Free photography editor software
Ashampoo Photo Optimizer 2019 review
TechRadar Verdict
Ashampoo Photo Optimizer 2019's one-click photo editing works well for landscapes, and its slider-based system for manual adjustments is thoughfully designed. The automatic results won't suit all subjects, but as a free tool for making quick adjustments to a batch of pictures, this does the job admirably.
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Ashampoo Photo Optimizer 2019 is a quick and convenient way to improve the look of your pictures – individually or in batches. Although Windows’ built-in Photos app includes many of the same features (including cropping, rotating and color correction), it only allows you to edit one photo at a time, which can eat up a lot of time when you have more than a handful to process.
Ashampoo Photo Optimizer 2019 also has a host of other handy functions that you won’t find in most free photo editors, and although full instructions are provided, its streamlined interface is self-explanatory.
Unusually for free-to-use software, it’s also devoid of distracting ads, leaving you free to focus on the important task of optimizing your pictures.
User experience
Ashampoo Photo Optimizer 2019 is free to use, but to get started you’ll first need to request a license key by submitting an email address. Ashampoo won’t share it with any third parties, though you will receive updates on the company’s own products (which you can unsubscribe from if you’re not interested).
Image credit: AshampooThe software comes with a set of images for you to experiment with, but if you prefer, you can remove these and start working with your own pictures immediately.
Click ‘File’, then select either ‘Add folder’ or ‘Add file’ to select the photos you want to optimize. Once that’s done and they’ve appeared in the pool, select one or more by checking their boxes and you’re ready to get to work. To remove a photo from the pool, hover over it and click the cross icon that appears.
Don’t worry – this won’t delete the picture from your PC.
One of the main attractions of Ashampoo Photo Optimizer 2019 is the ‘Auto Optimize’ button, which analyzes a single picture (unlike some of the software’s other tools, it can’t be used for batch editing) and applies one or more changes to improve its sharpness, color and brightness. It’s an interesting idea and works particularly well for landscapes, but we found that it sometimes raised the brightness a little too far for other subjects, resulting in images looking washed out.
Image credit: AshampooIf that happens, you can make adjustments manually instead by selecting ‘Color correction’ from the right-hand menu. Again, you can only use this tool to make changes to one picture at a time. This is accomplished via a series of sliders, enabling you to fine-tine brightness, contrast, lightness, saturation, hue and gamma. The sliders are quite sensitive, but you can also adjust the number to the right of each slider for very fine adjustments (a welcome touch rarely seen in photo optimization software.
You can also crop or resize individual photos, or rotate or mirror several at once by checking multiple images in the pool, then clicking the appropriate button.
Conclusion
We’d like to be able to apply the same set of color adjustments to multiple images at once, which would be a real timesaver for pictures taken in the same lighting conditions, but Ashampoo Photo Optimizer 2019 is still an excellent tool for any amateur photographer, and it’s impossible to argue with the price.
Image credit: AshampooThe competition
- GIMP
- Paint.NET
- Photo Pos Pro
- The best free photo editor 2019
Ashampoo PhotoOptimizer 2019: Price Comparison
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Fotor review | TechRadar
TechRadar Verdict
If you have a collection of photos that need a little extra polish, Fotor's one-click filters are the easiest way to make them look their best.
It's no full-fat Photoshop replacement, but it's very easy to use and it's free.
Why you can trust TechRadar Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Free Windows photo editor Fotor is an excellent free photo editor if you have some photos on your PC that you'd like to commit to canvas and hang on your wall.
Fotor is packed with image-enhancing tools and filters to make pictures look their best. It supports all the most popular image file formats, and even provides RAW file processing – a feature you might expect to be exclusive to full-price photo-editing software
Fotor
Download here: Fotor
Developer: Everimaging
Operating system: Windows
Version: 3
Unlike the powerful open source image editor GIMP, Fotor can't rival Photoshop's range of tools, brushes and plugins, but the advantage is that it's much easier to use.
Fotor is packed with one-click filters designed to enhance your pictures based on the conditions in which they were taken, and the subject. Examples include artificial lighting, sunset, portrait, landscape and theater.
User experience
In exchange for the odd not-too-annoying ad, Fotor offers a good range of image tools. You can apply special effects and add frames and borders, improve the appearance of photos and even get the kind of tilt-shift blurry effects that you’d normally need an expensive camera to achieve.
The emphasis here is on fast results, so for example Fotor has 13 different one-tap scenes that you can use to completely change the appearance of your images. Excessively dark scenes are brightened, over-exposed ones are dimmed, and colours really punch.
Fotor is free because its creators really want you to buy Fotor Pro, which removes the ads and adds some new features including more editing and full HDR support for really dramatic images, but the free version is pretty feature-packed in its own right.
Latest updates
The latest version of Fotor lets you create collages with a custom aspect ratio. It also features an improved tilt-shift algorithm and improved support for more raw file formats. For full details, see the official release notes .
The competition
- GIMP
- Paint.NET
- PhotoScape
- Check out our full guide to the best free photo editor
Cat is the editor of TechRadar's sister site Advnture. She’s a UK Athletics qualified run leader, and in her spare time enjoys nothing more than lacing up her shoes and hitting the roads and trails (the muddier, the better)
TOP 10 free photo editing software - biz.mail.ru
Working with images takes a lot of effort and time if you choose the wrong software. Photoshop is a powerful and smart tool for professional photo editing. But it is complex and confusing even for an advanced user. Most often, you need to do basic manipulations - simple retouching, filters and background correction.
To do this, it is not necessary to watch multi-part guides for working in Photoshop.
For example, if you need to edit photos before uploading to a resource, you can limit yourself to a website builder. The Sitebox service from the Mail.ru for Business platform can independently adapt and process images. But if you need a wider range of editing tools, use the free program. We talked about the main products in this PC market and identified their advantages and disadvantages. nine0003
Best Free Photo Editors
Gimp Let's start with one of the oldest programs. In 1995, it was presented as a graduation project by two American students and is still supported by developers on a voluntary basis. Gimp subsequently became a free replacement for Photoshop and is only inferior to it in some respects. This editor has always been improved after Photoshop updates, so the interface and design of these programs are similar. Gimp has layers, filters, and retouching tools. There are a lot of functions even for a professional, and this affects convenience.
Gimp is not easy to understand right off the bat, but it is not as complex an editor as Photoshop. nine0003
Polarr
The developers of this program have taken care not only of desktops, but also of mobile devices. In addition, the free version has many useful tools:
- reflection;
- framing;
- work with light;
- sharpness adjustment, graininess;
- basic filters.
To use masks, you need a paid account, but plus Polarr in the watermark. You can adjust the size, position and opacity, and you don't need to buy the Pro version to add them. They are useless for beginners, but before publishing on websites or social networks, there is a desire to protect their image. Not every free editor will provide such an opportunity. nine0003
Paint
. NET was created as an alternative to the standard program from Microsoft and even took part of its name. Gradually, the developers began to move away from this goal and supplemented their editor with relevant tools like layers and effects.
At the same time, it was possible to maintain the simplicity of the interface and high speed. You will spend only a couple of minutes learning Paint.NET. Clear panels and an intuitive menu will help you quickly edit any image.
Crita
Here you can also correct the light and apply filters, but artists use this program more often. Simple image processing does not require hundreds of professional brushes. The interface is filled with tools for creating illustrations and painting, however, it is not overloaded and easy to use.
This is a free project. Krita developers receive money as donations and make their product for artists. The program has basic features for working with images and support for the PSD format. A newcomer to Krita will not get lost. In addition, he will have a chance to test artistic tools. nine0003
Home Photo Studio
A simple and effective solution for working with a large number of images in a short period of time. The free period of this program expires 30 days after registration, so it is suitable, for example, for editing a large number of images before uploading to the site.
Home Photo Studio is arranged as simply as possible - the tools are conveniently arranged by department and hidden in the menu. The field for working with photos always seems to be large, and the side panels do not distract with their clutter. In Home Photo Studio you can create calendars, collages and postcards, add frames and filters. But after a month of work, you will have to switch to a paid version. nine0003
PhotoScape
A simple and fun editor that is not going to compete with professional photo software. PhotoScape is made for casual users who need to adjust brightness, remove red eyes and use a couple of simple brushes. There are no complicated tools here, and the interface is set up to involve the user in creating interesting images. PhotoScape lets you create GIFs, convert RAW to JPEG, and search for similar faces online. nine0003
Canva
Photo editor in this online service appeared not so long ago. The expansion of photo opportunities helped developers to attract more customers.
Canva's free plan is limited to a few tools and 1GB of storage, but that's enough for image editing. Canva lets you create collages, charts, landing pages, and even email templates. They are easy to set up and upload to the Sendbox service from Mail.ru for business.
Successful attempt to clone Photoshop. INKSCAPE is not similar in design, but it has sophisticated tools like Bezier curves and node editing. The program can create technical illustrations and artistic images. For such an arsenal, you will have to pay for the time it takes to learn the basics of the editor. It also has simple retouching tools, but due to the difficult interface, you will have to look for them. The developers have made INKSCAPE free and collect donations from grateful users. nine0003
Pixlr
This editor is available on Windows, Mac OS and Linux, on mobile devices, and in any browser. The account can be synchronized and edited images in any gadget. The side menu of tools is reminiscent of Photoshop - working with photos is carried out through layers and filters.
More advanced image settings are available with a paid account, but newbies don't really need them. The free version has everything for editing, but limited overlay and sticker sets. In addition, you will have to watch ad blocks, but this is the only minus of the editor. nine0003
Sumo Paint
An art community has been created around this service, as the goal of the project is to create, research and evaluate all the works made in Sumo Paint. All works and elements of illustrations are in the editor's collection, they can be used to create your own images. You can also add blur, apply a gradient, and use brushes in Sumo Paint, but the emphasis is on unique elements. To access the entire collection, you need to buy an account, and the free version is also suitable for editing images. nine0003
Where can I find free photo and video stocks?
Not always in the early stages of creating a project, there is a separate budget for shooting or purchasing high-quality images.
To prepare for the launch, you can turn to free stocks. There you can find professional shots and images created by artists for free access.
Here are some popular stocks:
- More than a million photos and pictures, one of the best services. Use the tags in English to search. nine0018
- Free Images. The collection of free works is smaller, but this site is very convenient and easy to use. To download a picture, you need to register.
- Stockvault. Professional photographers and designers came up with this service to share cool shots. The project can be sponsored.
- Pexels. All images are divided into collections by topic, making it easy to find.
Output
Choose a photo editor for specific tasks. For light image adjustments and minimal brightness and contrast adjustments, simple tools like PhotoScape or Canva are fine. For more thorough work with photos or illustrations, choose editors with professional tools.
They are not so difficult to understand - the basic functions are understandable on an intuitive level, and, for example, you can read about artistic brushes in tutorials. Choose a design and try one editor after another until you find the one that works best for you. nine0093
TOP 20 best photo editing software
Author: Nikita Voznesensky
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3.9 Ratings: 63 (your: )
Publication date: December 21, 2021
Update date: October 17, 2022
Any photo needs to be processed, regardless of whether it was taken with a DSLR or a regular smartphone. Correction of color balance, retouching, correction of composition errors - a good editor is able to solve all these tasks easily and quickly. Don't know which software to choose? We make your search easier! Below are the best photo editing programs - for beginners and professionals, simple and a little more complicated.
nine0003
Photo Editor is a special software that allows you to put any photo in order. With the help of such programs, you can easily correct the color and lighting in the pictures, replace the unsuccessful background with a new one, add clipart, inscriptions and any other elements on top of the photo.
Try the best photo editor now:
We tested 15 of the brightest representatives of photo software, evaluated their functionality, convenience and accessibility. Each program has its own advantages and disadvantages, but for sure, all these photo editors will help you noticeably improve any pictures. Further in the article, we will go through the entire top of photo editors in detail, but for now - a digest of features in the form of a pivot table. nine0003
| Test results | PhotoMASTER Download | Adobe Photoshop Download | Adobe Lightroom Download | Capture One Download | GIMP Download | Home Photo Studio Download | PhotoDirector Download nine0125 | ON1 Photo Download | Movavi Photo Editor Download | Alive Colors Download | Photo Commander FREE Download | Gemstone Photo Editor Download | Effects Studio Download | Filter Forge Download | picasa Download | photocollage Download | Photo Pos Pro Download | photoscape Download | nine0124 FotoFusion Download Paint. NET Download | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| License | Trial | Trial | Trial | Trial | Free | Trial | Trial | Trial | Trial | Trial | Free | Trial | Trial | Trial | Free | nine0171 TrialFree | Free | Trial | Free | |
| Cost | 690 Р | $20.99/month | $9.99/month | $214.80 | 0 | 690 Р | $14.99 | $71.99/year | 2190 Р | 1480 Р | 0 | $79.99 | 690 Р | $69 | nine0171 0690 Р | 0 | 0 | $99.95 | 0 | |
| User-friendly interface | nine0171 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Russian version | nine0171 | |||||||||||||||||||
| RAW processing | plug-in | plug-in | ||||||||||||||||||
| Auto Photo Enhance | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Built-in effects | 150+ | many | many | many | little | 120+ | many | many | many | many | little | lot | 350+ | many | little | little | many | little | little | little |
| Professional color grading | nine0171 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Auto retouch | nine0171 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Image toning | nine0171 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Background replacement | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Adding inscriptions | nine0171 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Lessons and technical support in Russian | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Program rating | 10 | 9. 8 | 9.5 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 |
We've compiled programs for working with photographs in a variety of areas - from full-featured graphic editors to simple, free photo editors for artistic design of pictures. The editors are listed from the most powerful and advanced to the more basic and highly specialized. nine0003
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5 15,0003 Download
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No more annoying searching for suitable software on the Internet! These photo editing software for PC, free and commercial, simple and sophisticated, will allow you to improve the quality of your photos and decorate them to your liking. To sum up - let's go through the most interesting representatives of the list. nine0003
Many professionals still prefer the unchanging classics - Adobe Photoshop . No wonder - after all, the software includes a full set of functions necessary for complex photo processing - basic and artistic. However, many difficulties must now be overcome in order to purchase a license.
PhotoMASTER leads our “top photoshop” for a reason. This program is an advantageous compromise between functionality and cost. The software allows you to process photos in detail and get the highest quality result.
