1. Free Software Like Lightroom
2. Best Free Photo Editing Software For Mac
3. Adobe Free Photo Editing Software

Which is the best photo organizer for Mac? Adobe Lightroom is the best photo organizer for Mac users. Lightroom is a cloud-based service that gives you everything you need to edit, organize, store, and share your photos across any device. Darktable is an open-source, free RAW photo editor available for Linux, Mac / macports, BSD, Windows, and Solaris 11 / GNOME. It’s designed to be a virtual darkroom and allows you to view negatives through a zoomable lighttable. Adobe Photoshop is the most commonly used photo editing software available today. GIMP is free to download for Mac, Windows, and Linux. Corel PaintShop Pro is the company’s more advanced.

Here is a list of 2020 the best adobe lightroom alternative free for Mac and Windows. Adobe Photoshop Lightroom has two main functions: processing images, and organizing them (through tags, naming, rating, and metadata).

It’s hugely popular among professional and hobbyist photographers thanks to its ability to process photos in batches and optimise workflow, but it’s not the only option – there are several superb free alternatives that are almost as powerful. Let’s take a look at 2020 best adobe lightroom alternative for Windows, Mac, Linux and iPhone.

1. RawTherapee

RawTherapee is an open source Lightroom alternative free for processing raw files (or compressed image files like TIFF and JPG), then sending the resulting images directly to GIMP (or your preferred photo editor). RawTherapee’s advanced image processing toolkit makes it easy to adjust exposure, colors, sharpness, and noise. Download: RawTherapee

2. LightZone

LightZone is another open source best lightroom alternative, non-destructive digital darkroom that makes an excellent substitute for Adobe Lightroom. Download: LightZone

3. IrfanView

IrfanView is a classic Lightroom alternative with great organising and processing tools. It combines a powerful image editor and organiser, with excellent support for raw and compressed file formats (see the full list).

Download: IrfanView

4. Chasys Draw IES

Chasys Draw IES is a suite of image editing applications including a layer-based image editor with animation, icon editing support and super-resolution via image stacking, a multi-threaded image file converter, a fast image viewer and a RAW camera file processor.

Download: Chasys Draw IES

5. Google Photos

Google Photos is a free photo editor available as a mobile app and online, with an optional desktop tool for uploading images. It is a lightroom alternative online users. Google Picasa was another great free Lightroom alternative, but it was discontinued in May last year and replaced with Google Photos.

Try it online Lightroom alternative: Google Photos

Read also: 20 Free Lightroom Presets for Your Next Projects

Adobe Lightroom is a top editing program. In this article, we look at the best free Lightroom alternatives. First and foremost, we look at the features Lightroom offers so a fair comparison can be made. This software offers both editing and photo management capabilities. Some of the main features are listed below:

Photo Manipulation

• Edit basic image parameters such as color and detail
• Local adjustments and graduated filters
• Lightroom presets for quick editing
• Export direct to social media

Photo Management

Create detailed folder hierarchies

• Add keywords and metadata to photos
• Assign star and color ratings to photos
• Search photos using keywords and ratings

As you can see, Lightroom is quite extensive – it gives users a high level of control and flexibility over the editing process. There is a plethora of free Lightroom alternatives however that offer just as much. Programs such as GIMP, Darktable and RawTherapee can serve as a viable alternative without the associated cost.
If you require photo editing and management features but can’t afford the price tag, why not try out these Lightroom alternatives? We have reviewed the following products:

• RawTherapee
• GIMP
• Paint.net
• Darktable
• Pixlr
• Photo Pos Pro
• LightZone
• InPixio
• Apple Photos
• Pixelmator
• Polarr
• Photoscape X
• Microsoft Windows 10 Photos
• Photopea

1. Raw Therapee

Price – Free
Available Platforms – Windows
RawTherapee is one of the leading free Lightroom alternatives. This program receives regular updates and is available on Windows platforms. The current version is 5.6 which features bug fixes and minor improvements.
The layout of this fantastic program is not too dissimilar to Lightroom – toolbars are located on the left and right-hand sides, whilst the viewing pane is in the centre. The tools are easy to find and straightforward to use. General features include support for a myriad of camera models, keyboard shortcuts to improve efficiency, and support for RAW files.
In addition to this, RawTherapee also has an advanced selection of adjustment tools. Adjust parameters like color, tone, balance and curves. Moreover, use a myriad of transformation tools to align and crop images. RawTherapee has a great deal to offer and is a top free Lightroom alternative.

2. Luminar (free trial)

Price – $79 (free trial)
Available Platforms – Windows/MAC

On the one hand, the software is different from Lightroom in terms of design, usability, and automatic features while on the other hand, it’s very similar to Lightroom in the tools and capabilities it possesses.

Couple that with a free trial and a low price tag for the full program, and you’ve got a winner. Luminar will let you do most of the things you can do in Lightroom, and then some. It brings innovative features and highly advanced presets that make it much easier for photographers to start editing their photos.

Luminar is also constantly improving and the last version added a feature that was perhaps the sole reason why it became almost a no-brainer as a Lightroom alternative; Libraries. So not only can you use Luminar to edit your photos in a very intuitive and powerful way, but you can also use it to manage your photos on your computer, something that was almost exclusive to Lightroom in a professional capacity for years.

3. GIMP

Price – Free
Available Platforms – Windows / Linux / MAC

GIMP is both a raster graphics editing tool, but also a photo editor. This is one of the most widely used free Lightroom alternatives available. GIMP uses open source technology and the source code can be freely edited. Moreover, there is a host of information available from the community about using this product.
Photo editing features include basic parameter manipulation like contrast, core temperature and white balance. In addition to this, there is a plethora of automatic correction tools – the program has support for many camera models and can eliminate imperfections such as lens flare and barrel distortion. GIMP also has a choice of transformation tools like crop, rotate, and flip.

4. Photolemur

Price – free with watermark
Available Platforms – Windows/MAC

Having a million and one tools at your fingertips in something like Lightroom is obviously a great thing for professional photographers but sometimes all you want is a simple program that would do all the work for you or at least give you a solid base to start off from.

That’s where Photolemur shines. It’s an advanced photo editor that aims to automatically adjust various common issues with your photos, without needing much work from your side. This makes the program highly suitable for all kinds of photographers from beginners who want their photos slightly adjusted before uploading them to their favorite sharing platform to professionals who wish to do away with all the technical work and want to focus on their creative input.

5. Aurora HDR (free trial)

Price – $99 (free trial)
Available Platforms – Windows/MAC

Aurora HDR is a cheap alternative to Lightroom if you are interested in creating HDR photos that look natural and highly detailed. The software comes with a friendly interface and a whole lot of tools for those who want to get into detailed editing. Aurora HDR also gives you various presets that each gives your photos a different look and feel. The software is also powered by strong AI technologies that make it much quicker than other HDR editors. Issues like ghosting and haze are controlled very well, and the final images produced are quite excellent in terms of detail and their visual aesthetic.

6. Paint.net

Price – Free
Available Platforms – Windows
Paint.net is a long-standing photo editor available exclusively for Windows platforms. This program offers a simple interface and a user-friendly set of tools. Moreover, it performs superbly and doesn’t require hefty processing power to edit images smoothly.
Create brilliant graphics using the raster graphics tools – use gradients, line tools, text and more. In addition to this, Paint.net has a myriad of photo editing tools. Change basic parameters such as contrast, brightness and exposure. All changes can be layered to provide additional control and creative license.
Paint.net also features an unlimited editing history – if mistakes are made, simply click back on previous items to revert changes made. The combination of basic layout and simple tools are great for novice photographers and graphic designers.

7. Darktable

Price – Free
Available Platforms – Windows / MAC / Linux / Ubuntu
If you compared Lightroom and Darktable side by side, you could mistake them for the same program. Darktable has an extremely similar layout to Lightroom. Furthermore, it features many of the same tools. As you would expect, the interface is fantastic – the main editing toolbar is on the right-hand side and uses sliders. Moreover, the left hand column contains image organization settings and filters.
Users requiring photo management can take advantage of the rating system and keywords. Photos can be given a star rating, color, and assigned keywords and metadata. These items can be searched for using the advanced search functionality.
Editing tools include a plethora of basic parameters. Have full control over your image makeup including adjustments for color, balance and tones. Moreover, Dartktable has auto-correction tools and support for hundreds of camera models.

8. Pixlr

Price – Free
Available Platforms – Web browser / Smartphone application
Users who require a simple, no-hassle editor can use Pixlr. This is a free Lightroom alternative available for use in web browsers. The only pre-requisite is that Adobe Flash player must be enabled. The browser version doesn’t require heavy processor requirements. It runs smoothly and we experienced no lag when testing the editing features.
Pixlr is both a raster graphics editor and a photo manipulation tool. The raster graphics tools are similar to Adobe Photoshop. Photo manipulation tools include different adjustments such as – brightness, contrast, color balance, vibrancy, levels, curves and exposure. In addition to this, apply different stylish effects like sepia, solarize, desaturate and old photo.
This free web browser editor may not be the most sophisticated program, but it is a great tool for basic manipulation and retouching.

9. Photo Pos Pro

Price – Free
Available Platforms – Windows / MAC / Web browser
Photo Pos Pro is a highly rated free Lightroom alternative available as both a web browser application and full downloadable software. A premium version is also available, but the free program has a host of useful features.
Basic RAW editing support is available. Edit image parameters including colors, brightness, temperature and contrast. Image layers are also available and local adjustments can be applied to these layers. In addition to the image manipulation tools there is basic raster graphics tools too.
Photo retouching tools are also possible – remove unwanted red-eye from portraits and correct lens distortion and other imperfections. These tools combine together to create a superb editing program that is easy to use.

10. LightZone

Price – Free
Available Platforms – Windows / MAC / Linux
LightZone can be compared to both Darktable and Lightroom. It is a marvellous free Lightroom alternative that concentrates on photo manipulation. The basic layout is easy to grasp – users can find tools on the right-hand side and a live preview of the image in the centre.
Main editing categories include sharpening, white balance, hue, saturation, and lighting. Furthermore, detailed RAW editing is possible for tonal curves and other adjustments. It is possible to customize the workspace for your own editing needs. Adjustments toolbars can be arranged in different orders to improve the process.
All editing is non-destructive and any changes made can be reverted. Moreover, the product is open source and has a plethora of regular updates.

11. Fotor

Price – Free/ $3.33 per month for Pro version
Available Platforms – Windows/Mac/iOS/Android/browser

Like Lightroom, Fotor is a versatile photo editor, able to run as a desktop or mobile app and in a browser. Also similar to Lightroom, Fotor offers cloud storage and workflow designed to be used on the go. Although it doesn’t include digital asset management, this free photo editor should be considered. It provides hundreds of photo effects and filters and aims to deliver fast editing and high-quality images. In addition, it includes a large collection of frames, stickers, templates, and design elements.

Fotor allows you to make basic adjustments such as exposure, brightness, and contrast, retouch colors and tone, add vignettes, and fix geometry errors. Moreover, it includes tools for retouching portraits and helps you remove blemishes, wrinkles, and red-eye, enhance eyebrows, and add make-up. The list of photo effects is extremely long and many of them are included in the free version. You can preview each change before applying it and redo it afterward. It doesn’t work with layers but neither does Lightroom.

You can use Fotor as a free alternative for Lightroom when you want quick fixes and special effects even if it isn’t a match for its functionality.

12. InPixio

Price – Free
Available Platforms – Windows / MAC
InPixio has a myriad of awesome editing tools. The InPixio free photo editor is a basic, but well-made tool with a wealth of features. First and foremost, users who require quick editing can use one of the 100+ pre-made filters. These filters are high quality and mimic many different styles. Textures and other brush overlays are also available to add detail to your photos.
Basic tone curve tools allow colors and balance to be adjusted. Moreover, post-processing effects like vignette and grain are available. In terms of processing, InPixio has excellent power and efficiency. A batch processing tool allows multiple photos to be editing concurrently with a single click.
Users can also benefit from the InPixio Photo Clip tool. This program automatically removes unwanted objects from images.

Free Software Like Lightroom

13. Apple Photos

Best Free Photo Editing Software For Mac

Price – Free
Available Platforms – MAC / iOS
Apple Photos is installed as standard on MAC and iOS devices. Furthermore, the program is linked to iCloud accounts and thus, photos are automatically uploaded and saved. Apple Photos acts as an editing tools and has excellent organizational tools too. Quickly catalogue and organize photos using the folder view. Moreover, images can be searched for and even inserted into instant message conversations. Collections can be made from photos with taglines and personalized thumbnails – this is great for organizing holiday’s snaps or special occasions.
Editing features include the ability to change full RAW file format images. Basic parameters can be changed like brightness, temperature and exposure. Furthermore, use a plethora of pre-set filters and styles to transform images into stylish works of art. If you have a MAC device or iPhone, Apple Photos is a great starter program to use and is completely free.

14. PiZap

Price – Free
Available Platforms –iOS/Android/browser

PiZap is a free online photo editor that matches Lightroom in terms of photo editing for the general public. It doesn’t offer cloud storage and digital asset management, but it provides all the basic edits you need to enhance your photos and create artistic compositions. PiZap allows you to add text, stickers, and frames to your photos and provides painting tools for extreme creativity.

You can use PiZap for basic photo editing such as adjust contrast, brightness, and saturation, apply geometric transformations, remove or add noise. For portrait retouching, the editor provides tools for removing blemishes and wrinkles, whitening teeth, adding make-up, and enhancing eyes. It doesn’t work with layers so all changes are applied to the original image. Still, you can redo a certain number of actions.

Among PiZap’s photo effects you’ll find Autofix that takes care of the basic adjustments in your place, a wide range of textures, and other stylish and creative effects.

Adobe Free Photo Editing Software

15. Pixelmator

Price – Free (Trial)
Available Platforms – MAC
Pixelmator is an amazing free Lightroom alternative available for MAC/iOS devices. This program can be used for both graphic design, raster graphics creation, and RAW photo manipulation. Graphic creation tools include text, lines, shapes and gradients. Moreover, users can combine different elements together to create fantastic designs.
This program also has fantastic brush tools and painting swatches. Users can add brush strokes and textures to images with ease and a high level of control.
Each image can also be fully edited. Different parameters such as brightness, contrast, exposure and highlights can be altered. It is also possible to save presets for batch editing. Finally, Pixelmator also has a plethora of artistic effects such as Gaussian, Motion Blur, Shine and Sharpen. The combination of retouching, graphics creation, and brushes give users fantastic creativity.

16. Polarr

Price – Free
Available Platforms – Windows / MAC / Web Browser
Polarr is an extremely straightforward editor – it is available as a standalone program, or a downloadable web browser app. The web browser version is easy to use – it has a minimalistic layout with clear and concise toolbars. Moreover, the tools are categorized for easy location.
A great feature of Polarr is the excellent range of overlays. Users can add gradients, backdrops, clouds, weather, light leaks, and flares. These overlays are superb – the lens flares for example look realistic and are high quality.
In addition to the overlays, Polarr has a selection of basic editing tools. Edit parameters such as highlights, shadows, whites, blacks, and exposure. Color and tones can also be manipulated – edit the saturation, hue, vibrancy and temperature. Each parameter has it’s own slider – simply adjust the slider to alter the value. The combination of superb overlays together with detailed editing tools make Polarr a great free Lightroom alternative.

17. PhotoScape X

Price – Free
Available Platforms – Windows / MAC
Photoscape X combines different editing elements such as raster graphics creation and full RAW editing. The program is available for both Windows and MAC devices. Furthermore, there is a host of useful tutorial videos relating to the operation of the program.
Photo management capabilities include the option to share photos to social media. Share photos to Facebook, Twitter and other platforms with a few clicks. Moreover, browse through photos using the detailed viewer mode, and add ratings such as stars and flags. This makes organizing and locating images simple.
We found a host of gorgeous filters too such as sepia and retro styles. Users can apply hundreds of different filters and overlays to add creative flare to their images.

18. Microsoft Windows 10 Photos

Price – Free
Available Platforms – Windows
Microsoft Windows 10 Photos is available for Windows desktop computers, tablets and surface book laptops. This program is primarily a photo organizer with video editing capabilities too. It does have photo editing capabilities. Users can manipulate basic parameters such as sharpness, saturation, contrast and hue. Moreover, basic transformations are available such as crop and rotate.
Windows 10 Photos also has excellent image organization options. Users can organize their photos effectively. Furthermore, all photos are backed-up to One Drive if the user has a registered account. This serves as an extra failsafe.

19. Photopea

Price – Free
Available Platforms –Web Browser
To conclude our list of free Lightroom alternatives, we have Photopea. This is another web browser-based application similar to Pixlr. Photopea has a wealth of amazing tools. First and foremost, editing tools can transform images including RAW files and GIFs. The RAW editing facilities are detailed and include vibrancy, saturation, black & white and color balance. Aside from the editing tools, images can easily be exported to social media Facebook and Twitter.

Don’t think that Lightroom is the only editing program available. Whilst this software is certainly one of the best, as you can see from the list above, there is a wave of free Lightroom alternatives available. Many of these programs have a free trial that you can test before committing to the full program too – give them a try today and broaden your photo editing horizons!