Logo ImageResize.ai
Blog
Log in

How to Edit Images on Mac for beginners

Cover Image for How to Edit Images on Mac for beginners
Hans Grimentz
Hans Grimentz

Image editing is an essential skill that can greatly enhance your work. Being able to edit images on your Mac can help you create stunning visuals and communicate your message effectively. In this guide, we will explore the various methods and tools available for editing JPEG and PNG images on Mac, as well as introduce you to some popular third-party software options. So, let's dive in!

Table of Contents

Understanding Mac Image Editors

Before we delve into the specifics of editing images on Mac, it's important to familiarize ourselves with the built-in image editing tools and third-party software available.

Built-in Image Editing Tools on Mac

  • Preview: Preview is a versatile tool that comes pre-installed on every Mac. While it's primarily used for viewing images and PDFs, it also offers basic image editing capabilities. You can easily crop, rotate, adjust colors, and add annotations to your images using Preview.
  • Photos: The Photos app on Mac provides a more robust set of editing options compared to Preview. It allows you to make advanced adjustments to exposure, contrast, saturation, and more. Additionally, Photos offers a wide range of filters and effects to enhance your images.
  • Markup: Markup is a feature available in various Mac apps, including Preview and Photos. It allows you to annotate and add text, shapes, and even signatures to your images. This can be particularly useful when you need to highlight specific areas or provide instructions in your images.

Third-Party Image Editing Software for Mac

While the built-in tools on Mac are useful for basic editing, you may find yourself needing more advanced features and capabilities. Here are some popular third-party software options for image editing on Mac:

  • Adobe Photoshop: Photoshop is the industry standard for professional image editing. It offers a wide range of tools and features, including layers, masks, filters, and advanced retouching options.
  • Pixelmator: Pixelmator is a powerful and user-friendly image editing software designed specifically for Mac. It provides a wide range of tools and effects, making it a great alternative to Photoshop for many creatives.
  • Affinity Photo: Affinity Photo is another excellent choice for professional image editing on Mac. It offers a comprehensive set of tools and features, including advanced retouching, color correction, and HDR processing.

Editing JPEG Images on Mac

JPEG is a widely used image format known for its compression capabilities, making it ideal for web and digital use. Let's explore how you can edit JPEG images on your Mac using the built-in tools.

Step-by-Step Guide for Editing JPEG Images with Preview

  1. Open the image in Preview: Launch the Preview app on your Mac and open the JPEG image you want to edit.
  2. Basic Editing Options: Preview provides several basic editing options that you can access from the toolbar. These include cropping, rotating, adjusting colors, and more. Simply select the desired tool and make the necessary adjustments to your image.
  3. Saving and Exporting: Once you're satisfied with the edits, go to the "File" menu and choose "Save" or "Export" to save the edited JPEG image.

Editing PNG Images on Mac

PNG is a popular image format that supports transparency and is often used for web graphics and digital design. Let's explore how you can edit PNG images on your Mac using the built-in tools.

Step-by-Step Guide for Editing PNG Images with Preview

  1. Open the image in Preview: Launch Preview and open the PNG image you want to edit.
  2. Basic Editing Options: Preview offers basic editing options specific to PNG images. You can adjust transparency, add or remove layers, and make other modifications to customize your image.
  3. Saving and Exporting: After making the necessary edits, save or export the edited PNG image by selecting the appropriate option from the "File" menu.

Third-Party Image Editing Software for Mac

If you're looking for more advanced image editing capabilities, third-party software options like Adobe Photoshop, Pixelmator, and Affinity Photo provide a wide range of tools and features.

Step-by-Step Guide for Editing Images with Adobe Photoshop

  1. Open the image in Photoshop: Launch Photoshop and import the image you want to edit.
  2. Advanced Editing Options: Photoshop offers a plethora of advanced editing options, such as layers, masks, filters, and retouching tools. Explore the various menus and panels to unleash your creativity and make the desired edits to your image.
  3. Saving and Exporting: Once you're done editing, save your work in Photoshop's native format (PSD) if you want to retain the layers and editing capabilities. Alternatively, you can export the edited image in a desired format, such as JPEG or PNG.

Tips and Tricks for Efficient Image Editing on Mac

Now that you're familiar with the different methods and tools for editing images on your Mac, here are some tips and tricks to help you streamline your workflow and enhance your editing experience:

  • Keyboard shortcuts: Learn and utilize keyboard shortcuts to speed up your editing tasks. For example, in Photoshop, pressing "V" selects the Move tool, while pressing "B" selects the Brush tool.
  • Plugins and extensions: Explore the wide range of plugins and extensions available for Mac image editing software. These can add additional features, filters, and effects to enhance your editing capabilities.
  • Organize and manage your image files: Keep your image files organized in a logical folder structure. This will make it easier to find and access your images when you need to edit them.

Conclusion

Editing images on Mac is a fundamental skill for creatives, and with the built-in tools and third-party software options available, you have plenty of choices to suit your editing needs. Whether you're making simple adjustments or diving into advanced techniques, the ability to edit images will help you take your creative projects to the next level. So, start exploring the tools, try out different techniques, and start learning!

And remember, practice makes perfect! Don't hesitate to experiment and push your creative boundaries. Happy editing!