Free Photo Editing Apps 2021

With the popularization of mobile photography, more and more mobile phone photo editing apps have come out. When we open the phone’s app store and search for “photography”, we can find tons of related software. With the growing amount of photo editing apps, how should we choose and which ones work the best?       

I have summarized a list of photo editing apps, and each one has its own unique characteristics and functions. A detailed information about each app will be introduced below, you could click the apps logo to find more information or download them on your phone!

1. SNAPSEED

Rating: 4/5

Difficulty: 3/5

This software is a very comprehensive retouching app, it is a must have for every photographer. All the functions are free and easy to use! It provide the basic parameters and functions like exposure, contrast, highlights, shadows, cropping, details, etc. It also include different effects, such as dramatic effects, retro, film, black and white, noir that could be applied to your photos.

One of my favourite function is the double exposure function,  which allows you to combine two different picture together. Using the double exposure function, it is recommend to choose two photos with similar scenes, otherwise the combined picture may looked less coherent.

2. PicsArt

Rating: 3.5/5

Difficulty: 4/5

This is a highly playable photo editing app with many functions. In addition to basic parameter adjustments, some special function including artistic effects, blur effects, sticker, cutout functions are also included. The app provide wide range of free stickers that could apply to your picture. 

You can even create your own sticker by using the cutout functions in the app. The app also offers blank canvas where you can draw and design your photos! Here is an example of the screensaver I have created for my phone.

3. NOMO

Rating: 3/5

Difficulty: 2/5

NOMO is a mobile app that is specially designed for taking pictures. There are 23 different film cameras built into this software, each with its own characteristics. The NOMO camera is designed with care. The shooting interface mimic the different film camera, it also has mechanical dial and over-rolling sound when using NOMO to take pictures. 

The app also allows people to import existing photos and apply different camera effects. However, one small drawback is that there are only 5 of the cameras are free, the rest requires in-app purchase. Below is an example of how the app mimic the shooting effect of Fujifilm Insta Mini. 

4.Lightroom

Rating: 4.5/5

Difficulty: 4/5

Lightroom is the one of most professional picture editing app, which is almost the same as the computer version. The app is completely free to purchase on app store and it is also connected to desktop version through common accounts. All of the basic parameters are included such as saturation, brightness adjustments, effects, details and so on.

You could access premium preset within the app and apply them in only on tap!  Whether you want to have a consistent aesthetic throughout your post or want to have beautiful post with signature look, you could definitely try out our advanced Lightroom preset! 

5. VSCO

Rating: 4.5/5

Difficulty: 2/5

VSCO editor provided more than 200 filters for you to choose from. It is recommended that you add several often used filters to your collection so that you can choose the filter next time you edit. After applying the preset, you can also manually adjust colour as well as other parameters of the picture for a better result. To find about few stunning preset, you could consult the VSCO collection page.

If you want know more about the VSCO editor and get some great tips for photo editing, please go and check the Blog: What you should know about VSCO editor?

Conclusion:

Overall, those picture editing software are free to download and worth your time to learn and play around! If you have any amazing photo editing apps and want to share with us or you have any problems or concerns, please feel free to contact me through the contact page.