Since the digital era, most people in the world use digital images or photos. The negative film era has come to an end. You can store your digital images on any digital storage device (such as hard disk, flash drive, CD/DVD, memory card, etc.) or store them on the internet, like on Facebook. Digital images can be edited using some tools, and I’d like to share some of the best free tools to edit your photos.
1. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)
GIMP, or GNU Image Manipulation Program, is an image editor application designed with an open-source base. Although it is free, GIMP can be the best choice for users because its features are solid. Compared to Adobe Photoshop it may be less complete, but the capabilities of this application grow every year. GIMP was originally built only for Linux systems but has now reached Windows users. This graphical application can be used to design simple layouts as well as cultivate professional-style photos. For installation, a plugin is required: GTK+2.
2. PhotoScape
PhotoScape is photo editing software that is easy and fun. This application can be used by beginners to improve and enhance image display. As an editor, this program has the ability to zoom, adjust brightness, white balance, backlight correction, frames, mosaic mode, add text, draw, crop, apply filters, and remove red-eye. You can combine various images into one picture frame. In addition, you can also design an animation from a series of photos in your collection. Not to forget there is a RAW converter capable of converting RAW files to JPEG.
3. StudioLine PhotoBasic
This program is a considerable application for managing photos on your computer. Starting from collecting photos, transfer, edit, organize, and print to transmitting images — all can be done from this application. You can also add tags to digital photos. Using this program, you can fix images with low-level exposure, remove the red-eye effect, or change the tonal color. Processed images can be printed, sent via email, viewed as a slideshow, or uploaded to an online gallery.
Download StudioLine PhotoBasic
4. Triscape FxFoto
FxFoto provides flexibility for you to edit, correct, and enhance your digital photos. This application provides a feature to import photos directly from a folder on your computer. The editor program interface is divided into several sections. You can correct the red-eye effect that often occurs when photographing people’s faces, or set white balance. There are various filters to make images look stylish — for example a Sepia filter, or filters to sharpen the image. This program also has a menu to add text to images, draw objects, and send photos via email.
5. PhotoPerfect Express
If you are looking for photo management software with full potential capabilities without spending hours in front of the computer, this may be the answer. PhotoPerfect Express will help you fix photos quickly and easily. You simply select the option to instantly optimize the display of photographs. Overall, PhotoPerfect Express is freeware that maximizes your photos well and optimally without spending hours in front of the monitor — just simple clicks in 3 steps. There are some basic tools to improve color, contrast, lighting, noise, and the red-eye effect. The latest version fully supports the TIFF file format. In addition, you can easily improve color, contrast, and saturation of a photo.
All the above tools are free to download and use. They’re not as powerful as Adobe Photoshop but they are good products. So if you don’t have the budget to buy Adobe Photoshop, they are worth a try.