Top 7 Apps to Invert Colors on a Photo

Why I picked: Because it delivers professional-level photo controls that make color inversion or creative edits not just possible, but precise and powerful.

If you want more control than a simple mobile filter offers, Adobe^® Lightroom^® is your next logical stop. Available both as a mobile app and full desktop software, Lightroom^® is a powerhouse in digital photo editing, and its color and tone tools are valuable when you want to invert colors or dramatically alter the mood of a photograph.

Unlike simpler editors, Lightroom^® provides advanced controls like curves, HSL (Hue, Saturation, Luminance) sliders, split toning, exposure and contrast adjustments, and fine-grained color channel manipulations. With these tools, you can invert colors manually, desaturate or shift hues, play with shadows and highlights, or create moody, surreal, stylized visuals. This allows for creative freedom.

Additionally, Lightroom^® is non-destructive. That means when you invert colors or tweak tones, your original image remains intact. You can always go back or try another color scheme without worrying about ruining your photo. This flexibility is crucial for photographers or creators who experiment often and value the ability to iterate.

Lightroom^®’s performance and usability stand out as well. On the desktop, it handles high-resolution RAW photos with ease. On mobile, it offers a streamlined, intuitive interface that still retains powerful controls. For photos meant for social media, portfolios, or professional editing workflows, Lightroom^® ensures consistency and quality… output images stay sharp and detailed even after multiple edits.

Why I picked: Photoshop^® Express brings the iconic Adobe^® power to your mobile device. So, it is ideal for inverting colors and performing creative edits on the go, without needing the full desktop version.

If you love Adobe^® Photoshop^® but need a lightweight, mobile-friendly version, Photoshop^® Express is the answer. Available for both iOS and Android, this app is designed to give you essential Photoshop^® tools in a sleek, intuitive interface. While it may not have every advanced desktop feature, it still offers plenty of power for creative color manipulation, including inverting colors or creating artistic effects.

Color inversion in Photoshop^® Express can be achieved via a combination of filters, exposure adjustments, and tone-curves manipulation. While there is no single Invert Colors button, the app’s flexible adjustment tools allow you to create high-contrast negative images or stylized inversions. Additionally, you can adjust saturation, highlights, shadows, and temperature to refine the final look.

Beyond color inversion, Photoshop^® Express has several editing capabilities: cropping, straightening, spot healing, noise reduction, blemish removal, overlays, and even creative effects like vignettes or borders. Its user interface is beginner-friendly. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with Adobe^®’s cloud ecosystem, so projects can sync across devices if you also use desktop Photoshop^®.

Why I picked: Pixlr is a versatile, web-based and mobile-friendly editor that makes color inversion and photo editing accessible for anyone, without the need for heavy software installations.

If you want a fast, flexible, and accessible solution for photo editing, Pixlr is an excellent choice. Available on both the web and mobile devices, it allows users to edit photos anytime, anywhere on the go. Pixlr’s interface is user-friendly and intuitive, making it a solid option for beginners and intermediate users who want to invert colors, adjust tones, or apply creative effects.

For color inversion, Pixlr offers several approaches. You can use the Adjustment tools to manipulate curves, levels, and channels, achieving precise negative effects or experimental color swaps. Filters and effects also allow you to create dramatic artistic edits quickly, without needing complex manual adjustments.

In addition, Pixlr has features like cropping, resizing, overlays, stickers, and text insertion, along with a variety of filters and automatic corrections. The web version is powerful with high-resolution editing without requiring downloads, while the mobile app offers convenience for quick edits on the move. The combination of these features makes Pixlr a reliable, all-around editor for casual creators and social media enthusiasts alike.

Why I picked: GIMP is a free, open-source tool that offers professional-grade photo editing capabilities without any cost.

For those who want desktop-level photo editing without paying for expensive software, GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a standout choice. Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, it provides a comprehensive suite of tools that rival professional editors. So, it is ideal for inverting colors, adjusting tones, or performing creative visual manipulations.

GIMP allows you to invert colors with a single click using the Invert function, or manually adjust color channels and curves for more refined effects. You can target specific areas of an image, blend layers, or create artistic negative-style images with complete control. Unlike simpler mobile editors, GIMP’s flexibility lets you experiment freely and achieve results that match professional-quality outputs.

This tool also includes powerful features such as layer support, masks, selections, filters, and a wide range of plugins contributed by the community. So, it is suitable not just for color inversion, but for full-scale photo editing, compositing, and even digital art projects. The open-source nature of GIMP means it is continuously improved and supported by a dedicated community of developers and users.

While GIMP can feel intimidating at first due to its extensive toolkit, it has unparalleled creative control. Beginners can start with basic edits, while advanced users can exploit its full power for intricate color manipulations and professional-grade workflows.

Why I picked: Darkroom offers a sleek, modern interface with powerful editing tools designed specifically for Apple devices.

If you are an iPhone or Mac user seeking a professional-quality photo editor that’s fast and stylish, Darkroom is a compelling option. Designed to leverage Apple’s ecosystem, it delivers high-performance editing tools that cater to photographers and creative enthusiasts who want precise control over their images.

In Darkroom, color manipulation is highly versatile. You can adjust curves, tweak individual color channels, or experiment with presets and filters to create striking visual effects. Whether you are aiming for a bold, artistic look or subtle stylistic adjustments, Darkroom’s interface makes it easy to experiment and achieve the desired result quickly. Its real-time previews ensure that every change is visible instantly, letting you fine-tune your edits with confidence.

The app is also optimized for workflow efficiency. Darkroom supports batch editing, RAW photo processing, and seamless integration with Apple Photos, so you can manage and edit your entire library without leaving the app. Tools such as selective color adjustments and tone mapping allow you to highlight details, alter moods, or produce creative compositions. Perfect for social media, personal projects, or professional portfolios.

Why I picked: Polarr is a cross-platform editor that combines powerful color and tone adjustment tools with an accessible interface. So, it is ideal for creative photo editing on any device.

Polarr is designed for users who want a feature-rich photo editing experience without the complexity of desktop-only software. Available on the web, iOS, and Android, Polarr provides an excellent balance of creative control and ease of use. Its wide range of tools allows users to adjust colors, tones, and effects in ways that can transform ordinary photos into visually striking images.

Polarr excels at color manipulation and creative enhancements. You can fine-tune brightness, contrast, saturation, and hue or dive deeper into curves and color channel adjustments for more precise control. The app also offers pre-made filters that can be customized, giving users flexibility to experiment with unique visual styles.

Apart from its color and tone controls, Polarr provides additional features for comprehensive editing. Its web version is convenient for users who prefer editing without installing software, while the mobile app ensures you can tweak photos on the go. Polarr’s interface is clean and beginner-friendly, yet powerful enough to satisfy more advanced editing needs.