Earlier this week we took at look at some great free web based alternatives to Photoshop. Since we don't always have web access (this can be especially true during our favorite photo editing time: while riding on a plane), we decided it was a good idea to look at some free photo editing options available for download.
In this list we've broken our software down just like we had with our web based list. Basic applications will perform basic photo editing tasks like cropping and resizing, while the More Robust applications will be more akin to Photoshop with options such as working with layers. Applications built for the Mac will have an "M" at the end, Windows a "W," Unix a "U."
Basic
- iPhoto: Since iLife comes free on every Mac, it makes our cut for a decent free basic photo editor. Of course iPhoto also boasts great photo organization in addition to the simple editing. M
- PhotoFiltre: This simple editor is like a pared down Photoshop and would have made our More Robust category had it included layer support. W
- Picasa: Think of this software as Google's answer to iPhoto mashed with Flickr. M, W
- PhotoPlus: Yet another basic photo editor, bonus for the lay users, this one comes with a tooth whitener tool. W
- Photoscape: This basic photo editor allows for RAW conversions to JPEG and has a tool for creating animated GIFs. W
More Robust
- Gimp: Easily the most popular free robust Photoshop replacement, and it is easy to see why. With an amazing array of editing tools and thriving developer community, Gimp is a fantastic choice for a real Photoshop replacement and is the one we most frequently use here at Unplggd. M, U, W
- LiveQuartz: This easy to use editor has a surprising amount of tools including layer management and multi-touch support. M
- Seashore: Another open source editor, Seashore, features gradients, textures, and anti-aliasing for both text and brush strokes.
- Paint.Net: Originally intended as a free replacement to Microsoft Paint software, Paint.Net has grown over the years into a much more powerful tool that includes layer support and several editing tools. W
- Pixen: This open source editor is designed specifically for pixel artists and features elegant layer support and great animation tools. M
Did we miss your favorite free photo editing application?
(Lead Image: Flickr member William Brawley editing photos, licensed for use under Creative Commons)
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@missmilla - While I agree that iPhoto isn't really that great, especially compared to Photoshop, the point is that it's FREE. I for one have no interest in spending $200 for a program I would only use to edit my non-professional photos.
If you read the article you will see that iPhoto is listed with the basic editors. It does about the same things as Picasa and Photoplus. It is not a competitor but will handle what most lay users need.
There is Picasa, a simple Google app for adjusting pictures that also gives you a free online album that is easy to share with only those you want to.
Irfanview is a simple program that lets you make picture adjustments and also lets you draw on, insert text and otherwise fool around with pictures .
Windows Live has the best pictures adjustment tools of the three, but be careful! It will change your original picture without asking you. Windows Live also gives you online storage, but Picasa is easier for sharing.
You should always keep your original pictures in a separate file and work with copies only!
iPhoto is not free. It comes with the computer but it is not free. Have you ever tried to download it? Its like saying MacOS X is free.
iPhoto is very good (and simple) photo organization software. Ie. its more in the vein of Aperture and Lightroom, than Photoshop.
I use pixlr.com
The only program even remotely comparable to photoshop on here is GIMP.
@maybeamezzo - I would say that paint.net is also comparable. It has many similar offerings and is pretty similar in most ways to photoshop. I met the guys who wrote the code as part of their senior project at WSU years ago and then used it for years after that.
Try Aviary.com
I am new to the photoshop world, but a friend just introduced me to Gimp and I am loving it. Still needing to work with it a ton more, but so far, so good. :)
sumo paint! it rules!