Glossary of Best Photo Editing Apps-Terms and Acronyms

Important Links to Related Pages

1.      Return to Explore the 32 Category Master List of Productivity Software Applications

2.      See our Side-by-Side Comparison of Photo Editing Applications

3.      Return to the Photo Editing Applications Category List

4.      Scan Through the List of Photo Editing Applications FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

📘 Glossary: Photo Editing Software – Category-Specific Terms

Adjustment Layer

A non-destructive editing layer that applies color and tonal corrections without altering the original image data.

AI-Powered Editing

Refers to photo enhancements made using artificial intelligence, such as automatic sky replacement, subject detection, or one-click retouching.

Batch Processing

The ability to apply the same edit or transformation to multiple images simultaneously, saving time on repetitive tasks.

Clone Stamp Tool

A feature used to duplicate parts of an image, commonly used to remove blemishes or unwanted objects.

Color Grading

The process of adjusting the colors in an image for stylistic or mood-based effects, often used in professional photography and cinematography.

Cropping

Trimming the edges of an image to improve composition, fit specific dimensions, or remove unwanted elements.

Destructive Editing

Editing that permanently alters the original image file. Unlike non-destructive methods, changes cannot be undone once saved.

Exposure

The brightness level of an image. Adjusting exposure can help recover details from overexposed (too bright) or underexposed (too dark) areas.

Filters / Presets

Predefined settings that apply specific looks or styles to images with a single click, often simulating film effects or enhancing colors.

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

Combines multiple exposures to capture a wider range of light and detail than a single photo can achieve.

Histogram

A graph that shows the distribution of tones in an image—from shadows (left) to highlights (right)—used to evaluate exposure and contrast.

Layers

Separate elements or edits stacked within an image file, allowing independent adjustments and complex compositions.

Lens Correction

Automatic or manual correction of optical distortions like barrel distortion, vignetting, or chromatic aberration introduced by camera lenses.

Local Adjustments

Edits applied only to specific parts of an image (e.g., sky, face, background) rather than the entire frame.

Masking

Technique used to hide or reveal parts of a layer or adjustment, allowing selective edits within a photo.

Metadata

Information embedded in the image file, such as camera settings (EXIF), location data, and copyright information.

Non-Destructive Editing

Editing that does not permanently change the original image file, allowing for flexible revisions and reversion.

RAW File

An unprocessed image file captured directly from a camera sensor, retaining maximum image data for editing flexibility.

Resolution

The amount of detail an image holds, typically measured in pixels (e.g., 3000x2000). Higher resolution means more image detail.

Sharpening

Enhancement technique that increases the contrast of edges in a photo to make it appear clearer and crisper.

Tone Curve

A graph-based tool used to adjust contrast and brightness by manipulating the tonal range of an image.

Vignetting

Darkening or lightening the corners of an image, either as a natural lens effect or as a stylized edit.

White Balance

Adjusts the color temperature of an image to ensure neutral whites and true-to-life color rendering.

Zoom Tool

Function used to magnify or reduce the view of the image canvas, useful for detailed retouching or full-view evaluation.

🔤 Glossary of Acronyms – Photo Editing Software

AI – Artificial Intelligence

Used in many modern photo editors to automate enhancements, object selection, sky replacement, and more.

HDR – High Dynamic Range

A technique that combines multiple exposures to produce images with greater detail in highlights and shadows.

RAW – Raw Image Format

A minimally processed file format that retains complete image data from the camera sensor, ideal for high-quality editing.

JPEG (or JPG) – Joint Photographic Experts Group

A common compressed image format that reduces file size at the cost of some quality loss.

PNG – Portable Network Graphics

An image format supporting lossless compression and transparency—often used for graphics or web exports.

TIFF (or TIF) – Tagged Image File Format

A high-quality, lossless image format often used in professional print workflows.

PSD – Photoshop Document

Adobe Photoshop’s native file format, supporting layers, masks, text, and other editable elements.

DNG – Digital Negative

An open RAW file format developed by Adobe for broader compatibility across editing tools.

EXIF – Exchangeable Image File Format

Metadata embedded in image files that includes camera settings, location data, and date/time information.

ICC – International Color Consortium

Used in reference to ICC profiles, which help ensure accurate color across devices (monitors, printers, etc.).

CMYK – Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black

Color model used in printing processes, distinct from RGB color used for screens.

RGB – Red, Green, Blue

The standard color model for digital screens and online images.

ISO – International Standards Organization (Sensitivity Rating)

Refers to the sensitivity of the camera sensor to light; often included in photo metadata.

UI – User Interface

Refers to the layout and controls of a photo editing application.

UX – User Experience

Describes how intuitive and effective the interaction with the app feels to the user.

This additional Glossary Covers APPLICATION SPECIFIC Terms as well, due to the fact that so many Photo Editing applications have their own set of terms to describe the same operations

📘 Glossary: Photo Editing Software (Application-Specific Terms)

Adobe Photoshop

• Layers: Stacked images or adjustments used to edit one part of a photo without affecting others.
  
  

• Smart Objects: Non-destructive layers that retain source content and allow flexible editing.
  
  

• Masking: A way to hide or reveal parts of an image or layer.
  
  

• Content-Aware Fill: Automatically fills a selection using surrounding image data.
  
  

• Generative Fill: AI-powered tool that creates new image content based on prompts.
  
  

Adobe Lightroom

• Presets: Saved sets of adjustments that can be applied with one click.
  
  

• Catalog: The organizational structure for importing, tagging, and rating photos.
  
  

• Non-Destructive Editing: Edits that don't permanently change original image data.
  
  

• RAW Processing: Interpreting and enhancing unprocessed image files from cameras.
  
  

• Sync: Synchronization of edits across multiple devices using cloud-based storage.
  
  

Affinity Photo

• Personas: Different modes (e.g., Photo, Liquify, Tone Mapping) for specialized editing.
  
  

• Live Filters: Real-time, non-destructive filter layers.
  
  

• Frequency Separation: Technique for high-end skin retouching.
  
  

• Studio Link: Integration with Affinity Designer and Publisher (if installed).
  
  

Capture One

• Sessions vs. Catalogs: Session is folder-based; Catalog is project-based image management.
  
  

• Tethered Capture: Real-time image capture directly into the software via connected camera.
  
  

• Color Editor: Precision color grading tool with advanced targeting.
  
  

• Luma Curve: Adjusts brightness without affecting color.
  
  

Skylum Luminar / Luminar AI

• Templates: AI-driven one-click editing styles.
  
  

• Sky Replacement: AI-powered tool to replace sky elements in photos.
  
  

• Accent AI: Automatic enhancement using multiple image properties.
  
  

• Structure AI: Boosts detail while preserving human features.
  
  

ON1 Photo RAW

• Effects Stack: Layer-based effects you can stack and adjust independently.
  
  

• Browse Module: File explorer-style photo management.
  
  

• Local Adjustments: Edits to selected parts of an image.
  
  

• AI Match: Automatically matches on-screen preview to your camera settings.
  
  

DxO PhotoLab

• DeepPRIME: AI-powered noise reduction and detail recovery.
  
  

• U Point Technology: Precision local adjustment using control points.
  
  

• Lens Correction Module: Auto-corrects distortion, vignetting, and chromatic aberration.
  
  

GIMP

• G'MIC: Advanced filter plugin for high-end effects.
  
  

• Paths Tool: Vector-based selection and design tool.
  
  

• Script-Fu: Scripting interface for automating tasks.
  
  

PhotoScape / PhotoScape X

• Batch Editor: Apply edits to multiple images at once.
  
  

• Page Merge: Collage creation from multiple images.
  
  

• GIF Animation: Frame-by-frame GIF creator.
  
  

Pixlr

• AI Cutout: Background remover powered by AI.
  
  

• Pixlr E vs. Pixlr X: "E" for advanced users; "X" for beginners.
  
  

• Overlays: Transparent layers to enhance design aesthetics.
  
  

Paint.NET

• Plugin Support: Extends capabilities via downloadable add-ons.
  
  

• History Window: Lets users undo/redo changes in order.
  
  

• Adjustment Tools: Includes brightness, hue, curves, and levels.
  
  

Canva

• Templates: Pre-designed layouts for quick visual creation.
  
  

• Elements: Shapes, graphics, and icons for drag-and-drop use.
  
  

• Magic Edit: AI-based photo retouching and image generation.
  
  

VSCO

• Presets (Filters): Film-like aesthetic filters based on analog photography.
  
  

• DSLR Camera Profiles: Applied to mimic real-camera color profiles.
  
  

Snapseed

• Selective Tool: Touch-and-drag based adjustment of specific areas.
  
  

• Healing: One-tap blemish and object removal.
  
  

• Expand Tool: AI fill that increases image canvas size.
  
  

RawTherapee

• Wavelet Levels: Multi-scale editing of details and contrast.
  
  

• Retinex: Algorithm for light and contrast balance.
  
  

• Spot Removal: Manual or automatic blemish correction.
  
  

PhotoDirector

• Express Layer Templates: Drag-and-drop effects & layers for fast edits.
  
  

• AI Style Transfer: Converts photos into painting-like images.
  
  

• Face Beautification: Tools for portrait retouching.
  
  

ACDSee Photo Studio

• Light EQ™: Patented lighting adjustment.
  
  

• Face Detection & Recognition: For organizing and tagging people in images.
  
  

Exposure X7

• Film Emulation: Presets that simulate analog film stock.
  
  

• Overlays & Borders: Custom grunge, light leak, and border effects.
  
  

PhotoLemur

• Automatic Enhancement: One-button AI editing without manual control.
  
  

• Face Finish: Intelligent beautification of facial features.
  
  

Aurora HDR

• HDR Tone Mapping: Converts bracketed exposures into vibrant HDR photos.
  
  

• Smart Structure: Enhances detail without adding noise or halos.
  
  

Procreate

• Brush Engine: Highly customizable digital painting tools.
  
  

• Time-Lapse Recording: Auto-record of drawing/editing process.
  
  

• QuickShape: Auto-shapes based on drawn gestures.
  
  

Topaz Labs

• Gigapixel AI: Upscales photos with minimal quality loss.
  
  

• DeNoise AI: Removes noise while retaining detail.
  
  

• Sharpen AI: Corrects motion blur and out-of-focus shots.

Important Links to Related Pages

1.      Return to Explore the 32 Category Master List of Productivity Software Applications

2.      See our Side-by-Side Comparison of Photo Editing Applications

3.      Return to the Photo Editing Applications Category List

4.      Scan Through the List of Photo Editing Applications FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)