Head-to-head · Photo Culling Software
Narrative Select vs OptiCull
Narrative Select leads on 1 check, OptiCull on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 7 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreNarrative Select · 9.0/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresNarrative Select · 6 of 6
Narrative Select scores higher on our rubric for photo culling software: 9.0 against 8.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #5.
Narrative Select offers offline culling; OptiCull doesn't publish it.
Narrative Select is the better fit for offline culling with Lightroom workflows. OptiCull is the better fit for mac users wanting automated local selection.
- Narrative Select fits best
Offline culling with Lightroom workflows
- OptiCull fits best
Mac users wanting automated local selection
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Side by side
| Feature | Narrative Select 9.0/10 Visit ↗ | OptiCull 8.3/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.0 | 8.3 |
| Ranking | #3 in Photo Culling Software | #5 in Photo Culling Software |
| Best for | Offline culling with Lightroom workflows | Mac users wanting automated local selection |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $15/mo | Not published |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS | macOS |
| Support | Email, Docs | Email, Community |
| Integrations | 4 integrations | 3 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market | Solo, Small business |
| Features Narrative Select 6/6 · OptiCull 5/6 | ||
| AI-assisted culling | ✓ | ✓ |
| RAW preview | ✓ | ✓ |
| Side-by-side compare | ✓ | ✓ |
| Batch culling actions | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lightroom integration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offline culling | ✓ (best) | Not published |
| Specs | ||
| Culling location | Local | Local |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Narrative Select is desktop photo culling software for photographers reviewing large shoots. It supports RAW, JPG, HEIC, and HEIF imports, then helps narrow selections with AI-assisted eye, focus, and image assessments. Scenes View groups… Read the review → |
OptiCull is a macOS photo-culling application for hobbyist and professional photographers who want to review, organize, and select images locally. It supports RAW previews, RAW+JPG workflows, manual ratings, duplicate grouping into scenes,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Narrative Select — where it wins
- Free plan includes unlimited projects and images
- AI-assisted eye, focus, scene, and image assessments
- One-click shipping to Lightroom, Photoshop, and Capture One
Where it doesn't
- Offline culling requires an initial sign-in
- Advanced review tools are limited to Narrative Pro
- Desktop support is limited to Windows and macOS
OptiCull — where it wins
- Local AI analysis keeps photos on the device
- Magi-Cull, Auto-Rate, and duplicate scene grouping
- Exports selected photos to Lightroom and Capture One
Where it doesn't
- Available only for macOS
- Advanced AI features require a Pro plan
- Editing-app exports focus on Lightroom and Capture One
- Narrative Select9.0/10 · Free plan · paid from $15/mo (annual)
A local, offline culling workspace with strong Lightroom and editor integrations.
Try Narrative SelectFull verdict → - OptiCull8.3/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial
A Mac-focused culling app combining local AI selection with manual review tools.
Visit OptiCullFull verdict →
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All photo culling software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026