PhotoFlare

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

What PhotoFlare is

PhotoFlare is a cross-platform image editor for quick image work, with three editions for different editing needs. PhotoFlare CE provides basic image tools, filters, and batch processing, and is available under the GPL. PhotoFlare Lens develops RAW files from more than 700 camera models through LibRaw, using a 16-bit pipeline. Its non-destructive controls cover exposure, white balance, tone curves, colour grading, cropping, and straightening. Lens keeps its adjustments in XMP sidecar files rather than changing the original RAW, and supports common XMP fields that interoperate with Lightroom and darktable. Studio adds layered editing with non-destructive layers, blend modes, opacity controls, masks, unlimited undo history per document, and brushes responsive to pressure and tilt. Its native layered format is OpenRaster; it also imports and exports JPEG, PNG, BMP, and TIFF while preserving EXIF. A Studio licence covers up to three machines and includes one year of free updates. Studio can be used without purchase; unregistered use brings a reminder when saving, but does not disable features or expire. First activation requires an internet connection, after which Studio can work offline indefinitely.

Who it suits

PhotoFlare suits people looking for an image editor on Linux, macOS, or Windows, from basic batch work to RAW development and layered editing. Lens is aimed at RAW workflows, while Studio suits editors who need layers, masks, pressure-sensitive brushes, or a handoff from Lens.

What it does well

CE provides basic image tools, filters, and batch processing.
Lens handles RAW files from more than 700 camera models.
Lens edits are non-destructive and stored in XMP sidecars.
Studio includes layers, blend modes, masks, and unlimited undo.
Studio licences cover up to three machines.
Studio works offline indefinitely after first activation.

What to know first

Studio first activation requires an internet connection.
Studio costs 79.00 EUR as a one-time purchase.
CE, Lens, and Studio divide features across separate editions.

Limits

Unregistered Studio has no time limit or disabled features, but shows a reminder when saving. Its paid licence covers up to three machines and includes one year of free updates.

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
PhotoFlare Lens	700+ camera RAW formats · Non-destructive XMP edits · No account required	Free
PhotoFlare CE	Basic image tools & filters · Batch processing · GPL open source	Free
PhotoFlare Studio	One-time purchase · Up to 3 machines · Windows, macOS & Linux · One year of free updates	€79, paid once

As photoflare.io lists them, read 7 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

Visit https://photoflare.io/.
Choose CE for basic editing, Lens for RAW development, or Studio for layered editing.
Use CE, or download Studio and try it without purchase.
For Studio, connect to the internet for first activation; it can then be used offline.

Verdict

Choose PhotoFlare if you want an editor available across Linux, macOS, and Windows, with editions for basic work, RAW development, and layered editing. Look elsewhere if you need cloud sync, which PhotoFlare does not provide.

Questions

Is PhotoFlare free?

PhotoFlare has a free plan. CE is free and open source, and Lens is listed as free; Studio can also be used without purchase, with a reminder when saving.

How much does PhotoFlare Studio cost?

The Studio plan is listed at 79.00 EUR as a one-time purchase, with no subscription.

Which platforms does PhotoFlare support?

PhotoFlare is available for Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Does PhotoFlare support RAW files?

Lens opens RAW files from more than 700 camera models through LibRaw and uses a 16-bit pipeline.

Can PhotoFlare work with Lightroom or darktable?

Lens supports common XMP fields interoperable with Lightroom and darktable. Studio can receive a Lens-developed image through a one-click handoff.

Who makes PhotoFlare?

The terms identify Dylan Coakley as the developer of PhotoFlare Studio.

Facts from PhotoFlare's own pages

Batch editing: Yes · photoflare.io, 22 Sept 2026
CE features: PhotoFlare CE includes basic image tools and filters, batch processing, and is available under the GPL. · photoflare.io, 7 Oct 2026
Cloud sync: No · photoflare.io, 22 Sept 2026
Editions: The site offers CE for basic editing, Lens for RAW development, and Studio for layered editing. · photoflare.io, 7 Oct 2026
Free plan: Yes · photoflare.io, 22 Sept 2026
Integrations: Lens supports common XMP fields interoperable with Lightroom and darktable, and Studio can open a Lens-developed image through a one-click handoff. · photoflare.io, 7 Oct 2026
Layer editing: Yes · photoflare.io, 22 Sept 2026
Lens editing: Lens provides non-destructive develop controls, including exposure, white balance, tone curves, colour grading, crop, and straighten. · photoflare.io, 7 Oct 2026
Lens file handling: Lens stores develop settings in XMP sidecars and says it does not modify the original RAW file. · photoflare.io, 7 Oct 2026
Lens RAW support: Lens opens RAW files from more than 700 camera models using LibRaw and uses a 16-bit pipeline. · photoflare.io, 7 Oct 2026
Maker: The terms identify Dylan Coakley as the developer of PhotoFlare Studio. · photoflare.io, 7 Oct 2026
Masking tools: Yes · photoflare.io, 22 Sept 2026
Platform: multi-platform · photoflare.io, 22 Sept 2026
Product: PhotoFlare describes itself as a cross-platform image editor designed for quick, simple image editing. · photoflare.io, 7 Oct 2026
RAW photo support: Yes · photoflare.io, 22 Sept 2026
Refunds: Studio's page says it offers a 14-day refund policy with no questions asked. · photoflare.io, 7 Oct 2026
Studio editing: Studio includes non-destructive layers, blend modes, opacity, masks, unlimited undo history per document, and pressure- and tilt-sensitive brushes. · photoflare.io, 7 Oct 2026
Studio file formats: Studio uses OpenRaster as its native layered format and imports and exports JPEG, PNG, BMP, and TIFF with EXIF preservation. · photoflare.io, 7 Oct 2026
Studio license: A Studio licence covers up to three machines, and the page lists one year of free updates. · photoflare.io, 7 Oct 2026
Studio security and connectivity: Studio requires an internet connection for first activation, then works offline indefinitely. · photoflare.io, 7 Oct 2026
Studio trial: Studio can be downloaded and used without purchase; unregistered use shows a save-based reminder, with no features disabled or time limit. · photoflare.io, 7 Oct 2026
Support: The site invites users to email questions and lists info-{[AT]}-photoflare.io as its contact address. · photoflare.io, 7 Oct 2026

Where PhotoFlare stands on Freedom251

Photo Editing Software#34 of 160