Top Best 8 Photo Filters for Mac – Add Life and Color to Your Pictures!

In today’s digital age, taking photos has become a common affair. People are using their phones to capture anything and everything, be it their daily routine, special occasions, holidays or even an impromptu moment. And with the increasing usage of various social media platforms to share these photos, people are often on the lookout for ways to make their pictures stand out from the rest. That’s where photo filters come in!

Photo filters can add life and color to your pictures, transforming them into a piece of art. These days, there are countless photo filters available to users on their phones as well as computers. In this blog post, we will be focusing on the top best eight photo filters for Mac users. We will go through their features, pros and cons and provide you with an in-depth comparison that will help you choose the best photo filter for your needs.

Video Tutorial:

What is a Photo Filter?

A photo filter is a layer of effects applied to a photograph to enhance or alter the image. Filters can change the color, contrast, saturation, and texture of a photo to give it a unique look. With the help of photo filters, even a mediocre photo can be transformed into a work of art. Filters are often used to enhance the mood of the picture, make the photo more vibrant, or even give it a vintage touch.

Top 8 Photo Filters for Mac

1. Adobe Lightroom

Adobe Lightroom is among the most popular photo editing software on the market. It is widely used among professional photographers and photo enthusiasts alike. The software not only provides a wide variety of filters but also gives users the freedom to create their own presets. With Adobe Lightroom, you can apply filters with just one click, making it ideal for quick editing.

Pros:

• Can edit large batches of photos at once
• Provides raw file support
• Integrates well with other Adobe products like Photoshop and Premiere Pro
• Can create and save custom presets

Cons:

• Pricey, especially for beginners
• Has an overwhelming amount of features which may be difficult to navigate for beginners

2. Affinity Photo

Affinity Photo is another software that is rapidly gaining in popularity due to its easy-to-use interface and powerful features. This photo editing software is highly responsive and allows for more in-depth photo editing than some other photo filters.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly compared to other high-end photo filters
• Provides a non-destructive editing experience
• Supports multiple file types including raw files
• Can be integrated with other Affinity products

Cons:

• Limited filter options compared to other software
• May take some time to get used to the workflow if you’re used to other photo editing software

3. Pixelmator

Pixelmator is an intuitive photo editing software that allows users to create professional-quality photos with minimal effort. It has an easy-to-use interface and provides a vast array of filters that are easy to apply.

Pros:

• Provides a range of photo filters and effects
• Budget-friendly compared to other software
• Integrates well with iCloud, making it easier to work on photos across multiple devices
• Can edit raw files

Cons:

• Limited masking tools
• May feel slow when working with large files

4. Snapseed

Snapseed is a powerful photo editing software available on both Mac and mobile devices. The software provides a range of photo filters as well as manual editing tools that allow users to alter almost every aspect of the photo.

Pros:

• Easy to use, even for beginners
• Provides a variety of preset filters as well as manual editing tools
• Budget-friendly
• Good for minor photo editing tasks

Cons:

• No batch processing options, which can be time-consuming for editing larger batches of photos
• No support for raw files

5. Luminar 4

Luminar 4 is a sophisticated photo editing software that provides a range of filters and editing tools. It has AI-powered filters that automatically detect the elements in your photo and enhance them accordingly.

Pros:

• Provides AI-powered photo filters that can enhance photos in seconds
• Budget-friendly compared to other high-end filters
• Provides a range of manual editing tools
• Can integrate with Adobe software like Lightroom and Photoshop

Cons:

• May take some time to adjust to the workflow if you’re used to other photo editing software
• Does not have as many filter options as other software

6. ON1 Photo RAW

ON1 Photo RAW is an all-in-one photo editing software that provides photo filters along with several editing tools. It has a workflow that is easy to understand and provides excellent control over editing.

Pros:

• Provides a wide range of photo filters
• Easy to use interface
• Budget-friendly compared to other high-end photo filters
• Integration with other ON1 software tools

Cons:

• May lack some of the more advanced editing features provided by other software
• No support for layer masks

7. DxO PhotoLab

If you’re looking to make your photos more vibrant, DxO PhotoLab is worth considering. This photo editing software comes equipped with a range of photo filters as well as editing tools that allow you to take full control.

Pros:

• Provides a range of photo filters that are easy to apply
• Provides a range of editing tools that allow you to take control of your photo editing process
• The interface is intuitive and easy to understand
• Supports raw file editing

Cons:

• May be slower to use with larger files compared to other photo filters
• Does not provide a comprehensive set of editing tools

8. Photolemur 3

Photolemur 3 is a beginner-friendly photo editor that comes equipped with a range of photo filters powered by AI. A significant advantage is that you can apply these filters to your photos automatically, which is ideal for users who want to make their photos look great without spending too much time learning the technicalities of manual editing.

Pros:

• AI-powered photo filters that can dramatically improve the quality of a photo within a few clicks
• Intuitive interface that is easy to use even for beginners
• Budget-friendly
• Quick processing time, ideal for minor photo editing tasks

Cons:

• Not suitable for professionals who need precise control over their editing
• The software lacks some of the more advanced editing features provided by other software

Pros and Cons of Each Software

Our Thoughts on these Photo Filters

Choosing the best photo filter out of these eight depends on your needs as a photo editor. Suppose you’re looking for a comprehensive photo editing software that provides both photo filters and professional photo editing tools. In that case, Adobe Lightroom and Affinity Photo are excellent choices. If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly software that provides a range of photo filters and editing tools, Pixelmator, Snapseed, and Photolemur 3 are all excellent options. Suppose you’re willing to spend more time learning the ins and outs of a photo editing software and require a comprehensive set of photo filters. In that case, Luminar 4, ON1 Photo RAW, and DxO PhotoLab are all excellent choices.

FAQs about these Photo Filters

Q1: What type of photo filters are available with these software?

A: These photo filters are available in a range of types, including color filters, vintage filters, black and white filters, and more.

Q2: Is there a free version available of any of these photo filters?

A: Free versions are available of Snapseed and Photolemur 3, while the other photo filters listed here have a trial version or require payment to access the full range of features.

Q3: Can I use these photo filters on my smartphone?

A: Most of these photo filters are available for mobile devices, but the extent of their features and functionalities may vary.

Q4: Will these photo filters work with RAW files from my camera?

A: Most of the photo filters mentioned here support RAW file editing, but it’s always best to check the software’s specifications to ensure they support your camera’s RAW format.

Q5: Is there a limit to the number of photos I can edit with these photo filters?

A: Most of these photo filters can edit any number of photos, but post-processing times may vary depending on the size of the files.

Final Thoughts

There’s no shortage of photo filters available to Mac users, but choosing the right one for your needs depends on your level of expertise in photo editing, your budget, and the extent of features and functionalities you require. In summary, Adobe Lightroom and Affinity Photo are the most comprehensive photo editing software for professionals. ON1 Photo RAW, Luminar 4, and DxO PhotoLab are ideal if you’re willing to spend time learning ins and outs of editing software. Finally, Snapseed, Pixelmator, and Photolemur 3 are excellent options for beginners or those looking to make minor photo editing adjustments.