BEST FREE Photo Editing Software for PC
Science & Technology
Introduction
Are you looking for the best free photo editing software to enhance your images on a PC? Look no further! In this article, we'll explore five of the best free photo editing software options available, ranging from basic tools that come pre-installed on Windows to more advanced applications that allow for comprehensive editing. Let's dive right in!
1. Windows Photos App
The most basic photo editing application is the Windows Photos app, which comes installed on your PC for free. To access it, simply type "Photos" in the search field located in your taskbar. This app allows you to review all photos on your computer, and to start editing, you just need to click on a photo.
You’ll find editing options like crop and rotate, filters, lighting adjustments, and blemish removal. Once you finish editing, you can either save a copy or overwrite the original image.
Pros: Easy to use, comes pre-installed
Cons: Limited advanced features
2. IrfanView
Next up is IrfanView, a versatile graphic viewer that can be downloaded from the official website. While it may seem dated at first glance, it offers a lot of powerful features. You can edit images by inserting text, applying overlays, rotating, cropping, and even batch convert files. The application supports plugins, which enable you to open additional file types and effects.
Pros: Batch processing, extensive file support
Cons: Interface may appear outdated
3. Adobe Photoshop Express
Adobe Photoshop Express is a free app available through the Microsoft Store. It offers a user-friendly interface similar to the Windows Photos app. You can use the auto-enhance feature, apply different filters, rotate and crop images, and remove blemishes. It is well-made and easy to navigate, making photo enhancement a breeze.
Pros: User-friendly, well-made
Cons: Limited advanced controls
4. Darktable
Darktable is an open-source application that provides extensive control over image editing. When you launch Darktable, you enter the light table view for managing photos. It allows for various edits, including adjusting exposure and white balance. One of its standout features is the ability to apply settings from one photo to multiple images. However, it comes with a steeper learning curve than other options.
Pros: In-depth control, open-source
Cons: High complexity, steep learning curve
5. RawTherapee
Similar to Darktable, RawTherapee offers comprehensive editing capabilities with an easy-to-navigate interface. You can preview your images, apply star ratings, and access detailed editing options. It allows snapshots for comparing edits and also requires a learning phase due to its extensive features.
Pros: Full control over image appearance, easy previewing
Cons: Learning curve can be steep
Bonus: GIMP
For those seeking a free alternative to Adobe Photoshop, GIMP is an excellent choice. This open-source software closely resembles Adobe's functionality and offers a robust feature set. After downloading, you can create new images, edit existing photos, and access a wide range of tools through a user-friendly interface. The learning curve is considerable, but the results can be phenomenal.
Pros: Powerful features, open-source, similar to Photoshop
Cons: Steep learning curve
With these five options, you're sure to find suitable free photo editing software that fits your editing needs, whether you are looking for something simple or more advanced!
Keyword
- Windows Photos App
- IrfanView
- Adobe Photoshop Express
- Darktable
- RawTherapee
- GIMP
- Free photo editing software
- Open-source
- Basic photo editing
- Advanced editing features
FAQ
1. What is the best free photo editing software for beginners?
The Windows Photos app is a great option for beginners because it comes pre-installed on Windows computers and has simple editing tools.
2. Are there any open-source photo editing programs?
Yes! Darktable and GIMP are both open-source photo editing programs that offer extensive features for free.
3. Can I batch edit photos with free software?
Yes, IrfanView offers batch processing features that allow you to batch rename or convert image files.
4. Is Adobe Photoshop Express really free?
Yes, Adobe Photoshop Express is free to download from the Microsoft Store and offers a user-friendly interface for basic photo edits.
5. What is the biggest downside of using Darktable or RawTherapee?
Both Darktable and RawTherapee come with a steeper learning curve, which might be challenging for beginners.
