Top Image Tools in 2024: Which one should you choose?
In the case of photo editing, the action has gained strong roots among both experts and learners alike, a consequence of the digital era.
Whether graphic designer, photographer, or social media enthusiast, having the right tool for the job can make all the difference between an imaginative thought and cultivated reality.
A range of options is at hand to accommodate every need and level of skill. We are going to be reviewing in greater detail the key features, advantages, and disadvantages of each product, along with its pricing, so you can make an informed decision about which tool best suits your needs and budget.
Web-Based and User-Friendly Editors
IMG Tool
IMG Tools sets the pace in online image processing and manipulation. From the casual user to the professional, this broad spectrum of features the website offers is accomplished without software installation through a web browser.
Key Features:
Image compression and optimization
Image resizing and cropping
Adding watermarks
Image annotation
Image effects and filters
File format conversion
Color palette extraction
Comparison utilities for images
Screenshot
Advantages:
One stop for all types of tools in one place
No installation of software required
User-friendly interface
Bulk processing capability
Free version available for general use
Disadvantages:
Advanced features require a subscription
Pricing: Free level available, including all but a few key features.
Canva
Canva is an intuitive image tool platform that provides image editing features to create social media graphics, presentations, and more.
Key Features:
Drag-and-drop interface
Great variety of templates
Built-in library of stock photos and elements
Collaboration tools
Branded kit for consistent designs
Audio and video editing possibilities
Pros:
Very easy to use, even for someone inexperienced
Huge library of templates and design elements
Teamwork collaboration features
Reasonable prices for premium features
Cons:
Smaller advanced photo editing capabilities
Less flexibility than traditional image editors
Some features available only in premium subscriptions
Pricing:
Free version available
Canva Pro: $12.99/user/month (billed annually)
Canva for Teams: $14.99/user/month (billed annually)
Pixlr
Pixlr is an online image tool that offers a range of basic to advanced editing tools through a browser.
Key Features:
Layer-based editing
AI-powered background removal
One-click effects and filters
Text and shape tools
Mobile apps for on-the-go editing
Stock photo library integration
Pros:
Accessible from any device with a web browser
Free version available
Intuitive interface
No software installation required
Cons:
Less powerful than desktop alternatives
Requires an internet connection
Some advanced features locked behind a premium subscription
Pricing:
Free version available
Pixlr E (Advanced): $7.99/month or $59.88/year
Pixlr X (Simple): $4.90/month or $39.00/year
Fotor
Fotor is an online photo editing and image design tool that offers extensive features for both beginners and advanced users.
It provides a user-friendly interface with AI tools for quick and easy image enhancement.
Key Features:
AI-powered photo enhancement
Background removal tool
Object removal
Text-to-image generation
AI avatar creation
Extensive filter and effect library
Photo collage maker
Batch editing capabilities
Design templates for social media and marketing materials
Pros:
User-friendly interface suitable for beginners
Powerful AI tools for quick edits and enhancements
Available as web-based, desktop, and mobile applications
Affordable pricing compared to some competitors
Regular updates with new features
Cons:
Limited advanced editing tools compared to professional software
Some users report occasional performance issues with the web version
Free version has limited features and includes watermarks on exports
Pricing:
Fotor Basic: Free
Fotor Pro: $8.99/month or $39.99/year
Fotor Pro+: $19.99/month or $89.99/year
PicMonkey
PicMonkey is a web-based photo editing and image tool that offers a range of features for creating social media graphics, marketing materials, and edited photos. It's known for its user-friendly interface and extensive template library.
Key Features:
Photo editing tools (crop, resize, adjust colors, etc.)
Graphic design templates for various purposes
Text editing with a wide range of fonts
Background remover tool
Brand kit for consistent designs
Real-time collaboration features
Mobile app for on-the-go editing
Pros:
Intuitive and easy to use, even for beginners
Extensive library of templates and design assets
Quick editing process, saving time compared to more complex software
Regular updates with new features and templates
Good value for money compared to some competitors
Cons:
Limited advanced photo editing capabilities compared to professional software
Some users report occasional glitches or slow performance
No free version available (only a free trial)
Pricing:
Basic: $7.99/month (billed annually)
Pro: $12.99/month (billed annually)
Business: $23.99/month (billed annually)
ON1 Photo RAW
ON1 Photo RAW is an all-in-one image editor that combines RAW processing, layered editing, and organization tools.
Key Features:
NoNoise AI for advanced noise reduction
Sky Swap AI for sky replacement
Layered editing workflow
Built-in photo organization
Extensive preset library
Portrait AI for automatic retouching
Pros:
Comprehensive toolset for editing and organizing
No subscription required
Regular updates with new AI-powered features
Good balance of power and ease of use
Cons:
Can be resource-intensive on older hardware
Some users report occasional stability issues
Learning curve for utilizing all features effectively
Pricing:
One-time purchase: $99.99
Subscription option: $7.99/month or $89.99/year
Professional Image Tools
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop remains the industry standard for professional image editing in 2024. It offers an unparalleled set of tools for photo manipulation, graphic design, and digital art creation.
Key Features:
Advanced layer-based editing
Powerful selection and masking tools
Extensive filter gallery and effects
3D design capabilities
Neural filters powered by AI
Integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps
Pros:
Incredibly versatile and powerful
Regular updates with new features
Large ecosystem of plugins and extensions
Industry standard used by professionals
Cons:
Steep learning curve for beginners
Expensive subscription model
Resource-intensive, requires a powerful computer
Pricing:
Photography Plan (includes Lightroom): $9.99/month
Single App Plan: $20.99/month
Creative Cloud All Apps: $52.99/month
Affinity Photo
Affinity Photo is a professional-grade image tool that offers a more affordable alternative to Photoshop with a one-time purchase model.
Key Features:
Full RAW editing
HDR merge and focus stacking
Panorama stitching
Non-destructive adjustment layers
Advanced retouching tools
Macro recording for workflow automation
Pros:
Powerful feature set comparable to Photoshop
One-time purchase, no subscription required
Fast performance
Regular free updates
Cons:
Smaller community and fewer third-party resources compared to Photoshop
Some tools may not be as refined as Adobe's offerings
Pricing:
One-time purchase: $54.99 for desktop version
iPad version: $19.99 (one-time)
Capture One
Capture One is a professional-grade RAW image editor and photo cataloging software, popular among studio and commercial photographers.
Key Features:
Advanced color editing tools
Customizable workspace
Tethered shooting capabilities
Layer-based editing
Keystone correction tools
Session-based workflow
Pros:
Excellent RAW processing quality
Powerful color grading tools
Fast performance and efficient workflow
Great for tethered shooting
Cons:
Steeper learning curve than some competitors
More expensive than some alternatives
Limited graphic design features compared to Photoshop
Pricing:
Perpetual license: $299 (one-time)
Subscription: $24/month or $179/year
DxO PhotoLab
DxO PhotoLab is a RAW image tool known for its excellent noise reduction and lens correction capabilities.
Key Features:
DeepPRIME AI noise reduction
Automatic lens corrections
Local adjustment tools
ClearView Plus for haze removal
DxO ColorWheel for precise color editing
U Point local selection technology
Pros:
Outstanding noise reduction
Excellent lens corrections
High-quality RAW processing
Intuitive local adjustments
Cons:
No layer functionality
Limited asset management features
Can be slower than some competitors
Pricing:
Essential Edition: $139 (one-time)
Elite Edition: $219 (one-time)
Corel PaintShop Pro
Corel PaintShop Pro is a versatile image tool that caters to both beginners and advanced users, offering a more affordable alternative to Adobe products.
Key Features:
AI-powered upsampling and artifact removal
Layer-based editing
SmartClone for seamless object moving and blending
Photography workspace for quick edits
Extensive brush library
360° photo editing
Pros:
One-time purchase option
Good balance of features for different skill levels
Regular updates with new tools
More affordable than some competitors
Cons:
Windows-only, not available for Mac
Interface can feel cluttered
Some users report slower performance compared to competitors
Pricing:
PaintShop Pro 2024: $79.99 (one-time purchase)
PaintShop Pro 2024 Ultimate: $99.99 (one-time purchase)
While these professional editors offer powerful capabilities, they often come with steep learning curves.
Users should expect to invest significant time in mastering these tools to fully leverage their potential.
Additionally, system requirements for these applications can be demanding, often necessitating high-performance hardware for optimal operation.
AI-Powered Editing Tools
Luminar AI
Luminar AI, developed by Skylum, is an AI-powered photo editor designed to simplify and speed up the editing process for photographers of all skill levels.
It uses artificial intelligence to analyze images and suggest edits, making it easy to achieve professional-looking results quickly.
Key Features:
AI-powered Templates for one-click edits
Sky replacement tool
Portrait enhancement tools
Composition AI for automatic cropping
Atmosphere AI for adding fog or mist
Color control with AI-assisted tools
Pros:
User-friendly interface
Powerful AI tools for quick edits
No subscription required
Regular updates with new AI features
Works as a standalone app or plugin
Cons:
Less precise control compared to traditional editors
Limited layer functionality
Some AI features can produce unrealistic results if overused
Pricing:
One-time purchase: $79
Bundle with Luminar Neo: $149
However, these professional editors possess steep learning curves. Users are supposed to spend enough time mastering these utilities to unlock their real capabilities.
The installation and usage requirements of these applications are high, or professional, to an extent that heavy hardware is needed for them to run effortlessly.
Topaz Photo AI
Topaz Photo AI is a powerful image enhancement tool that combines Topaz Labs' popular DeNoise AI, Sharpen AI, and Gigapixel AI into a single, AI-driven package.
It's designed to improve image quality by reducing noise, sharpening details, and upscaling resolution.
Key Features:
AI-powered noise reduction
Intelligent sharpening
Image upscaling up to 600%
Automatic face and object detection
Batch processing capabilities
RAW file support
Pros:
Excellent noise reduction and sharpening results
User-friendly interface
Powerful upscaling tool
Works as a standalone app or plugin for other software
No subscription required
Cons:
Relatively expensive one-time purchase
Can be resource-intensive and slow on older hardware
Limited editing features compared to full photo editors
Pricing:
One-time purchase: $199
Includes one year of free updates
Free and Open-Source Options
GIMP
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free, open-source image tool that offers many features comparable to paid software.
Key Features:
Layer-based editing
Extensive set of brushes and tools
Plugin architecture for extensibility
Cross-platform compatibility
Customizable interface
Supports a wide range of file formats
Pros:
Completely free and open-source
Powerful feature set
Large community for support and plugins
Regular updates
Cons:
Steeper learning curve than some paid alternatives
Interface can feel dated compared to modern editors
Performance can be slower than some paid options
Pricing:
Free
Krita
Krita is a free and open-source digital painting and illustration software, popular among artists and designers for its powerful brush engine and intuitive interface.
Key Features:
Advanced brush engine with customizable brushes
Layer management and blending modes
Vector tools for illustration
Animation tools for frame-by-frame animation
Wrap-around mode for seamless textures
Built-in brush stabilizers
Pros:
Powerful and customizable brush engine
Intuitive interface for digital painting
Active community and regular updates
Cross-platform compatibility
Cons:
Limited photo editing capabilities compared to dedicated photo editors
Can be resource-intensive on older hardware
Steeper learning curve for advanced features
Pricing:
Free and open-source
RawTherapee
RawTherapee is a free, open-source RAW image processing software designed for photographers who want precise control over their image development process.
Key Features:
Advanced RAW processing algorithms
Detailed color correction tools
Noise reduction and sharpening
Lens correction and distortion control
Batch processing capabilities
Support for a wide range of RAW formats
Pros:
Excellent RAW processing quality
Comprehensive toolset for detailed adjustments
Free and open-source
Regular updates from the community
Cons:
Steeper learning curve than some alternatives
Interface can be overwhelming for beginners
Limited asset management features
Pricing:
Free and open-source
Although free and open-source alternatives bring so much to the table, there are several areas that really should raise caution with prospective users:
Less frequent releases as compared to commercial software
The more complicated interfaces are, the more difficult their respective learning curves
Less official support, relying on community forums
Less integrated AI-powered tooling compared to premium options
It is due to these very reasons that free and open-source image manipulation applications are continuously getting better, offering users better options and alternatives in every aspect, from skill level and discipline.
FAQs
What's the difference between raster and vector graphics editors?
Raster editors deal with images by using pixels and are wholly adapted for photo editing, providing extensive capabilities. Examples include Photoshop and GIMP.
Vector editors work with scalable graphics based on mathematical formulas, making them ideal for creating logos, illustrations, and other graphics that need frequent resizing. Examples include Adobe Illustrator and Inkscape.
Do I need a powerful computer for image editing?
While basic editing can be done on most modern computers, larger file sizes and complex edits benefit from:
A fast CPU processor
Sufficient RAM (16GB or more)
A dedicated graphics card (GPU)
A solid-state drive (SSD) for faster file access
Are there any image tools powered by AI?
Yes, AI is gradually being integrated into image tools.
Examples include:
Neural Filters in Adobe Photoshop
Luminar AI
Topaz Labs' suite of AI-driven tools
These tools can automate tasks like sky replacement, portrait retouching, and noise reduction.
How to Choose the Right Image Tool for Your Needs?
Consider the following factors:
Your skill level (beginner, intermediate, advanced)
The types of projects you'll be working on (photo editing, graphic design, web graphics)
Your budget
The learning curve you're willing to undertake
Compatibility with your existing workflow and file formats
Final Thoughts
In brief, in the world of image editors in 2024, there is an option for each need and any level of skills. From professional-level applications like Adobe Photoshop and Capture One to more user-friendly services such as Img-tools, Canva and Fotor, anything exists for every task and wallet.
Meanwhile, AI-powered features are making complex editing more approachable, and open-source options continue to offer powerful functionality at no cost.
Your image editing tool should always be chosen according to your specific needs, skill level, and workflow.
Your choice will be based on the feature set, user interface, pricing model, and compatibility.
Most tools offer free trials, when knowing them and testing their capabilities, you won't be too much committed. The best tool, after all, is one that can help you realize your idea best. So, try out a couple and see which suits your needs best.
Reference
https://www.techradar.com/best/best-graphic-design-software
https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/phase-one-capture-one-pro
https://ergonis.com/blog/best-graphic-design-tools-2024
https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/best-tools-for-graphic-design/
https://www.appvizer.com/marketing/graphic-design
https://www.reddit.com/r/photography/comments/1ct9h34/the_guide_of_38_digital_tools_for_photography/
https://bloggingwizard.com/image-editing-tools-for-bloggers/
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