscape and nature photography, you’ll want to find editing software that offers high-performance tools for achieving the perfect shot. Whether you prefer natural-looking images or want to experiment with bold filters, local adjustments and smart image enhancement tools, there’s software out there to suit your performance needs.

4. Workflow

Of course, having access to editing functionalities is just the tip of the iceberg. The best photo editing software out there offers a seamless workflow experience. Look for an interface that’s easy to use and delivers speedy performance.

Additionally, if you’re constantly editing images across different devices and locations, you may require cloud storage and a photo editor that can keep your pictures synchronized. With the right software, you can streamline your editing process, boost productivity and achieve outstanding results in record time.

5. Organization & Management

As a photographer, you’re likely dealing with large sets of pictures, making the editing process quite challenging. That’s why the best photo editing software must offer more than batch processing capabilities. You’ll also require a robust image management system, sharing capabilities and efficient search tools to achieve speedy editing. If you prefer to have everything in one place, it’s advisable to compare photo editing software options and choose one that provides this functionality.

6. Presets/Filters

A comprehensive preset and filter library can be a game-changer in saving time and streamlining your workflow. With the right photo editing software at your fingertips, you’ll no longer have to recreate the same style repeatedly. Instead, you can choose from a wide range of presets that suit your editing needs and fine-tune them as required. The best photography editing software should offer a vast selection of presets and allow you to customize them to your liking.

7. Frequency of Software Updates

When evaluating how to choose photo editing software, it’s crucial to consider how often the company releases both paid-for and free updates. By selecting a photo editing software that provides regular updates, you can have peace of mind knowing that you’ll always have access to the latest features and security fixes.

8. Cross-Platform Licensing Options

For many photographers, having the ability to use their photo editing software across multiple platforms is a crucial consideration. Whether you own a Windows PC or a Mac, or simply anticipate switching between the two in the future, you’ll want a photo editor that can efficiently run on both operating systems without requiring separate purchases.

Additionally, it’s essential to consider how many computers you’ll need to use the software on, as some licenses may restrict use to a single device and require additional purchases for additional computers.

9. Customer Support

While customer support may not be at the forefront of your mind when asking yourself, “What photo editing software should I use?” it’s still important to consider. Before any issues arise, it’s beneficial to determine how accessible the software company is to its users. Do they have a user forum for reporting errors, or can you contact them directly through their website? To test the level of support provided, consider contacting them with a simple question to gauge the speed and helpfulness of their response.

10. Training Material

When choosing a photo editor, it’s essential to consider whether you require comprehensive training materials to fully utilize its features. Take the time to investigate the availability of eBooks, video tutorials and other resources covering the photo editor you are interested in. By assessing the available resources, you can make an informed decision in finding the best photography editing software.

Choose ON1 for the Best Photo Editing Sofwtare Experience Today

If you’re tired of the endless search for the best photo editing software, look no further than ON1. With a full suite of powerful tools and features designed to meet the needs of amateurs and professionals, ON1 is the ultimate solution for photographers of all skill levels. From RAW photo compatibility to seamless OS integration, ON1 has it all. But don’t just take our word for it – try out our free photo editing software to experience the power of ON1 firsthand. If you’re impressed with what you see, upgrading to the full software is a breeze. Don’t settle for less – choose ON1 today.