Download a professional photo editor. The best free photo editors for PC

An online publication for photographers and designers Creative Bloq has compiled a list of The 16 best photo editor apps excellent programs for editing images. It includes both the most popular Lightroom and Photoshop, as well as lesser-known but noteworthy analogues.

The best free photo editors

Some programs and services in this section have paid versions with additional features or contain optional in-app purchases.

1. Fotor

• Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows.

Whether you're just working at your desk or not, Fotor has everything you need for basic image manipulation. The editor is available in the browser, as well as in the form of desktop and mobile programs. A rich set of tools is sure to be enough for most of your creative needs.

Fotor makes it easy to quickly adjust images with a single button. But you can also resize, crop, rotate and align images, and remove the background manually.

In addition, the editor is equipped with handy retouching tools that remove red-eye and wrinkles. There's even a feature for working with HDR and a Tilt-Shift editor (imposes a special blur effect) in case you want to make your shots epic.

2. Pixlr

• Platforms: Web, iOS, Android.

Pixlr is positioned as "the most popular online photo editor in the world", which is probably due to its free. At the same time, the service boasts 600 effects, overlay options and frames. From cropping and resizing to red-eye removal and teeth whitening, Pixlr lets you do all the typical photo editing tasks.

If you're used to Photoshop, you'll quickly get the hang of Pixlr as the interfaces of both editors are very similar.

3. GIMP

• Platforms: Linux, Windows, macOS.

GIMP stands for GNU Image Manipulation Program (GNU Image Manipulation Program). This open source photo editor debuted on Unix platforms and is now available on all popular desktop operating systems.

GIMP offers an impressive toolkit. Inside, it's easy to find all the usual tools, including brushes, color correction, as well as copying, selection and enhancement tools.

The team that oversees the development of GIMP has done a good job of compatibility: in the editor, you can work with all popular formats without any problems. The program has a convenient file manager, reminiscent of Adobe Bridge.

• Platforms: Windows.

Paint.net is a surprisingly functional and useful free tool. The developers have focused on ease of use and are developing it more like a photo editor than a drawing program.

Still, Paint.net has plenty of special effects that make it easy to change perspective, blend and move pixels on the canvas, duplicate selections, and so on.

A large selection of selection tools, support for layers, and settings like curves and brightness/contrast make Paint.net great for photo editing. Especially if you can get by without the latest additions to the Adobe toolkit.

• Platforms: web.

Sumo Paint is very functional. It contains all the basic features inherent in desktop programs. And if you subscribe to the paid version for $9 per month, you can install the Sumo Paint desktop app as well.

You will need Adobe Flash Player to run the online editor. So using Sumo Paint on iOS will not work.

Sumo Paint's list of tools and settings includes brushes, pencils, shapes, text, cloning, gradients, and more. All this is easy to find on a floating toolbar similar to the one in Photoshop.

At the same time, the editor has limitations that can scare away some users. The most important of these is the support for only one RGB color mode. Sumo Paint does not work with the CMYK color model used in printing houses. Because of this, the editor is only suitable for working with photos intended for the screen.

• Platforms: Web, iOS, Android.

Aviary is a nicely designed application that strikes a perfect balance between serious editing features (skin removal, teeth whitening, resizing and various correction options) and decorative features (stickers, color overlays and adding text). At the same time, the program does not look tasteless or infantile.

Best Paid Photo Editors

• Platforms: Windows, macOS.
• Price A: $9.99 per month.

The latest version of Photoshop CC is without a doubt an impressive photo editor. Probably the best of all. But you have to pay for every month of use.

Photoshop CC users have access to a huge number of brushes, fonts, automatic and manual correction tools, as well as all sorts of interface settings. It features an advanced layer system, various blending modes and much more.

If you're a hobbyist, most of Photoshop's features will be overkill for your needs. But professionals will find here everything they need to solve problems of any complexity.

• Platforms: Windows, macOS.
• Price A: $9.99 per month.

Adobe Lightroom lets you focus, manage, and share your work from any device. Many creatives prefer this Photoshop editor, because Lightroom makes it easier to make simple routine edits and work with RAW files.

With Lightroom, you can store your photos on your computer, iPad, iPhone, or Android device, and even send them automatically from your phone to apps as soon as you take them. Synchronization happens on its own. So when you make changes in one place, they are automatically reflected on other devices.

• Platforms: macOS, Windows.
• Price: $69

If you're looking for a reasonably priced, one-time payment alternative to Lightroom, check out the latest version of Luminar 2018. This photo editor is loaded with tools to quickly and easily fix things like distortion, chromatic aberration, and torn edges. You'll also get 40 non-destructive filters (you can undo them at any time) to transform your shots.

In addition, Luminar 2018 contains a set of professional tools that will allow you to bring your photos to the highest possible quality. Among them are manual optics correction, layers with different blend modes, masks, a history panel and the best of all - support for Photoshop plugins and the ability to convert Lightroom presets for use in Luminar.

• Platforms: macOS, Windows, iOS (iPad).
• Price: $49.99 (Windows, macOS), $19.99 (iPad)

Available on Windows, iPad, and macOS, along with no subscription fees, Serif's Affinity Photo is a Photoshop alternative anyone can afford.

The latest version boasts a lot of cool features, including HDR photo merging, 360-degree photo editing, macro recording, and file batch processing. And adjusting the tone mapping lets you turn any photo - whether it's a regular JPG shot or an HDR photo - into a dramatic scene with details you didn't know existed.

• Platforms: Windows.
• Price: $79.99 (Basic), $99.99 (Premium)

PaintShop Pro has been a profitable replacement for Photoshop for the past 20 years and still holds its own. In 2018, the editor looks lighter, simpler and more innovative than ever before. It offers project templates, built-in screen capture, a gradient fill tool, and better support for graphics tablets and styluses.

You can purchase the more expensive version of PaintShop Pro 2018 Ultimate for a few more features. These include professional RAW tools, automatic photo correction features, and screen recording.

6.Acorn

• Platforms: macOS.
• Price: $29.99

Acorn Image Editor debuted back in 2007 and has provided amateurs and professionals with limited means with excellent photo editing software. Among other tools, the editor supports layer styles, non-destructive filters (they can be canceled at any time), curves, levels, blending modes and much more.

Acorn 6 offers a great filter blending interface with which you can create unique effects. You can even save and modify your filters after you close and reopen the image.

• Platforms: Windows, macOS.
• Price: $99.99

It's a simplified alternative to Photoshop CC, as reflected in its quick and guided editing modes. But its functionality may be enough for you. Plus, Elements doesn't require a subscription.

In 2018, Photoshop Elements has improved controls and smarter photo editing tools. For example, with the help of the program, you can open your closed eyes, print pictures and easily share them on social networks.

• Platforms: Windows, macOS.
• Price: €129 (Basic), €199 (Premium).

DxO Photolab only does a certain type of task, but it does it beautifully. Its results are impressive, but this editor is too specific and sometimes difficult to use. It's probably the best RAW converter out there, but that's about all DxO Photolab can do.

DxO Photolab automatically corrects for varying degrees of distortion, chromatic aberration, blurry edges and vignetting common to most digital cameras.

You can select images from your computer and specify conversion/correction settings or use one of the presets. DxO Photolab shows excellent results. However, this program cannot replace a full-fledged editor.

• Platforms: iOS.
• Price: $2.99 ​​(iPhone), $4.99 (iPad).

Camera app preinstalled on iPhone. Yes, it allows you to take good pictures, but it does not give you control over creativity.

In this regard, Camera + wins. This program consists of two parts: a camera and a photo editor with a huge set of advanced features. Camera+ doesn't limit you to editing new shots. You can also import old photos into it and breathe new life into them.

• Platforms: macOS, iOS.
• Price: $29.99 (macOS), $4.99 (iOS)

Pixelmator is a fast and powerful photo editor. Through the use of macOS libraries, the program seamlessly integrates with iPhoto and iCloud. The editor also has built-in functions for exporting images to Facebook and Flickr.

In Pixelmator, you'll find tools to adjust hue, saturation, shadows, highlights, and contrast. The program offers 150 built-in filters. You can open and save images in many popular formats, including PSD, TIFF, and PNG.

When working with Photoshop files, the program recognizes layers. This allows you to collaborate with colleagues who use Adobe products.

• Platforms: iOS, Android.
• Price: $2.99

The main distinguishing feature of Handy Photo is its interface with radial menus located at the corners. It is designed in such a way that it does not occupy the central area of ​​the screen. Effects are controlled using swipes.

Handy Photo is a powerful photo editor. Its interface isn't for everyone, but it's worth the features you get. For example, the Move Me tool allows you to cut objects, move them, resize them, or rotate them.

Distorted colors, incorrect exposure, lack of sharpness - all this can spoil the impression of the most worthy composition. We have selected five popular programs that will help you fix all the "jambs" of your pictures.

All of them are free and easy to use, including auto-correct for lazy users and manual correction for those who know what needs to be corrected and wants to experiment.

1. Photos app (Microsoft)

This application is included in the package of pre-installed applications of Windows 10. Convenient photo browsing, beautiful albums by dates and quick photo editing.

Here you can automatically enhance the photo, rotate it, crop it, remove the red-eye effect and save the photo with a "littered" horizon.

Enhance feature

There are also different filters, light, color, contrast, temperature and other usual parameters. Everything is clear, beautiful and simple.

2. Ashampoo Photo Commander Free

"Optimize" function

A fairly simple free program with the ability to automatically optimize photos and manually adjust. Conventional tools and filters, you can create a calendar or a collage in a minute.

Calendar created in Ashmpoo

3.

Photoscape Interface

There is an auto-correction of hue and contrast, you can choose from three saturation modes or edit it manually. You can set the area in the photo where the colors will be more saturated. Sharpness, filters, different backlight levels.

Functions for auto-correction

In addition, here you can quickly and easily make a collage, a gif and split a photo into several separate parts, which will be saved as separate photos in a folder.

Splitting a photo

4. Zoner Photo Studio 17 (Russian version) and Zoner Photo Studio 18

Catalog

A handy tool for quick photo correction. True, before you start working in the program, you need to register and follow the link, but all this goes pretty quickly. Initially, you are given the PRO version for 30 days, after which the program will return to the regular free version.

There is a convenient guide with which you can select the desired photo, quick auto-correction Edit → Adjust → Quick Fix, change the size and orientation, add text and change various parameters - exposure, color temperature, etc.

Quick fix function

However, it is more convenient to correct everything not through the menu, but in the Develop tab. Here you can quickly change various settings manually or click Automaticly.

Photo correction

The Editor tab has all the tools for more thorough work with photos and pictures - brushes, fills, erasers, various shapes, text, symbols, in general, everything that is in a regular photo editor. And filters - where without them.

This version has a slightly different interface, but it has all the features for both professional and fast photo editing. To enable auto-correction, you must click "Quick Fix".

Quick Fix

In general, the program has quite a lot of opportunities, both for professional photo processing and for those who want to quickly and easily correct a photo.

5.

Viewing photos in Picasa

An excellent cataloger and photo viewer from Google with all the necessary functions for photo correction. "I'm Feeling Lucky!" Feature starts auto-correction, there is also an automatic correction of contrast and color.

Among photographers, the Lenslight app is considered quite specific. Its main feature is a large number of various optical and lighting effects, glare, glow and bokeh. Each effect can be carefully adjusted, and a filter can be applied to the photo. After adding the effects, the beams look very natural. R The implementation of the program is also quite simple: already after the first work with it, all its wide possibilities become clear. Application in English.

Requirements:

• Android 4.0 or later

Examples:

VSCOCam: "the new standard in mobile photography"?

For iOS and Android

Undoubtedly, VSCOCam can be called the most popular application for the iPhone. By the way, the creators proudly call their program "the new standard in mobile photography." And, in general, not in vain: VSCOCam allows you to apply a variety of filters and experiment with settings. There is a document on working with the application, so that before you start working, you can thoroughly study all the features of the program. Another advantage is the intuitive interface. Again, according to the developers, they did everything so that users “did not waste time on long post-processing, but got beautiful shots simply and quickly.” The photo editor itself is free. Additionally, you can purchase paid content. Program in English.

Requirements:

• iOS 5.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Optimized for iPhone 5.
• Android 4.0 or later

Examples:

Afterlight (33 rubles): experimenting with color reproduction

For iOS andAndroid

Like all other photo editors, Afterlight contains many hipster filters and frames. But what sets this program apart is its color reproduction: photographers compare it to Lightroom. Afterlight will not replace professional software, but it is suitable for small work. For your convenience - 15 editing tools. You can adjust, for example, contrast, saturation, image temperature. The application has 23 "film" effects that allow you to "light up" a photo, add texture, mirror an image, etc. Separately, we can say about all kinds of frames: there are so many of them that even from the simplest picture you can get quite an interesting result. Application in English.

Requirements:

• iOS 5.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Optimized for iPhone 5.
• Android 2.3 or later

Examples:

Mextures (66 rubles): add magic to photos

For iOS

The first thing that impresses is the design of the application. He's already inspiring. As soon as we start working, we see the richest choice of various textures, which, which is unusual, are presented in the form of “formulas” from ready-made collections. By the way, textures can be created by yourself, experimenting with various parameters. For those who like to create beautiful color pictures, reminiscent of illustrations for fairy tale books, this program is optimal. At the first launch, the user can view the main features of the application. Today, Mextures is in the overall top 100 best paid apps. Program in English.

Requirements:

- iOS 6.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Optimized for iPhone 5.

Examples:

Snapseed: Add some drama

For iOS and Android

Another popular photo editor. Snapseed provides a lot of possibilities: a huge number of filters and effects, such as tilt-shift and focus adjustment, sharpness and color adjustment. There is automatic editing. Among the filters, one can single out a group, so to speak, especially “atmospheric”, which will look good with both color and black and white photos, adding some drama and mystery to the picture. Application in English.

Requirements:

• iOS 5.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Optimized for iPhone 5.
• Android version 4.0 or later

Examples:

Pixlr Express: 100% Free

For iOS and Android

The product of a major developer Autodesk has quite a few options. As in the case of Mextures, here is a curiously pleasant interface and design. All functionality is grouped into categories. This is one of those rare photo editors where paid components are completely absent. A huge selection of filters, frames and other features is interesting: you can make a photo truly archival, you can add an inscription, decorate with all kinds of bokeh and lighting effects like LensLight. And one more pleasant trifle - the program menu each time appears before you with a different background, which is the previously edited frame. Application in English.

Examples:

Adobe Photoshop Express: for RAW processing

ForiOSandAndroid

Compared to other programs, there is nothing particularly remarkable here - all the same typical settings and effects, half of which are paid. On the other hand, the developers knowingly put the word “express” in the title, which speaks for itself that the program is designed for quick processing of the pictures taken, which Photoshop Express does very well. What is especially valuable - here you can process RAW files. Application language is English.

Requirements

• Android version 4.0.3 or later

Examples:

Rookie: universal for every genre

For iOS and Android

In just a couple of months of its existence on the App Store, the photo editor Rookie managed to gain a huge number of rave reviews and a high score. The application has both a free set of features and a paid one. The premium version, which includes 72 filters, 142 stickers and 130 frames, can be purchased for 169 rubles. The standard package of the application contains a lot of vintage filters adapted for different genres of photography: portraits, landscapes, city sketches, macro, etc. Each filter group has its own settings. For example, in filters for portraits, you can adjust the level of the Skin Smoothing parameter. After processing, the photo can be sent to Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Flickr, or saved to the gallery. Application in English.

Requirements:

• iOS 6.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPad and iPod touch. Optimized for iPhone 5
• Android version 2.3 or later

Examples:

Aviary: optimal for android

For iOS and Android

Aviary photo editor is considered one of the best apps for Android mobile devices. In general, it is very reminiscent of the updated Instagram: there is also a large selection of different filters, the same standard settings for brightness, contrast, saturation, but in addition to this, you can add stickers, labels, inscriptions (though the choice of fonts is small), and create your favorite memes . The application is adapted for Russian.

Requirements:

• iOS 7.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Optimized for iPhone 5.
• android version 2.3.3 or later

Examples:

Pho.to Lab: for visionary creatives

For iOS and Android

Requirements:

• Android is device dependent.

Examples:

3 apps to add text to photos

Over (33 rubles)

For iOS and Android

Over is an application for adding text to a photo. For starters, you can look at what users have already done with this application. Program in Russian. The workflow is incredibly simple and straightforward: you select a photo, insert text, change its color, size, position and font. In a word, it is impossible to get confused. Initially, not all fonts are available to the user. For a complete set, you will need to pay about 40 rubles. At the same time, the program's capabilities are somewhat limited: you cannot make the font bold or italic, and also use a background for your inscription. Application in Russian.

Requirements:

• iOS 6.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Optimized for iPhone 5.

Examples:

Phonto: the richest feature

For iOS and Android

In addition to the built-in fonts (and there are about 50 of them), Phonto has the ability to install any fonts you want. The program is implemented very easily: to add an inscription, just click on the photo. Then you can do absolutely everything with the text. Aligning, changing the font, color, transparency, adding characters and backgrounds - in Phonto, unlike Over, you can realize any creative idea. By the way, you can edit the photo itself by applying one of the filters to it. An additional set of frames and filters is available for 66 rubles. Application in English.

Requirements:

• iOS 7.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Optimized for iPhone 5.

Examples:

Typic: for those who are not indifferent to friendly design

For iOS

Typic can automatically crop pictures to a square. After choosing a frame, you can apply one of 11 free filters, add text, choose one of 30 fonts and 7 colors, adjust its transparency, and finally decorate the result with a frame or pattern. The available fonts work correctly only with the Latin alphabet. Perhaps, it is possible to note the pleasant interface of the program. More fonts and filters and fonts are available in the second "version" of the program - Typic + for 33 rubles. Application in English.

Requirements:

• Requires iOS 7.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Optimized for iPhone 5.

Examples:

3 collage maker apps

Moldiv: collages and more

For iOS and Android

A free app from the makers of PicsPlay Pro. With it, you can easily combine and edit multiple photos. Here you will find not only various frames and a wide range of options, but you can also decorate your pictures with inscriptions and stickers. In one collage, you can combine up to 9 pictures! In addition, you can make the corners of photos rounded, choose a background, adjust the font (the choice of fonts is simply huge, besides, they are also adapted for Cyrillic).Before starting work, you can see video about the capabilities of the application, but most likely, you will figure it out without it. The program is very user-friendly and understandable.The photo editing function is also on top: from 45 effects, you will definitely find what will embody your creative idea.And those for whom such a set is not enough, will be able to purchase a premium package for 66 rubles. Application in Russian.

Requirements:

• iOS 6.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPad and iPod touch. Optimized for iPhone 5.
• Android version 4.0 or later

Examples:

Photo Grid: making announcements and video stories

For iOS and Android

Another free application that allows you to create not only collages, but also original postcards and “bulletin boards”. Photo Grid cannot boast of the same rich functionality as Moldiv (for example, here you cannot adjust the thickness of the frames), but it has a number of other advantages. So, with this program, you can create video stories using your photos and favorite music, as well as photo stories with text and stickers. In total, the program offers about 3,000 layouts and stickers. In addition, the application allows you to edit individual photos. Program in English.

Requirements:

• iOS 6.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Optimized for iPhone 5.
• Android version 2.3 or later

Examples:

Pic Jointer: simple and fast

For iOS and Android

Unlike the previous two applications, Pic Jointer offers to make the most ordinary collages: simply and quickly. There are 64 schemes for the user's choice. The thickness, roundness of frame borders and color can be adjusted to your taste. A premium account will allow you to choose the background of the scheme.

Requirements:

• iOS 6.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Optimized for iPhone 5.
• Android version 2.3 or later

Examples:

3 applications for creating multiple exposures

MultiExpo: The first application for multiple exposure

For iOS

For those who are looking for an interesting application for creating a multiple exposure effect, we suggest you pay attention to MultiExpo. By the way, MultiExpo is the pioneering application of multiple exposure on mobile devices. And for the "pioneer" it is implemented quite well: a clear and pleasant interface in Russian, the ability to crop each frame separately and apply filters to an already combined image.The application is completely free, there is no additional premium package.

Requirements:

• iOS 5.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Optimized for iPhone 5.

Examples:

Instant Blend: multiple exposure as one of the features

For iOS

An application that allows you to take double exposure shots. The free set of features includes the ability to apply various filters to images, contrast correction, exposure for each frame, all kinds of frames and adding captions. The premium features package allows you to diversify the possibilities. In English.

Requirements:

• Requires iOS 6.0 or later.

Examples:

Picamerge (33 rubles)

For iOS

The first thing that should be noted is the friendly interface in Russian. But compared to the above free photo editors, Picamerge seems too simple: here you can’t even rotate and crop the image. All you can do is merge two images into one and apply a filter to them.

Requirements:

• iOS 7.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Optimized for iPhone 5.

Examples:

PhotoMASTER is the latest modern program that allows you to quickly improve any image, retouch portraits with high quality, process landscapes in a non-standard way, and much more. PhotoMASTER includes all the popular photo editing features and what's more, it will help you turn your photos into professionally processed images in a few minutes. Download the photo editor and get acquainted with nice bonuses: built-in effects, a collection of fonts, retouching and cropping tools.

Innovative flexible photo processing functionality

One of the main advantages of the program is the ability to change any settings during processing without losing quality. You can make a photo in black and white, then crop it, retouch it, overlay an inscription, and then return to the color version again or to the crop stage, saving the processing done. You no longer need to undo steps and then do all the work again!

PhotoMASTER offers the highest quality of photo processing, previously available only in professional editors. Fine adjustments allow you to correct even the most insignificant image flaws: shadows, flare, increase or decrease the temperature of the image. The program includes all the necessary functions for image correction and, at the same time, it works exceptionally fast and at 100% quality.

Adaptive color correction of images

Change the parameters of each shade in the photo separately. How? Very simple! You can "recolor" a dress or change the color of a car in a couple of clicks without having to select objects. In the same way, you can change the color of the eyes and various objects in the photo. With retouching brushes, you can correct even the smallest details of a photo.

"Smart" processing of landscapes

Using the functions of PhotoMASTER you can change the color of the sky, sea, greenery in landscape photos. And you do not need to select anything, work with channels and use other complex settings. Everything is much simpler in the program interface! Use the sliders to edit the colors and shades you want. The built-in gradient filter will help you edit individual parts of the photo. Download the photo editor and process your photos with high quality!

Photo editing in the era of digital photography is an objective necessity. In this regard, the Slovak photographer Rado Adamek is remembered: “Someone says that he does not need good photo retouching? He just doesn't know how to use Photoshop properly."

Many novice photographers, out of fear of the retouching process, hide behind the notion that the perfect photo is created without Photoshop. However, in the same way, a person with excess fat tries to justify his weight with “heavy” bone. But over time, gaining experience, the photographer can radically change his mind.

Want to know the second most common newbie excuse? "The only editor that should retouch photos is Photoshop, and that's it." Amateur photographers who adhere to this point of view do not even suspect how much they are mistaken. We have already raised the topic of alternatives to Photoshop - read more.

In addition, an amateur photographer is unlikely to spend as much time working in Photoshop as a professional, so the result will be appropriate. This, of course, does not mean that constant practice will sooner or later allow you to edit photos no worse than professional retouchers.

The developers admit that Polarr is aimed at quite experienced and demanding users, so be prepared to spend some time getting used to the interface of this editor.

Best Free Photo Editor: GIMP

GIMP is a complete professional photo editor that can be easily downloaded and installed on your computer. GIMP can offer the user many tools and functions, including retouching, cloning, working with layers and various filters, as well as a built-in file manager. It works great on Mac, Windows and Linux. Importantly, GIMP supports many graphic formats, including RAW files.

GIMP saw the light of day in 1995 when it was created as a free alternative to Photoshop. Compared to the latter, GIMP is certainly not as efficient as some of the complex features and tools, but it's the best editor you can get for free and completely legal!

The interface of GIMP is very similar to that of Photoshop, so if you have experience with the editor from Adobe, you will master GIMP fairly quickly.

Best free photo editor: Fotor

Platform: Windows, Mac OS X, Linux.

Price: Distributed for free.

Fotor does not pretend to be a full-fledged photo editor, but despite this, it is one of the most popular free applications. Fotor is available in both online and desktop versions.

The most popular among users of this editor is the function (High Dynamic Range), which allows you to combine 3 shots with different exposures into one HDR image (one of the favorite techniques of landscape photographers). In addition, filters and basic tools for cosmetic photo retouching are available to the user. Fotor supports the ability to apply selected options and settings to multiple images at once.

The disadvantages of this application include the lack of tools and features available in other free photo editors.

Best Free Photo Editor: Paint.NET

Platform: Windows, Mac OS X, Linux.

Price: Distributed for free.

When reading the name of this application, you will probably remember the standard Windows graphics editor - MS Paint. Indeed, Paint.NET was originally developed as an online alternative to the standard editor installed on millions of computers around the world.

But over time, its developers decided to go further - they implemented support for layers, effects, and a number of other popular tools, turning their brainchild into one of the most popular image processing applications.

By developing the functionality, the developers of Paint.NET were able to maintain its "paint" simplicity, which has become one of the main assets of this editor. It's fast, simple, and free, making Paint.NET the perfect tool for light, fast editing.

Paint.NET is great for those who want to retouch their photos a bit without resorting to the extra power of Photoshop.

Best free photo editor: Krita

Platform: Windows, Mac OS X, Linux.

Price: Distributed for free.

Krita is already interesting in that it was designed by artists for artists. This free editor gives creatives all the tools they need when focusing on concept art, illustration, and visual effects.

Of course, Krita is not a photo-centric application - although photographers are happy to use it for retouching - this editor is more intended for digital painting and graphics. Krita can offer the user a wide variety of brushes and tools for fine retouching, and supports, among other things, the PSD format.

Best free photo editor: PhotoScape

Platform: Windows, Mac OS X, Linux.

Price: Distributed for free.

PhotoScape is another great member of the family of free photo editors that offer a wide range of simple and effective tools. With this application, you can create GIF presentations or animations, manage color, convert RAW to JPEG, create slideshows, etc.

This is not to say that PhotoScape is somehow superior to other editors mentioned in this article, it is rather a solid average. However, its functionality is quite enough to meet the needs of a novice photographer.

Best Free Photo Editor: Pixlr

Platform: Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Android, IOS.

Price: Distributed for free.

Editor is available both as an online service and as a desktop application. In addition, for those who like to edit photos on a smartphone, there are versions for Android and IOS. Since the interface of all versions is very similar, this free editor is an ideal solution for shooting both on a smartphone and on a camera.

The process of editing images in Pixlr is similar to working in Photoshop. You can add your photo to a new layer and apply dozens of available filters to it. And you can be sure that Pixlr will always provide a good result. The editor includes three free modules: Pixlr Editor, Pixlr Express, and Pixlr O-Matic.

Compared to other editors, Pixlr has one huge advantage - it runs in the browser, which means you can use it anytime on any PC or Mac without having to install any software.

As a traditional bonus - a video about the best photo editing programs:

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