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As a Mac user, having the perfect image editor with a good cropping feature can add immense value to your editing experience. The need for precise cropping cannot be ignored, especially when you’re dealing with images for professional use. Whether you’re an artist, a graphic designer, or a photographer, having the best image cropper at your disposal can make all the difference.
In this article, we’ll discuss the top 6 image croppers for Mac that will help you perfect your visuals with precision cropping. We’ve researched and reviewed the most popular image cropping software for Mac in order to provide you with the best options to choose from.
Video Tutorial:
What is an Image Cropper?
An image cropper is a software that allows you to crop images by selecting a specific area of the image while discarding the rest. It is a basic and incredibly useful feature in image editing software that helps you crop images with ease and precision.
Cropping an image is essential for various reasons, including removing unwanted or distracting elements, creating a new focal point, or resizing the image for specific needs. With an image cropper, you can select and crop an image to precise specifications required for your project or personal use.
Top 6 Best Image Croppers for Mac
We’ve researched and tested the most popular image cropping software for Mac in order to provide you with the top six options available. Here is the list:
Top 1: Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is a popular image editing software with one of the most advanced cropping tools available. It allows you to crop images with precise measurements and ratios. The software offers multiple crop modes, including the classic crop tool, perspective crop tool, and content-aware crop tool. The content-aware tool is a unique feature that fills in the blank area of the image while cropping, providing a seamless editing experience.
Pros:
– Advanced cropping tools
– Multiple crop modes
– Seamless editing experience with content-aware crop tool
Cons:
– Expensive
– Steep learning curve for beginners
Top 2: GIMP
GIMP is a popular free and open-source image editing software that offers a range of features, including advanced cropping tools. The software provides multiple crop modes, including fixed aspect ratio and fixed size crop modes. GIMP also has additional features such as guides and grids, which help adjust your cropping.
Pros:
– Free
– Offers advanced cropping tools
– Provides guides and grids for precise cropping
Cons:
– Interface may not be user-friendly for beginners
– May lag on older Mac models
Top 3: Pixelmator Pro
Pixelmator Pro is a popular image editor for Mac users that offers advanced cropping tools. The software provides you with various crop modes, including free crop, fixed aspect ratio crop, and a straighten tool, making it easy to crop photos quickly and accurately.
Pros:
– User-friendly interface
– Various crop modes
– Advanced editing tools beyond cropping
Cons:
– Not a budget-friendly option
– Not as feature-rich as some other software
Top 4: Affinity Photo
Affinity Photo is another image editing software that provides advanced image cropping tools. The software offers free, fixed aspect ratio, and fixed size crop modes, as well as advanced tools such as guides and grids to aid in precision cropping.
Pros:
– Affordable
– Various crop modes
– Provides guides and grids for precise cropping
Cons:
– May not be as feature-rich as other options
– Interface may not be as user-friendly
Top 5: Preview
Preview is a default Mac app that comes installed with every Mac computer. It provides basic image editing functionalities, including a basic crop tool. Preview’s crop tool allows you to crop an image by selecting a specific area, setting a fixed ratio, or using the "smart lasso" tool for easy selection.
Pros:
– Free
– Basic cropping tool
– "Smart Lasso" tool for easy selection
Cons:
– Limited feature compared to advanced editing software
– May not provide the required precision
Top 6: Paintbrush
Paintbrush is a free Mac app that provides basic image editing functionalities, including a crop tool. The software allows you to crop images with fixed sizes or aspect ratios, providing basic precision.
Pros:
– Free and easy to use
– Basic cropping tool
Cons:
– Basic edit functionalities
– Does not offer advanced crop functionalities
Comprehensive Comparison of Each Software:
Here is a detailed comparison of the top 6 image croppers for Mac, based on key features such as free trial, price, ease-of-use, and value for money:
| Image Croppers | Free Trial | Price | Ease-of-Use | Value for Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Photoshop | 7-day free trial | $20.99/month | Difficult for beginners | High |
| GIMP | Free | Free | Not user-friendly for beginners | High |
| Pixelmator Pro | 30-day free trial | $39.99 | User-friendly | High |
| Affinity Photo | No free trial | $49.99 one-time purchase | Slightly tricky for beginners | High |
| Preview | Default app, no free trial | Free | User-friendly | Low |
| Paintbrush | Free | Free | User-friendly | Low |
Our Thoughts on Image Cropper
Choosing the right image cropper that fits your needs can be challenging. Each software comes with its own pros and cons that make them unique. If you’re looking for advanced editing features beyond cropping, then Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, Pixelmator Pro, and Affinity Photo are the best options. However, they may be more expensive and take time to learn for beginners. On the other hand, Preview and Paintbrush are free and easy to use but may not offer advanced functionalities.
Consider your usage, budget, and skill level before choosing an image cropper for your Mac. Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, Pixelmator Pro, and Affinity Photo are the best options for professional use, while Preview and Paintbrush are ideal for those who want basic cropping features.
FAQs About Image Croppers
Q1: Is Adobe Photoshop worth the cost for an image cropper?
A: Adobe Photoshop is one of the most advanced image editing software available, including its cropping tool. If you are a professional who requires advanced editing features, it is worth the cost. However, if you need basic cropping features, a more affordable options could be more suitable.
Q2: Is GIMP easy for beginners to use?
A: GIMP can be overwhelming for beginners, but its free and advanced features make it one of the best image cropper available.
Q3: Which software offers the most precise cropping options?
A: Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, Pixelmator Pro, and Affinity Photo offer the most precise cropping options among the list.
Q4: Are there any free options for image cropping on Mac?
A: Yes, Preview and Paintbrush are both free and come installed on a Mac computer.
Q5: Which software is best for basic image cropping?
A: For basic image cropping, Preview and Paintbrush are good options. They are free, easy to use, and come with basic editing functionalities.
Final Thoughts
Cropping an image is a basic yet essential feature in image editing, that can be used for various purposes. Choosing the right image cropper can make the difference between an amateur and a professional output. This article has provided a detailed comparison of the top 6 image croppers for Mac, including their pros and cons, free trails, pricing, and ease-of-use. Consider your requirements and budget carefully before choosing the option best suited for your needs.