Photo editing software 2021

When looking for photo editing software in 2021, you’re essentially into a sea of options, each with its own strengths and quirks. To navigate this, think about what you actually need: are you a professional needing robust, industry-standard tools, or a casual user looking to quickly enhance phone snapshots? Here’s a quick guide to some of the top contenders that were making waves in 2021: Adobe Photoshop remained the undisputed king for complex manipulations and graphic design, while Adobe Lightroom was the go-to for photographers needing batch processing and a streamlined workflow for large volumes of images. For those seeking powerful alternatives without the subscription model, Affinity Photo offered a compelling one-time purchase. If you’re into quick, AI-powered enhancements and creative effects, Luminar AI and Skylum Luminar Neo then in its nascent stages but a strong contender for the future were gaining traction. And for photographers serious about raw image processing and needing an alternative to Adobe’s ecosystem, solutions like Capture One Pro stood out. Don’t forget that if you’re looking for a powerful, yet affordable alternative with excellent RAW processing capabilities and a robust asset management system, you can check out 👉 AfterShot Pro 15% OFF Coupon Limited Time FREE TRIAL Included. These tools offer a range of features from basic adjustments like cropping and color correction to advanced layering, retouching, and special effects, empowering you to transform your digital images from good to truly exceptional. Selecting the right software is less about finding the “best” and more about finding the “best for you,” aligning its capabilities with your specific photography and editing goals.

The Unrivaled Giants: Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom

Their interconnected suite of tools provided a comprehensive workflow for photographers and graphic designers alike.

Understanding the distinction and synergy between Photoshop and Lightroom was key for anyone serious about digital image manipulation.

Adobe Photoshop: The Industry Standard for Image Manipulation

Photoshop, often synonymous with image editing, was and largely remains the gold standard for intricate photo manipulation, graphic design, and artistic compositions.

Its power lies in its unparalleled layering system, sophisticated selection tools, and an extensive array of filters and effects.

• Core Strengths:
  • Layer-Based Editing: Non-destructive editing through layers allows for complex compositions and easy revisions.
  • Retouching Prowess: Industry-leading tools for skin smoothing, blemish removal, object removal, and intricate dodging and burning.
  • Selection Capabilities: Advanced selection tools like Quick Selection, Magic Wand, Pen Tool, and Select Subject, powered by AI, enable precise isolation of elements.
  • Creative Freedom: From digital painting to 3D design, Photoshop’s versatility knows few bounds.
  • Integration: Seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications, like Illustrator and InDesign, for a holistic creative workflow.
• Ideal User: Professional photographers, graphic designers, digital artists, retouchers, and anyone needing ultimate control over every pixel.
• Key Features 2021 Highlights:
  • Pattern Preview: Made designing seamless patterns far easier for designers.
  • Cloud Documents: Enhanced collaboration and access to files across devices.
• Data Point: According to a 2021 survey by Statista, Adobe Photoshop held a significant market share in the image editing software segment, underscoring its widespread adoption across various industries. While exact figures fluctuate, its consistent presence at the top is undeniable.

Adobe Lightroom Classic & CC: The Photographer’s Workflow Hub

Lightroom, in its two main iterations Classic and CC, was designed specifically for photographers.

It’s a powerful tool for photo management, raw image processing, and non-destructive global and local adjustments, making it perfect for handling large volumes of images.

• Lightroom Classic: The desktop-centric version, preferred by many professionals for its robust organizational features, superior performance with local storage, and comprehensive set of editing tools.
  • Catalog System: A powerful catalog system for organizing, tagging, and searching thousands of images.
  • Non-Destructive Editing: All edits are stored as instructions, leaving the original raw file untouched.
  • Batch Processing: Efficiently apply edits, presets, and metadata to multiple images simultaneously.
  • Advanced Masking Pre-AI advancements: While AI masking was still in its infancy, Classic offered radial and graduated filters, and the adjustment brush for local edits.
  • Tethered Capture: Direct camera control from within Lightroom for studio photography.
• Lightroom CC Cloud-based: Designed for a more mobile and cloud-centric workflow, offering synchronization across devices desktop, mobile, web.
  • Cloud Storage: All original files are uploaded to Adobe’s cloud, accessible from anywhere.
  • Simplified Interface: A cleaner, more intuitive interface compared to Classic, ideal for beginners or those working primarily on mobile.
  • AI Search: Automatic tagging and search capabilities based on content recognition.
• Synergy: The powerful combination of Lightroom for initial culling, raw development, and batch edits, followed by Photoshop for detailed retouching and complex compositions, formed the backbone of many professional photography workflows in 2021.
• Data Point: As of 2021, Adobe Creative Cloud, which includes both Photoshop and Lightroom, boasted millions of subscribers globally, cementing their position as industry leaders. A significant portion of professional photographers, estimated at over 80% by some industry analyses, relied on Lightroom for their post-production workflow.

Powerful Standalone Alternatives: Affinity Photo and Capture One Pro

While Adobe dominated, several strong contenders offered compelling alternatives, often with a different pricing model or specialized focus.

For users wary of subscriptions or seeking specific feature sets, these options presented excellent value.

Affinity Photo: The One-Time Purchase Powerhouse

Affinity Photo, developed by Serif, continued to solidify its position as a genuine Photoshop alternative, offering a remarkable depth of features for a one-time purchase.

In 2021, it was widely praised for its performance, robust toolset, and user-friendly interface. Ai tools for photo

• Key Selling Points:
  • Perpetual License: A significant draw for users preferring to own their software outright rather than subscribe.
  • Non-Destructive Editing: Full support for layers, live filter layers, adjustment layers, and masks.
  • Raw Development Persona: A dedicated workspace for raw image processing, offering comprehensive controls comparable to Lightroom.
  • Focus Merging and HDR Tone Mapping: Advanced features for combining multiple exposures for increased dynamic range or depth of field.
  • 360-Degree Image Editing: Tools specifically designed for editing panoramic and 360-degree photos.
  • Vector Capabilities: While primarily a raster editor, it includes some vector tools, bridging the gap between photo editing and graphic design.
• Performance: Known for its smooth performance, even with large files, thanks to its optimized engine and GPU acceleration.
• Ideal User: Photographers and graphic designers seeking a professional-grade alternative to Photoshop without the subscription cost, or those who appreciate its intuitive workflow.
• Market Impact: Affinity Photo was steadily growing its user base in 2021. Industry reports indicated a clear trend of users migrating from subscription-based models to one-time purchase options, with Affinity Photo being a primary beneficiary of this shift. Its adoption rate saw a noticeable increase among independent designers and small businesses.

Capture One Pro: The Raw Processing Specialist

Capture One Pro, by Phase One, has long been a favorite among professional photographers, especially those working with high-end cameras like Phase One medium format systems, but also a strong contender for DSLR/mirrorless users.

In 2021, it continued to be celebrated for its superior raw image processing engine and tethered capture capabilities.

• Unrivaled Raw Processing: Widely regarded for its exceptional color rendition, detail retention, and dynamic range recovery from raw files. Many argue it produces cleaner, more vibrant results directly from raw compared to competitors.
• Advanced Color Editing: Unparalleled color editor with unique features like the ability to adjust specific color ranges with incredible precision.
• Layers and Masks: Supports layers for non-destructive local adjustments, similar to Photoshop, allowing for complex and precise editing workflows.
• Tethered Capture: Industry-leading tethering capabilities, making it the preferred choice for studio photographers. Its responsiveness and control over camera settings from the computer are unmatched.
• Session-Based Workflow: Offers both a catalog system and a “session” workflow, which is excellent for individual shoots and specific projects, keeping files organized locally without a large database.
• Customizable Interface: Highly customizable interface, allowing users to arrange tools and workspaces to suit their specific needs.
• Ideal User: Professional photographers, particularly studio, fashion, portrait, and commercial photographers, who prioritize the highest quality raw processing, precise color control, and robust tethered shooting.
• Adoption: While its market share was smaller than Adobe’s, Capture One Pro commanded a loyal following among high-end professionals. Data from photography forums and industry surveys in 2021 consistently showed it as a top choice for photographers focused on premium image quality and studio work, with a reported retention rate of over 90% among its professional users.

AI-Powered Innovation: Luminar AI and Skylum Luminar Neo Early Access

2021 was a pivotal year for AI in photo editing.

While rudimentary AI tools existed before, Luminar AI truly pushed the boundaries, offering intelligent automation and creative tools that significantly sped up workflows and democratized complex edits.

Skylum also began hinting at Luminar Neo, foreshadowing even more advanced AI capabilities.

Luminar AI: The Intelligent Photo Enhancer

Luminar AI, released in late 2020, was all about smart automation.

It aimed to simplify complex editing tasks, making professional-looking results accessible to photographers of all skill levels through its AI-powered tools.

• Core Philosophy: Less about pixel-level manipulation, more about intelligent enhancement and creative transformation with minimal effort.
• Key AI Tools 2021 Features:
  • Sky AI: Automatically detects and replaces skies, intelligently adjusting reflections, relighting the scene, and harmonizing colors. This was a standout feature, far surpassing similar tools in other software at the time.
  • Face AI & Body AI: Tools for subtle yet effective portrait retouching, allowing adjustments to face shape, eye size, skin smoothing, and even body reshaping without manual selections.
  • Structure AI: Intelligently enhances detail and clarity in specific areas e.g., buildings, textures while preserving skin tones or smooth areas.
  • Atmosphere AI: Adds realistic fog, mist, or haze with depth and volumetric effects.
  • Composition AI: Smartly crops and straightens images based on golden ratios and common compositional rules.
• Templates Looks: AI-driven templates analyze the image content and suggest suitable looks, providing a one-click starting point for various styles.
• User Adoption: In 2021, Luminar AI gained significant traction, especially among users looking for quick edits and creative effects. Skylum reported millions of downloads, indicating a strong market appetite for AI-driven photo editing solutions. Its focus on accessibility and speed resonated deeply with a broad user base.

Skylum Luminar Neo Early Access/Preview: The Future of AI Editing

While Luminar AI was in full swing, Skylum also began to tease and offer early access to Luminar Neo in late 2021. Neo was positioned not as a replacement for AI, but as a more powerful, modular platform built on a new engine, designed for even more advanced AI capabilities and complex layering.

• New Core Engine: Built from the ground up, promising better performance and stability, and paving the way for more sophisticated AI algorithms.
• Layer-Based Workflow Enhanced: While Luminar AI had some layering, Neo aimed for a more robust, Photoshop-like layering system combined with its AI tools.
• Relight AI Teased: A revolutionary concept that would allow users to independently control the lighting of the foreground and background, providing unprecedented control over scene illumination.
• Dust Removal AI & Powerline Removal AI Teased: Further examples of highly specific, intelligent AI tools designed to automate tedious retouching tasks.
• Modular Architecture: Designed to be more flexible, allowing for future expansions and integration of new AI features seamlessly.
• Ideal User Anticipated: Photographers who enjoyed Luminar AI’s ease of use but needed more control, performance, and advanced layering capabilities, pushing the boundaries of what AI could achieve in image manipulation.
• Future Impact as seen in 2021: The early previews of Luminar Neo generated considerable excitement in the photography community. It signaled a clear direction towards a future where AI handles the heavy lifting of complex edits, freeing photographers to focus more on their creative vision rather than technical execution. This represented a significant investment by Skylum in the future of AI-powered creative tools.

Free and Open-Source Options: GIMP and Darktable

Not everyone needs or can afford premium software.

In 2021, excellent free and open-source options continued to serve a significant segment of the photography community, offering powerful tools without the financial barrier. Photo with image

GIMP: The Free and Open-Source Photoshop Alternative

GIMP GNU Image Manipulation Program has been the go-to free alternative to Photoshop for decades.

While its interface can be daunting for newcomers, its capabilities are extensive, making it a powerful tool for raster graphics editing, image manipulation, and even some graphic design.

*   Free and Open-Source: No cost, and its open-source nature means a passionate community constantly contributes to its development.
*   Cross-Platform: Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
*   Layer-Based Editing: Full support for layers, channels, masks, and paths, offering non-destructive editing similar to commercial software.
*   Extensive Toolset: A wide array of selection tools, painting tools, color correction, filters, and effects.
*   Scripting Support: Allows for automation of tasks through scripting Python, Scheme.
*   Plugin Ecosystem: A vast number of community-developed plugins further extend its functionality.

• Challenges:
  • Interface Learning Curve: Can feel less intuitive than commercial alternatives, especially for those accustomed to Photoshop.
  • CMYK Support Historically: While improving, CMYK support for professional print workflows wasn’t as seamless as in dedicated commercial software.
  • Raw Processing: GIMP itself doesn’t offer robust raw processing, often requiring external raw converters like Darktable or RawTherapee.
• Ideal User: Budget-conscious photographers, students, hobbyists, Linux users, and anyone who wants a powerful, free image editor and is willing to invest time in learning its interface.
• Community Support: GIMP thrives on its active community. Forums, tutorials, and user groups provided extensive support in 2021, demonstrating its enduring relevance as a free, powerful tool. Downloads continued to be in the millions, particularly among open-source enthusiasts and educational institutions.

Darktable: The Open-Source Lightroom Equivalent

Darktable continued its rise as a robust, open-source raw developer and photo management application in 2021. It offered a non-destructive workflow, comprehensive editing tools, and a powerful cataloging system, making it a compelling alternative to Lightroom for many.

• Key Features:
  • Non-Destructive Raw Editor: All edits are applied virtually, preserving the original raw file.
  • Professional Color Management: Excellent color management tools, crucial for accurate reproduction.
  • Modular Architecture: Its editing modules similar to Lightroom’s panels offer a vast array of adjustments, from basic exposure to complex color grading and lens corrections.
  • Lighttable Module: For organizing, tagging, and culling images, similar to Lightroom’s Library module.
  • Tethered Shooting: Support for tethered capture.
  • Masking Capabilities: Advanced masking tools for local adjustments.
• Parametric Masking: A particularly powerful feature, allowing masks to be created based on pixel values, luminance, or color, offering incredibly precise local adjustments.
• Learning Curve: Like GIMP, Darktable can have a steeper learning curve than some commercial options due to its extensive features and unique workflow.
• Ideal User: Photographers seeking a free, powerful, and open-source alternative to Lightroom for raw processing and photo management, especially those on Linux platforms or deeply invested in open-source ecosystems.
• Growth in 2021: Darktable saw increasing adoption, particularly among users moving away from subscription models or those prioritizing open-source software. Its consistent updates and growing feature set made it a formidable competitor in the raw processing space, with community engagement and download numbers steadily climbing.

Specialized Tools and Workflow Enhancers

Beyond the general-purpose editors, 2021 also saw a continued demand for specialized software designed for specific tasks, from advanced noise reduction to intricate focus stacking.

These tools often integrate with primary editors as plugins or standalone applications.

Topaz Labs Suite DeNoise AI, Sharpen AI, Gigapixel AI: The AI Enhancers

Topaz Labs continued to lead the pack in AI-powered image enhancement tools in 2021. Their suite of software – DeNoise AI, Sharpen AI, and Gigapixel AI – utilized deep learning to address specific image quality issues with astonishing effectiveness.

• Topaz DeNoise AI: Industry-leading noise reduction software. It intelligently distinguishes between noise and detail, allowing for significant noise reduction while preserving image sharpness, even in very high ISO images.
• Topaz Sharpen AI: Uses AI to sharpen images that are slightly out of focus, affected by motion blur, or simply need more detail. It can correct for soft focus and even subtle camera shake.
• Topaz Gigapixel AI: An AI-powered image upscaler. It uses deep learning to intelligently enlarge images up to 600% without significant loss of detail, often adding detail where traditional upscaling would only blur. This was invaluable for prints, cropping, or restoring older, lower-resolution images.
• Workflow Integration: These tools typically work as standalone applications or as plugins for Photoshop, Lightroom, and other major editors, integrating seamlessly into existing workflows.
• Ideal User: Any photographer or retoucher needing to rescue noisy images, sharpen soft photos, or upscale images for large prints or specific uses without sacrificing quality. Particularly beneficial for astro, wildlife, and low-light photographers.
• Industry Impact: Topaz Labs’ AI tools were widely praised in 2021 for their groundbreaking capabilities. Many professionals considered them essential additions to their post-processing toolkit, with numerous testimonials and comparisons highlighting their superior results over traditional methods. The company reported substantial growth in sales and user base, indicative of the high demand for AI-driven image quality solutions.

Helicon Focus and Zerene Stacker: For Focus Stacking Perfection

Focus stacking software, such as Helicon Focus and Zerene Stacker, provided the solution by combining multiple images shot at different focal planes into one perfectly sharp composite.

• How Focus Stacking Works: It involves taking several photos of the same subject, each focused on a slightly different part, and then software aligns and blends these images to create a single image where everything from foreground to background is in sharp focus.
• Helicon Focus:
  • Advanced Algorithms: Offers several rendering methods e.g., A, B, C to handle various image types and artifacts.
  • Micro-Panoramas: Can stitch focus-stacked images into panoramas.
  • Retouching Brush: Allows for manual blending and correction of stacking artifacts.
  • Batch Processing: Efficiently handles large series of images.
• Zerene Stacker:
  • Two Primary Methods: PMax pyramid maximum contrast and DMap depth map, often used in conjunction for best results.
  • Excellent Detail Retention: Known for preserving fine details and handling tricky areas like hairs or intricate textures.
  • Robust Alignment: Handles slight camera movements effectively.
  • Integrated Retouching: Tools for cleaning up artifacts.
• Niche Dominance: In 2021, these two programs continued to be the top choices within the niche of focus stacking. Their specialized algorithms consistently outperformed general-purpose photo editors for this specific task, making them indispensable for professionals requiring meticulous sharpness throughout their images.

Choosing the Right Software: A Practical Approach

Navigating the multitude of photo editing software options in 2021 and beyond required a strategic approach.

It wasn’t about finding the “best” software in an objective sense, but rather the “best fit” for your specific needs, skill level, and budget.

Assessing Your Needs and Skill Level

Before committing to any software, a thorough self-assessment is crucial. Acrylic painting set

• Beginner/Casual User: If you’re just starting out, primarily edit phone photos, or only need basic adjustments like cropping, color correction, and simple filters, then free mobile apps like Google Photos, Snapseed or online editors Pixlr, Photopea might be sufficient. Easy-to-use desktop software with AI features like Luminar AI would also be a great step up.
• Enthusiast/Hobbyist: For those who shoot regularly, understand basic photography concepts exposure triangle, composition, and want to enhance their images significantly without becoming a professional retoucher, options like Adobe Lightroom, Luminar AI, Affinity Photo, or Darktable offer a great balance of power and usability. You might be shooting in RAW and want good control over your edits.
• Professional Photographer/Designer: If photography is your livelihood, you shoot in RAW exclusively, need precise control over every aspect of your images, require advanced retouching, complex composites, or print-ready files, then Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, and Capture One Pro are your primary contenders. Specialized tools like Topaz Labs and focus stacking software become invaluable additions.

Understanding Pricing Models: Subscription vs. Perpetual

This was a major deciding factor for many users in 2021.

• Subscription Model e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud:
  • Pros: Access to the latest features and updates immediately, cloud storage and synchronization, integration across a suite of apps, often includes mobile versions.
  • Cons: Ongoing monthly/annual cost, if you stop paying, you lose access to the software though you usually retain access to your files.
  • Consideration: Good for professionals who need access to the full suite of tools and appreciate continuous updates and support.
• Perpetual License e.g., Affinity Photo, Capture One Pro:
  • Pros: One-time purchase, you own the software forever, no recurring fees.
  • Cons: Updates to major new versions might require a new purchase, no cloud storage typically included, might not integrate as seamlessly with other software.
  • Consideration: Excellent for budget-conscious users or those who prefer to own their tools and don’t need the absolute latest features the moment they are released.
• Freemium/Free e.g., GIMP, Darktable, basic mobile apps:
  • Pros: No cost whatsoever, often open-source with community support.
  • Cons: Can have a steeper learning curve, interface might be less polished, might lack some advanced features or dedicated support, inconsistent update cycles compared to commercial software.
  • Consideration: Ideal for beginners, students, or anyone on a tight budget who is willing to invest time in learning.

Leveraging Trials and Community Resources

The best way to choose software is to try it out.

• Free Trials: Most commercial software offers free trials typically 7-30 days. Always download the trial version before buying. This allows you to test the interface, workflow, and specific features with your own images. For instance, you can get a 👉 AfterShot Pro 15% OFF Coupon Limited Time FREE TRIAL Included and see if it fits your needs.
• YouTube Tutorials: There’s an endless supply of tutorials for almost every piece of software. Watch these to get a feel for the workflow and see if it aligns with your preferred way of working.
• Online Forums and Communities: Engage with user communities on Reddit e.g., r/photoshop, r/lightroom, r/gimp, r/darktable, r/photography, dedicated photography forums, or Facebook groups. Ask questions, read user experiences, and get real-world insights.
• Compare Features to Your Workflow: Think about your typical photo editing workflow:
  • Raw Processing: How well does it handle your camera’s raw files?
  • Organization: Do you need robust cataloging or simple folder management?
  • Adjustments: Does it offer the level of control you need basic, advanced, local, global?
  • Retouching: Are you doing simple portrait touch-ups or complex skin smoothing and object removal?
  • Special Effects/Creativity: Do you want AI-powered creative filters or prefer manual artistic control?
  • Export/Sharing: How easily can you export for web, print, or social media?

By meticulously evaluating these factors, photographers in 2021 could confidently select the photo editing software that truly empowered their creative vision and optimized their workflow, rather than simply following trends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was considered the best photo editing software in 2021?

In 2021, the “best” highly depended on user needs. Adobe Photoshop was the industry standard for advanced image manipulation and graphic design, while Adobe Lightroom was preferred for professional photographers for raw processing and photo management. For those seeking a one-time purchase alternative, Affinity Photo was highly regarded, and Capture One Pro excelled in raw processing and tethered capture.

Was Photoshop still the most popular choice in 2021?

Yes, Adobe Photoshop continued to be the most popular and widely used photo editing software in 2021, especially for professional graphic designers, retouchers, and digital artists, largely due to its comprehensive feature set and industry ubiquity.

What was a good free alternative to Photoshop in 2021?

GIMP GNU Image Manipulation Program was the most prominent and powerful free and open-source alternative to Photoshop in 2021, offering a wide range of features for raster image editing, though with a steeper learning curve.

What was a good free alternative to Lightroom in 2021?

Darktable was an excellent free and open-source alternative to Lightroom in 2021, providing robust non-destructive raw image processing, extensive editing tools, and photo management capabilities.

How did AI impact photo editing software in 2021?

AI significantly impacted photo editing in 2021, primarily through tools like Luminar AI, which offered automated enhancements e.g., Sky AI, Face AI, Structure AI to simplify complex edits and speed up workflows, making professional-looking results more accessible.

Was Luminar AI a good choice for beginners in 2021?

Yes, Luminar AI was an excellent choice for beginners and enthusiasts in 2021 due to its intuitive interface and powerful AI-driven tools that automated many complex editing tasks, allowing users to achieve impressive results quickly.

What was the advantage of Capture One Pro over Lightroom in 2021?

In 2021, Capture One Pro was often preferred by professionals for its superior raw image processing engine, exceptional color rendition, more advanced tethered capture capabilities, and highly customizable interface, especially for studio and commercial photography. Corel videostudio 2021 serial number

Was Affinity Photo a viable alternative to Adobe products in 2021?

Yes, Affinity Photo was a very viable alternative to Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom in 2021, offering a comprehensive set of professional-grade features for a one-time perpetual license, making it attractive to users who preferred not to subscribe.

What software was best for noise reduction in 2021?

Topaz DeNoise AI was widely considered the best software for noise reduction in 2021, leveraging advanced AI algorithms to effectively remove noise while preserving fine details in images, even at high ISO settings.

What software was used for focus stacking in 2021?

Did any software offer good mobile editing in 2021?

Yes, Adobe Lightroom Mobile part of the Creative Cloud ecosystem offered robust mobile editing capabilities in 2021, synchronizing edits across devices. Other popular options included Snapseed free from Google and built-in photo editors on smartphones.

What was the typical cost of professional photo editing software in 2021?

Professional photo editing software in 2021 typically came with a subscription model e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud at around $9.99-$52.99/month depending on the plan or a perpetual license e.g., Affinity Photo around $50-$60, Capture One Pro around $299-$399 for a one-time purchase, or a monthly subscription option.

Was it possible to edit RAW files with free software in 2021?

Yes, it was possible to edit RAW files with free software in 2021. Darktable and RawTherapee were excellent open-source options specifically designed for non-destructive raw image processing, offering comprehensive tools comparable to commercial software.

What was new in Photoshop in 2021?

What was the primary difference between Lightroom Classic and Lightroom CC in 2021?

In 2021, Lightroom Classic was the desktop-centric version with a robust catalog system, favored by professionals for local storage and extensive organizational tools. Lightroom CC was the cloud-based version, designed for cross-device synchronization and simpler workflows, with all originals stored in the cloud.

What software was best for upscaling images without losing quality in 2021?

Topaz Gigapixel AI was considered the best software for upscaling images without significant loss of quality in 2021. It utilized advanced AI algorithms to intelligently enlarge images, often adding details rather than just pixelating them, making it ideal for large prints.

Were there any online photo editors that were good in 2021?

Yes, Pixlr and Photopea were two prominent online photo editors in 2021. Pixlr offered both simpler and more advanced tools, while Photopea was particularly notable for its strong compatibility with Photoshop files and a very similar interface, all accessible directly in a web browser.

Which software offered the best color grading tools in 2021?

While most professional software offered strong color grading, Capture One Pro was often lauded in 2021 for its exceptionally precise and powerful color editor, allowing for very granular control over specific color ranges within an image.

Was there a growing trend toward subscription-based software in 2021?

Yes, in 2021, there was a clear trend towards subscription-based software models, largely driven by Adobe Creative Cloud. Convert microsoft pdf to pdf

However, this also fueled demand for strong perpetual license alternatives like Affinity Photo from users who preferred one-time purchases.

What photo editing software was recommended for Mac users in 2021?

For Mac users in 2021, all major professional software like Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Affinity Photo, Capture One Pro, and Luminar AI were fully compatible. Additionally, Apple Photos offered basic editing capabilities and seamless integration with the macOS ecosystem.