While AI image generators are receiving considerable attention, AI photo editors are also making significant strides. These apps use AI to enhance or edit photos, often improving quality and making adjustments automatically.
AI photo editors are often more practical than image generators. Instead of creating elaborate, artistic images, these tools help enhance your photos, whether selfies or product shots for ads. Some top AI photo editors can make your photos look their best.
AI photo editors can greatly enhance your images, whether you’re a professional or an enthusiast. These tools help you make your photos look their best, focusing on improving aspects like color, clarity, and composition. With the experience I’ve gained over the years, I’ve found that the best AI photo editors are user-friendly and effective in delivering high-quality results. They can be invaluable for tasks such as retouching selfies or refining product photos for marketing. If you want to elevate your photography, experimenting with these AI tools can provide impressive results without requiring advanced editing skills.
With AI being a major trend, it’s important to be cautious about app choices. Some apps charge exorbitant fees, like $40 per month, but offer mediocre performance. These apps often rely on flashy marketing about their AI features to justify high prices. You don’t need to spend a fortune on quality AI image editing. Many affordable or even free options provide excellent results without breaking the bank.
For this article, I thoroughly tested various options, and based on my experience, these are the top AI photo editors available.
The best AI photo editors
- Adobe Photoshop for a full-featured photo editing and design app
- Luminar Neo for an AI-powered photo editor
- Canva for an AI-powered design app
- Pixlr for an easy-to-use online AI editor
- Lensa for a mobile AI photo editor
What does an AI photo editor do?
AI photo editing has been around for quite a while. For instance, Photoshop introduced Content-Aware Fill in 2010 and launched its first AI-powered “Neural Filters” in 2020. Many of its advanced tools use machine learning. Unlike AI art generators, which rely on recent breakthroughs, AI image editing features often evolve from older technologies.
So, what can they do? Below are some key AI photo editing features in these apps.
- Upscaling and sharpening low-resolution or blurry images.
- It detects whether you took a portrait, a landscape, or some other kind of photo and suggests appropriate edits or tools.
- Cutting your subject out from the background with a single click.
- Replacing the sky with a different one and matching the lighting in the rest of the image.
- Automatically making simple adjustments to light levels, colors, and contrast.
- “Improving” faces by smoothing skin, brightening eyes, and making other tweaks.
- Repairing or colorizing old black-and-white photos.
- Selecting or masking your subject so that you can make hands-on edits.
And that’s just the big ones.
Some of these features rely heavily on AI. For instance, Photoshop’s Generative Fill and Generative Expand functions resemble tools like DALL·E 3 or Midjourney. Meanwhile, simpler tasks, like Lensa’s ability to recognize whether you shot a portrait or landscape, are based on basic image recognition algorithms.
At their core, these photo editors use AI techniques, such as machine learning, to offer an intelligent, automated image editing experience. No matter how you define it, that’s undeniably AI image editing.
How I tested each AI photo editor
How we evaluate and test apps
Our app roundups are created by experienced writers who have spent much of their careers using, testing, and reviewing software. We dedicate dozens of hours to research and hands-on testing, evaluating each app based on specific criteria for its category. We never accept payment for app placements or links to websites—we value our readers’ trust in us to provide honest and authentic reviews. For more details on how we select apps, you can read the full overview of our process on the Zapier blog.
For most of the apps on the list, this involved editing sample photos to evaluate their automatic adjustments, how well they handled low-quality and high-resolution images, and their ability to cut out tricky subjects and remove objects. Many apps that didn’t make the final cut failed to meet expectations in these areas.
For the apps that performed well, I spent extra time experimenting and editing images to assess their capabilities further. I also factored in overall usability and pricing—some average apps charge as much as Photoshop, and they were rated lower for that. A few apps were so overpriced and underwhelming that I would classify them as scams.
What makes the best AI photo editor?
Labeling any automated image editing feature as “AI” these days is common, and while that’s not entirely inaccurate, there’s a noticeable difference. Basic one-click options that enhance brightness and contrast aren’t the same as advanced tools that make intelligent suggestions and adjustments, helping you work more efficiently and effectively.
While many apps claim to be AI image editors, I focused on finding the best ones. Here’s what I looked for while testing each app:
- I looked for advanced AI editing features such as built-in generative AIs, automatic subject detection and selection, intelligent upscaling, and focusing on powerful and effective tools.
- I focused on apps that offer a complete image editing workflow. While there are excellent plugins for Photoshop and Lightroom and powerful AI image generators like DALL·E 3 and Midjourney, they don’t provide a full editing experience. I included only those tools that can handle every stage of the image editing process.
- I looked for fast, effective, and easy-to-use apps. They needed to be powerful but also have an intuitive design so users could quickly understand and use their features. For instance, while Photoshop has a steep learning curve, its layout and options become clear after spending some time with it.
- I focused on apps that delivered good results. Many AI photo editors I tested were too aggressive with contrast or color changes, struggled with selecting subjects, or didn’t perform well overall. With so many excellent AI photo editors available, I only included those consistently producing high-quality results.
- Customization and control are crucial. I do not like one-click edits because they often don’t produce the best results. The top AI photo editors allow you to adjust the intensity of edits and choose which parts of your image are affected. They also offer manual editing tools so you can make final adjustments yourself.
A few apps, such as Modyfi, are exploring exciting uses for AI. However, they aren’t yet mature enough to be included in this list. While their features are innovative, they lack the functionality needed to cut.
Based on extensive testing, my top five picks for the best AI image editors are here.
The best AI photo editors at a glance
| Best for | Standout feature | Pricing | |
| Adobe Photoshop | Full-featured photo editing and design | Advanced AI-powered tools; an industry leader in intelligent image editing. | From $19.99/month |
| Luminar Neo | A photo editor truly powered by AI | Deep AI integration throughout the app for enhanced editing capabilities. | From $9.95/month |
| Canva | A photo editor truly powered by AI. | Powerful design templates with additional AI-enhanced features. | Free for limited access; from $15/month |
| Pixlr | Easy-to-use online photo editing | Specialized AI apps for various editing tasks. | Free for limited AI use; from $7.99/month |
| Lensa | Mobile photo editing | Exceptional at editing portraits and selfies. | Free for limited features; from $2.99/week or $4.99/month |
Best full-featured AI photo editor and design app
Adobe Photoshop (Windows, macOS, iPad, Web)
Adobe Photoshop pros:
- Offers some of the best AI-powered tools available in any app.
- It’s still Photoshop, offering all the power and control you need.
Adobe Photoshop cons:
- No one has ever said learning to use Photoshop is easy.
Adobe Photoshop has been the industry standard for image editing for over three decades. Unlike many older software programs that show their age, Photoshop remains innovative and cutting-edge. Its AI features were even recognized on Time’s Best Inventions of 2023 list.
I was about to joke that it’s easier to list what Photoshop can’t do than it can, but then I realized I couldn’t come up with anything it can’t do. In short, Photoshop is the best full-featured image editor available.
This extends to Photoshop’s AI features as well. For instance, the new Remove Tool introduced last year takes object removal to a new level. While Photoshop has always allowed for removing unwanted elements using tools like the Patch Tool and Spot Removal Tool, the Remove Tool excels at replacing these elements with generated content that seamlessly blends in. The text-to-image generator called Generative Fill, powered by Adobe’s Firefly AI model, also enables you to add or replace specific elements. Although it’s not perfect for adding foreground elements, it performs exceptionally well when replacing backgrounds.
In the screenshot above, you can see these features in action. The original image is in the center. Using Photoshop’s Remove Tool, I replaced Gunther with grass that seamlessly matches the rest of the image, including the depth of field blur, by simply painting over him. Additionally, I replaced the background with a different forest by selecting it and typing “a dark forest,” resulting in three variations.
Photoshop offers a range of other AI-powered tools as well. Generative Expand uses Adobe’s Firefly to extend images with AI-generated content, while Neural Filters can intelligently adjust facial expressions, transfer color palettes between images, and remove compression artifacts. Its automatic subject and background selection is highly accurate, and the tools for adjusting tone, color, and contrast perform as expected.
Best of all, Photoshop remains the fully-featured app it’s always been. While its AI tools offer substantial control, you can always manually edit and integrate changes into your image. If the AI makes mistakes, you have all the necessary tools to correct them, even if it takes more time.
Adobe has recently introduced a credit system for generative features such as Generative Expand and Generative Fill. If you reach your credit limit, these features will continue working, but they may operate slower.
Adobe Photoshop pricing: The Photography Plan includes Adobe Lightroom and 500 generative credits and starts at $19.99 per month. While Lightroom is a strong image editor, it doesn’t offer the same extensive AI features as Photoshop. However, it’s still worth considering if you’re mainly interested in photo editing.
Best AI photo editor for being truly AI-powered
Luminar Neo (Windows, macOS)
Luminar Neo pros:
- AI is genuinely central to the entire app.
- Designed for photographers, the app provides extensive control over the intensity of any effects applied.
Luminar Neo cons:
- It’s quite expensive for a standalone photo-focused app.
Luminar Neo was among the first photo-editing apps to embrace AI fully. It stands out for its deep integration of AI features throughout the app. Key tools include AI-powered Enhance for automatic adjustments of tone, contrast, and color; AI Sky Replacement, which effectively replaces dull or overexposed skies; GenErase, which intelligently removes objects and distractions; and GenExpand, which lets you extend your image while cropping it.
Luminar Neo also excels with its smaller, thoughtful features. It automatically detects the main subject of your photo and suggests relevant presets to start with. The AI crop tool removes unnecessary elements without cropping too close to your subject. Additionally, its AI face and skin adjustments target specific areas, making it easy to brighten your subject’s eyes or reduce shiny skin.
Luminar Neo is designed specifically for photographers and those who want to enhance their selfies with high-quality edits. It offers extensive control over how effects are applied, with sliders for adjusting the intensity of each edit. This allows you to fine-tune your photos to your liking. The balance between AI efficiency and manual control ensures a smooth workflow, letting you work quickly while maintaining precise results.
Strangely, Luminar Neo is the only app on this list where AI is essential to the entire experience. While you can make basic edits and tweaks, the AI features are so central that it’s nearly impossible to use the app without relying on them at some point.
Luminar Neo pricing: Luminar Neo starts at $79 per year. It is also available through Setapp for $9.99 monthly, though this version lacks some features, including GenErase.
Topaz Labs’ Photo AI is a solid alternative to Luminar Neo, especially for photographers focused on tasks like sharpening, noise reduction, and upscaling images using AI. However, it’s a more niche option and may not suit everyone’s needs.
Best design app with an AI photo editor
Canva (Web, iOS, Android)
Canva pros:
- Highly effective for template-based design with useful AI enhancements.
- Social media posts, CVs, and invitations are the easiest tools for creating real-world designs.
Canva cons:
- Image editing tools within broader design apps aren’t as effective as dedicated photo editing apps.
In the past two years, Canva has added numerous AI-powered features, enhancing its already excellent template-based design capabilities. It’s ideal for quickly creating everything from invitations to Instagram posts, with AI simplifying the process.
Here’s a summary of Canvas’s major AI features, with a few highlights from my testing:
- Magic Design lets you create a template by entering a written prompt. For example, I used “a birthday party invite for my dog” to generate the above invitation.
- Magic Media is a text-to-image and text-to-video AI tool that allows you to add elements, such as the dog-shaped balloons in the example above, to your designs.
- Magic Eraser quickly removes unwanted objects from your images. While it’s not as advanced as Photoshop’s tool, it’s effective for basic clean-up tasks.
- Magic Edit lets you replace elements in any image using generative AI. For instance, with just a few clicks, you can swap a plain cake for a decadent chocolate cake.
- Magic Write is an AI text generator integrated throughout the app, helping you create and refine text easily.
Canva integrates numerous AI features throughout the app, including those in Magic Studio, enhancing your design experience. Surprisingly, none of these features feel out of place. Canva remains an excellent design tool whether you use its AI capabilities. Still, if interested, you can experiment with AI-powered layouts and design elements generated from written prompts.
Canva pricing: Canva is free and has limited access to AI tools. You can upgrade to the Pro version for more AI features and higher usage limits, starting at $15 per month.
Best easy-to-use online AI photo editor
Pixlr (Web, iOS, Android)
Pixlr pros:
- Canva is affordable and accessible through any browser without signing up.
- Separates AI tools into distinct apps, making it easy to use only the features you need.
Pixlr cons:
- A bit less polished compared to some other apps on this list.
Among the freemium photo editing and design web apps, Pixlr stands out for its impressive AI features. Even if you don’t use AI tools, Pixlr remains a handy, user-friendly, and reliable image editor that is worth trying.
Pixlr has revamped its approach in the past year, moving most of its AI features to the redesigned Pixlr X app. This change has proven effective. For example, in the screenshot above, I used the AI Cutout feature to remove the original background and the generative Backdrop feature to create a new, vibrant background. Pixlr X also includes robust tools for face swapping, object removal, generative fill, and a separate AI image generator.
If you liked the previous design-focused Pixlr X, it’s now rebranded as Pixlr Designer. The Photoshop-like Pixlr E is still available, along with the AI-powered Remove bg tool and the bulk editing Batch Editor. You can switch between these tools as needed, each offering unique benefits.
But Pixlr’s biggest advantage is its price. It’s one of the most affordable AI photo editor apps available, and the free plan allows you to access a limited version of most AI features.
Pixlr Pricing: Free with limited AI use and 3 image saves per day; from $1.99/month for Plus, which offers 80 monthly AI credits, unlimited saves, and no ads.
Pixlr stands out for its AI features and affordability, but Fotor, Photoroom, and BeFunky are strong contenders. They offer similar functionality and often have a more polished user interface, making them good alternatives to Pixlr.
Best mobile AI photo editor
Lensa (iOS, Android)
Lensa pros:
- Pixlr excels at handling portraits and selfies, delivering impressive results with AI-powered tools designed to enhance facial features and backgrounds.
- Pixlr offers a free plan that allows users to save one photo per day, making it accessible to occasional users at no cost.
Lensa cons:
- Editing images on a small screen is often less effective than using a laptop or larger screen, as it can limit precision and make detailed adjustments more challenging.
Lensa is probably best known for its Magic Avatar feature, which uses your selfies to create unique AI-generated portraits. While it’s more about generating fun images than traditional photo editing, Lensa still stands out with its other AI features, making it one of the best mobile photo editors.
Lensa’s Magic AI tool automatically identifies and enhances portraits, offering a variety of looks from subtle adjustments to full-on glamour. The results are impressive, especially if you’re wearing makeup. While the Hollywood AI filters are the only set not available for free, the app also provides more refined AI-driven tools for skin, face, and makeup retouching, allowing for fine-tuning to perfect your photos.
Lensa also offers several AI-powered features that enhance the photo editing experience. The AI-powered Auto Filter makes it easy to choose from various options, while the AI Eraser is effective, though not quite as advanced as Photoshop or Luminar Neo. The Backdrop Cutout and Sky Replacement tools perform well, even with difficult images, and the alternative backgrounds you can add are surprisingly good.
In addition to its AI features, Lensa offers excellent regular image editing tools, art styles, and effects that are on par with the best mobile apps. It’s a well-rounded app with an interesting pricing model: the free plan gives you access to almost all features, but you’re limited to saving one image per day. If you only use it occasionally, this makes it a generous offer, but if you need it more frequently, the subscription can become quite costly and may not be worth it for regular use.
Lensa pricing: Lensa allows you to save one image per day for free, with subscription options starting at $2.99/week or $4.99/month. Magic Avatars are available as a separate purchase starting at $3.99. Luminar also offers an iPhone app, though it’s a more simplified version of the desktop app and costs $4.99/month. If you’re a fan of Luminar’s features.
What about AI art generators?
The tools mentioned above are specifically designed for photo and image editing. However, several leading AI image-generation platforms can also perform photo editing tasks. Here are a few examples:
- DALL·E 2 offered advanced photo editing features like inpainting, where you could erase parts of an image and let AI fill in the gaps, and outpainting, which allowed you to expand an existing image. Unfortunately, DALL·E 3 does not yet support these capabilities. It currently only provides basic prompt-based edits for selected areas of an image.
- Midjourney offers a range of robust image editing tools. You can zoom out to automatically expand the image, add extra content by including additional prompts while zooming out, pan to extend the image in specific directions, and replace various elements within the image. Among image generators, Midjourney provides the most comprehensive set of editing tools.
- If you’re experimenting with AI photo editing and want to see how it works, an AI art generator can be a fun choice. However, it’s best to select a dedicated AI photo editor from the list above for serious photo editing.
Expect AI photo editors to change fast.
We’re just beginning to see a surge in generative AI features in photo editing apps. Photoshop’s Generative Fill and Remove Tool is more impressive than basic text-to-image generators. They integrate seamlessly with real images, allowing you to alter significant elements of a photo with just a few keystrokes. It’s not about creating from scratch; it’s about transforming existing photos with remarkable ease.
In the coming years, we can expect these features and apps to become much more powerful, with many new AI photo editors entering the market.
Conclusion
The AI photo editing landscape in 2024 offers a range of powerful tools designed to enhance and streamline image editing. From advanced features in established software to innovative capabilities in newer apps, there’s something for everyone. Adobe Photoshop remains a top choice, thanks to its deep integration of AI and robust set of tools for professional-level editing. Its features like Generative Fill and the Remove Tool showcase the impressive ability of AI to blend and manipulate elements seamlessly within images.
Luminar Neo also stands out with its extensive AI capabilities, providing a highly intuitive experience for photographers. Its AI-driven tools, such as GenErase and GenExpand, allow for impressive edits and extensions, making it ideal for those who want to enhance their images quickly while retaining control over the final look.
Canva has significantly boosted its design potential with AI, offering features like Magic Design and Magic Edit, which simplify creating and modifying designs. Its ease of use for generating social media posts, invitations, and more makes it a versatile tool for both casual and professional use.
Pixlr is a strong contender for those looking for affordability without compromising AI features. Its rebranded Pixlr X app, along with other tools, provides effective image editing and design options, making it a great budget-friendly choice.
For mobile users, Lensa offers a comprehensive suite of AI tools tailored for portrait editing and creative adjustments. While its subscription model may be costly for frequent users, its free tier provides valuable features for occasional edits.
In conclusion, whether you’re a professional photographer, a casual user, or someone looking for innovative design tools, the best AI photo editors of 2024 offer a variety of features to meet different needs. As AI technology continues to evolve, these tools will only become more advanced, further transforming the way we edit and create images.
FAQs
Q1: What makes Adobe Photoshop a top choice for AI photo editing in 2024?
Ans: Adobe Photoshop stands out due to its extensive integration of AI features, such as Generative Fill and the Remove Tool. These tools allow users to make precise edits and adjustments that blend seamlessly with the original image. Photoshop’s long-standing reputation for professional-quality image editing and its innovative AI capabilities make it a top choice for advanced photo editing.
Q2: How does Luminar Neo use AI to enhance photo editing?
Ans: Luminar Neo utilizes AI through features like GenErase, which intelligently removes objects from images, and GenExpand, which extends the image canvas with generated content. These AI tools balance automation and control, allowing users to enhance their photos while quickly retaining detailed editing capabilities.
Q3: What are the key AI features in Canva for 2024?
Ans: Canvas AI features include Magic Design, which generates templates based on written prompts, and Magic Edit, which allows users to replace elements within images. Magic Media offers text-to-image and text-to-video capabilities, while Magic Eraser and Magic Write enhance image and text editing. These features make Canva a powerful tool for easily creating and modifying designs.
Q4: Why is Pixlr a strong option for AI photo editing on a budget?
Ans: Pixlr is recognized for its affordability and effective AI features. With tools like AI Cutout, Generative Backdrop, and a range of editing options available in its Pixlr X app, it provides a cost-effective solution for those who want robust AI-powered editing capabilities without a high price tag.
Q5: What features does Lensa offer for mobile photo editing?
Ans: Lensa excels with its Magic Avatar feature, which generates creative AI portraits from selfies, and its Magic AI tool, which enhances portraits with various looks. It also includes AI-powered tools for face retouching, background removal, and more. While the free plan offers limited use, its subscription model provides access to comprehensive editing features.
Q6: Can AI art generators be used for photo editing?
Ans: AI art generators like DALL·E 3 and Midjourney offer some photo editing capabilities. DALL·E 3 supports basic prompt-based edits, while Midjourney provides more advanced options like zooming out, panning, and replacing elements. While these tools are useful for experimenting with image modifications, dedicated AI photo editors are generally better suited for precise and professional photo editing tasks.
Q7: What can we expect from AI photo editors shortly?
Ans: AI photo editors are expected to become even more advanced soon, with improvements in features like content generation, object removal, and image manipulation. As AI technology continues to evolve, new tools and features will emerge, further enhancing the capabilities of photo editing software and offering even more powerful and intuitive editing solutions.
Q8: Are there any free AI photo editing tools available?
Ans: Several AI photo editing tools offer free versions with limited features. For example, Pixlr provides free access with limited AI features and image saves. Canva also has a free plan with basic AI capabilities, while Lensa allows saving one image per day for free. These free options can be useful for basic editing tasks and getting a feel for AI photo editing tools before committing to a paid subscription.
Q9: How do AI photo editors compare to traditional photo editing software?
Ans: AI photo editors often provide more automation and ease of use than traditional software. They can quickly perform tasks like object removal, background replacement, and image enhancement with minimal manual input. However, traditional photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop offers more detailed control and a wider range of features, making it preferable for professional or highly detailed work. AI tools complement traditional methods by speeding up common tasks and offering advanced capabilities.
Q10: What should I consider when choosing an AI photo editor?
Ans: When choosing an AI photo editor, consider the specific features you need (e.g., object removal, background replacement), ease of use, integration with other tools, and cost. Evaluate whether the AI capabilities align with your editing needs and if the pricing model fits your budget. Additionally, look for user reviews and try free versions to ensure the tool meets your expectations before purchasing.
