At one time, advanced photo editing was limited to desktop computers. Now, you cannot only capture high-quality photos on your phone but also edit them directly on the same device thanks to impressive performance improvements. The gap between what you can do on the phone and what you can do on a computer has narrowed considerably, despite the smaller screen and the more limited processing power.
Google's Play Store and Apple's App Store have no shortage of photo editing apps. Regardless if you're an Apple or Android user, these are the apps you can count on.
Snapseed
Available on iOS and Android for free
Google-owned Snapseed offers a wide range of exposure and color tools to tweak your images. The app also offers plenty of filtering options, from vintage styles to modern, punchy HDR-looks. The effects can be layered up to create some exciting edits on your image. And best of all, it is absolutely free.
Adobe Lightroom
Available on iOS and Android; some functions available for free, or $4.99 per month for full access
Adobe Lightroom comes in two versions, Lightroom CC and Lightroom Classic CC. Classic has become the gold standard for digital picture management and professional editing. Still, the updated version's streamlined interface and great cloud synchronization feature ensure that you don't need a pro to handle or edit images.
Adobe Photoshop Express
Available on iOS and Android for free.
Photoshop Express has many of the same features you 'd find in Lightroom, including options for exposure, contrast, and color editing. But it strips out some of the pro tools and cloud synchronization and crucially cuts the subscription fee. It's a great tool to tweak your images to deliver their best. Still, you'll also find a decent selection of filters, overlay textures, and tools from your images to make cool collages.
It's not as open as other options on this list to wild creativity. But it's a reliable editing app that is hard to argue with at a price.
ALSO READ: Adobe Launches Photoshop Fix, Easy-To-Use Free Editing App That Can Change Facial Features For iOS
Afterlight
Available on iOS and Android for free - with in-app purchases
If photo-editing apps all start feeling the same, then Afterlight might be the app to try. Afterlight has all the necessary photo editing tools you will need. The app for both iOS and Android has built-in filters, frames, local adjustments, and RAW support. Like other apps, you can even build your own filters again and again to give your images a distinct look. But, Afterlight also makes leaks of film light, double exposures, textures, color shift, selective color, and more unique options. The best part is, the app which was previously paid is now free. Nonetheless, unlocking all of the apps costs $3 a month, $18 a year or $36 for a one-time purchase.
VSCO
Available on iOS and Android - limited functions for free, or $19.99 a year with a seven-day free trial
VSCO started life making presets for Lightroom color grading, and its roots are apparent in the app today. VSCO is all about the more artful filmic color filters, rather than offering stickers and animated gifs to Snapchat enthusiasts. The app provides a vast array of presets, including looks designed to emulate classic film rolls from Fujifilm, Kodak, and Ilford.
It also has a great selection of black-and-white filters, making experimenting with it a great choice if you're in your monochrome moody shots.
