The Best Photo Editing Software We've Tested for 2026 | PCMag
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p~*:not(#readMore,#trust-badge,#commerce-group,.editors-note)]:!hidden" x-data="{ readMore: false }" :class="{ '[&>p:first-of-type~*:not(#readMore)]:!block': readMore }"> More than ever, you need software to organize, optimize, edit, and share your photos. Why? Because today's cameras (including the one on your phone) produce huge files with loads of detail, and you're probably taking more pictures than ever. PCMag has been testing photo editing software for over 30 years, so we know that the best programs make it as seamless as possible to edit and share your pictures. Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop are our top-rated Editors' Choice winners, despite some strong competition. The former is unbeatable for photo workflow and corrections, while the latter is superb for manipulating images with creative tools. Read on for more info on these and other favorites, followed by advice on how to choose the best photo editing software for your needs.
Our Top Tested Picks
div:nth-of-type(n+11)]:hidden" :class="{ '[&>div:nth-of-type(n+11)]:!flex': showMore }"> Best for Professionals Adobe Lightroom Classic Visit Site at Adobe See It Bottom Line Editors' Choice 5.0 Exemplary this.$refs.template.innerHTML, onCreate: (instance) => this.tippyInstance = instance, onShow: (instance) => { this.escapeHandler = (e) => { if (e.key === 'Escape') instance.hide(); }; window.addEventListener('keydown', this.escapeHandler); }, onHide: (instance) => { if (this.escapeHandler) { window.removeEventListener('keydown', this.escapeHandler); this.escapeHandler = null; } }, onMount: (instance) => { const closeBtn = instance.popper.querySelector('[data-tooltip-close]'); if (closeBtn) closeBtn.addEventListener('click', () => instance.hide()); }, }; }, }"> What Our Ratings Mean 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies. Adobe Lightroom Classic remains the gold standard among pro photo workflow software, with top-notch organization tools, state-of-the-art adjustments, and all the output and printing options you could want. Jump To See More Details product_name }} Review" x-track-ga-click>Adobe Lightroom Classic Review Pros li]:leading-normal"> Excellent photo management and organization tools Auto masking for local adjustments Face recognition and geo-tagging Supports plug-ins Capable mobile apps Cons