Image editing is a crucial skill for both casual users and professionals. Whether you need to touch up photos, create graphics, or design marketing materials, having the right tools is essential. On macOS, Apple provides several built-in tools that can help you achieve these tasks. Additionally, there are numerous third-party applications available that offer advanced features. This article will guide you through the process of editing images using both built-in macOS tools and popular third-party applications.

Examples:

Using Preview for Basic Image Editing

Preview is a powerful built-in application on macOS that allows you to perform basic image editing tasks such as cropping, resizing, and adjusting colors.

1. Cropping an Image:

   • Open the image in Preview.
   • Click on the Show Markup Toolbar button (a pen tip icon).
   • Use the Rectangular Selection tool to select the area you want to keep.
   • Click on Tools in the menu bar, then select Crop.

2. Resizing an Image:

   • Open the image in Preview.
   • Click on Tools in the menu bar, then select Adjust Size.
   • Enter the desired dimensions and click OK.

3. Adjusting Colors:

   • Open the image in Preview.
   • Click on Tools in the menu bar, then select Adjust Color.
   • Use the sliders to adjust exposure, contrast, highlights, shadows, and other color settings.

Using Photos for Enhanced Editing

The Photos app on macOS offers more advanced editing features compared to Preview. Here’s how you can use it:

1. Editing an Image:

   • Open the Photos app and select the image you want to edit.
   • Click on the Edit button in the top-right corner.
   • Use the available tools to adjust light, color, sharpness, and more.

2. Applying Filters:

   • While in the Edit mode, click on the Filters tab.
   • Choose a filter to apply to your image.

3. Retouching:

   • Click on the Retouch tool (a band-aid icon).
   • Use the brush to remove blemishes or unwanted elements from the image.

Using Third-Party Applications

For more advanced image editing, you might consider third-party applications such as Adobe Photoshop, Affinity Photo, or GIMP.

1. Adobe Photoshop:

   • Install Adobe Photoshop from the Adobe Creative Cloud.
   • Open Photoshop and load your image.
   • Use the extensive range of tools available for professional-grade editing.

2. Affinity Photo:

   • Purchase and install Affinity Photo from the Mac App Store.
   • Open Affinity Photo and load your image.
   • Utilize the powerful tools and features for comprehensive image editing.

3. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program):

   • Download and install GIMP from the official website.
   • Open GIMP and load your image.
   • Use the various tools and plugins available for advanced editing.