6 best free photo editing software on computer

While Photoshop and Lightroom are the top choices for photo editing, you'll find plenty of free software available for non-professionals who don't want to spend any money. Photo editing doesn't have to be expensive.

1. GIMP

GIMP is easily one of the best Photoshop alternatives out there and is also an ideal way to open PSD files without Photoshop. GIMP is free to download and also comes in a portable version. You can customize its interface to suit your needs, customize your brushes, and even install additional plug-ins. GIMP is open source software, which means it is constantly evolving to meet the needs of its users.

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GIMP also has some more advanced features, like face swapping, smart dragging for easy selections, layer masks, and even gives you the ability to create GIFs.

Even if you're just a beginner, you'll still enjoy cropping, applying enhancements to photos, and experimenting with GIMP's many filters. Just be aware that GIMP's interface isn't the most intuitive and will take a while to learn.

Advantage

1. Provides advanced image editing features
2. Opens most file types and can save in many different formats
3. Runs smoothly on most operating systems

Disadvantages

1. Cluttered interface
2. Take time to learn

Note : GIMP is available on desktop (Windows, macOS, and Linux) and is well suited for advanced users.

2. Pixlr E

Pixlr E has an interface that's reminiscent of Photoshop. It's much easier to use if you're familiar with Photoshop, but that's just a bonus - you don't need any Photoshop experience to enjoy Pixlr E.

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The software offers levels and exposure adjustments, as well as layers and masks. However, there are a few features that make it more comprehensive. First, you can open images directly from a URL. It also has a library of royalty-free images and suggested templates if you're creating a design.

Some Pixlr E tools are only available in the Premium version, and you can only work on one image at a time.

Advantage

1. Open files from multiple locations
2. Provides extensive image editing features
3. No installation required

Disadvantages

1. With advertising
2. Some features require Premium subscription
3. You can only work on one image at a time.

Note : Pixlr E is available on web and desktop (Windows and macOS), which is great for high-level editing.

3. PicsArt

Picsart is one of the best AI photo editors, with tools like scaling, style shifting, and replacement available without a paid subscription. The app also has some useful editing sliders, like changing the hue and white balance of your photos.

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You can also adjust the lighting in your photos by changing the contrast, shadows, brightness, and highlights. Picsart's lighting filters and color correction options are also pretty cool. Furthermore, you can add vintage effects to your photos using the different stenciler options.

While HSL and background removal are paid features, you'll get enough free tools to create a great edit.

Advantage

1. Comprehensive light filter
2. Some useful free AI editing tools
3. Multiple grid and collage options

Disadvantages

1. HSL slider available with Pro plan only

Note : Picsart is available on web and mobile (iOS and Android), great for AI photo editing.

4. Photopea

Many people consider Photopea to be a great alternative to Photoshop. It offers many of the same features, such as multiple filters, layers, quick selection tools, and the ability to work on multiple images at once. It even lets you edit PSD files.

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Since this application is web-based, you don't need to download anything and can open it on any computer. You don't even need to register. However, since it's online, you may encounter glitches, especially if you have a lot of editing to do.

Also, some of the features are a bit difficult to use in this app. For example, if you want to make the background transparent, it is a complicated process and does not always produce the best results.

Advantage

1. Can open PSD files
2. Allows you to edit from any computer without installation
3. There are many editing tools

Disadvantages

1. Performance may decrease with heavy editing
2. Some features don't work well

Note : Photopea is only available on the web and is great for editing on the go.

5. Canva

Canva isn't exactly a free photo editor, but it is a design tool. Canva is a web-based software that requires a subscription, and it also offers a paid version. However, the free version is more than enough if your primary goal is to create digital designs - and you can use Canva for many purposes as a photographer.

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There are tons of templates for everything from Instagram posts to animated presentations or even company logos. The app has a simple drag-and-drop interface, with basic photo editing tools to help you tweak existing images. For example, you can add multiple filters and adjust brightness and shadows.

You can also add various effects like blur. It's best to use the app in conjunction with another editing tool if possible, but otherwise you'll have enough tools to make simple adjustments.

Advantage

1. Hundreds of great design templates
2. Easy drag and drop functionality
3. 5GB free cloud storage on all plans

Disadvantages

1. Lack of detailed photo editing tools
2. Some templates, stock images and components are only available with registration.

Note : Canva is available on web, desktop (macOS and Windows), and mobile (iOS and Android).

6. Adobe Express

Adobe Express is primarily for graphic design and is very similar to Canva. However, while photo editing is not the primary use of this app, it still has some useful features that will help you in this area. For example, you can easily increase or decrease saturation.

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When using Adobe Express, you also have the option to sharpen and blur your images. Furthermore, you will have access to tools like cropping and removing objects.

Adobe Express also has some effects. The free version is great, but Adobe Express Premium is worth it.

Advantage

1. Resize your images for different platforms (e.g. LinkedIn banners and Instagram posts)
2. Easy sync with Adobe Creative Cloud ecosystem
3. Add different layers to your edit to make the process more concise.

Disadvantages

1. The filters are pretty poor.
2. Limited overall photo editing features

Note : Adobe Express is available on web and mobile (iOS and Android).

Photo editing apps don't have to be expensive to have great features. You'll find plenty of great tools for free, many of which don't require a download. Sometimes you don't even have to sign up for an account.

Micah Soto

Update 08 January 2025