Take Your Photo and Video Editing Game to the Next Level with These Windows-Only Apps
As digital creatives, it’s sometimes easy to dismiss Windows-only software applications. We’ve been told for years that Mac is where it’s at. At the same time, many of us are professionals that rely on our Windows machines and aren’t interested in owning two devices.
But what if you could have the best of both worlds? Several highly-rated software packages are developed for the Windows user, including some with features you can’t find in Mac software (or they may be a much lower price than their Mac alternatives).
Do you find yourself limited by the software options available on Mac? Here’s a list of powerful photography and video editing apps available only on Windows. Whether you’re a professional photographer or videographer, a content creator, or a hobbyist, these tools will help you take your work to the next level — on a Windows PC.
Using Parallels
Don’t have a PC lying around? Are you a Mac-only creative? No problem. Parallels is an advanced software program that allows you to seamlessly run Windows on your Mac, unlocking performance and cross-compatibility. So you can use the tools in this list too!
Parallels is an incredibly powerful and easy-to-use software for Mac that allows users to run Windows and its applications seamlessly alongside macOS. This means that Mac users can take advantage of the full range of creative software, including photo and video editing software, that is typically only available on the PC. With Parallels, users can easily switch between macOS and Windows applications, using both operating systems simultaneously, without having to reboot or switch computers.
Using Parallels to run creative software on a Mac is a straightforward and intuitive process. Once you’ve installed Parallels, you simply need to install Windows as a virtual machine and then install the creative software you need. Parallels also offers a Coherence mode, allowing users to run Windows and MacOS applications seamlessly integrating the two environments. With Parallels, Mac users can enjoy the benefits of macOS, such as security, stability, and ease of use, while also taking advantage of the full range of software available on the PC. Overall, Parallels is an excellent solution for Mac users who need access to a range of creative and sometimes lower-cost software available on the PC.
Windows-Only Creative Software
Here are some favored Windows-only software packages for beginners and professional creatives, perfect for the Windows user, or the Mac owner with Parallels looking for lower-cost options.
PaintShop Pro
A powerful photo editing software with a range of creative tools, including AI-powered features for enhancing photos. With Windows-only support, PaintShop Pro offers advanced editing capabilities for Windows users.
- AI-powered photo editing features for enhancing images quickly and easily
- Complete set of professional-grade photo editing tools, including layers, masks, and RAW editing
- Extensive range of creative filters and effects, including textures, bokeh, and vintage looks
- Advanced selection and masking tools for precise control over image editing
- Built-in support for creating and editing vector graphics, including vector layers and vector masks
ACDSee
Prior to moving to Mac, I was a HUGE ACDSee fan for it’s image management tools. ACDSee is a popular photo management software with powerful editing features that are only available on Windows. ACDSee allows you to organize and edit your photos seamlessly, making it the perfect choice for photographers who need both functions.
- Advanced photo management tools for organizing and categorizing photos efficiently
- Non-destructive editing capabilities that preserve the original image quality
- Professional-grade photo editing tools, including layers, masks, and RAW editing
- Batch processing and automation tools for editing and managing large numbers of photos at once
- Integration with cloud storage services for easy access and sharing of photos from anywhere
Camtasia
I used Camtasia religiously to create how-to videos for a software company I worked for. It is a popular screen recording and video editing software available only on Windows. Camtasia offers a range of tools for creating professional-looking videos, including screen recording, audio editing, and video effects. If you’ve taken an online class or watched a YouTube video that included detailed screen recordings or software demonstrations, you were probably watching a Camtasia-made video!
- Powerful screen recording capabilities for capturing high-quality video and audio from your computer screen
- Advanced video editing tools, including transitions, animations, and effects, for creating professional-looking videos
- Audio editing tools for enhancing and editing audio tracks, including noise reduction, equalization, and compression
- Support for adding annotations, callouts, and captions to your videos for better clarity and engagement
- Integration with cloud storage services for easy sharing and collaboration on your videos
Zoner Photo Studio
An all-in-one photo editing and management software that’s exclusive to Windows. Zoner Photo Studio offers a wide range of tools for processing and enhancing your photos, from basic adjustments to advanced color correction.
- Advanced photo editing tools, including non-destructive edits, layers, masks, and RAW processing
- Efficient photo management capabilities, with tools for organizing, tagging, and searching for photos
- Easy-to-use interface with customizable workspaces and shortcuts for a more efficient workflow
- Comprehensive retouching and restoration tools, including tools for removing blemishes, restoring old photos, and enhancing portraits
- Wide range of export and sharing options, including direct upload to social media and integration with cloud storage services
Pinnacle Studio
A feature-rich video editing software that’s perfect for professionals and enthusiasts alike. With exclusive support for Windows, Pinnacle Studio offers advanced editing capabilities, including 3D and 360-degree video editing.
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface that’s easy to navigate and use
- Support for 4K video editing and advanced audio editing capabilities
- Range of video effects, transitions, and filters to add creative flair to your videos
- Multi-camera editing features, making it easy to edit footage from multiple cameras at once
- Powerful color correction tools for adjusting and enhancing the colors in your videos
CyberLink PowerDirector
Another popular video editing software that’s only available on Windows. CyberLink PowerDirector offers a range of creative video editing tools, including color correction, motion tracking, and advanced special effects.
- User-friendly interface with intuitive timeline editing and drag-and-drop functionality
- Range of advanced video editing tools, including support for 360-degree video and multi-camera editing
- Extensive range of video effects, transitions, and filters to add creative flair to your videos
- Powerful audio editing tools for adjusting and enhancing the audio in your videos
- Advanced color correction tools, including color grading, LUT support, and advanced color matching
MAGIX Movie Edit Pro
A comprehensive video editing software with a wide range of tools and features for creating professional-looking videos. With Windows-only support, MAGIX Movie Edit Pro offers advanced editing capabilities beyond what’s available on Mac.
- User-friendly interface with a clear and customizable layout
- Range of advanced video editing tools, including support for 360-degree video and 4K resolution
- Large library of special effects, filters, and transitions to enhance your videos
- Advanced audio editing tools, including 5.1 surround sound support and audio ducking
- Comprehensive color correction and grading tools, including automatic color matching and grading
Corel VideoStudio
An intuitive video editing software with powerful features, including support for 4K video editing and advanced color correction. With Windows-only support, Corel VideoStudio offers advanced editing capabilities beyond what’s available natively on Mac.
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface with a clear layout and drag-and-drop functionality
- Range of advanced video editing tools, including support for 360-degree video and 4K resolution
- Large library of special effects, filters, and transitions to enhance your videos
- Advanced audio editing tools, including audio ducking and support for 5.1 surround sound
- Comprehensive color correction and grading tools, including automatic color matching and grading
Filmora X
A beginner-friendly video editing software with exclusive support for Windows. Filmora X offers a range of creative tools, including advanced color correction and visual effects, making it a great choice for content creators.
- User-friendly interface with intuitive timeline editing and drag-and-drop functionality
- Range of advanced video editing tools, including support for 4K video and multi-camera editing
- Large library of special effects, filters, and transitions to enhance your videos
- Advanced audio editing tools, including noise removal and audio equalization
- Easy-to-use color grading tools, including support for LUTs and color correction presets
Serif Affinity Photo
A powerful photo editing software with exclusive support for Windows. Serif Affinity Photo offers advanced editing tools, including HDR merging, focus stacking, and live blend modes.
- Advanced photo editing tools, including support for layers, masks, and RAW processing
- Non-destructive editing capabilities that preserve the original image quality
- Extensive range of filters, effects, and adjustments for enhancing your photos creatively
- Built-in support for vector graphics editing, including vector layers and live vector previews
- Advanced selection and masking tools, including automatic selection and manual selection refinement
Serif Affinity Designer
A vector graphics software with exclusive support for Windows. Serif Affinity Designer offers a wide range of design tools for creating logos, icons, and other graphic designs.
Xara Designer Pro
A comprehensive graphics software with exclusive support for Windows. Xara Designer Pro offers a range of tools for creating vector graphics, illustrations, and print designs.
- Comprehensive vector graphics design tools, including support for precision drawing, typography, and vector shapes
- Built-in support for raster graphics editing, allowing for seamless switching between vector and raster workflows
- Advanced vector editing tools, including vector brushes, Boolean operations, and live corners
- Seamless integration with other Affinity products, such as Affinity Photo and Affinity Publisher
- Flexible export options, including support for multiple file formats and custom export presets
Inkscape
A free and open-source vector graphics software with exclusive support for Windows. Inkscape offers a wide range of design tools for creating vector graphics, illustrations, and other graphic designs.
- Free and open-source vector graphics design software, available for Windows, Mac, and Linux
- Comprehensive vector editing tools, including support for Bezier curves, shapes, and text
- Advanced object manipulation tools, such as the ability to transform, clone, and group objects
- Built-in support for SVG format, as well as the ability to import and export other vector and raster file formats
- Flexible interface, with customizable keyboard shortcuts, menus, and toolbars to suit your workflow
Windows Users are Creative Too!
Whether you’re a photographer, videographer, or graphic designer, these Windows-only photography and video editing apps offer powerful tools and features that can’t be found natively on a Mac. With exclusive support for Windows, you can take your content creation game to the next level and create stunning visuals that stand out from the crowd.
