Exposure X 7's strengths are its neat, simpler interface, some beautiful effects and presets, and straightforward and effective tools. It doesn't offer image layers (only adjustment layers), so you can't combine photos, but for many photographers that won't matter. It’s a subtle, powerful, and efficient all-in-one photo editing and browsing tool that specializes in analog film effects and comes with a huge library of simple one-click preset effects. Like ON1 Photo RAW 2022, Exposure X7 is a relatively little-known program that deserves a lot more recognition than it gets.

It pulls off a particularly amazing trick, incorporating layers, masking, and compositing tools into its fully non-destructive workflow. It has an Edit module with Develop, Effects, Portrait, and Local (adjustment) panels, and the Effects module alone has a vast array of filters that can be adjusted, masked, and combined in an infinite array of permutations. ON1 Photo RAW 2022 has a built-in hybrid browsing and cataloging module that gives you fuss-free exploring of your image folders but more powerful search tools if you need them. There's also an optional ON1 subscription service for Adobe-style image sharing and synchronizing with mobile devices. ON1 Photo RAW is perhaps the single most complete solution of all the programs here, and the 2022 version is the best yet, with new Sky Replacement AI, the integration of ON1 NoNoise AI, and, with the latest update, the integration of ON1 ReSize AI, previously sold separately.

And then there's Perspective Efex, DxO's most recent addition, which offers powerful lens and perspective corrections, tilt-shift effects, and advanced wide-angle distortion correction. You can use the Nik Collection 4 plug-ins with Photoshop, Lightroom, and from within DxO PhotoLab – or use them as external editors with other programs like Capture One. HDR Efex Pro is pretty handy as an HDR merging/effects tool, and while Sharpener Pro and Dfine feel pretty dated now, they can still be useful for output sharpening and noise reduction respectively. Viveza gets the same treatment and is elevated from a relatively simple local adjustment tool into a much more powerful plug-in. Silver Efex Pro remains the best digital black and white plug-in ever and is updated in this version with a fresh, modern interface, a new ClearView option, and more powerful selective control points. Analog Efex Pro is brilliant at analog/darkroom effects, while Color Efex Pro is a hugely powerful suite of filters for individual use or combined into 'recipes'. Nik Collection 4 consists of eight separate plug-ins which can also be used as standalone programs.

Best online photo editing program