Photo editing software is specially built to help you create and alter images as necessary. From cropping images to changing color, such imaging tools and software have come to be very handy in nature. These image editing tools prove to be quite useful in situations where quick adjustments are needed.
The procedure has been greatly simplified by smartphones, which typically come equipped with decent photo-editing software. However, if you need to do more than just add filters, alter contrast and crop, you’ll likely want to move to a laptop or PC and utilize a specialized picture editing tool.
The most apparent choices are Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, but unless you’re willing to pay for a subscription to the full version or for Photoshop Elements’ still-considerable one-time fee, you’ll likely be looking for cheaper options.
Many different kinds of solutions can be found in the various free photo editors available online. Each one has its own special set of tools that streamline the process of making modifications. You can pick and choose from the many different types of photo editing programs to get the one that best fits your needs.
The vast majority of these applications are available for no cost and can be used on whatever device you choose. However, when selecting the optimal tool for your needs, platform compatibility should be taken into account.
The Best Free Photo Editing Software
Canva
Canva is a highly effective alternative to other image editors. The application also allows for instantaneous modifications to the camera’s tilt and angle, allowing for more creative shots. Most users enjoy working with Canva because of its simple drag-and-drop interface. Therefore, even if you want to add text or other filters while you’re on the move, you may do so.
Canva provides better graphic creation and posts layouts with fewer steps and more options for sharing on social media. Canva is a fantastic tool for improving both design and performance, and it is widely used by both experienced editors and newcomers.
Gimp
GIMP (short for GNU Image Manipulation Program; not to be confused with the more sinister GIMP) has been around for what seems like an eternity on the internet. It was first developed as an open-source alternative to Adobe Photoshop in 1995.
It’s available these days without cost for Windows, macOS, and Linux. While GIMP’s interface may use some work compared to the others mentioned, its feature set is as complete as you’ll find in a free program.
Since the interface is similar to that of Adobe Photoshop, anyone who has used that program before would feel right at home here.
Though some of its tools may not perform to Photoshop’s standards, or even come close, its low price tag makes it hard to complain.
Fotor
Fotor is an easy-to-use and free photo editor that can help you quickly improve your photos. No amount of using the clone brush or healing tool on a specific area will help you now. Its stack of high-end filters, however, shines when applied to relatively straightforward tasks.
Fotor’s intuitive interface makes its many features, such as the tilt-shift tool and the many color adjustments, readily accessible. Manually adjusting the curves and levels can be done, as well, but without the hassle of more sophisticated software.
The batch processing tool in Fotor is what really sets it apart from other free photo editors, in our opinion. If you have a memory card full of vacation photos and you want to hide the results of a faulty camera or shaky hand, all you have to do is feed it a bunch of pictures and it will filter them all at once.
Pixlr
Pixlr’s major advantage over the other apps on this list is that it can be used on any computer — Mac or PC — without the need to download or install any software.
For professionals, there is Pixlr E, a fully featured picture editor, and for everyone else, there is Pixlr X, the “fast & simple” option.
While it’s true that a web-based picture editor can’t match the strength of a dedicated program, Pixlr E is surprisingly feature-rich and powerful for a browser-based program.
Apps for Windows and Mac computers, as well as Android and iOS mobile devices, can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and the App Store, respectively.
Conclusion
Your degree of expertise and comfort should be your first consideration when selecting a free picture editor. A straightforward web tool may be just what you need if you just want to make a few changes, such as erasing blemishes and adjusting colors.
