Computer

4 Photo Editing Tools You Can Use for Free

Are you a fan of editing? Then Photoshop is the best tool for you. But what if you don’t want to spend a penny on it? Then you should look for free alternatives. Here are some of the best options in this niche, and using them is as easy as playing games at Dragon Slots.  

GIMP

Although the editor is free to use, GIMP rivals industry standards like Photoshop and Capture One in terms of functionality. Its capabilities meet most needs of photographers, retouchers, and designers.

It includes an extensive toolkit for post-processing photos: you can perform color and light correction, work with retouching brushes, and use preset filters. It supports non-destructive editing with layers and clipping masks.

Although primarily designed for raster image editing, GIMP can also create vector illustrations and animations, as well as assist in web design projects.

For inexperienced users, the interface might feel overwhelming. However, with a bit of time and exploration, everything falls into place.

The workspace features a horizontal toolbar listing all functions and a vertical panel with core tools. Selecting a tool opens a settings menu with customization options. To the right of the preview window, there’s a panel for layers and paths, along with a brush list.

  • Advanced adjustments: level and curve correction, tone and saturation adjustments, channel mixing, horizon leveling, and distortion (geometric) correction.
  • Professional retouching tools: perspective-aware cloning, advanced retouching, and filters.
  • Tablet support: compatible with all graphics tablet models.
  • Custom scripting: create your own scripts to automate editing processes, with support for multiple programming languages like C, C++, Perl, Python, and Scheme.
  • Animation creation: step-by-step frame order, speed settings, and export options to GIF, AVI, and MPEG.

GIMP’s already impressive functionality can be further expanded with third-party plugins and additional modules. Examples include G’MIC with over 500 ready-made stylistic presets and Resynthesizer for background and object removal.

Pixlr

Pixlr offers a suite of applications for working with graphics, including a classic photo editor, an AI-powered editor, a design tool, and an animation builder.

It also includes AI tools for automatic background removal, a Batch Editor for processing multiple files, and an AI-powered art generator.

The online editors have a traditional layout. In the classic Editor, you’ll find brushes for painting and retouching, as well as a variety of traditional filters. Express offers only basic cropping and correction functions but includes AI-Tools with a selection of smart filters.

  • Broad format support, including multilayer TIFF and PSD files.
  • Restorative and cloning brushes, dodge-burn tools, and blur-sharpen adjustments.
  • Versatility: edit existing images or create from scratch.
  • Design templates: collections for print materials and social media content.
  • Animation tools: animate static images.
  • AI-driven illustration generation based on text prompts.

Photopea

This browser-based editor is often dubbed the “Photoshop clone,” not only for its similar interface but also for its advanced tools. Photopea supports 16 file formats for import/export and features a built-in RAW converter.

The interface clearly takes inspiration from Photoshop, making it easy for users familiar with Adobe’s software to transition seamlessly. Frequently used tools are located on the left panel, while the menu at the top organizes settings into categories. The right side houses the action log, color swatches, brush settings, and text tools.

  • Advanced filters: multiple blur, distortion, and stylization options.
  • Scripting with JavaScript: automate processing with custom scripts.
  • Customizable brushes: control shape, opacity, intensity, size, and save presets. Photoshop tools in TPL format can also be imported for style and preset transfers.
  • Hotkey customization: standard and user-defined shortcuts.

Photopea offers a library of PSD templates for web content and mockup creation.

PhotoScape

This cross-platform tool is ideal for quick photo editing. You can automatically adjust levels, fine-tune sharpness and saturation, balance exposure and colors, and crop images using preset templates.

It includes basic drawing tools — lines, shapes, text, and clipart insertion — and features an extensive collection of photo filters.

The main menu is divided into several tabs: viewer, photo editor, collage templates, GIF animation creator, print layout designer, and screenshot tool. The left pane displays a folder directory, while the editing tools and file information (name, size, resolution) are below the workspace.

  • Comprehensive editing: enhance, scale, crop, rename, and convert images.
  • Color correction: available in auto mode, presets, or with curve adjustments for saturation, brightness, and hue.
  • Extensive effects collection: HDR, grayscale, negative, blur, film styles, and vintage looks.
  • Macro creation: automate editing workflows with custom action scripts.

Additional features include screen capture, collage creation, and GIF animation tools.

Related Articles