Choosing the best image editing software can be complicated. It all depends on what you look for most in your photo editing software. Here are 12 programs with their own distinct strengths.
DxO PhotoLab
DxO PhotoLab is a replacement for the old DxO Optics Pro software and includes, amongst many other new features, the control point local adjustments of the Nik Collection plug-ins, together with gradient, radial mask and brush masking tools. It now combines class-leading RAW image processing and lens corrections with all of the adjustment tools needed for end-to-end image enhancement and output.
DxO PhotoLab control points tested and rated
DxO PhotoLab 5 now offers chroma and luma mask adjustment sliders for its control point adjustments. How do these work, and are they effective?
DxO FilmPack 6 review
Verdict: 4 stars: DxO FilmPack 6 is a powerful film simulation tool, but its main strength – technical accuracy – is offset by its lack of local adjustment tools.
DxO PhotoLab 5 review
Verdict: 4.4 stars PhotoLab 5 is a significant step forward for DxO’s flagship software. The big news is that it now supports Fujifilm X-Trans RAW files! PhotoLab 5 is not really aimed at beginners and it’s fairly pricey too, but in terms of results you really do get what you pay for.
DxO PhotoLab vs Lightroom vs Capture One – which is best for RAW files?
Which is best for processing RAW files, DxO PhotoLab, Lightroom or Capture One? Here’s a set of eight image comparisons that aims to find out.
Photo editing software downloads: links to trial versions listed here
Almost all the software applications reviewed and described on Life after Photoshop are available as a free trial, and here are the links. I always recommend using the trial version before making your mind up.
DxO PhotoLab Graduated Filter, Control Points and Repair tool in action
This step-by-step editing walkthrough shows a number of DxO PhotoLab tools in action, principally the Local Adjustment tools, including the Graduated Filter and Control Point tools.
How to get great black and white in DxO PhotoLab… but you’ll need FilmPack 5
DxO PhotoLab can create superb black and white imagery, both in terms of image quality and in creative control, but you need to get the DxO FilmPack 5 Elite add-on to do it. This does make things more expensive, and it does feel a bit like you’re paying for some things that other programs offer […]