Adobe Photoshop is the most popular and widely used design and editing app. The app offers comprehensive features and editing ability, allowing graphic designers and professional editors to create amazing stuff. However, for the occasional editor, the software might be a bit too pricey. This is why we have come up with a list of the best free photo editing and graphic designing apps.
While Photoshop might be the reigning king of graphic design, some heavy contenders are still in the market. his guide will lead you through the best Adobe Photoshop alternatives. Some are great for basic photo editing. While others can be used for graphic design. Let’s talk about them.
Best Free Graphic Design Apps
GIMP
GIMP has been around for a very long time and is one of the first apps that many people think of when they think of free substitutes for Adobe Photoshop. It is perfect for photographers looking for a solution that can keep up with their edits, no matter how simple or complex they are. It is an open-source tool that runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Pros: GIMP offers a wide range of editing features. It supports a large number of file formats, and both photographers and graphic designers.
Cons: The interface is not nearly as user-friendly as Adobe.
Darktable
Darktable is an open-source editor. It is often promoted as a lightroom substitute due to its interface. The app claims to be created by photographers for photographers. Although it lacks some of Photoshop’s power, it does feature some simple photo editing tools and a Lightroom-like user interface that lets you edit numerous photographs at once. RAW non-destructive editing, the capacity to develop and save your own presets, and color correction are a few of its important features. Darktable works with Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Pros: Darktable is a free open-source editor. It offers excellent performance with a wide range of functionality.
Cons: Darktable runs slower than its alternatives.
Pixlr
Pixlr stands out from other picture editors since it is entirely web-based. Without spending a single dime, you can manipulate your photos using curves, blur, sharpen, noise level tools, and a lot more! Basic modifications like saturation, vignettes, color correction, contrast, and frames are possible. It’s simple to edit images on the fly using the mobile version.
Pros: Pixlr is a wonderful option for folks who don’t have space on their PC to download extra software. The user interface is straightforward and resembles Photoshop Elements. Even layers are supported by Pixlr, which is difficult to find in an online editor.
Cons: Pixlr needs a continuous internet connection to edit photos.
Paint.NET
Paint.NET is an editing and painting software by Microsoft. It was initially designed as a Microsoft Paint substitute but has since transformed into a simple photo editor. It comes with fundamental tools that let you edit your photos. Through Layers and blending modes, as well as rulers and guides, this is a great option for novice designers. You can download free extensions to provide more variety even though the tools and filters are limited. There are several forums where you can find tutorials because Paint.NET is used by so many people.
Pros: Paint.NET is easy to use even for novices, and it provides simple photo editing options for those who don’t require anything fancy in terms of editing and design.
Cons: This software only works with Windows operating systems and has limited capabilities and features.
PhotoScape X
PhotoScape X is a free-to-use photo editor. It provides capabilities including image stitching, RAW image processing, screen captures, animated GIFs, and batch editing. Many of the same brushes and tools are available in PhotoScape X as in Photoshop, making it simple to add text and graphics to photographs.
Pros: Perfect for new users, PhotoScape X provides a wealth of simple-to-use tools and filters to enhance any image and stimulate creativity.
Cons: When dealing with huge files, Photoscape X can become slow. Some users may initially find the interface cluttered and difficult to navigate. Due to the restricted selection options, editing a single area of an image might be challenging.
Design for Free with these Amazing Apps!
When choosing an editor for your work, carefully decide based on what features you need. I occasionally use Gimp and Photoscape X for photo editing. Adobe Photoshop is great software. However, its hefty price tag might make it not suitable for everyone. Hopefully, this list of 5 free photoshop alternatives will help you out.
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