Image Editing Software Market Size, Share, Growth and Industry analysis, By Type (RAW Editing software, Non-RAW Editing Software), By Application (Entry, Enthusiast, Professional, Individual, School, Commercial) and Regional Forecast to 2034

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IMAGE EDITING SOFTWARE MARKET OVERVIEW

The global image editing software market size was valued at USD 1.37 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 2.83 billion by 2034, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 8.39% from 2025 to 2034.

The United States Image Editing Software Market size is projected at USD 0.45 Billion in 2025, the Europe Image Editing Software Market size is projected at USD 0.34 Billion in 2025, and the China Image Editing Software Market size is projected at USD 0.38 Billion in 2025.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with Image Editing Software experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels.

An editing tool to support image beauty and appeal is the main function of a basic image editing program. A computer program called image editing software is used to modify digital images. It can be applied to operations including cropping, scaling, color correction, and the addition of text or effects. There are many various kinds of picture editing software available, ranging from straightforward programs with a constrained feature set to high-end tools that enable more intricate alterations and artistic effects.

Digital photographs, classic photochemical photographs, illustrations, and all other types of images can be edited in many ways. Photo retouching, the process of altering images with tools like an airbrush, or modifying illustrations using any conventional artistic media, are examples of traditional analog image manipulation. The main tools with which a user may change, improve, and convert photos are image editing programs, which can be roughly categorized as vector graphics editors, raster graphics editors, and 3D modelers. Rendering or building computer art from scratch is also possible with several picture editing apps. The smooth conversion of scanned copies of historical images into their digital counterparts is another benefit of image editing software.

IMAGE EDITING SOFTWARE MARKET KEY FINDINGS

COVID-19 IMPACT

 Halt on Manufacturing Operations to Slower Market Growth

Many countries were affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, per a World Health Organization (WHO) study. The COVID-19 situation is anticipated to negatively impact the Image Editing Software market growth in 2020. However, the photography and picture editing industries have been expanding at a quick rate across the countries as a result of their broad popularity among both commercial and private end-users. End-user demand for robust picture editing tools has increased recently as more businesses adopt remote working practices and as online workflow requirements develop.

LATEST TRENDS

Innovation in Image Editing Software to Boost Market Growth

Factors driving the expansion of this market include expanding social media usage, increased use of digital photography, and an increase in the number of people producing online content. The image editing software market is growing as a result of the massive increase in social media usage and the introduction of sites like Tik Tok, Dubsmash, and YouTube. Social media activities are projected to be further complemented in the next years by developments in cutting-edge technology like artificial intelligence (AI), and facial recognition, as well as easy and affordable access to high-end smartphone. Additionally, this is anticipated to boost the market for picture editing software worldwide.

• According to the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), the new WebGPU standard was published in July 2025 to expose modern (post‑2014) GPU capabilities to the web, enabling heavy tasks like RAW demosaicing and AI filters to run inside browsers.

• According to the Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA), global digital camera shipments in 2023 were 7,720,505 units, with mirrorless cameras growing 18.6% year over year and interchangeable‑lens models making up 78% of shipments—forcing image editors to optimize for ever larger RAW files.

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IMAGE EDITING SOFTWARE MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type Analysis

As per the type, the market is classified as follows: RAW Editing Software and Non-RAW Editing Software. Compared to RAW editing software, Non-RAW Editing software often provides a greater selection of editing choices.

By Application Analysis

Based on application, the market is segmented as follows: Individual, School, Commercial, and Other. Individual segment dominates the image editing software market share.

DRIVING FACTORS

Rise in Business and Personal Users to Facilitate Market Development

The image editing software market is expected to increase as a result of the rising demand from both business and personal users for photo editing and manipulation. With help from sophisticated camera technologies, consumer applications, improvements in special effects, and quality enhancements like color, tone, and finish, the market for image editing software is expected to expand quickly in the next few years. Another element influencing the image editing software market is the rise in the number of cellphones and cameras, as well as the accessibility of high-definition monitors.

• According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 5.3 billion people (about 65% of the world’s population) were online in 2023, leaving 2.6 billion still offline—an enormous on‑ramp for lightweight, web‑delivered editing tools as connectivity expands.

• According to the GSMA (industry association), by 2030 5G will represent almost 40% of total mobile connections in LMICs (excluding China), equivalent to 2.3 billion connections, accelerating demand for mobile‑first and cloud‑synced image editing workflows.

Growing Demand for High-Definition Photos to Promote Industry Progress

Growing demand for high-definition photos, the necessity for digital photos, and advancements in camera technology are all contributing to the growth of the image editing software market. The inclusion of facial and object recognition technologies is further changing photo editing software. To increase sales through this channel, the American e-commerce industry is progressively utilizing immersive and eye-catching sophisticated image editing tools as well as AI technologies. The image editing software market in this region is growing as a result of these factors.  The overall attractiveness of the photo is enhanced by the use of more artistic editing techniques like bokeh, depth of focus, and time-lapse effects made possible by this technology.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Availability of Free Software on the Internet to Hinder Market Growth

Several issues, such as high prices, a lack of adequate technical knowledge, and the availability of software in a free version on the internet, prevent the image editing software market from expanding. One of the main issues impeding the growth of the image editing software market is the widespread circulation of pirated versions of expensive picture editing software. The availability of free software on the internet, high expenses, and a lack of technical knowledge, among other factors, limit the image editing software market's capacity to grow.

• According to the GDPR Enforcement Tracker Report 2024/2025 (based on decisions by European government data‑protection authorities), by 1 March 2025 there were 2,245 recorded fines totaling about €5.65 billion; the running tracker shows totals exceeding €6.20 billion and 2,460 fines by June 2025, underscoring the compliance burden for cloud‑based photo editors handling personal data

• According to CIPA, total digital camera shipments in 2023 were 96.4% of the prior year (i.e., a decline), potentially limiting demand growth for certain high‑end, camera‑tethered editing niches even as mirrorless grows inside the category.

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IMAGE EDITING SOFTWARE MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

High Internet Penetration to Propel Market Progress in North America

The image editing software market is dominated by North America. The early adoption of technology and high internet penetration in North America are the driving forces behind the expansion of this software on this continent. The robust presence of end-user industries like advertising and fashion businesses as well as the unrelenting rise of the e-commerce revolution are driving the global image editing software market in North America to new heights. The social media agency sector is receiving strong investment from small businesses in the US, which will benefit the image editing software market in the long run.

KEY MARKET PLAYERS

Market Players Focus on New Product Launches to Strengthen Market Position

Leading players in the market are adopting various strategies to expand their presence in the market. These include R&D investments and the launch of new, technologically-advanced products in the market. Some companies are also adopting strategies such as partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions to strengthen their market position.  

• According to the UK Government’s Companies House, Serif (Europe) Ltd is registered under company number 02117968 and has operated since 1987, giving it 38 years of market presence as of 2025.

• According to Adobe’s FY2024 Form 10‑K filed with the U.S. SEC, the company employs ~29,000 people globally, underscoring the scale of its engineering and compliance footprint in creative software, including Photoshop and Lightroom. 

List of Top Image Editing Software Companies

•  Serif
• Adobe
• DxO Optics
• Corel
• ACDSee Ultimate
• ON1
• PhaseOne
• Magix
• Cyberlink
• Zoner
• MacPhun

REPORT COVERAGE

The report covers overall market aspects, including market segmentation based on its type and application. The report depicts a diverse group of participants, including the market and potential market leaders. Major factors that are expected to drive major growth in the market. The factors anticipated to expand the market share are also included in the report to offer market insights. The estimated growth of the market in the forecast period is also included in the report. The regional analysis is completed to explain the region's dominance in the global market. The factors hindering the growth of the market are discussed in detail. The SWOT analysis of the market is depicted in the report. It contains all-inclusive market details.