ON1 is a professional-grade photo editing software platform designed for photographers, content creators, and digital artists. Known for its powerful AI-powered tools, ON1 combines photo organization, RAW image processing, retouching, and layered editing in a single interface.
With desktop apps like ON1 Photo RAW, ON1 Resize AI, and ON1 Portrait AI, the platform provides a flexible alternative to Adobe’s ecosystem—offering one-time purchases and subscriptions alike. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a hobbyist, ON1 simplifies and speeds up your editing workflow without compromising quality.
Features
ON1 offers a comprehensive suite of features that address the entire photo editing process from import to export:
RAW Photo Editing
Full-featured RAW image processing with non-destructive editing support for all major camera models.AI Masking & Subject Selection
Automatically detect and mask backgrounds, skies, or subjects with AI-driven tools.Portrait Retouching
ON1 Portrait AI intelligently detects faces and applies skin smoothing, eye enhancements, and more.Layer-Based Editing
Combine multiple images, apply textures, and composite visuals using a Photoshop-style workflow.Sky Replacement
Replace dull skies with dramatic alternatives in just one click.Resize AI
Enlarge images up to 1000% using machine learning without losing detail.Batch Editing
Apply presets or custom edits to entire photo sets for faster workflows.Presets & LUTs
Use and customize built-in presets or import LUTs for stylized color grading.Integrated DAM (Digital Asset Management)
Organize and search your photo library without importing into a separate catalog.Mobile & Cloud Integration
Sync edits and access images via ON1 Photo RAW for Mobile and ON1 Cloud Sync.
How It Works
ON1 applications are available as downloadable software for Windows and macOS, designed to fit into standard photography workflows:
Download ON1 Photo RAW or Individual Modules
Choose a full suite or individual tools like Portrait AI or Resize AI.Import and Organize
Access photos from any folder—no cataloging necessary. Apply ratings, tags, and metadata.Edit with AI-Powered Tools
Use automated masking, adjustments, and enhancements to speed up retouching.Refine with Manual Tools
Use local adjustments, gradient filters, healing brushes, and layers for precision editing.Export or Sync
Export in multiple formats or sync to ON1 Cloud for cross-device access.
Each ON1 tool functions independently or as a plugin to Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop, giving users maximum flexibility.
Use Cases
ON1’s feature-rich tools serve various creative and professional applications:
Professional Photography
Perform high-quality RAW processing and detailed retouching for weddings, portraits, and landscapes.Social Media Content Creation
Quickly enhance and stylize images for Instagram, Facebook, or web publication.Commercial & Real Estate Photography
Use batch editing, masking, and sky replacement for clean, vibrant property images.Print Production
Resize AI ensures your images are high-resolution and print-ready for posters, canvases, or books.Creative Compositing
Use layer-based editing and blending modes to create fine art pieces or digital collages.Photo Archiving and Organization
Built-in DAM tools make it easy to manage large photo libraries without external software.
Pricing
As of June 2025, ON1 offers flexible pricing across its product suite:
ON1 Photo RAW MAX 2024 – $149.99 (one-time)
Full RAW editor
AI masking, effects, and resizing
Includes plugins for Adobe Photoshop/Lightroom
Lifetime license for version 2024
ON1 Everything Subscription – $7.99/month or $89.99/year
Access to all ON1 apps and future upgrades
200 GB ON1 Cloud Sync storage
Includes ON1 Photo RAW, Portrait AI, Resize AI, and mobile apps
ON1 Cloud Sync Add-On – $4.99/month
Expand cloud storage for multi-device access
Free trials are available for all ON1 apps. Visit https://www.on1.com/store/ for the most current offers and bundles.
Strengths
All-in-One Editing Suite: Eliminates the need for separate tools by combining RAW editing, retouching, and compositing.
One-Time Payment Option: Offers perpetual licenses, unlike Adobe’s subscription-only model.
AI Automation: Saves time with intelligent features like AI masking and portrait enhancements.
Plugin Compatibility: Can function independently or as a plugin within existing Adobe workflows.
Fast Performance: GPU-accelerated for responsive editing on modern hardware.
Cross-Platform Support: Available for Windows, macOS, and mobile devices.
Drawbacks
Learning Curve for Beginners: Powerful tools can be overwhelming without prior editing experience.
Limited Mobile Editing Features: The mobile app lacks some desktop functionality.
Cloud Sync Requires Extra Cost: Unlike Adobe Creative Cloud, ON1’s cloud storage is optional and capped.
No Video Editing Support: ON1 is strictly focused on photography—no tools for video creators.
Despite these limitations, ON1 remains a top-tier choice for photographers seeking performance, flexibility, and affordability.
Comparison with Other Tools
ON1 competes directly with leading photo editing platforms:
Versus Adobe Lightroom: ON1 offers comparable RAW editing and catalog-free workflow with the benefit of a one-time license option.
Relative to Photoshop: While Photoshop is more powerful for advanced compositing, ON1 balances ease of use and image manipulation tools for photographers.
Compared to Luminar Neo: Both offer AI-driven editing, but ON1 has deeper RAW support and a broader feature set for professionals.
Against Capture One: Capture One excels in tethered studio work and color grading; ON1 offers more versatility for general photography.
ON1’s value lies in its balance between automation, control, and price flexibility.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
ON1 is praised by professional and hobbyist photographers alike:
“ON1 Photo RAW is the perfect Lightroom alternative. It’s fast, intuitive, and powerful.”
“Portrait AI saves me hours of retouching every week—worth it for that alone.”
“I love that I can buy it once and not get locked into a subscription model.”
Users particularly value ON1’s blend of advanced tools with beginner-accessible controls.
Conclusion
ON1 is a powerful, AI-enhanced photo editing platform that empowers photographers to edit, organize, and export high-quality images with ease. With its blend of RAW processing, intelligent retouching, and flexible licensing, ON1 offers a compelling alternative to Adobe products—without sacrificing performance or creative control.
Whether you’re a freelancer, a studio photographer, or a creative professional, ON1 equips you with the tools you need to produce exceptional images—on your terms.