If you took amazing raw drone photos and now are looking for a free and best drone photo editing software to make photos pop and vivid, look through these 13 best photo editing software that are easy-to-use and make deep color correction fast.
Here you’ll find both professional software offering more advanced photo enhancement features, as well as simple drone photo editors that have fundamental tools for adjusting brightness, shadows, saturation, contrast, sharpness, cropping, and more.
Each of them proposes a trial version or is completely free.
You can also learn how to choose the best drone for photography if you would like to buy a professional one.
Canva
Price
$14.99 monthly or $139.99 yearly
Platform
Online, iOS, Android
Looking to create stunning graphics that will help your business stand out from the rest? Look no further than Canva.
Canva is a popular online graphic design tool. It’s a quick and simple way to design graphics for social media, Facebook ads, presentations, flyers, posters, and more.
With Canva, you can easily drag and drop your photos onto one of their templates or upload them from your computer and customize the colors and fonts. You can also create your custom layouts from scratch with just the click of a button.
It’s easy to use, has a lot of awesome templates, and you can even share your designs with others for feedback. It also has an easy interface, so you don’t need to be highly skilled in graphic design to create something beautiful.
It also has hundreds of free fonts to choose from and an expansive library of stock images. You can also quickly search for elements to make your designs fit perfectly with the rest of your brand.
The best thing about Canva is how easy it is to create designs and how it has so many features and templates that are in line with the newest trends in graphic design. There are also some third-party integrations.
Plus, they have a blog to help out with tips and advice, so you can create graphics that truly reflect your unique brand.
By 2025, Canva has significantly enhanced its drone photo editing capabilities with AI-powered features like Magic Edit and Background Remover Pro. The new Aerial Photography templates are specifically designed for drone shots, with presets that enhance depth and perspective in landscape views. Canva Pro costs $14.99 monthly or $139.99 yearly, and they also provide Enterprise plans with additional collaboration features.
With intuitive tools, Canva is a great place to learn graphic design. If you’ve been looking for an easy way to create eye-catching images, then this app is perfect for you!
Adobe Lightroom
Price
Free trial then $12.99/month
Platform
Windows/Mac OS/iOS/Android
Adobe Lightroom opens this list. It is one of the best drone photo editing software according to FixThePhoto, a photo editing service that offers professional image enhancement services online.
Adobe Lightroom is the best software as it has a large set of tools and excellent performance characteristics. Lightroom image management system is based upon a directory. It works on the principle of deferred photo editing.
In other words, when downloading a photo taken with the drone, processing it, and closing the program, you do not lose anything. You do not even need to save and upload the photo again. When you open the photo editor again, you will continue editing from the same place.
Also, you have the opportunity to add metadata, keywords, use presets. Lightroom will allow you to edit TIFF and JPEG files, but more importantly, it offers integrated RAW processing.
Besides, it supports not only 16-bit image processing but can also convert to 32-bit HDR files.
You may use its “lens correction” because the DJI Phantom 4 drone may give you frequent distortions at the output.
Such distortions will be removed by applying specific settings in the camera profile. Moreover, there are some other useful tools, such as panorama, HDR fusion, as well as tools for cloning and deleting content.
By 2025, Adobe Lightroom has introduced several game-changing features for drone photographers. The new Aerial Photography AI module can automatically detect horizon issues, fix perspective distortion, and enhance details in far-away objects. The Drone Camera Profiles feature now includes presets specifically calibrated for the latest DJI, Autel, and Skydio drones, providing optimal starting points for editing. The enhanced masking tools with AI-powered sky and terrain recognition make selective adjustments much easier for aerial landscapes. Cloud syncing across all devices has been significantly improved, allowing seamless workflow between desktop and mobile editing.
Adobe Photoshop
Price
Free trial then $12.99/month
Platform
Windows/Mac OS/iPad
The reason that Photoshop is only in the second place on this list is the lack of the ability to organize or search for photos.
Contrary to many opinions, that Photoshop is a photo editing software designed exclusively for designers or artists; it has a couple of useful tools and features for ordinary users.
Photoshop provides all the information and full access to color management in RAW, TIFF, and JPEG files.
There are several excellent tools for creating HDR images, panoramas, masking, and cropping tools that are so useful for drone images.
In addition to presets, you should remember that Photoshop supports third-party plug-ins.
You can add external functions and tools to improve the drone image or optimize and accelerate the workflow with their help.
You may add colors to your photo, as well as adjust the balance and shades of the gradient using the advanced curves.
Moreover, Photoshop will allow you to combine two pictures and create an entirely new image.
This photo editor software can also boast of some additional functions as well.
For example, you can remove the sky from your photo and add beautiful clouds using a unique overlay.
As of 2025, Adobe Photoshop has revolutionized drone photography editing with its new Generative AI features. The Neural Filters now include “Aerial Perspective Enhancement” that can intelligently add atmospheric depth to flat drone shots. The Context-Aware Fill has been improved to work specifically with common drone photo issues like unwanted objects on large landscape areas. The latest version also includes advanced perspective correction tools and improved seamless panorama stitching for creating ultra-wide aerial vistas. The Drone Photography workspace preset organizes the most relevant tools for aerial imagery editing, making workflow much more efficient.
PhotoWorks
Price
Free trial then $24.99
Platform
Windows/Mac OS
PhotoWorks is intelligent software with an emphasis on automatic editing. It offers comprehensive tools to fix drone photos in a jiff. The software boasts a clear interface and easy workflow.
This photo editor is equipped with a content-aware auto correction feature that can fix flawed images in terms of exposure, contrast, vibrance, and other important aspects.
You can also adjust these settings manually using intuitive sliders. There are sliders for enhancing HSL, dynamic range, sharpness, and clarity.
Users will enjoy the software’s nifty Geometry feature that allows you to get rid of any perspective flaws (like fish-eye or pincushion distortion).
The Crop tool also comes with convenient cropping presets that include options for Facebook and Instagram. Besides, there are several instruments that allow for seamless odd object removal.
For those who like to stylize their images, PhotoWorks has over 200 built-in filters, 3D LUTs, and HDR effects. This AI-driven editor also lets you process dozens of images simultaneously.
You can color correct your images with curves, add effects, and watermarks. PhotoWorks supports over 450 RAW formats, including files from the latest camera models.
In 2025, PhotoWorks has greatly improved its AI capabilities for drone photography. The new Aerial Scene Detection feature automatically identifies landscapes shot from above and applies optimal corrections. The software now includes dedicated drone photography presets that enhance aerial perspectives while maintaining natural colors. The updated Drone Lens Correction module provides automatic fixes for common distortion issues in popular drone cameras. PhotoWorks also added a new feature called “Atmospheric Depth” that intelligently adds haze and distance perspective to flat aerial shots, creating more dimensional images. Their batch processing capabilities have been expanded to handle up to 500 images simultaneously, perfect for drone time-lapse sequences.
AirMagic
Price
Free trial then $89 (My Dear Drone 20% Exclusive Coupon: MYDEARDRONE)
Platform
Windows/Mac OS
AirMagic is a relatively new project developed by Skylum. The application offers a new idea of artificial intelligence.
The interface of this drone photo editing software is quite simple and intuitive.
AI-based editing copes well with contrast and color.
The automatic masking process works excellent. Batch processing makes edits of multiple photos fast and efficient if you are working on Mac, but some errors may occur on Windows.
Short instructions, one slider, and many preset make the program very user-friendly.
If you want to enhance drone photos quickly and easily, AirMagic is an excellent choice.
It is worth mentioning that this image editing software can be installed as a plugin for Adobe Lightroom Classic and Adobe Photoshop.
You can access AirMagic through the menu “Filters” in Photoshop or by using the export function in Lightroom.
In 2025, AirMagic has evolved into AirMagic Pro with significant improvements tailored for modern drone photography. The software now features Drone-specific AI that can identify the drone model from image metadata and apply optimized corrections. The new “Sky Enhancement 2.0” technology can dramatically improve flat skies in aerial shots, while “Terrain Detail Recovery” brings out subtle textures in landscape features. AirMagic Pro now supports 8K drone footage editing with specialized tools for extracting high-quality still frames. The Windows version has been completely rebuilt, now matching the Mac version in stability and performance. The batch processing capability now includes the ability to create preset sequences that apply different adjustments at different stages of editing.
Corel PaintShop Pro
Price
Free trial then $149.99
Platform
Windows/Mac OS
Corel PaintShop Pro is a decent replacement for Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. The reason is that you get a professional photo editing software and an identical set of tools for drone photo editing for the one-time payment.
There are such features as selection, removal, creative filters, adding text, and basic digital drawing tools.
It supports layers and plugins like Photoshop. The only difference that the developers promise to fix is the lack of 32-bit file processing.
In addition to the basic tools, the program has a separate 360-degrees editing window. This tool offers two functions: aligning and removing a tripod head.
By 2025, Corel PaintShop Pro has become a powerful contender in the drone photography editing space with its comprehensive Aerial Photography Suite. The software now fully supports 32-bit file processing, addressing its previous limitation. The AI Denoise feature specifically targets the noise patterns common in drone sensors, while preserving fine details. The new Drone Photography workspace includes specialized tools for adjusting aerial perspectives and enhancing distant details. A standout feature is the “Terrain Texture Enhancement” that uses AI to intelligently sharpen ground features without affecting the sky. The Mac version, introduced in 2024, offers feature parity with the Windows version, making this a truly cross-platform solution. The one-time payment model remains a strong selling point, though the price has increased to $149.99 for the Ultimate version with all drone-specific features.
GIMP GNU
Price
Free
Platform
Windows, Linux, Mac OS, iOS & Android
The combination of powerful Photoshop tools, a simple learning curve, possibility to work on all platforms makes GIMP an undisputed leader when it comes to the best free picture editing software.
However, if you look deeper, you may be upset about the lack of 32-bit and even 16-bit version processing support. Nevertheless, the application has other advantages.
It offers a file browser for searching and opening images, many correction tools, well-developed text features, a lot of filters, and various effects for making your drone footage breathtaking.
GIMP is not as powerful as some paid programs mentioned above, but it is functional.
The software supports third-party plug-ins, which makes it even more efficient.
By 2025, GIMP has made significant strides with its “GIMP 3.0” release, finally adding full 16-bit and 32-bit processing support – addressing its previous major limitation. The non-destructive editing workflow introduced in this version makes it much more suitable for professional drone photography. The new Aerial Photography Plugin Suite includes specialized tools for horizon correction, perspective management, and atmospheric haze removal specifically designed for drone images. Mobile versions for iOS and Android have been released, allowing basic editing on the go with cloud sync to the desktop version. The UI has been completely modernized with a customizable workspace similar to Adobe products, making the transition easier for photographers switching platforms. Despite these major improvements, GIMP remains completely free and open-source, maintaining its position as the most capable free option for drone photographers.
Corel AfterShot Pro
Price
Free trial then $129.99
Platform
Windows/Mac OS
It is another equally effective alternative to Adobe Lightroom from Corel – AfterShot Pro.
You can edit and manage JPEG and TIGG files taken by your photography drone with this photo processing software.
Lightroom fans may like the fact that files are arranging in Corel AfterShot Pro using catalogs or folders, for those who want to use a more specialized management system.
This program supports various plug-ins. Some image editing features include HDR support, restoration of selection, batch photo processing, non-destructive image editing, lens correction, camera profiles, a library of presets, and quick batch processing tools.
Moreover, AfterShot has ready-made correction filters and a set of brushes, textures, and backgrounds. AfterShot Pro is an excellent option if you need a fast and powerful RAW editor and do not want to pay a monthly or yearly subscription.
In 2025, Corel AfterShot Pro has evolved into a powerful tool specifically optimized for aerial photographers. The latest version introduces a Mac-compatible edition with feature parity to the Windows version, expanding its accessibility. The Drone RAW Processing engine now supports all major drone camera systems, including the latest models from DJI, Autel, and Skydio, with custom camera profiles for optimal RAW conversion. The Aerial Enhancement Suite includes tools that automatically correct common drone photo issues like atmospheric haze, color shift at altitude, and fisheye distortion. The Geographic Cataloging feature uses embedded GPS data from drone photos to automatically organize images by location and create interactive map views of shooting locations. The price has increased to $129.99 for a one-time purchase, but this still represents significant value compared to subscription-based alternatives like Adobe Lightroom.
RawTherapee
Price
Free
Platform
Windows, Mac OS, Linux
RawTherapee is an entirely free program for your drone photos, which is suitable for all platforms. However, deep photo retouching capabilities are significantly inferior to GIMP, except for 16-bit-processing support.
Therefore, it cannot be called the best photo editing software; it’s instead for color correction.
Nevertheless, RawTherapee has a basic set of tools and a simple learning curve, which makes it suitable even for the beginners.
Since it is open source, you may change the photo editor manually if you have basic knowledge of programming.
Improve the program without waiting for the next update. Plug-ins support also deserves your attention.
By 2025, RawTherapee has undergone significant improvements while maintaining its commitment to being completely free and open-source. The new v6.0 has introduced a dedicated Drone Photography workflow with specialized tools for aerial image processing. The improved Film Simulation module now includes presets that mimic popular aerial photography styles from professional drone photographers. The completely redesigned UI offers a more intuitive experience with customizable workspaces that can be optimized for drone photo editing. Performance has been dramatically improved, with multi-threading support that takes advantage of modern processors for faster RAW processing. While still not as feature-rich as some commercial alternatives for general photo retouching, RawTherapee has evolved into one of the most capable free tools specifically for drone photography, with excellent color grading tools and advanced noise reduction that works particularly well with small-sensor drone cameras.
Polarr Smart Photo Editing
Price
Free trial then $24.99/year
Platform
Windows, Mac OS, Linux, iOS, Android
Many users call Polarr one of the best alternatives to Lightroom.
It is a perfect photo editing software, which has a lot of tools for in-depth image retouching and basic photo enhancement.
We edited our drone photo on our old laptop. The program showed good results.
Each stage of image editing was carried out instantly, until the last phase in which the picture was saved.
The free version is almost the same as the Pro option. However, it has a few drawbacks.
The editor in the free version does not support RAW files.
Also, there are no masks and layers.
In our opinion, these features play a vital role in some situations and make performing some tasks just impossible. Polarr will be an excellent option for beginners, but it will be useless for more professional works.
By 2025, Polarr has significantly expanded its capabilities for drone photographers with its new “Aerial Pro” module. The software now fully supports RAW files from all major drone brands in both free and Pro versions, removing one of its previous limitations. The pricing model has shifted to an annual subscription of $24.99/year, making it more affordable than many competitors. The new AI-powered Sky Enhancement feature automatically detects and enhances sky regions in aerial photos, while the Terrain Detail engine uses machine learning to bring out textures in landscape features. The mobile versions for iOS and Android have been redesigned with a focus on usability in the field, allowing drone pilots to quickly edit and share images directly after flights. The Pro version now includes masks and layers functionality, addressing another previous limitation, while maintaining the intuitive interface that made it popular with beginners. Cross-platform synchronization has been improved, allowing seamless workflow across desktop and mobile devices.
PicMonkey Photo Editor
Price
Free trial then $14.99/month
Platform
Online, iOS, Android
PicMonkey is a useful image editing software for amateur drone photographers.
You can use basic tools, adjust shadows, lights, effects, or filters even on your smartphone.
It provides maximum creativity. However, the best thing is that the user interface is simple so that you can use all its powerful features without experience.
PicMonkey editor has its Cloud Storage analog called HUB.
This function allows you to store and arrange photos at libraries in an unlimited number.
By 2025, PicMonkey has been fully integrated into the Shutterstock ecosystem following its acquisition, bringing a wealth of new features to drone photographers. The platform now offers dedicated drone photography templates and presets optimized for aerial perspectives. The “Drone Photography Studio” feature provides specialized tools for enhancing aerial shots, including horizon straightening, perspective correction, and atmospheric haze removal. Mobile apps for iOS and Android have been completely redesigned with a focus on field editing, allowing drone operators to quickly enhance and share their images directly from shooting locations. Cloud storage in the HUB has been expanded to include AI-powered organization of aerial photos based on location and content. The new pricing is $14.99/month, which includes access to Shutterstock’s extensive library of assets that can be composited with drone photos. While still aimed at beginners and intermediate users, these enhancements make PicMonkey a more viable option for serious drone photographers who prioritize ease of use and integration with social media platforms.
Pixlr Photo Editor Online
Price
Free trial then $7.99/month
Platform
Online, iOS, Android
Pixlr is an online photo editor that makes it easier than ever to edit your photos.
It is designed to be easy to use and offers options for editing, adding filters, drawing, cropping, and more.
Pixlr has a really intuitive interface that makes photo editing really easy for people who are new to the process. It also has a ton of features.
In 2025, Pixlr has evolved into one of the most accessible platforms for drone photography editing with the introduction of its browser-based “Pixlr Aerial” module. The software now includes AI-powered tools specifically designed for enhancing drone photography, including one-click sky enhancement, terrain detail recovery, and automatic horizon correction. The mobile apps for iOS and Android support offline editing, allowing drone pilots to make adjustments in the field even without internet connectivity. Pixlr’s competitive advantage remains its easy-to-use interface coupled with surprisingly powerful editing capabilities. The subscription cost has increased slightly to $7.99/month, but this still represents excellent value compared to more expensive alternatives. The free version continues to offer basic editing capabilities suitable for casual drone photographers, while the premium subscription provides advanced features like RAW processing and batch editing that are essential for more serious aerial photography work. The platform has also added direct integration with popular drone manufacturers’ apps, allowing seamless importing of footage from DJI, Autel, and other drones.
Adobe Creative Cloud Express
Price
Free trial then $11.99/month
Platform
Windows/MacOS/iOS/Android
Transform your ideas into beautiful visual stories with Adobe Creative Cloud Express. It’s not a traditional drone photography editing software but with it, you can turn text and photos into an impressive, professional creation that can be shared on your social channels, in emails, via text, as printed advertisements or greetings, and much more.
It features a photo editor along with comprehensive editing capabilities that makes this app ideal for perfecting photos.
With sizing, scale, enhancements, filters, and excellent text overlay choices at your disposal, this free image editor has it all.
Edit photos online or on your mobile app, then save to download to your device or share it on your social channels.
It automatically reformats your design if you want to repurpose it for a variety of social posts, banners, graphics, posters, invitations, and more.
Express your creativity with this powerful editing tool at your service.
By 2025, Adobe Creative Cloud Express has evolved into a versatile platform with specialized capabilities for drone photography marketing and presentation. The app now features a dedicated “Drone Content Creator” module with templates specifically designed for aerial photography and videography presentation. The AI-powered QuickActions now include drone-specific features like automatic horizon alignment, perspective correction, and color grading optimized for aerial shots. The integration with Adobe’s Firefly generative AI system allows users to easily remove unwanted objects from drone photos or extend scenes beyond the original frame. The mobile apps for iOS and Android have been enhanced with field editing capabilities, allowing drone operators to quickly process and share their aerial content while still on location. The subscription cost has increased slightly to $11.99/month, but remains affordable compared to full professional editing suites. While not a replacement for dedicated photo editing software for serious drone photographers, Creative Cloud Express has positioned itself as the perfect companion app for creating marketing materials, social media content, and presentations featuring drone photography.
Note: All prices on this page are at the time of publishing and subject to change without prior notice.