Adobe Photoshop vs PhotoDirector
Adobe Photoshop
adobe.com
PhotoDirector
cyberlink.comSide by side
| Figure | Adobe Photoshop | PhotoDirector |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 10 | 5 |
| Spec score · Photo Editing Software | 9.3 (#3) | 9.0 (#11) |
| Spec score · AI Photo Editors | 9.3 (#2) | 8.5 (#31) |
| Spec score · Photo editors | 9.3 (#3) | 8.9 (#12) |
| AI retouching | Yes | Yes |
| Batch editing | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud sync | Yes | Yes |
| Founded | 1990 | 1996 |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Generative AI | Photoshop includes Generative Fill, Generative Expand, and Remove Tool features powered by Firefly models. | The product includes AI image generation, image-to-video, character motion swap, multi-face swap, AI try-on, and AI object replacement. |
| Layer editing | Yes | Yes |
| Masking tools | Yes | Yes |
| Platform | multi-platform | multi-platform |
| Purpose | Photoshop provides tools to create, edit, and design images and graphics with advanced workflows, precise selections, and AI-powered features. | PhotoDirector is generative-AI photo editing software for creating, enhancing, and transforming images, aimed at beginners and experienced editors. |
| RAW photo support | Yes | Yes |
| Security | Adobe’s September 2026 Photoshop security update addressed vulnerabilities that could result in arbitrary code execution on Windows and macOS. | CyberLink says it encrypts many services using technologies such as TLS and SHA256, reviews security practices, and limits personal-information access on a need-to-know basis. |
Plans
Adobe Photoshop
- PhotographyPrice not published
- PhotographyPriced on request
- Creative Cloud ProPriced on request
- Creative Cloud ProPrice not published
- Creative Cloud Pro for students and teachersPrice not published
- Creative Cloud Pro for students and teachersPriced on request
- Creative Cloud Pro for teamsPrice not published
- Creative Cloud Pro for teamsPriced on request
- Photoshop$22.99 a month
- Photoshop for teams$37.99 a month
PhotoDirector
- PhotoDirector 365 EssentialFree
- PhotoDirector 365Price not published
- PhotoDirector 2027$119.99 a month
- PhotoDirector EssentialFree
- PhotoDirector 2027$119.99, paid once
In their own words
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop provides tools for creating, editing, and designing images and graphics. Its listed capabilities include batch editing, RAW photo support, layers, masking, AI retouching, and cloud sync. Users can combine, edit, and blend images and graphics; Firefly-powered Generative Fill, Generative Expand, and Remove Tool are among its AI features. Harmonize matches lighting, shadows, colors, and other details when blending people or objects into backgrounds, and a Topaz Labs partner model is available for image upscaling. Photoshop runs on Android, iOS, macOS, the web, and Windows. The browser-based version is included in Photoshop plans, while standalone mobile apps for iPhone and Android are free, with premium features available by subscription. Photoshop can be purchased by itself or as part of a multi-app plan. The listed plans include cloud storage, app access, and generative credits in different combinations; prices are not provided. A 7-day trial is listed.
PhotoDirector
PhotoDirector is generative-AI photo editing software for creating, enhancing, and transforming images. Edit by Chat turns plain-language requests into guided editing actions, while Quick Action suggests changes such as enhancement, background blur, color correction, and cleanup. Generative features include image generation, image-to-video, character motion swap, multi-face swap, AI try-on, and object replacement. For detailed editing, PhotoDirector supports RAW files, batch work, image organization, layers, masks, blending modes, compositing, exposure, HSL, curves, sharpening, and lens correction. Its stock feature provides access to iStock by Getty Images. PhotoDirector Essential is free without a time limit, but advanced AI tools and selected export options are restricted. Mac and Windows versions are separate products, and a license does not transfer between them. Internet access is required for activation, subscription access, online services, some features, and updates. The free plan requires no payment information.