7 Photo Editing Software You Should Use In 2025

1. Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is the world's most popular photo editing software, first released in 1988. With its outstanding power and flexibility, this software has become a favorite tool for millions of users, from photographers to graphic designers. Photoshop not only helps you edit photos but also allows you to transform photos into impressive works of art.

Outstanding features

Extensive editing toolset : Photoshop has a rich set of tools, from basic tools like cropping and color adjustment to advanced features like 3D editing and special effects. You can easily work with layers to create unique and creative photos.

Friendly Interface : Although it can be difficult for beginners, Photoshop's interface is intuitive and easy to customize. The tool panel displays animations, helping users understand how to work with each tool and feature.

Strong integration with the Adobe ecosystem : Photoshop has good connectivity with other software in the Adobe ecosystem such as Lightroom and Illustrator, allowing you to easily switch between applications without losing data.

Disadvantages

High Cost : Photoshop requires users to have a monthly subscription, which can be a barrier for those without a large budget.

Difficult for beginners : Although there are many tutorials, there is no tutorial mode for beginners, which can be difficult for first-time users.

2. Adobe Photoshop Lightroom

Adobe Lightroom is a specialized software for managing and editing photos, especially RAW photos. With the ability to organize photos effectively, Lightroom helps users easily search and edit images quickly. This software is often used by professional photographers and photography enthusiasts.

Outstanding features

Efficient photo management : Lightroom allows you to organize thousands of photos systematically. You can easily tag, mark, and sort photos according to different criteria, saving time during the editing process.

Non-destructive editing : Edits made in Lightroom do not change the original photo, allowing you to go back at any time to adjust again. This is useful when you want to experiment with different styles.

Integrated HDR and panorama features : Lightroom automatically stacks HDR and panorama photos, creating photos with high detail and quality. You can easily combine multiple photos to create a perfect work.

Disadvantages

Feature limitations : If you need to make more complex edits, Lightroom may not be as powerful as Photoshop.

Subscription Cost : Similar to Photoshop, Lightroom also requires users to subscribe monthly to use it.

3. Affinity Photo

Affinity Photo is a photo editing software that is gaining popularity, especially among users who do not want to pay for recurring subscriptions. Developed by Serif, Affinity Photo offers many of the same features as Photoshop but at a one-time cost. This software is perfect for those looking for a powerful yet affordable photo editing solution.

Outstanding features

Affordable : Affinity Photo does not require users to pay monthly fees. With a one-time purchase cost, users can fully experience the powerful features of the software without worrying about additional costs.

Supports multiple image formats : The software supports a variety of image formats, from JPEG, PNG to RAW files, giving users more flexibility in editing.

Full suite of editing tools : Affinity Photo offers comprehensive editing tools, from skin smoothing to light and color adjustments. Features like frequency separation help you professionally retouch skin without losing the natural look of your photos.

Disadvantages

Lack of documentation : While the software is fairly easy to use, the documentation and support community may not be as extensive as Photoshop.

Lack of deep integration with other software : While Affinity Photo can open and edit files from Photoshop, integration with other software in the ecosystem like Adobe is limited.

4. CyberLink PhotoDirector

CyberLink PhotoDirector is a prominent photo editing software with the ability to replace the workflow of Adobe Lightroom. Not only possessing similar features to Photoshop, PhotoDirector also provides support tools for new users, helping them easily get acquainted and use the software.

Outstanding features

User-friendly interface : CyberLink PhotoDirector has an intuitive, easy-to-use interface that helps users quickly learn and use editing tools.

AI Technology : The software integrates the power of artificial intelligence, allowing users to apply effects and edit intelligently, saving time.

Adjustment layers and masks : You can create adjustment layers to dynamically change the color, brightness, and many other elements in your photo.

Disadvantages

Limitations in advanced features : Although there are many useful features, some tools are still not as powerful as in Photoshop.

Internet connection required : Some features require internet connection to work, which may be inconvenient for users without internet.

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5. Corel PaintShop Pro

Corel PaintShop Pro is a professional photo editing software that offers a wide range of tools and effects. This software is suitable for those who want to edit photos creatively and effectively without spending too much money.

Outstanding features

Lots of editing tools : PaintShop Pro offers the same powerful tools as Photoshop but at a more affordable price. You can easily adjust color, brightness, and apply unique effects.

HDR Support : The software allows users to create impressive HDR photos, significantly improving image quality.

Built-in tutorial : PaintShop Pro has tutorial sections, making it easy for beginners to get acquainted with the software's features.

Disadvantages

Interface can be difficult : Although the interface is intuitive, some users may feel overwhelmed with the many tools and options.

Long processing time : For high resolution photos, processing time may be longer than some other software.

6. DxO Nik Collection

DxO Nik Collection is a collection of professional photo editing plugins, featuring the ability to create unique artistic effects. The software is regularly updated with many new features, helping users always have the best experience.

Outstanding features

Diverse toolset : Nik Collection includes many creative tools such as Analog Efex Pro, Color Efex Pro and Silver Efex Pro, allowing users to apply many different effects to photos.

Supports multiple image formats : The software supports a variety of image formats, from JPEG to RAW, giving you more flexibility in the editing process.

No screen size restrictions : Nik Collection runs smoothly on many computer configurations, allowing users to use it without any problems.

Disadvantages

Basic knowledge required : To take full advantage of Nik Collection's features, users need to have basic knowledge of photo editing.

Can be slow when processing multiple photos : When working with multiple photos at once, the software can become slower, affecting performance.

7. ON1 Photo RAW

ON1 Photo RAW is a complete solution for those who need professional photo editing software. With powerful tools and unique features, ON1 Photo RAW helps you create high-quality photos easily.

Outstanding features

Rich collection of effects : ON1 Photo RAW offers a diverse collection of effects, allowing you to easily apply and customize as you wish.

RAW photo editing : The software allows processing and editing RAW photos using modern algorithms, helping to optimize photo quality.

Professional working interface : ON1 Photo RAW's interface is professionally designed, helping users easily manipulate and find the necessary tools.

Disadvantages

Higher Cost : ON1 Photo RAW has a fairly high one-time purchase cost, which can be a barrier for new users.

Requires good computer configuration : To use advanced features smoothly, the software requires a fairly strong computer configuration.

8. Summary

Software name

3D Photo Editing

Supports multiple file formats

Smart photo editing with AI

Paid/Free

Adobe Photoshop

Have

Have

Are not

$9.99/month

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom

Are not

Have

Have

$13.14/month

Affinity Photo

Have

Have

Are not

579k for Windows and MacOS, 219k for iPad

CyberLink PhotoDirector

Are not

Have

Have

There is a free version and a paid version of $3.42/month.

Corel PaintShop Pro

Have

Are not

Are not

$99.90 to purchase software

DxO Nik Collection

Have

Have

Are not

30 day free trial or $99.90 to purchase software

ON1 Photo RAW

Have

Have

Are not

Rent $7.99/month or buy $63.99

9. Conclusion

So, here are the top 7 photo editing software that you should try in 2025. Each software has its own advantages, suitable for the needs and capabilities of each user. Choosing the right software will help you create beautiful photos, preserving memorable moments in life. Start exploring and creating with these tools today!