Your camera roll is overflowing with birthday snaps, vacation selfies, and everyday moments, but most never make it past your phone.
It can be frustrating when those memories look too dark, blurry, or cluttered to use for photo books or even a quick print for the fridge.
The best AI photo editors fix those problems in seconds, auto-enhancing and cleaning up shots so they’re ready for everything from family keepsakes to share-worthy cards.
Not sure which one to try? Here are some of the best AI photo editors for creative upgrades.
Photoshop is the OG of photo editing. It’s added some serious AI-powered tools that make editing faster and a lot less intimidating. There’s one-click background removal, magic retouching, auto-subject selection, and even slider filters to change facial expressions, lighting, and more.
The learning curve can be steeper than some other photo editors, but the results are next-level. Consider Photoshop if you’re into detailed touch-ups or total customization.
Best for: Advanced creators, photographers, and perfectionists who prefer pro-level edits and more creative freedom
Pros:
- Powerful AI tools like background remover and generative fill
- Advanced filters for quick portrait edits and creative effects
- Intuitive multi-step editing suggestions for a seamless workflow
- Substantial customization and control features
Cons:
- May feel overwhelming for beginners
- Subscription-only platform (no one-time purchase)
- Needs an internet connection for some features
- Can be pricey for light edits or one-off projects
Pixlr is a solid go-to if you want a fast and easy browser-based tool—no downloads necessary. It’s packed with AI tools like portrait retouch, background remover, and even cutout features to isolate your subject (adios, photo bombers).
“Quick browser tools are a lifesaver for parents who don’t want to download another app.”
— Leslie Albertson, Director of Brand and Creative
That simplicity makes it a solid choice for casual creators who still want pro-looking results, from social media posts to photo books and other personalized gifts. Its interface is clean and easy to learn, and you can jump right in via desktop, tablet, or phone.
Best of all, many of its tools are free (a win for your wallet).
Best for: Beginner-friendly design projects and on-the-go photo fixes
Pros:
- Runs in your browser—no downloads needed
- User-friendly interface for quick learning
- Best free AI photo editor (covers most basic editing needs)
Cons:
- Some AI features are locked behind a premium subscription
- Contains ads in the free version
- Not as advanced as Photoshop for detailed editing
Luminar Neo is the photo AI editor to consider if you want a polished, professional look without spending hours tweaking sliders.
With tools like Sky Replacement to swap out dull skies and Relight AI to fix tricky lighting, Luminar Neo helps you get clean edits without the stress.
Whether you’re editing portraits for a family photo book or leveling up some vacation shots, Luminar Neo makes it feel fast and fun. It’s downloadable so you can work offline and has a one-time purchase option.
Best for: Photographers and creators who want pro-quality results without feeling overwhelmed
Pros:
- Unique smart tools like Sky AI and neural net detection (for portrait retouching)
- Simple, beginner-friendly interface
- Functions as both a standalone editor and a plug-in/extension
- One-time purchase available
Cons:
- Not ideal for heavy graphic design work
- Some advanced features require add-ons
- Plug-in/extension option limited to Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and Photos for macOS
Canva is an all-in-one creative playground for designing cool photos or projects. In addition to its endless templates and drag-and-drop features, Canva has plenty of AI tools like Magic Edit (just brush over an object to fix it), Magic Eraser, and even Text to Image for bringing creative ideas to life.
It’s perfect for making everything from collages and invitations to graphics and personalized photo books. Canva also works right in your browser or on your phone, so you can create anything on the go. It’s ideal for casual creators, small business owners, and photo editing novices.
Best for: Everyday photo projects, social media posts, and creative gifts like cards or digital scrapbooks
Pros:
- Lots of AI tools for fast, creative edits
- Large template library for any kind of project
- Easy to use (no design experience needed)
- Works on desktop and mobile app
Cons:
- Some AI tools only available in the Pro subscription
- Limited photo editing options compared to Pro tools
- Requires an internet connection for most features
Fotor is a solid choice if you want powerful edits without shuffling through dozens of tools. It leans into AI with features like photo enhancer, one-tap background remover, face retouching, and AI art generators. Everything is designed to be fast and beginner-friendly in just a few clicks.
“One-click enhancements are perfect for busy moms getting those everyday snapshots print-ready without spending hours editing.’
— Leslie Albertson, Director of Brand and Creative
The tool's user-friendly interface is ideal for casual users, content creators, and anyone who wants to upgrade their pics for photo books, social media posts, or prints. You can use Fotor online or via the app.
It won’t replace Photoshop for heavier editing, but it gets the job done for everyday photos.
Best for: Quick photo edits, social media images, and polished photos for gifts or keepsakes
Pros:
- Easy-to-use AI tools like face retouch and background remover
- Available on web, desktop, and mobile
- Clean, beginner-friendly interface
- Offers free tools with affordable upgrade options
Cons:
- Some AI features locked behind the premium subscription
- Watermarks remain on downloads in the free version
- Fewer design templates than Canva
- Lacks advanced photo editing software
Picsart brings all the creative feels to photo editing, including unique AI tricks. From one-tap fixes to AI image replacement, it’s designed for expressive, bold edits that go beyond your imagination.
Whether you’re enlarging a photo or turning your dog into digital art, Picsart keeps it playful. It’s a perfect fit for social media lovers and casual creators who want to add some flair to their memories.
You can use Picsart via desktop or mobile app for easy on-the-go edits. It’s not meant for advanced edits, but it will be right up your alley if you love filters, stickers, and creative fun.
As Leslie Albertson, Director of Brand and Creative, suggests, “Try using bold filters or AI effects sparingly—on a cover page or a highlight spread—so they feel intentional.”
Best for: Creative photo edits, social content, and playful custom projects
Pros:
- Fun AI tools like text-to-image and AI Replace
- Massive library of filters, stickers, and special effects
- Free to start with lots of tools included
Cons:
- Ads in the free version
- More advanced features require a subscription
- May feel cluttered with too many options
- Not designed for high-precision editing
Last but not least is Lensa AI, the AI photo editor app for mastering selfies. It focuses on portrait enhancement, including tools like skin smoothing, face reshaping, and more, all in a sleek, swipe-and-go interface.
Its coolest feature? Magic Avatars, which turns your selfies into AI-generated artistic styles.
Lensa is ideal for casual users who enjoy taking selfies and anyone who wants polished portraits without hours of editing. It’s more limited when it comes to full-scene edits and photo book layouts, but great for close-up shots like profile pics.
Best for: Selfies, social media profile pics, and creative portraits for gifting
Pros:
- Intuitive, mobile-first design
- AI portrait tools for quick touch-ups
- Magic Avatars for creative, artsy results
- Fast and beginner-friendly
Cons:
- Limited editing tools for non-portraits
- Extra cost for Magic Avatars and advanced features
- No desktop version; only mobile app
- Not ideal for group shots or photo projects
Turn your AI-edited photos into something meaningful with Mixbook
No matter which AI photo editor you choose, the real magic happens when you do something special with your photos afterward. Those edited pics aren’t limited to social media posts. You can drop them in Mixbook Studio™ or customize them as keepsakes for any special occasion.
Turn those edited shots into a photo book that you’ll actually flip through, share, and treasure—not just scroll past. Start a custom photo book with Mixbook today and bring your story to life, page by page.
