Finding the right picture editing software for Mac can be frustrating in 2026. Many users face sluggish performance on M-series chips, overwhelming interfaces, and expensive subscriptions. Whether you edit family photos, social posts, or pro shots, you end up wasting time on apps that don't match your workflow. This guide highlights the top 10 free picture editing software for Mac to help you edit faster and more creatively without spending a dime.
The 10 best free picture editing software for Mac
- 1
- Pippit: Best for AI-driven creative automation
Pippit is an AI-powered platform that simplifies visual content creation from idea to execution. It is the perfect Mac photo editor for social media design and marketing creatives. Ideal for creators, marketers, entrepreneurs, and anyone exploring AI creativity. Pippit removes technical barriers with intuitive tools. At its core is an AI design agent powered by Nano Banana Pro and Seedream 5.0. This technology enables 4K visuals and accurate text rendering in your images. It also offers consistent character handling and a strong understanding of your context. Key features include AI image generation and smart background removal. You can also use style transfer and intuitive online editing tools. These features set the stage for much deeper creative workflows.
Key features of Pippit's Mac photo editor
- AI design
Use simple text prompts to turn your ideas into professional-looking images. The AI image generator takes care of difficult lighting and camera angles to make 4K pictures right away. You don't need a designer to use it to make unique social media posts or marketing materials.
- AI background remover and generator
One click will remove backgrounds for clean cutouts. Then create new scenes and use solid colors, gradients, or lifestyle shots to make your subject stand out right away. This background changer tool cuts down on hours of manual masking and makes your pictures stand out.
- Image upscaling
Pippit image upscaler uses generative AI to make low-resolution or blurry photos look better. It looks at your original image and adds high-quality pixels to increase the size up to 4 times. This process gets rid of pixelation and makes things clearer, which is great for turning small web shots into clear, professional-looking images.
- Stock library
Browse through and use a huge library of images, backgrounds, and graphic elements that are already made. You can also get thousands of stickers and templates to make your projects better. You can mix high-quality assets into your edits without having to look for them elsewhere with this library.
Pros and cons
- Super fast AI tools save hours on creative work.
- No heavy software to install—just works in your browser on any Mac.
- All-in-one toolkit: generation, editing, backgrounds, upscaling, templates, stickers, and more.
- Requires a stable internet connection.
- Some advanced or high-volume tasks may require credits or a paid plan.
- 2
- GIMP: Best for advanced, Photoshop-like editing on a budget
GIMP is an open-source, cross-platform, and entirely free Mac photo editor. The software includes a rich library of effects and filters for advanced customization. Professional editing tools include layer masks, animation tools, and precise selection options. It also offers powerful transformation features such as shear, scale, and crop. GIMP supports photo editing, original artwork creation, and the design of icons. Many consider it the best free photography editing software for Mac for high-quality image manipulation, retouching, and more.
Key features
- Advanced layer masking and blending modes for complex composites.
- Support for a massive library of community-created plugins.
- Customizable interface that you can tilt toward your specific workflow.
- High-end color management tools for print and digital output.
Pros and cons
- Completely free with no subscriptions or hidden costs.
- Tons of powerful tools like layers, masks, and advanced filters for pro-level edits.
- Huge community support—plugins, tutorials, and regular updates keep it fresh.
- Steep learning curve—feels overwhelming if you're new or coming from simpler apps.
- Interface looks dated and cluttered compared to modern editors.
- 3
- Apple Photos: Best for native ecosystem integration and simplicity
Apple Photos comes built right into every Mac—no download, no hassle. It keeps your pictures organized, synced across iPhone, iPad, and Mac through iCloud. Super simple to use with clean tools for quick crops, filters, and basic fixes. This free Mac photo editor feels effortless if you already live in the Apple world. It now includes smart AI, like the "Clean Up" tool to remove unwanted objects easily.
Key features
- The "Clean Up" tool easily removes unwanted objects from your shots.
- Non-destructive editing that always preserves your original high-quality file.
- Smart albums that use face recognition to organize your entire library.
- One-click auto-enhance to instantly fix lighting and color balance.
Pros and cons
- There is no need for extra downloads since it is a native free Mac photo editor.
- The interface is very simple and easy to master.
- Your edits sync instantly across all your Apple devices via iCloud.
- It lacks advanced layers and professional retouching features.
- You have fewer options for exporting files compared to pro software.
- 4
- Darktable: Best for professional RAW processing and workflow
Darktable is a free, open-source photography editing software for Mac made for pros. It provides robust editing capabilities without altering your original files, along with precise color correction tools. The layout feels like Lightroom and supports RAW files from over 400 cameras. Ideal for photographers who need a robust Mac picture editor to manage large photo libraries efficiently. Its workflow-focused features make photo editing on the Mac seamless and professional.
Key features
- Non-destructive RAW photo editing.
- Advanced color correction and tone mapping.
- Supports RAW files from 400+ camera models.
- Lightroom-style workflow for professional photo management.
Pros and cons
- Completely free and open-source.
- Powerful RAW editing and color correction tools.
- Supports professional workflow for large photo libraries.
- Steeper learning curve for beginners.
- Interface can feel complex and overwhelming.
- 5
- PhotoScape X: Best for batch editing and simple fun tweaks
If you're looking for a Macbook image editor that actually makes editing fun, PhotoScape X is a great choice. It is perfect if you have a ton of photos to fix at once, but don't want to spend all day clicking through menus. The app is fast and very easy to use, whether you are just resizing shots or adding cool filters. It's a solid all-in-one tool that feels snappy on your Mac and gets the job done without any stress.
Key features
- Batch editing: resize, rename, and format multiple photos at once.
- Access a huge collection of frames, light leaks, and stickers to add personality to your shots.
- Color enhancement tools: Point Color, Selective Color, Replace Color.
- Easily remove backgrounds to create transparent PNGs for logos or product listings.
Pros and cons
- Super fast for batch work—edit dozens of photos in one go and save tons of time
- Really easy and fun to use, even if you're not a pro editor
- Lots of playful extras like collages, GIF maker, stickers, and quick filters
- Free version includes ads, and the pro upgrade costs money for full access.
- Occasional performance lag with very large batches
- 6
- PhotoDirector: Best for guided AI edits and creative effects
With PhotoDirector, it's like having an AI assistant walk you through cool edits to your photos. It guides you step by step on what to do next instead of making you guess. You can turn your photos into short animations, dreamy dispersion effects, or even artistic overlays with the touch of a few buttons. This is a good option if you are an amateur or professional who wants to have a good time making creative edits to photos. This picture editing software for Mac is user-friendly as well as powerful for your Mac computer.
Key features
- Guided edits and AI-powered tools for beginners.
- Features sky replacement, photo animation, and AI style transfer to turn photos into artwork.
- AI photo retouching for face, skin, and body.
- Access to built-in stock images, frames, and customizable Express Layer templates.
Pros and cons
- Unique creative effects like animations and dispersion give standout results.
- Strong portrait tools deliver quick, natural retouches.
- Good speed and support on Mac, especially with Apple Silicon.
- Free version locks many AI features behind credits or watermarks.
- Interface gets busy with all the options and tools.
- 7
- Canva: Best for graphic design and social media templates
Canva is a simple and best picture editing software for Mac that makes designing graphics and social media posts easy. It offers ready-to-use templates, drag-and-drop tools, and stock images for fast creations. It is the perfect choice for creators who need to turn a quick photo into a polished social media post in minutes. With Canva, you can create anything from posts to banners in minutes.
Key features
- Drag-and-drop design interface for easy editing.
- Ready-made templates for social media, marketing, and more.
- Background remover and Magic Edit for quick adjustments.
- Collaboration tools for team projects and sharing.
Pros and cons
- Huge library of templates and elements makes starting super easy.
- AI tools like Magic Edit and background remover add quick magic without effort.
- Free for most basics, perfect for social media and casual graphics.
- Advanced AI features often need Canva Pro (paid) for full use or no watermarks.
- Not ideal for professional RAW photo editing.
- 8
- Pixlr: Best for quick, browser-based edits
If you are looking to use a fast photo editing program with no hassle of a major download on your Mac, Pixlr is a lifesaver. Pixlr allows you to edit photos directly in your browser. This program is perfect for those times when you need photo editing with a little filter action, a simple crop, a background remover, and a little creative adjustment. It feels light and snappy, making it a go-to for anyone who wants great results without a heavy editor.
Key features
- Browser-based editing, no installation needed.
- AI cutout and background removal.
- AI generative fill to add or replace parts of your photo by simply describing what you want to see.
- Supports PSD, JPG, and PNG file formats.
Pros and cons
- Accessible from any device with a browser.
- Free plan available.
- Fast and lightweight for quick edits.
- Advanced AI features often need credits or a paid subscription.
- Free version may add watermarks or limit some tools and exports.
- 9
- Krita: Best for digital painting and artistic retouching
If you love getting creative with a brush, Krita is the best free photo editor on Mac for digital artists. While most editors focus on fixing photos, Krita is built for painting, sketching, and heavy artistic retouching. It feels like a high-end professional studio, but it is completely open-source and free to use.
Key features
- High-end brush engine with stabilizer support.
- Wrap-around mode for creating seamless textures.
- Support for HDR images and layers.
- Powerful selection and mask tools.
Pros and cons
- Completely free with no strings attached.
- Professional-grade brush engine.
- Massive community for support.
- The interface can be overwhelming for simple photo edits.
- Requires more system memory for complex projects.
- 10
- Fotor: Best for one-tap AI enhancements and portraits
Fotor is the best photo editing program for Mac if you need to create professional-looking photos with minimum effort. Fotor AI simplifies photo enhancement, hue adjustments, and quality improvements with a single tap. It's a great option for beginners or anyone who wants to quickly polish their pictures. Fotor takes the complexity out of photo editing, letting you focus on your creative ideas instead of getting bogged down in technical details.
Key features
- AI portrait retouching for skin and makeup.
- Batch processing for basic filters and frames.
- One-tap "AI Enlarger" for blurry photos.
- Easy HDR creator for high-contrast scenes.
Pros and cons
- Quick, one-tap AI enhancements for photos.
- Beginner-friendly and easy to use.
- Batch editing and portrait retouching.
- Some advanced features require a paid plan.
- Some users report that it can lag during heavy editing tasks.
Which free Mac image editor is right for you? 2026 comparison
Not sure which free Mac image editor fits your needs? Here's a quick 2026 comparison to help you decide.
How to choose the right picture editing software for Mac
Finding the perfect tool depends on your specific projects and the type of results you want to achieve.
- Ease of use and interface
Look for a simple and uncluttered interface that is easy to use. While high-end software can be very powerful and versatile, it is often accompanied by a complicated menu system that can take a while to get the hang of. Pippit is easy to use and offers drag-and-drop functionality.
- Features and tools
Ensure that an editor has the tools you need, such as filters, AI, and batching. Pippit offers an all-in-one solution that includes AI Agent, background removal, and a stock library. Having the right tools can save time and spark creativity.
- Performance and Mac optimization
Modern Macs with Apple Silicon need software that is fast and responsive. Some older open-source apps may feel sluggish compared to native macOS programs. Always check if the editor is optimized to run smoothly on your specific MacBook or iMac.
- File format (RAW vs. JPEG)
Casual users usually stick to JPEGs. But professional photographers require RAW support for better quality. Ensure your chosen editor can handle high-resolution files without crashing.
- Skill level and workflow needs
Selecting an editor that aligns with your expertise is essential. Pippit's AI tools are designed to help novices produce excellent images with ease. For seasoned professionals, more sophisticated features offer the opportunity for greater creative control. The right choice will ultimately simplify your editing process.
Bonus tips: How Pippit can help you to edit pictures on Mac
How to use Pippit's AI design for image generation
Transform your ideas into professional visuals in seconds with Pippit's intuitive AI-powered workflow. Follow these simple steps.
- step 1
- Access AI design
Visit the Pippit website and look for the "Start for free" button in the upper right. Signing up is a breeze; you can use your Google, Facebook, or TikTok account, or just your email address. After you've logged in, head over to the "Image studio" in the "Creation" section. From there, choose "AI design" under "Level up marketing images" to begin.
- step 2
- Enter prompts and generate
Type a detailed description of the image you want to create into the prompt box. You can also upload a reference picture, sketch, or concept through the "+" option to help the AI understand your style or layout. Next, choose the model, aspect ratio, and click the "Generate" button. AI generates multiple variations based on your input.
- step 3
- Refine and download the image
Browse the generated options and select your favorite. Refine using "Inpaint" to fix details, and "Outpaint" to extend the scene. "Eraser" to remove clutter, and "Upscale" to increase sharpness. When ready, open the "Download" menu, pick your format (JPG or PNG) and watermark settings, then click "Download" to save the final result to your device.
Steps to edit images with Pippit's Image editor
Editing images with Pippit is simple and fast. Just follow these quick steps:
- step 1
- Access Image editor and upload media
Log in to your account and select "Image editor" from "Image studio." Click the "Upload" area or simply drag and drop your photo directly from your Mac to begin. You can also pull images directly from the built-in stock library if you're starting a project from scratch.
- step 2
- Edit and refine the image
Employ the sophisticated editing tools available in the right and left panels. Add filters, apply effects, remove backgrounds, and reposition the elements of your image for a polished look. Navigate to the "Adjust" panel to fine-tune colors, brightness, and contrast. Utilize "Smart tools" for precise adjustments. These include image upscaler, image style transfer, and retouch to make your images stand out.
- step 3
- Download the image
After you've finished tweaking your images, head to the top right and click "Download all." From there, pick your desired file format: JPEG, PDF, or PNG. You can also choose the image size (1x or 2x) and the resolution. Finally, hit "Download" to save your work directly to your device.
Conclusion
Picking the right picture editing software for Mac can make your work go much more smoothly. The right tool is important whether you're making marketing visuals for work, personal projects, or social media posts. In this guide, we've talked about the best free and AI-powered Mac photo editors for 2026. Pippit is the best choice for AI-powered creative automation. It is simple to make high-quality images, take away backgrounds, and make images bigger. You can make your whole editing process easier without ever having to use complicated software.
FAQs
- 1
- Does Apple have a photo editor?
Indeed, Apple provides a photo editor for Mac users, i.e., Apple Photos. It's simple to use and works well with other Apple products. Compared to its peers, it's a bit of a lightweight. For those seeking more robust features, Pippit offers AI tools designed to generate or refine high-quality images.
- 2
- What is the best picture editing software for Mac in 2026 for beginners?
When it comes to beginners, the best picture editing software for Mac ought to be user-friendly with an interface that is easy to understand. In addition, the picture editing software for Mac ought to have great tools that are not complicated. One such picture editing software is Pippit, which uses AI to produce features such as image generation as well as background removal. Such tools can be quite useful in producing excellent pictures within the shortest time possible.
- 3
- Is there a Mac photo editor free of charge that supports RAW files?
Yes, Darktable and GIMP are both professional-grade, open-source programs. They can handle RAW files from hundreds of different cameras. These tools offer non-destructive workflows and advanced features like ICC profiles and more. This gives you high-end control over your images without a subscription fee.
- 4
- Which Mac picture editor free option works best on Apple Silicon M-series chips?
GIMP and Darktable are optimized for Apple Silicon M-series chips, ensuring smooth performance. Pippit is also optimized for Mac, providing fast, AI-driven editing that works seamlessly on Apple Silicon chips.
- 5
- What is the easiest photo editor for Mac?
The best photo editor for Mac, especially for those just starting out, is one that's easy to understand and pick up right away. Pippit fits perfectly, boasting a simple interface and tools powered by artificial intelligence. You can generate and adjust images without getting lost in complicated menus. It's ideal for anyone who wants to see results quickly, without a lot of fuss.
- 6
- What is the best free Mac image editor alternative to Photoshop in 2026?
GIMP remains the most powerful free alternative to Photoshop. It offers advanced layers, masks, and a huge library of plugins. For those who want Photoshop-level results with a modern AI twist, Pippit offers an automated alternative. It focuses on speed and design, making the process quicker and easier.
- 7
- Are Macs good for photo editing?
Yes, Macs are good for photo editing. They comprise color-accurate Retina displays that make them perfect for visual work. Macs have powerful processors and ample RAM, which ensure smooth performance even with large image files.