5 Best AI Editing Software for Photographers

AI photo editing has proven to be a game-changer for photographers. Whether it's fine-tuning an image, replacing backgrounds, or speeding up photography workflows, AI editing software has become a go-to for photographers.

However,  with so many options available, how do you choose the right one? In this article, we’ll compare the best AI editing software on the market so you can find the perfect fit for your photo editing workflow.

What does an AI Photo Editor do?

AI-powered editing has been around for a long time. It uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to automate and enhance various aspects of photo editing. Instead of manually adjusting settings like exposure, contrast, or color balance, AI-driven software can analyze an image and make intelligent corrections in seconds. From AI-powered culling and batch editing to intelligent retouching and noise reduction, different tools cater to different needs. 

So what kind of features does AI photo editing software have? Here are some of the most important features:

• AI culling: filters and selects the best shots out of thousands of photos

• AI editing: Analyzes and applies your photo editing style dynamically based on your photos

• AI Retouching: Automatically smooths skin, removes blemishes, and enhances facial features while maintaining a natural look—perfect for portrait and wedding photographers.

• AI Noise Reduction: Removes grain and noise from low-light or high-ISO images without compromising details, producing cleaner and sharper photos.

• AI Masking & Subject Detection: Automatically detects and selects subjects, backgrounds, or specific elements in an image for precise and targeted editing.

• AI Background Removal & Replacement: Instantly removes backgrounds or replaces them with new elements, making it easy to create composite images or product photography edits.

• Batch Editing & Automation: Processes hundreds or thousands of images at once with AI-powered adjustments, significantly reducing editing time for high-volume photographers.

• Smart Presets & AI Learning: Some AI software learns from your previously edited photos, refining its adjustments over time to better match your personal editing style.

5 Best AI Editing Software for Photographers 

Let's explore the best AI editors for photographers in the market:

1. Aftershoot

One of the best AI editing software for photographers —-Aftershoot. Its advanced AI capabilities make it an excellent choice for photographers looking to speed up their workflow and deliver high-quality photos to their clients.

This AI-powered photo editing software is designed to learn and replicate a photographer’s unique editing style. Unlike generic AI editors, Aftershoot analyzes previously edited photos and applies consistent adjustments to new images. It is a powerful tool for photographers who want speed, consistency, and personalization in their workflow.

Check out the Straight Out of Aftershoot (SOOAS) gallery of edited images by photographers across the globe

Here are some of the benefits of editing with Aftershoot:

• AI Profiles: Allows you to train your profile based on your editing style. You only need to upload 2500-5000 images to train your profile and apply it to your images.

• Dynamic adjustments: The AI applies dynamic adjustments based on your photos. 

• AI Styles: Allows you to edit with pre-built AI profiles created by famous photographers. All you need to do is select a profile from the Aftershoot marketplace and apply the edits

• Time-saving tool: Designed for high-volume photographers who need quick, efficient post-production.

• Batch Editing: Applies consistent edits across multiple images, reducing manual work and ensuring a uniform look.

• Smart Color & Exposure Adjustments: AI analyzes each image and optimizes color balance, contrast, and exposure for a polished result.

• Customizable Editing Preferences: Users can fine-tune AI settings to match their unique editing style.

• Additional AI tools: Offers additional tools such as AI crop, AI straighten, AI cropping for your editing needs

Pros

• Saves hours of editing time, perfect for professional photographers.

• AI-powered batch editing, making it easy to edit large sets of photos consistently.

• No subscription limits, allowing unlimited edits and culls.

• One flat fee, allowing you to plan your finances better

• User-friendly interface, even for beginners.

• Works offline, so you can work from anywhere

• Seamless Integration, syncs with Adobe Lightroom, Capture One, Photo Mechanic, and more, allowing photographers to fine-tune AI-generated edits.

Cons

• Limited manual editing tools, as it focus more on speeding up your workflow

Free Trial Period: 30 Days

2. Adobe Lightroom

It is one of the most popular photo editing tools, widely used by professional photographers and enthusiasts. With the integration of AI-powered features, Lightroom has combined the power of both automated and manual photo enhancements. Its new AI advancements (2023 updates) have quickly paved the way for more efficient editing.

Here are some AI editing features that Lightroom offers

• Masking & Object Removal (Content-Aware): These tools allow for precise local adjustments such as a specific portion of an image, and the AI-powered Remove tool intelligently erases unwanted elements/objects

• Denoise: Automatically or manually reduce noise in your photos, especially those taken in low light or with high ISO settings 

• Generative Remove: Use AI to remove distractions from your photos, such as people or objects 

• Adaptive Presets: This tool can automatically enhance a particular area of the photo to add finishing touches.

• Lens blur: AI analyzes images and applies optimal corrections for exposure, color, and perspective.

Pros

• Industry-leading AI tools for precise, professional-grade editing.

• Seamless cloud integration, allowing for workflow across multiple devices.

• Non-destructive editing, meaning original files remain intact.

• Robust organization tools with AI-powered search and tagging.

Cons

• Subscription-based pricing, making it more expensive over time.

• Learning curve, especially for beginners unfamiliar with advanced editing tools.

Free Trial Period: 7 Days

3. Imagen AI

Imagen AI is an AI-powered photo editing software designed to help photographers streamline their workflow. This AI editor analyzes past edits and creates personalized AI profiles, ensuring consistency across large batches of images.

Here are some of the key features:

• Personal AI Profiles: Analyzes past edits and builds a custom AI profile that mimics a photographer’s editing style.

• Batch Editing: Processes thousands of images in minutes while maintaining style consistency.

• Adaptive Color & Exposure Adjustments – AI fine-tunes white balance, contrast, exposure, and more based on past edits.

• Talent AI profiles: Allows you to edit with pre-built AI profiles created by famous photographers.

• Time-saving automation: Designed for high-volume photographers who need quick, efficient post-production.

• Additional AI tools: Offers additional tools such as AI crop, AI straighten, AI masking, skin smoothing etc for your editing needs

Pros

• Fully personalized AI editing, adapting to each photographer’s unique style.

• Batch editing, significantly reduces post-production time.

• Cloud-based workflow, freeing up local system resources.

• Easy integration with other tools, allowing for additional manual refinements.

Cons

• Pay-per-image pricing is expensive and can add up for high-volume photographers.

• Cloud dependency, meaning an internet connection is required for AI processing.

• Limited manual editing tools, as it focuses on automated, AI-driven adjustments

Free Trial: 1000 AI Edits

4. Topaz Labs

Topaz Labs is a photo and video editing software, that offers a suite of AI-powered tools designed to enhance quality through noise reduction, sharpening, upscaling, and advanced AI-based retouching. Unlike general AI editing software, Topaz focuses on image enhancement rather than color correction or culling, making it a favorite among photographers who need to improve detail, clarity, and resolution.

Here are some of the features:

Topaz Photo AI: An all-in-one tool that combines sharpening, noise reduction, and upscaling with AI-powered auto-detection.

AI Denoise: Removes noise while preserving sharpness and texture, perfect for low-light and high-ISO images.

AI Sharpening: Corrects blurry images caused by motion, focus issues, or camera shake.

AI Upscaling: Increases image resolution up to 600% while maintaining details.

Face Recovery & Detail Enhancement: AI restores facial details in low-resolution or old photos.

Pros

• Non-destructive editing, preserving original image quality.

• Standalone and plugin compatibility, working with Lightroom, Photoshop, and other editors.

• One flat fee, allowing you to plan your financials better

Cons

• Not a full editing suite, as it focuses on enhancement rather than complete photo editing.

• Allows image enhancements only, without time-saving automation.

Free Trial Period: 30 Days

5. Narrative Edit

Narrative is an AI-powered software for photographers to streamline their post-production workflow. The AI tool analyzes previously edited photos and applies it to images, thereby speeding up your workflow.

Here are some features offered by Narrative Edit:

• Personal AI presets: Analyzes past edits and builds a custom editing profile that mimics a photographer’s editing style.

• Artist AI presets: Allows you to edit with pre-built AI profiles created by famous photographers.

• Time-saving automation: Designed for high-volume photographers who need quick, efficient post-production.

Pros

• Fast editing, significantly reducing selection time.

• Seamless Lightroom integration, making workflow transitions easy.

• Non-destructive selection, so original files remain untouched.

• Works offline, so you can work from anywhere

Cons

• Pay-per-image pricing, which may not appeal to high-volume photographers

• Might have a learning curve for users who are not familiar with intuitive designs

Free Trial: 1000 Edits

Also read: 13 Best Culling Software for Photographers

FAQs on AI Editing Software for Photographers

What is an AI editor?

AI photo editors are tools that use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to automate and enhance various aspects of photo editing. Unlike traditional photo editing software, which requires manual adjustments, AI editors analyze and apply edits based on predefined styles or user preferences, or enhance different portions of an image.

What to look for in AI editing software?

When choosing an AI-powered photo editing software, it's important to consider key factors that align with your workflow, editing style, and business needs. Here are some of the things you should consider before committing to any photography AI tool:

Speed and Efficiency:

Does it support batch editing for high-volume workflows? Is there AI-powered culling, helping you sort through thousands of images faster? Look for software that can process large batches of images quickly. AI-driven automation should reduce editing time while maintaining high-quality results. Faster workflows mean more time for client work, marketing, or refining your creative style.

Customization Options:

Does the software offer full AI-powered editing, or is it more of an enhancement tool? Choose software that allows you to train the AI to match your editing style or adjust settings like color correction, contrast, and exposure. The ability to fine-tune AI presets ensures you maintain creative control over the final output.

Intuitive Interface:

A clean, user-friendly interface is essential for an efficient workflow. The software should be easy to navigate, with simple tools that streamline the editing process rather than complicating it.

Integration with Editing Software:

Does the software allow for manual adjustments after AI processing? For a seamless workflow, select AI editing software that integrates with Lightroom, Photoshop, or Capture One. This allows you to export and refine AI-edited images without switching between multiple platforms.

Support for Different File Types:

Make sure the software supports the file formats you work with, such as RAW, JPEG, and TIFF. High-end AI editors should preserve image quality and work with high-resolution files without compression issues.

Cost Effectiveness:

Is the pricing per image or unlimited use? AI editing tools vary in pricing—some offer one-time purchases, while others operate on a subscription or pay-per-image model. Consider how often you edit and what pricing structure aligns best with your business needs.

Trial or Free Version:

Does the software offer a free trial to test its capabilities before committing? Many AI editing tools provide free trials or limited free versions, allowing you to test features before committing. Trying out different options helps ensure you find the best fit for your workflow.

Choosing the Right AI Editing Software

Whether you're looking for full AI-powered editing or enhancement tools, the best AI editing software should match your workflow, improve efficiency, and maintain your artistic control. It's best to opt for All-in-one tools to minimize switching between apps. The more steps you add to your photography workflow, the longer it takes in post-processing.

If you are looking for a tool that speeds up your workflow and helps enhance your photos, try Aftershoot’s free 30-day trial!