ACDSee
ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate is an all-in-one software solution designed for people who take a lot of photos and want to edit and organise ...
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What is ACDSee?
ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate 2026 is an all-in-one digital photographic workflow suite that combines digital asset management, non-destructive RAW photo editing, and layered image editing. The software empowers photographers to command their digital world with confidence using AI-injected functions that fine-tune intricate RAW images, perform complex layered edits, and keep file archives under intelligent control. It connects directly to your hard drive without requiring tedious imports, making migration from Photoshop and Lightroom seamless.
Key features include AI Denoise for removing pixelated noise while preserving detail, AI Hair Masking for one-click hair selections in portraits, and AI Develop Presets that intelligently adapt to each individual photo in a batch. The improved AI Face Edit offers new capabilities including an AI Hair group for controlling individual hair color and clarity, plus a Splotch Removal tool for blending out blemishes. The software includes AI Sky Replacement, AI Object Selection Tool, AI Super-Resolution, non-destructive AI Masking Tools, panorama stitching, HDR creation, focus stacking, and extensive layered editing with limitless layers, layer masks, blend modes, and adjustment layers.
The Digital Asset Management system features AI Keywords for zero-effort searching, AI Facial Recognition for automatic face detection, Advanced AND/OR Search, Quick Search, duplicate finder, and batch functions like renaming and resizing. New in 2026 are the ACDSee Home Page for immediate access to essential tools, Expanded Activity Manager with multi-threading for simultaneous background processing, Video Metadata Support, ACDSee Tabs that retain open folders between sessions, and support for JPEG XL (JXL) and AVIF file formats.
ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate is designed for beginners and enthusiasts as well as commercial photographers, freelance photographers, web developers, and creative professionals who need powerful photo organizing and editing features without an Adobe subscription. It supports over 750 RAW camera models and reads numerous file formats including RAW, PSD, TIFF, HEIF, WEBP, and video formats.
ACDSee pricing
Pricing model: Paid
ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate 2026 offers two main purchase options. The LIFETIME LICENSE is a one-time purchase of $79.95 USD (regular price $149.99 USD, saving $70 USD) with a perpetual license, free updates, free tech support, and install on 1 device. The offer ends June 24th, 2026. The SUBSCRIPTION plan (ACDSee 365 Home Plan) is $8.90 USD/month or $89 USD/year for personal use only, includes install on up to 5 devices per product, free upgrades, 200GB cloud storage, exclusive tutorials, and also includes recording and video editing software. There is a 15-day free trial available for the full version. ACDSee Ultimate Pack 2026 bundles 5 apps (Photo Studio Ultimate 2026, Gemstone Photo Editor 16, LUXEA Pro Video Editor 8, Video Converter Pro 5, and Photo Studio for Mac 26) for $119 USD (regular $209 USD, saving $90 USD) with perpetual license and install on up to 3 devices per product. All purchases include a 30-day money back guarantee.
ACDSee pros
- AI Denoise removes noise while preserving important details
- AI Hair Masking makes one-click hair selections instantly
- AI Develop Presets adapt to each individual photo in batches
- Improved AI Face Edit includes new AI Hair group and Splotch Removal tool
- No import required - points directly to photos on hard drive
- Expanded Activity Manager runs multiple tasks simultaneously with multi-threading
- New Home Page provides quick access to essential tools at launch
- Video Metadata Support includes GPS details and all video metadata views
- Support for JPEG XL (JXL) and AVIF file formats with IPTC metadata
- AI Sky Replacement includes new Fireworks and Overcast sky categories
- Non-destructive AI Object Masking eliminates intricate manual selections
- Supports over 750 RAW camera models
- Limitless layered editing with layer masks, blend modes, and adjustment layers
- AI Keywords provide zero-effort searching without manual tagging
- 30-day money back guarantee on all purchases
ACDSee cons
- Only 15-day free trial available (not 30 days)
- Lifetime license allows install on only 1 device
- Requires Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11 (no macOS support for this version)
- Needs DirectX 12 compatible graphics adapter with 2GB Video RAM minimum
- Recommended 16 GB RAM may be costly for older systems
- 578 MB download size requires significant available storage
- Subscription plan costs $89/year which adds up over time compared to lifetime
- AI features are locally powered only - no cloud processing options
Frequently asked questions about ACDSee
What is new in ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate 2026?
New features include AI Denoise for automatic noise reduction, AI Hair Masking for one-click hair selections, AI Develop Presets for intelligent batch adjustments, Improved AI Face Edit with new AI Hair group and Splotch Removal Tool, the new ACDSee Home Page, Expanded Activity Manager with multi-threading for simultaneous background processing, improved ACDSee Tabs that retain open folders between sessions, Video Metadata Support with GPS details, and support for JPEG XL (JXL) and AVIF file formats with IPTC metadata support.
How does AI Denoise work in ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate?
AI Denoise uses advanced machine learning to automatically detect where to reduce pixelated noise in photos while keeping important details sharp. It can clean up high-ISO shoots or grainy snaps to keep images natural and detailed. The tool can run on an entire batch of photos to reduce editing time, and your photos emerge clean, detailed, and true to life.
What is the difference between the lifetime license and subscription plan?
The lifetime license is a one-time purchase of $79.95 USD with a perpetual license, free updates, free tech support, and install on 1 device only. The subscription plan (ACDSee 365 Home Plan) is $8.90/month or $89/year for personal use, allows install on up to 5 devices per product, includes free upgrades, 200GB cloud storage, exclusive tutorials, and also includes recording and video editing software. You can cancel the subscription anytime.
How long is the free trial for Photo Studio Ultimate 2026?
The free trial for Photo Studio Ultimate 2026 is 15 days, not 30 days. This trial gives you access to the full version of the software so you can test all features including Digital Asset Manager (DAM), RAW Editor, and Layered Editor before purchasing.
What RAW camera formats does ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate support?
ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate has built-in support for over 750 RAW camera models. This includes support for Canon EOS R6 Mark II, Canon EOS R8, Canon EOS R50, Fujifilm X-H2, Fujifilm X-T5, Hasselblad H5D, OM System OM-5, Fujifilm GFX 100S, Hasselblad CFV II 50c, Nikon D780, Nikon Z6 II, Nikon Z7, OM System OM-1, Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA, and GoPro RAW file format. Support continues to expand as new cameras are released.
Can I migrate from Photoshop and Lightroom to ACDSee?
Yes, migration from Photoshop and Lightroom to ACDSee Photo Studio is a breeze. Unlike Adobe products, ACDSee Photo Studio does not require you to laboriously import photo collections. Simply install ACDSee on your hard drive and point it to your photos - no juggling or running batches. It's just install and create. The software also allows you to import Lightroom and Picasa face data.
What is the AI Face Edit feature and what's new in 2026?
AI Face Edit easily retouches and enhances portraits using AI facial feature detection combined with manual adjustments. You can control fine details like eyes, eyebrows, nose, mouth, and face shape, plus apply makeup. In 2026, new additions include the AI Hair group for controlling individual hair color and clarity with adjustments for Temperature, Tint, Saturation, and more (with options for natural and unnatural hair colors), and the Splotch Removal tool in the Skin Group for easily blending out blemishes without affecting texture.
Does ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate work on Mac?
Photo Studio Ultimate 2026 is Windows-only, requiring Windows 10 (64-bit editions only) or Windows 11. However, ACDSee also offers Photo Studio for Mac 26 which includes Digital Asset Manager and RAW Editor with a 15-day free trial. The ACDSee Ultimate Pack 2026 includes Photo Studio for Mac 26 as one of its 5 bundled applications.
What is the Activity Manager and how is it improved in 2026?
The Activity Manager easily keeps track of background activities like AI Keywords and Face Detection, manages imports, and views Activity History. In 2026, it is-expanded with multi-threading that allows multiple activities to run simultaneously. You can import, export, convert and resize batches of photos, apply Develop presets, and detect faces and keywords all without slowing down your workflow. No more waiting for tasks to complete - you can continue working while operations run, and track progress in real-time.
What is the refund policy for ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate?
ACDSee offers a 30-day money back guarantee on all purchased ACD Systems products. If you aren't fully satisfied with Photo Studio Ultimate 2026, just let them know and you will be fully refunded. To request a refund, contact Customer Care by email or by phone at 1-888-767-9888. Your purchases are protected by industry standard payment security, and ACDSee does not share personal information with third parties.