In 2024, artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming photo editing in ways we never imagined. With so many AI-powered photo editors and editing tools now available, it’s easier than ever to retouch, enhance, and manipulate your images. Whether you want to edit a professional photo or simply experiment with fun effects, the right AI photo editing app can make a huge difference.
But with this variety of editing programs and photo editing tools available, how do you choose the best one? Let me guide you to the best photo editing software that suits your needs, whether you’re looking for a free photo editor, an advanced tool like Adobe Photoshop, or a simpler app like Pixlr.
What is AI Photo Editing?
Context, history of AI in photography
AI, or artificial intelligence, has been making its way into photography and how we approach image editing for several years, improving the way we edit and manipulate images. Years ago, manual edits such as cropping, adjusting white balance, or correcting red eye required in-depth knowledge of editing programs like GIMP or Photoshop Elements. But now, with AI’s capabilities, the process has become simpler and more intuitive.
AI can recognize patterns in images, just like a human eye, but much faster and with more precision. In photography, it started with facial recognition in phones and has evolved into advanced features, such as automatic background removal or the enhancement of fine details that are invisible to the naked eye.
What does an AI photo editor concretely do?
With AI photo editing, tasks that once took hours are now done in minutes. For instance, AI tools in image editing software can perform impressive tasks like upscale a low-resolution image, making it crisp and clear without losing details. It can also automatically retouch portraits, removing blemishes or smoothing skin tones with a single click. AI can change the entire mood of an image by adjusting lighting or even replace backgrounds effortlessly, adjusting saturation, and automatically applying creative filters such as tilt-shift and sepia.. It’s like having an assistant who knows exactly what you want—without the back-and-forth instructions.
What are the benefits of AI in photography?
AI photo editing offers incredible benefits. Let’s dive into some of the amazing advantages of using AI in photo editing apps.
Time efficiency for Faster Workflow
One of the biggest advantages is how much time AI saves you. If you’re editing multiple images, AI can batch-process tasks like resizing, retouching, or adjusting brightness and sharpness in seconds. This leaves you with more time to focus on your creative vision, rather than getting bogged down in technicalities.
Intelligent upscaling to improve image resolution
Automation of repetitive tasks
AI-powered photo editing tools can automate mundane tasks such as cropping, rotating, or adjusting the white balance. This is useful for both beginners and seasoned editors. AI also automates red eye removal, blur, and background removal, freeing up time for more creative tasks. However, some users may feel that this automation sacrifices too much creative control.
Intensifies visual effects for creative results
Looking for that perfect dramatic effect? AI can automatically intensify the contrast or saturation of your image, giving it a professional touch with minimal effort. It helps beginners achieve impressive results without years of photo editing experience.
When to Use AI Photo Editing As a Photographer?
AI photo editing isn’t just for one type of person—it’s for everyone. However, the way it’s used varies depending on who you are.
Using AI for photo editing as a beginner
If you’re new to photo editing, AI can be your best friend. It takes care of the technical side, allowing you to focus on learning the art of composition and storytelling through images. Apps like Canva and Lensa offer simple tools to get you started without overwhelming you with complex options.
Using AI for photo editing as a professional
For those advanced users and professional photographers, AI offers an incredible time-saving benefit. Whether you’re working in e-commerce or branding, automating tasks like background removal or batch-processing product images can save you hours. Apps like Photoshop and Topaz use AI to enhance fine details like non-destructive editing, giving professional creators the control they need while reducing the manual work.
What Makes the Best AI Photo Editor?
With so many AI-powered photo editing programs on the market, choosing the right one depends on your specific needs. Here’s a closer look at the top choices.
Luminar: Best all-in-one AI photo editor with automation
Luminar AI is an exceptional tool for photographers seeking to streamline their editing processes. Its robust AI-driven features, like sky replacement and portrait retouching, allow users to achieve stunning results with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking to enhance landscapes or perfect portraits, Luminar AI provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies complex edits. The one-time fee of $79 makes it a cost-effective alternative to Photoshop, especially for those who prefer not to delve into intricate manual controls. However, it may fall short for advanced users requiring extensive image manipulation capabilities.
Main Features:
- Sky Replacement: Instantly swap out dull skies for breathtaking ones.
- AI Portrait Enhancer: Automatically retouch and enhance facial features with precision.
- Templates: Utilize AI-generated templates for quick edits.
- Non-Destructive Editing: Make adjustments without altering the original image.
- Smart Lighting: Automatically optimize exposure and tone for perfect lighting.
Lensa : Top AI-powered Photo Editor for Portrait Retouching
Lensa is a mobile app that specializes in portrait editing, offering an intuitive experience for users who want to achieve flawless results quickly. Its automatic retouching features can smooth skin, enhance eye brightness, and even correct facial structures with a few taps. Lensa is particularly appealing for users who desire polished photos without investing significant time in editing. With an annual subscription priced at around $30, it remains accessible, though it may be limited in functionality for more comprehensive editing tasks.
Main Features:
- Skin Smoothing: Effortlessly reduce blemishes and imperfections.
- Eye Enhancer: Brighten and sharpen eyes for a captivating look.
- Background Blur: Create a professional depth-of-field effect.
- Magic Correction: Automatically adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation.
- Easy Sharing: Instantly share edited images on social media platforms.
Pixlr : Optimal AI Photo Editor for Quick Edits
Pixlr stands out as a versatile, free online photo editor that covers a wide range of editing needs while remaining accessible to all users. It is especially useful for quick tasks such as red-eye removal, background enhancement, and overall photo enhancement. The AI-driven features allow for rapid adjustments, making it perfect for users who require efficient edits without the complexity of heavy-duty software. However, be aware that the free version includes ads, and some advanced tools are locked behind a $4.99/month subscription.
Main Features:
- One-Click Enhancements: Apply instant adjustments to improve photo quality.
- AI Background Removal: Easily erase backgrounds to isolate subjects.
- Layer Support: Work with multiple layers for more complex designs.
- Customizable Filters: Access a wide array of filters for unique styles.
- Intuitive Interface: User-friendly design that caters to beginners and pros alike.
Canva: Leading AI Photo Editing App for Social Media
Canva is the quintessential app for social media creators and marketers, providing a rich array of templates and design elements for both photo editing and graphic design. While it may not rival Photoshop in deep photo retouching capabilities, its AI tools facilitate one-click enhancements and allow for effortless creation of photo collages and engaging text overlays. For those looking to amplify their online presence, Canva Pro offers a wealth of additional features for $12.99/month, making it an invaluable resource.
Main Features:
- Extensive Template Library: Choose from thousands of customizable templates.
- AI Image Enhancements: Automatically improve image quality with one click.
- Text Overlays: Add engaging text easily with various fonts and styles.
- Collage Maker: Effortlessly create stunning photo collages.
- Brand Kit: Keep your branding consistent with easy access to logos and colors.
Adobe Photoshop : Ultimate AI Photo Editor For Professional Photographers
Adobe Photoshop CC remains the gold standard for professional photo retouching and advanced image editing. Its powerful AI tools, including Neural Filters, allow users to make dramatic changes to images with a simple click. With capabilities for extensive image manipulation, Photoshop is ideal for creating everything from digital artwork to precise photo retouching. However, the $20.99/month subscription fee through Adobe Creative Cloud might deter casual users.
Main Features:
- Neural Filters: Apply complex effects with a single click.
- Smart Objects: Enable non-destructive editing for greater flexibility.
- Advanced Selection Tools: Easily isolate and edit specific image areas.
- Extensive Plugin Support: Enhance functionality with numerous third-party plugins.
- Camera Raw Integration: Edit RAW files directly for high-quality adjustments.
Photoshop Express : Leading AI photo editing tool for quick edits on the go
For those who want the power of Photoshop on mobile, Photoshop Express offers a streamlined version of the desktop software. It’s perfect for quick edits like cropping, resizing, or applying photo effects on the go. It’s free, though advanced features require an in-app purchase.
Topaz Photo AI: Most Avanced AI-driven Photo Enhancement Software
Topaz Photo AI specializes in advanced AI-driven enhancements like sharpening, denoise, and upscaling. It is particularly well-suited for rescuing poorly captured images and is favored by professional photographers who need top-notch enhancement capabilities. Priced at $199, it is a premium tool designed for those who prioritize quality in their image processing.
Main Features:
- Denoise AI: Reduce noise while maintaining detail and clarity.
- Sharpen AI: Restore lost sharpness with precision.
- Gigapixel AI: Upscale images without compromising quality.
- Batch Processing: Enhance multiple images at once to save time.
- User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive layout for streamlined editing.
Picsart : Most Efficient Mobile AI Photo Editor for Creative Effects
Picsart is a vibrant and intuitive mobile app equipped with a variety of AI-driven tools, making it an excellent choice for casual users and social media content creators. Its range of features, from filters and stickers to automatic background removal, provides a comprehensive suite for creative expression. The app is free, with a premium version starting at $5/month that unlocks additional advanced features.
Main Features:
- AI Filters: Transform images with artistic effects instantly.
- Background Remover: Automatically cut out backgrounds for a professional look.
- Sticker Maker: Create custom stickers from your images.
- Collage Builder: Combine multiple photos effortlessly.
- User Community: Share creations and gain inspiration from other users.
Organizing your photos with AI.
When it comes to AI-powered photo editing, how you organize your photos is just as important as the editing process itself. Discover Peakto, the best photo manager powered by AI, that consolidates all your images in one place. With the overwhelming number of photos we capture and edit daily, having a reliable organization system can greatly enhance workflow efficiency, whether for professional photographers or casual users. Peakto streamlines this with cutting-edge AI technology, ensuring you never lose track of your visual assets.
Main features include:
- Multi-Catalog Collections for Comprehensive Organization: Peakto supports organization across various sources, including different folders, catalogs, and editing software such as Photoshop, Luminar, and Topaz. This integration ensures all your media is accessible in one place.
- AI-Driven Automatic Tagging for Effortless Organization: Peakto utilizes artificial intelligence to assign intelligent labels to your photos automatically. This feature streamlines organization, making it easy to categorize and locate images without manual tagging.
- Conversational Search for Effortless Navigation: With Peakto’s advanced AI capabilities, users can simply ask the software to find specific images or videos. This eliminates the need for complex keyword searches, as the AI recognizes the content within your library.
- Facial Recognition for Quick Access: Peakto includes facial recognition technology that can identify and annotate individuals across your entire collection. This feature allows for swift retrieval of images featuring specific people.
- Timeline View for Enhanced Browsing: The Timeline feature offers a chronological and visual overview of your media, enhancing the browsing experience. This makes it easier to navigate through collections and relive moments captured in photos.
By employing Peakto, users can maintain an organized and efficient photo library, allowing them to focus on their creative work without the distractions of disorganization.
Conclusion
AI photo editing has revolutionized the way we work with images, making the process faster and more efficient. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, there’s an AI photo editor out there for you. The best app will depend on your specific needs—whether it’s ease of use, advanced features, or a balance of both. Choose wisely, and let AI help elevate your photography game in 2024!
