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Photos are memories that everyone cherishes and sometimes, they need to be cropped for an even better effect or framing. Mac users can rest easy knowing that there are a plethora of photo crop editors available to transform their pictures in a snap. However, it can be challenging to pick one from the many options available.
This blog aims to help you select the one that will best suit your needs. We have researched and compiled a list of the top 7 photo crop editors for Mac that will help you perfect your pictures. We have also included pros and cons for each software to give you a better understanding. We will compare each software in terms of its price, free trial, ease of use, and value for money. Finally, we will explore some FAQs and our overall thoughts on each option.
Video Tutorial:
What is a photo crop editor?
Photo crop editors are software tools that let you crop or trim your images to create a better composition. These tools also help you adjust the image size and the framing to fit your needs. Crop editors offer a range of features, including rotating, resizing, and changing the aspect ratio of the image.
Crop editors are not limited to professional photographers or graphic designers alone. Anyone interested in creating good-looking images can easily use these tools to enhance their pictures. Many of the crop editors available today are simple and user-friendly, making it easier than ever for anyone to perfect their pictures with ease.
Top 7 Best Crop Editors for Mac
Top 1: Adobe Photoshop
Photoshop is a household name when it comes to photo editing software, and the crop feature of the app is one of the best. The Photoshop crop tool offers a wide range of options that include preset ratios like 4:3, 16:9, and 1:1, among others. It also has a free-form crop tool that lets you crop and adjust images as needed.
The software is also great for enhancing images using its other editing tools like brightness and contrast adjustments, color correction, and even removing unwanted background noise. The only downside is that the software can be expensive for beginners or occasional users.
| Software | Free Trial | Price | Ease of Use | Value for Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Photoshop | 7-day trial | $20.99/month | Intermediate to Advanced | High |
Pros:
-Advanced editing tools and features
-User interface is intuitive
-Multiple ratio options
Cons:
-Expensive
-Can have a steep learning curve for beginners
Top 2: GIMP
GIMP is an open-source photo editor software that is available for free. It has many features to offer, including crop tools, color correction, and retouching, making it an excellent alternative to Adobe Photoshop. It supports multiple file formats, including RAW, JPEG, and TIFF. The flexibility of GIMP allows users to crop images in a variety of ways, and the software is updated frequently through community contributions.
The downside to GIMP is that the interface can be cluttered, and it can take some time to learn how to use all of its features effectively. Additionally, the lack of customer support can be frustrating for beginners who need quick solutions to any issues they may encounter.
| Software | Free Trial | Price | Ease of Use | Value for Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GIMP | Free | Free | Intermediate to Advanced | High |
Pros:
-Free to use
-Frequent updates
-Supports multiple file formats
Cons:
-Cluttered interface
-A steep learning curve for beginners
-Limited customer support
Top 3: Fotor
Fotor is another great option to consider for Mac photo cropping. It has an extensive library of editing tools and templates that users can use to crop and edit their images. Some of these editing tools include effects, frames, and even text overlays. It’s also easy to crop your image to your preferred aspect ratio using the software’s grid lines.
The downside to this software is that its free version comes with limited tools, and watermarks are added to your images. The full version of the app is relatively expensive compared to other alternatives on the market, which can be a turnoff for some users.
| Software | Free Trial | Price | Ease of Use | Value for Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fotor | 7-day Free Trial | $8.99/month | Beginner to Intermediate | Medium |
Pros:
-An extensive library of editing tools
-Easy to crop using grid lines
-Various aspect ratios
Cons:
-Watermarks for free version
-Expensive compared to other options
Top 4: Skitch
Skitch is an app available through the Evernote platform that is designed explicitly for image annotation. This app includes basic editing features such as crop and rotation. The software is excellent for taking a snapshot of the screen or web pages for modifying and adding annotations. The software offers explicit cropping functionality with a simple interface
The downside to Skitch is that it can be too simple for some users looking for advanced photo editing features. Also, the software may require an additional minimal upgrade of the Evernote platform if you are going to use it regularly.
| Software | Free Trial | Price | Ease of Use | Value for Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skitch | Free version without trial limitations | $7.99/month minimum | Beginner to Intermediate | Medium |
Pros:
-Simple to use
-Comes with the Evernote ecosystem
-Explicit cropping functionality
Cons:
-May require an additional upgrade of Evernote platform
-Too simple for some advanced photo editing needs
Top 5: Preview
Preview is the default photo viewing and editing app on your Mac. It’s a simple app that has built-in crop, rotate, and resize features. It can also convert file types without additional software. Preview’s cropping feature is basic but effective and serves its purpose. The software’s product file size is minimal and should have hardly had any effect on the overall performance of your Mac.
However, Preview is not a tool designed explicitly for photo editing, and users might need more advanced editing features to achieve their desired results.
| Software | Free Trial | Price | Ease of Use | Value for Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preview | Free | Free | Beginner | High |
Pros:
-Free
-Fast and simple to use
-Built-in with the Mac library
Cons:
-Not designed explicitly for photo editing
-Basic cropping features
Top 6: Pixelmator
Pixelmator is an excellent photo editor that offers a comprehensive range of features. It’s a much more cost-effective alternative to Adobe Photoshop and has many features that cater to the general needs of users. Pixelmator includes layer support and a wide range of editing tools such as gradients, brushes, and a solid cropping tool.
The downside to Pixelmator is that it does not have as many features as you’d find in Adobe Photoshop. Some of its integrations with third-party software, which can be frustrating.
| Software | Free Trial | Price | Ease of Use | Value for Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pixelmator | 30-day Free Trial | $39.99 for the standard version, $59.99 for the Pro Version | Beginner to Intermediate | High |
Pros:
-Cost-effective alternative to Adobe Photoshop
-Comprehensive range of features
-Solid cropping tool
Cons:
-Not as many features as Adobe Photoshop
-Integrations with third-party software can be frustrating
Top 7: Photoscape X
Photoscape X is a photo editor that is known for its fun and easy-to-use layout. The software offers a range of features, including crop and a wide range of filters to alter how your image looks. The software has a modern interface, which makes it beginner-friendly and easy to navigate.
The downside to Photoscape X is that it does not have as many advanced features as some of the other crop editors on the list. The software also lacks third-party integrations, which may make it less appealing to some users.
| Software | Free Trial | Price | Ease of Use | Value for Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Photoscape X | Free | $39.99 for the Pro version | Beginner to Intermediate | Medium |
Pros:
-Fun and easy-to-use layout
-Offers filters and photo editing range of features
Cons:
-Not as many advanced features compared to other crop editors
-Lacks third-party integrations
Comparison Table
| Software | Free Trial | Price | Ease of Use | Value for Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Photoshop | 7-day trial | $20.99/month | Intermediate to Advanced | High |
| GIMP | Free | Free | Intermediate to Advanced | High |
| Fotor | 7-day Free Trial | $8.99/month | Beginner to Intermediate | Medium |
| Skitch | Free version without trial limitations | $7.99/month minimum | Beginner to Intermediate | Medium |
| Preview | Free | Free | Beginner | High |
| Pixelmator | 30-day Free Trial | $39.99 for the standard version, $59.99 for the Pro Version | Beginner to Intermediate | High |
| Photoscape X | Free | $39.99 for the Pro version | Beginner to Intermediate | Medium |
Our Thoughts
In conclusion, it is difficult to identify a single best crop editor for Mac. It all depends on the features required, the budget, and skill level. Adobe Photoshop is the best option for those with more advanced editing needs, but this strength comes with a relatively high price tag. GIMP and Pixelmator are good options for more budgetary conscious users looking for advanced editing features. Preview is a free option but is more basic and lacks more advanced features. Fotor and Photoscape X are both great options for those looking for basic photo editing with a modern and fun interface. In summary, every option on this list offers something unique and should be considered based on your requirements.
FAQs
Q1. What is the difference between a crop editor and a photo editor?
A: A crop editor is a type of photo editor that is focused on the ability to crop images, while a photo editor has a broader range of features, such as color correction tools, brightness adjustment, or exposure tools.
Q2. Can I use Preview for photo cropping?
A: Yes, you can use Preview for photo cropping, but the app has more basic cropping features than other dedicated crop editors.
Q3. Should I consider the cost of the software while choosing a crop editor?
A: Yes, the cost of the software should be considered, especially if you are on a budget. However, users should also consider the features that each software offers and not select software based solely on cost.
Q4. Can I use Adobe Photoshop’s crop tool on other photo editing software?
A: Adobe Photoshop’s crop tools can only be used on Adobe software that has the photo editing features or its group of products, such as Photoshop Elements.
Q5. Can I try these crop editors before purchasing them?
A: Yes, most of the options on this list offer a free trial for users to try the software out before purchasing it.
Final Thoughts
The Top 7 crop editors for Mac that we have outlined in this blog all offer unique features and suitable for varying levels of skill and editing needs. Adobe Photoshop is the most advanced crop editor option on the list, but it comes with a high price tag. On the other hand, software such as GIMP, Pixelmator, and Fotor offer great features at a lesser cost. Preview works great for basic cropping, and Fotor and Photoscape X offer modern interfaces for an enjoyable editing experience. In summary, users must choose a crop editor that will suit their needs based on the software’s features, cost, and performance.