AI-Powered Photo Editing Software:
In the ever-evolving world of digital imagery, AI-powered photo editing software has emerged as a game-changer, distinct from AI image generators. As a tech enthusiast collaborating with professional photographers with over a decade of experience in post-processing, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of AI in streamlining workflows and enhancing creative possibilities. Let’s dive into the best AI-powered photo editing software of 2024 and explore how they’re reshaping the landscape of image manipulation.
Overview of AI-powered Photo Editing Software
AI-powered photo editing refers to the use of artificial intelligence algorithms to automate and enhance various aspects of photo manipulation. Unlike AI image generators that create images from scratch, AI photo editors work with existing photos to improve, alter, or restore them. The technology has come a long way since its inception, now offering sophisticated tools that can dramatically reduce editing time while producing stunning results.
These editors have found their place in both casual smartphone photography and professional studios, offering features like automatic object removal, intelligent color correction, and even AI-powered portrait retouching.
Criteria for Review
In evaluating the top AI-powered photo editing software of 2024, I considered several key factors:
- AI Integration: How effectively and innovatively AI is used in the editing process.
- User Interface: The overall ease of use and intuitiveness of the software.
- Feature Set: The range and quality of editing tools available.
- Output Quality: The final result of AI-assisted edits.
- Pricing: Value for money, considering both individual and business users.
- Cross-platform Availability: Accessibility across different devices and operating systems.
Each editor was tested with a variety of image types, from portraits to landscapes, to assess its versatility and performance.
Detailed Reviews of Top AI-Powered Photo Editing Software
1. Luminar Neo
Luminar Neo was developed by Skylum, a software company originally founded in Ukraine (formerly known as Macphun). Skylum initially focused on creating apps for macOS but later expanded into the broader photo editing market. The company gained recognition with the release of Luminar, which quickly became known for its user-friendly interface and innovative AI features. Luminar Neo, a more recent product, builds on this foundation, offering enhanced AI capabilities and a flexible editing workflow.
Popularity: Luminar Neo is highly regarded in the photography community for its powerful AI-driven tools and accessibility, making it popular among both amateur photographers and professionals. It is especially noted for its AI sky replacement feature, which has garnered a lot of attention in the industry.
Features and Standout Capabilities:
- Advanced AI-powered sky replacement
- Automatic subject detection and enhancement
- Powerful portrait retouching tools
Pros:
- Intuitive interface suitable for beginners and professionals
- Impressive AI-driven creative tools
- Non-destructive editing workflow
Cons:
- Can be resource-intensive on older hardware
- Some advanced features have a learning curve
Pricing:
- $99/year for the subscription plan
- $299 for a lifetime license
2. Adobe Photoshop (with Sensei AI)
Adobe Photoshop is a flagship product of Adobe Inc., an American multinational computer software company. Photoshop was first developed in 1987 by Thomas and John Knoll and was later acquired by Adobe in 1988. Over the years, Photoshop has become the industry standard for photo editing, continuously evolving with new features and AI integration, most notably with the introduction of Adobe Sensei, the AI and machine learning framework powering many of its modern tools.
Popularity: Photoshop is arguably the most popular photo editing software globally, used by professionals across various industries, including photography, graphic design, and digital art. Its extensive feature set and reputation as an industry standard make it the go-to tool for high-end photo editing and manipulation.
Features and Standout Capabilities:
- Content-Aware Fill for object removal
- Neural Filters for advanced image manipulation
- AI-powered selection tools
Pros:
- Industry-standard software with a vast feature set
- Regular updates with cutting-edge AI capabilities
- Seamless integration with other Adobe products
Cons:
- The steep learning curve for beginners
- The subscription-based model may not appeal to all users
Pricing:
- $20.99/month (Photography plan with Lightroom)
- $52.99/month (Single App)
3. Topaz Photo AI
Topaz Photo AI was developed by Topaz Labs, a Texas-based company known for creating innovative software products aimed at improving image quality through AI. Founded in 2005, Topaz Labs initially gained attention with its plugins for Adobe Photoshop and later expanded into standalone applications. Topaz Photo AI is part of the company’s suite of AI-driven tools, focusing on image enhancement and restoration.
Popularity: Topaz Photo AI is particularly popular among photographers who need to enhance image quality, such as reducing noise or sharpening details. While not as widely known as Photoshop, it has carved out a niche market, especially among those who need high-quality image enhancement tools.
Features and Standout Capabilities:
- AI-powered noise reduction and sharpening
- Automatic image quality enhancement
- Face recovery for low-resolution images
Pros:
- Exceptional results in improving image quality
- Batch processing capabilities
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Focused mainly on image enhancement rather than creative editing
- Can be slow on large image files
Pricing:
- $199 for a lifetime license
- $99/year for the subscription plan
4. Capture One Pro
Capture One Pro was developed by Phase One, a Danish company that is also a leader in high-end digital imaging equipment, including medium-format cameras. Capture One was created to support Phase One’s cameras but has since evolved into a powerful, standalone photo editing and raw conversion software used by professional photographers worldwide.
Popularity: Capture One Pro is particularly popular among professional photographers who value high-quality raw file processing and advanced color grading capabilities. It is widely used in fashion, portrait, and commercial photography due to its superior handling of raw images and customizable interface.
Features and Standout Capabilities:
- AI-powered auto adjustments
- Advanced color editing tools
- Tethered shooting capabilities
Pros:
- Excellent raw file processing
- Customizable workspace
- Superior color grading tools
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Less extensive AI features compared to some competitors
Pricing:
- $299/year for the subscription plan
- $599 for a perpetual license
Table Comparison of Best AI-powered Photo Editing Software:
What to Look for in AI-Powered Photo Editing Software?
When choosing AI-powered photo editing software, consider these key features:
- Intelligent auto-corrections that learn from your editing style
- Advanced object removal and replacement tools
- AI-driven noise reduction and sharpening
- Smart composition tools for cropping and resizing
- Seamless integration of AI features within the overall workflow
The best AI-powered photo editing software offers a balance between automated AI processes and manual control, allowing users to leverage AI capabilities while maintaining creative freedom.
Best AI-powered Photo Editing Software Conclusion:
As we look to the future of AI-powered photo editing software, the line between human creativity and AI assistance continues to blur. Luminar Neo stands out for its balance of powerful AI tools and user-friendly interface, making it an excellent choice for most users. Adobe Photoshop remains the go-to for professionals needing comprehensive editing capabilities, while Topaz Photo AI excels in image enhancement tasks.
The rapid advancements in AI technology suggest that we’ll see even more innovative features in the coming years, potentially revolutionizing how we approach photo editing altogether.
Don’t just take my word for it—experiment with this AI-powered photo editing software yourself! Many offer free trials, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your editing needs. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a casual smartphone snapper, there’s an AI-powered tool out there to elevate your images.
Disclaimer: This review is based on personal testing and experience. The author and this publication have not received any compensation from the mentioned software companies for this review.
