Chanpory Rith
May 20, 2008
I’m fed up with Photoshop and its one billion rarely-used features.
How about a simple photo-editor that’s quick, easy, and doesn’t cost a thousand dollars. Fortunately, there’re tons of web-based photos editors popping up. Most are crap, but some are promising. Check out these free web-based Photoshop alternatives:
1. Picnik
Arguably, Picnik is the most popular web-based photo editor. Why? Because it’s now integrated with Flickr.
2. Splashup
Very polished interface. Tools and palettes are modeled after Photoshop. And it has layers!
3. Phoenix
Part of the Aviary suite of creative apps, Phoenix also offers layers and compositing.
4. Photoshop Express
Adobe was a little late to the web-apps game, but this is a pretty good first try. I like the free 2GB of space. Unlike the real Photoshop, this web version has no ability to layer or composite images.
5. Snipshot
Nice, simple, and clear interface, with no ads at all.
6. flauntR
flautR offers a cornucopia of image tools, boasting thousands of photo effects. If you want to make your photo look like a cheezy painting, this is the place.
7. Pic Resize
Another ad-free editor. I love the huge buttons.
8. Pixenate
Hmm… looks like Pixenate was “inspired” by Pic Resize. The icons and ads are annoyingly awful, but the app works.
9. FotoFlexer
Another simple interface. This one enables you to composite and “layer” images but without using a traditional layers palette. Instead, you can drag the photos and “push” them back or forward.
10. Phixr
An example of how ugly these apps can get.
Any others?
Let me know if I’ve missed any other good ones. (I’ve tried to weed out the janky ones).
If you liked this post, please bookmark it on del.icio.us. Thank you.
169 Comments
Kirby
8:05 am
I know that you are looking for a program more closely associated with Photoshop but as a quick and easy editing app I use Google’s Picasa 2 quite often. It is very easy to use and though limited it does do some quick and easy cropping, black and white from color, soft focus, slide shows, red-eye removal, a host of other nice features, and is free.
mahalie
10:15 am
I use Picasa for fast photo editing too. I own Photoshop, but Picasa is just faster and easier for bulk editing a lot of photos…I export (batch resize) all my starred images at the end of a session to a folder and bulk upload them to Flickr.
It’s not very good/intuitive for resizing photos to exact dimensions, so I’m still on the lookout for the best/easiest option for my blogging clients who always need to resize to certain width for their website, for instance.
Rusty
10:36 am
While it’s not free, at $59.00, Pixelmator is a strong altermative.
kadavy
11:04 am
I saw a live demo of http://a.viary.com/ and it looked very impressive. They have a whole suite of apps, but it looks like it’s not quite public yet.
fr3sh
11:32 am
http://a.viary.com/ is starting a whole suite of web based apps. You can sign up for the beta and use Phoenix.
Savio
11:32 am
http://www.rsizr.com has a very different approach to resize images in different proportions (PS doesn´t have this feature). That´s only a resizer tool, not a PS alternative.
AM
12:05 pm
I’m not sure what you mean by web-based, I mean aren’t Phoenix and Slashup desktop apps. Anyway,
Web based: http://www.lunapic.com/editor/
But the best free photoshop alternative is Gimp (gimp.org):
GIMP is an acronym for GNU Image Manipulation Program. It is a freely distributed program for such tasks as photo retouching, image composition and image authoring.
It has many capabilities. It can be used as a simple paint program, an expert quality photo retouching program, an online batch processing system, a mass production image renderer, an image format converter, etc.
GIMP is expandable and extensible. It is designed to be augmented with plug-ins and extensions to do just about anything. The advanced scripting interface allows everything from the simplest task to the most complex image manipulation procedures to be easily scripted.
Chanpory Rith
12:09 pm
Hey AM, thanks for pointing out lunapic.
I believe Phoenix and Slashup are Adobe Air apps, which means they work on web, as well on the desktop. So I think it’s for to include them.
luciano
12:10 pm
why not picasa ? easy, very easy for most common editing
jb
1:47 pm
are any of these useable programmatically? accessible via an api?
what i’d like is to be able to give my web server php code the caperbility to resize images using a similar quality algorithm as photoshop uses. i know about imagemagic and gd but the image resize is never as good as photoshop’s.
Lance
2:17 pm
i did once a little tool just for resizing and rotating an image …
http://resizr.lord-lance.com
got quite popular ..
Greetings Lance
Allen
2:43 pm
Another free alternative is GIMP.. has almost the same features as Photoshop
Oxnard
3:14 pm
Paint.net is very close to Photoshop.
Jason
4:59 pm
I second Paint.net It is simple to use and is a very powerful photo editing program, especially for being free.
#
4:23 am
Wow, I can’t even believe I know one more than you :p Here is it: http://www.wiredness.com/
(never tried though, and never tried any other)
James
9:31 am
GIMP and Paint.net are the two I use. Paint.net has a huge selection of add-ons created by users that allow you to do pretty much anything you want. You can also get an interface for GIMP that mimics Photoshop to make it easier to use. The only thing I have found that Paint.net can’t do is create or edit animated GIF files.
robsitka
11:00 am
I use Picasa for the “garden variety” chores, its database, email capabilities, and the upload to free website capabilities. But for Photoshop needs I turn to the Open Source Paint.NET. I used GIMP for a while, but really like the Paint.NET interface, power and the price can’t be beat(free).
NetDiva
12:47 pm
I know it’s been said but I’ll just chime in. It’s all about the Gimp!
T
5:08 pm
“I’m fed up with Photoshop and its one billion rarely-used features.”
Try not pirating a program you clearly know nothing about.
JuanaBee
8:20 pm
For $99 you just can’t beat Corel Painter 10, student version. Add another $99 and get the student version of CorelDraw 4 (Windows only on this one) and you can have true professional graphics apps on the cheap! Though I am not a “student” by strict definition, Corel does not ask for school ID. Since I am not using either professionally, I feel that this is a fair deal for Corel as I am an amateur “learning” their apps for my personal use.
Cynthia
10:37 pm
Photobucket has free photo editing tools
Chanpory Rith
8:36 am
T, just to clarify, I have a fully licensed version of Photoshop, because I work as a designer at my day job.
Adobe also just sent me another copy Photoshop for participating in their user studies. So that’s another non-pirated copy that I have.
I’ve been using Photoshop for over a decade. Even before it had layers. So I’d say I know quite a bit about the program.
The problem with Photoshop is that each new version adds more and more and more features, to the point that it just becomes bloated and harder to use. This is a post about getting back to basics.
T
4:36 pm
Don’t upgrade if you don’t need the new features. I happily use Photoshop CS.
My point was most people have (pirated) Photoshop when they clearly don’t need it, and the programs you listed are actually better for them. They shouldn’t have Photoshop to begin with.
Rod Beckwith
6:34 pm
Hi,
I am looking for an actual script that does what these sites do. I would like to purchase one for a site I am creating.
Pleas let me know,
Rod
Ilyas
6:57 pm
I would like to see alternatives for Adobe Illustrator, maybe in the next post.
(vector functionality ) Vectoring is a big deal for me, and how many of these programs support that?
Thanks for the post.
Janis
7:17 pm
It’s not web-based but FastStone is a very fast photo organizer (free download)with some basic editing features. It can display and even convert RAW files. It’s great for organizing and viewing images and FAR faster than any other I’ve tried, at least for managing mass quantities of images. I never use Bridge in PS CS3 because it’s so slow on my desktop.
Gil Megidish
1:29 am
http://www.dumpr.net runs really awesome photoshop-like effects in real time. Recommended! :)
aljuk
12:05 pm
I guess it depends what you’re using it for. Personally I’d say that Photoshop’s a perfect tool. And I can’t think of any features I’d describe as rarely-used - they’re all there with good reason.
Tiffyy
1:17 pm
Try GIMP. I loooove it >.< Just google it, you will find it.
Emily
2:47 pm
Thanks for these! These’ll come in handy when I just need to resize an image or something and don’t wanna have to wait for a program to open.
Melissa
3:54 pm
I use Paint.net for all of my editing needs =).
BigNerd
5:56 pm
Any takers for Photofiltre? It’s freeware.
http://photofiltre.free.fr/ v6.3.1 seems to be the latest version.
I carry a copy on my USB stick.
Migoo
12:16 pm
Yes photofiltre is great! light! fast! and… free! http://photofiltre.free.fr/frames_en.htm
sir jorge
9:57 pm
they might be alternatives, but just like most knock offs…they are inferior.
Postal57
12:33 pm
If you take the trouble to do a bit of learning you will find that there is nothing that can replace Photoshop. If you can’t afford Photoshop, The Gimp is the best but I’m afraid that here too there is going to be learning involved.
petnos
6:45 am
the list is great. i will add to it but i forget the name of sites that is suitable for this category. when i find them i will write them down.
DexX
7:56 am
For free vector editing, Inkscape is pretty good.
Don
11:43 pm
Wow. . I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many people with sublimated Photoshop Envy in all my life. :)
boo
11:51 pm
Why not use a picture frame; no buttons, simple as hell.
twat.
Family Matters
5:55 pm
Great stuff!
For my graphic design, I’ve been using Microsoft Word for layering WordArt text and photos, and IrfanView (or Picasa) for editing. That was good enough for most things, but requires switching applications all the time, even if the results look great (see Family Matters).
I’m going to try your reviewed alternatives, so thank you for posting. I like your other popular posts as well.
Gal Baras
Thakur Dalip Singh
9:09 pm
IRfanview is very useful and easy to use application. It is free. It can convert raw also. Why it is not listed here? None of the listed are true alternatives to Photoshop but easier, smaller and free to use for novices.
Timmay
11:15 am
“I’m fed up with Photoshop and its one billion rarely-used features…”
Wow- what a cranky person!
Its Photoshop dude- Its FOR professionals! they never claimed different!
Go play with Windows ‘Draw’ if its too overwheming for ya!
David B. Fisher
9:24 am
Those who complain about Photoshop do not need it. Adobe won’t mind a bit. I won’t mind. I DO mind whining…
paul
3:17 pm
GIMP GIMP GIMP GIMP!!!!! almost all the features of photoshop. and some unique ones too. all hail GIMP!
Jherek
12:25 pm
You can try http://kizoa.fr It’s in french for the moment, but will be translated in english soon.
M. Tisdale
1:57 pm
Nice review! We did one as well back in April 07 and updated it back in March of this year. You can read our take here - http://2aday.wordpress.com/2007/04/13/my-free-photoshop-the-5-best-online-editors/
We reviewed Fauxto, Picnik, Pixenate, Snipshot (which is really, really fast), WebpictTool and Picture2Life.
mello
2:35 pm
In reply to Ilyas:
I use Inkscape as an open source vector graphic programme. It compliments the GIMP nicely. It isn’t exactly like Illustrator but close enough, with some fun features.
G. Austin
9:18 pm
All though this one is not web based, it is FREEWARE. http://www.irfanview.com I have used Irfy for quite some time and prefer it for its ease of use and useful advanced tools. I wouldn’t recommend anything else for photo editing.
Philippe Roy
1:06 am
Although I’m unlikely to use any of those since the photos I manipulate are 30mb and more (and I like all the gizmos in PhotoShop)… it’s certainly a good alternative to all my friends that ask about simpler/easier things than PhotoShop to “resize/contrast” their photos!! Thanks!
6pack Abs
1:53 am
You forgot all programs with the free shareware trial. Use it and don’t waste money and let a product collect dust.
gregvanderlaan.com
7:08 am
paint.net has astounding polar distortion effects. for generating psychedelic images it is great…
arcsoft photo 2.0 is easy and just gets the job done for basic image resizing, cropping and brightness/contrast-sharpen. mirror effect.
gimp has the best lens flares: supernova, hidden planet.. great for adding mystical fairies glowing near your friends faces…
macs
9:03 am
stupendi!!! ne farò una versione in italiano!
great! i like it, i’ll publish an italian version on my new blog! my favourite is flauntR :D
Gwen
7:11 pm
Not a web based application, but both my sister and I have been using Tech Smith’s SnagIt! for years now. The price can’t be beaten and it just gets better and better all the time. We both love it and don’t know what we’d go without it. Tech Smith is a superb Company with remarkable customer support. They have other applications that probably are a good adjunct, Camtasia Studio, but neither of us have used that one.
Right now, I’m trying to work with one of the recommended ones: Adobe Photoshop Express. (Free ed.)
I’ve looked at all the others posted, and GIMP, Picassa, et al. Just could never get my head around them.
But then, my needs are simple.
sreedharan.t.p
10:50 pm
gimp is a usful and comfortable alternative to photoshop.
efrain
11:44 pm
i have a macbook pro (OS 10.5.3) and I use GIMP. For some reason, INKSCAPE won’t install on the computer, and I can’t even get GIMPSHOP to work either. Anyone have any tips on this?
John D Burgoyne
3:41 am
For those who have time to waste playing with any or all of the expensive top-end programmes, fine just stay with them. For those interested in photography with none of its inherent, potential gimmicry, use Paint.net.com. It is superb, easy to use and so well-supported, it is embarassing.
adobe
7:19 am
As a professional graphic artist, I have to say that Photoshop rawks! And, I’m glad it has a billion features - all of which I use to give me the widest range possible for my projects.
But if you’re limited - in one way or another - then I can see that ‘free’ and ‘almost free’ is a good fit for you hobbyist.
Jen
7:43 pm
I didn’t notice if anyone had mentioned IrfanView. It’s totally free and so useful. You can’t do anything fancy, but if I need to crop, resize, save as a JPEG, it works like a charm. Super simple. I use it almost every day.
Eric C
11:15 am
I own and enjoy very much Corel paint shop photo pro. Only $99.00, and has layers, clone brush and lots of effects. Add an Alienskin plug in or 2, and you can do incredible pro quality stuff.
ramon_omar
7:52 pm
GIMP is functional and practical. As a user of Photoshop for years I found the switch easy and comfortable.
Give it a shot and while you’re at it get Ubuntu too!
Eric C
6:02 am
Oh yeah, forgot to say Picasa is awesome. Probably the best free thing ever.
Shreemani
2:53 am
As the topic goes, “10 Free Web-based Alternatives to Photoshop”
So… Photoshop still rocks. I did try to get used to Gimp… but lost my interest somewhere … I will definitely try it again too.
Murk
4:09 am
I’m a bit fed up with Photoshop too. I’m using CS2 and it takes a good three minutes to fully load up on my (now) antique HP laptop. Plus, there’s not a decent “browser” interface.
So, for bulk processing (and for animation) I still ise PaintShopPro v7. Ok, it’s not web based, but it loads in seconds, it has all the browser capabilities I need, and it can batch process. (I find it particularly useful for stepping down the jpeg quality on hundreds of photographs).
However, there is one job that no Windows or Mac software can cope with - batch renaming images as they come off the camera. I found this fantastic utility called MS-DOS ….
Irene
11:41 pm
@Murk: CKRename, useful for batch renaming files.
Gabriel S
10:48 am
I would like to suggest PhotoFiltre. It is also a free photo editor. Grant it, it is not photoshop but it definitely gets the job done with more than enough ease. Check it out :)
john
11:24 pm
i think gimpshop is not maintained anymore, because nobody really wanted it. The Gimp interface has some advantages over the unflexible photoshop one, so the people just used gimp instead of gimpshop.
Flo
12:50 am
The camera software that I use (“ZoomBrowser EX”) can rename images during download. Veeery useful indeed.
I’m pretty sure there are other utilities for batch renaming, too.
trixie
1:09 pm
hmm.. I wish that photoshop was a free program,and that there werent virus’s and such. Many people I know have tryed to download an alternative to photoshop because they didnt have enough money to actually go out and but the cd-rom. Well, the one they downloaded ended up being a very bad virus, and they had to pay quite a bit of money to get there computer fixed. I dont appreciate scammers, everyone has there hobbies, and my friend just couldnt pay for the thing she liked to do most. So, people that are just trying to scam others and arent actually giving them a free program, that is useful, and they will love. Just.. stop.
Brian
8:57 am
Rod & jb,
There’s freeware program, imagemagick, you can get that will resize, optimize, etc. images server-side…
http://www.imagemagick.org/script/index.php
Pretty easy to use and implement…
Guy
6:18 pm
Wiredness works pretty well for quick edits and re-sizes.
*NEmo*_(^.^)
2:49 am
I use Paint-Shop Pro9 but on the web flauntR is a good choice. :M
woahhh
8:20 pm
I LOVE FlauntR. =]] I used to use picnik a lot but flauntr is my favorite now
only one slight problem! is anyonw having trouble downloading the pictures from flauntr to your computer because I sure am.
Megan
11:55 am
There is also Photofiltre. I use it, it works very nice :]
Aye
12:17 am
I tried them all and they all suck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wanna make a naked picture.!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Karen Falcon
8:10 pm
Hi, I love your post. I stumbled upon it, via stumble, of course.
Hey, could you also tell me/us a free alternative to weblayouts?
I am on blogger, and I really like all the wordpress sites I see so much better. I just didn’t know about it before I went ahead and made my blogger blog.
I appreciate any feedback! I’m going to write up a review of your post on my blog and link back to you. xoxox ~Karen Falcon http://falconsays.com
PervasivePersuasion.com
6:27 am
There are other alternatives for creating web design graphics than those listed here. They may not be free, but “free” sould not be a primary criterion for a professional web designer selecting tools.
Bruce Arnold Miami Florida
Alan
9:10 am
If anyone needs a good photo editor for use with Mac OS X Leopard, try LiveQuartz (livequartz.com). It’s a free app, not web-based, and is based on non-destructive layers and filters. I found it to be extremely intuitive and easy to use (the Help videos cover just about everything you need to know).
Juicy Joe
4:34 pm
Does anyone know a free website were I can go to edit a picture to black and white but it still has a color?
Stephanie
7:35 am
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Finally, someone who gets it.
Stephanie
7:46 am
In response to the question: “Does anyone know a free website where I can go to edit a picture to black and white but it still has a color?” Yes, Picnik does that. It’s a free web-based program at http://www.picnik.com. Once in, click on “Create” and either use Black & White (the first feature listed under Create). Use the Fade feature to control how much B&W you want applied to your pic. You can also use Focal B&W down further on the Create menu to make only certain parts of your pic B&W.
marcel lemieux
2:26 pm
A great list…tried some of them..they all do what they are supposed to do….also the comments here are all useful and positive…..a big thanks
Tiffany
10:50 pm
photofiltre is great its almost exactly like photoshop and its free.
Barbara
10:56 pm
Thanks for this list - I hadn’t heard of some of these. While I rely on photoshop for certain things - quick editing online would be a real bonus (especially on my laptop). I’ll be sure to check these out!
Jason
9:25 am
There’s a new one call pictureful.com, it has automatic red-eye removal and some other simple things for those that don’t want a full image editor. It also has some overlay effects. check it out pictureful.com ( Free Online Photo Editor ).
johnnie
1:40 am
Hi , I am looking for a free programe that allows you to edit the pic, like putting your face onto another photo.
AkiraMayMayKikiru
8:14 pm
Paint.Net & Gimp i have, i dont use gimp much tho. I use paint.net ALOT, but when i try to upload a picture on photobucket or anyother site, it refuses to let me, Errr..thats the only problem with paint.
Johnny12g
3:33 pm
I use Photoscape. Found it easy to use and it’s a free download. It has lots of features that u don’t get with most free software.
Me
11:19 pm
“Its Photoshop dude- Its FOR professionals! they never claimed different!” Exactly. That really says it all. If you’re not using those features it’s because you’re not that talented or creative, or have no need for them, in which case, you don’t NEED photoshop, but there really is NO alternative for Photoshop. Inferior programs that do less, sure, but no replacements.
M. R. Shah
3:38 am
Thank you all. It’s excellent post for Photoshop users. “Photoscape” & “GIMP” - The Free photo editing softwars are really Good for General Purpose use. If you are a professional Designer and earning from your creativity, Photoshop is a must even after a thousand dollar. It saves lots of time and helps you to show you your talent.
Sudhir Borde
8:56 pm
Hi Friends, I want such software in which i can edit beautiful broders and can wite down my name at the corners so which will be best software (except photoshop),
Waiting for reply,
Borde
S
8:47 am
I like Windows Live Photo Gallery for organising a basic editing- it’s free to download and is simple.
Michael Hinkel
7:36 am
Quite nice is Pixlr @ http://www.pixlr.com/
Zefei Xuan
7:52 pm
For people that want some quick special effects (skin retouch, color enhancement, red eye removal) on their photos, you may as well consider this online editor: http://www.picmagick.com
Melv
8:56 pm
they’re decent resources for those who just want the absolute basics and simple web-based image manipulation
Aiden
2:14 am
“I’m fed up with Photoshop and its one billion rarely-used features.” I’m sorry you’re not educated in the program, but I fail to see how that’s a valid point of contention.
“How about a simple photo-editor that’s quick, easy, and doesn’t cost a thousand dollars.” $1000? Current standard price from Adobe = $649.00 USD. (http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/index.html) Even cheaper from a third party (Amazon, Newegg, etc.)
While these web apps can be a nice, scaled down image editing alternative, comparing them on the same level as Photoshop does the program a massive injustice. Those “billion” rarely used functions that you’re unfamiliar with may be common place and essential to others.
Vivek
10:46 am
Best commercial alternative to Photoshop is Paint Shop Pro (PSP for its fans). I have been using PSP v7 for years, and it has a cool Animation Shop Pro addon bundled with it. Best freeware alternative to Photoshop is probably the GIMP which is quite powerful but a bit cumbersome, while Paint.Net is still in its infancy. IrfanView and Picasa are also lightweight picture tools with some editing features. I am surprised no one mentioned XNView — it is a freeware image browser, and it has support for lots of image formats, batch conversions and what not. It is what I use for most of my rudimentary image manipulations. The trick to learning new things is to always keep explore for new and hopefully better alternatives. Free is fun!
canadianmomma
11:25 pm
I was wondering does anyone kno a site where i can go on and add different colors to a tattoo i want to get but want to look for colors first. Thanks
Sue
9:23 am
Its good, but I uses Picasa 2. Cos it has plenty re-size, colour etc. Really very useful.
gopal
1:50 am
i would like to have any of the above softwares. i donot know how it works. it will be known after using the software.
gopal
Cricket Vail
9:45 pm
I have been using picassa2 for a couple of years now. Just upgraded to Picassa3. Easier to use and has a couple of features. I love it .
Nero62
8:41 pm
I’ve used Picasa, I’ve tried GIMP and Paint.net. They’re all pretty useful and good programs. Right now I’m using Photoscape and it seems to be a pretty good open-source option from the average user, although it can be unstable at times and seems to use a lot of memory. But it does have some pretty cool effects, at any rate it’s worth a try.
erosthegeek
7:06 am
I have stumbled onto several of these web based photoshop-esque apps in the last couple of months. One that I don’t see in your list and I haven’t seen anyone mention in the comments is Sumo Paint. It’s only beta, I guess, but it already has layer support.
erosthegeek
7:07 am
Forgot to leave a link. :-P
http://www.sumo.fi/products/sumopaint/index.php?id=0
Jeff CJ
12:25 am
It isn’t free (or web-based), but for only $89 it would be hard to beat Xara Xtreme. It is a lightning-fast vector-based graphic app. It comes with a free 30-day trial. http://www.xara.com
Jeff CJ
12:48 am
It’s neither free nor web-based, but a discussion of low-cost graphics programs wouldn’t be complete without the screaming fast vector-based Xara Xtreme (www.xara.com). At $89 it definitely isn’t freeware, but a great deal for the money. You can download a 30-day free trial.
Abby
7:28 pm
Any recs for a simple program for creating stuff with both images and text eg. a promo sign?
Aner
10:38 am
Hi , You missed Irfan View.Its great and free, worth a review.
Lee
4:55 pm
We teach photo classes and use Photoshop elements and Picasa.
Elements 2.0 can still be picked up for around $12-18. Great for beginners.
But I am looking for a free one to also use in classes. Just down loaded Paint.net.
I am also loooking at Serif PhotoPlus 6. it is an older version that they give away for free. They are currently at 8.
Jarroid Warner
1:38 pm
I wanted 2 know which of these you can design clothes suc as t-shirts like on photo shop??????? HELP???
Picanuper
3:24 am
This guy’s a fool. A number of people here have pointed out, don’t use features you don’t like or use. Simple; the point is, they’re there with Photoshop.
I’ve tried a number of the “alternatives” - Gimp is slow, splattered all over the desktop and just nasty, Paint.Net is OK but the print facilities are poor, Picnik is a con - its useful features are only available if you buy the “premium” version. And so on.
You get what you pay for. Photoshop works, it does pretty well everything the “free alternatives” do, does them better and does plenty more, too.
Most of what’s listed here is a waste of time. Try them and find out for yourself !
Emilie
9:19 pm
Hey there,
Im wondering if anyone can suggest a free program that will enable me to scan and edit slides on a flat bed scanner. Cant seem to find anything that will work.
Thank you
Emilie
JessicRAWWR
4:12 am
Heya
I think that Picnik is a really good site, I heard about it from a friend and only ever used that one. but now I will try all of these as well as these ones might be better.
(: Thank you Jessica x
Liam:]
10:38 am
PhotoFiltre. its not web based, either. they’res tutorials to do almost everything in photoshop.
mariska
1:50 pm
II Use Photo Scape N I THink Its Quite Good x
Freeware
1:01 am
I think photoshop is still alive and well in the professional design studios as this was the standard but for the home enthusiast there is a vast array of online and freeware tools now available - look out Adobe!!!
AlphaOmega
10:20 am
Why you may not use those 1 billion extra features, the majority of professional graphic artists find those features invaluable tools.
Nonetheless, As previously mentioned a few good free alternatives are Picasa and Gimp.
Though I use photoshop extensively and have never found a free alternative that can do everything I need it to do.
Thanks for the list though.. These come in handy for clients that just need a simple quick editor.
Smurfy
3:51 pm
i make animated avi’s and photoscape was very good and easy to use…it has alot of feature and is of course free…hope dis helps some1! =]
Gimp All the way
12:01 am
Gimp…
(low rumble)
Gimp…
(low rumble)
Gimp…
(low rumble)
Gimp…
(low rumble)
Gimp…
(low rumble)
Gimp…
(low rumble)
Gimp…
(low rumble)
Gimp…
(low rumble)
Gimp…
(low rumble)
Gimp…
(low rumble)
Gimp…
(low rumble)
Gimp is the best!
dracula
11:51 am
i use photoscape. it’s nice and easy to use.
Erin
11:16 pm
I use Photofiltre for my photo editing and it works really good. ^.^
Nativedigi
4:19 pm
GIMP is great when you cant afford photoshop but still photoshop is the best!
Phil
3:41 pm
I’m looking for an app that I can use to create report graphics, and donb;t need to re-touch photos are anything fancy. Pick up a pdf or jpeg, put a figure legend in it etc.
Which of the ones discussed here would be best for me?
Los Angeles
1:41 pm
Jpeg or jpg is the way to go.
Jordan
1:31 pm
gimp.org Ive used like 20 different programs and while photoshop remains the industrial standard and is in my opinion the best, gimp is your best alternative and is free, It doesn’t run as lightly on your computer as photoshop but is equally powerfull and boasts some unique traits, I highly recomend it.
Marilynn
1:30 pm
Picasa 3 is a good photo editor for FREE
Jordan
11:26 pm
I tried picassa all you can do is retouching you can’t do anything useful with it and the way it scanns your comp for pix is annoying and then makes itself your default photo viewer
MM
8:56 am
Photobucket.com now has photo editing software after you do an upload.
photo editing junkie
5:13 pm
Ive tried most of the programs on the list. Some of them require you “sign up” with them in order to use their program. This sucks especially cuz they’ll pile your email inbox/junk box with spam email. For advanced stuff I guess gimp is pretty good as an alternative to Photoshop. If only there was an EASY button for it… (sigh)
pixelbypixel
5:16 pm
Gimp is a pretty good alternative to photoshop. If only there were an EASY button for it…(sigh)
Alex
3:02 pm
Ha. I Downloaded Adobe Master Collection CS4 Full Version Fo Free!
Alice Ting
6:19 pm
Hi Dear, Is there any on-line web-site that I can transfer person A from image one to image B ? Any on-line to change a person eyeballs from looking right to left ? Help…..!!!
MW
nikki
10:58 pm
this is to alex that left a comment on janurary 27, 2009…how did you download it for free? i saw no trial offer avaliable….share the wealth …how did you do it and what are the catches?
Reele
5:41 pm
I think s site called Sumo Paint should be added to this list. It is quite useful also as it has a variety of tools and also allows for layers.
aru
1:46 am
hi this is pavan i am using gimp for all my website graphics and my personal photos.
gimp is a very good alternative to photoshop moreover it is free.
RodWright
9:26 pm
My problem is with PhotoShop Elements. I’ve owned all versions since 2.0 but am very unhappy with the slowness of its editor. It just plain gets bogged down…but then we have more than 50,000 photos to be managed. I’d be happy to consider an alternative, but would not want to recreate all of the “tags” as we’ve spent years attaching them to photos.
Any suggested alternatives that can input/convert PS7 tags?
RodWright
9:27 pm
Correction I should have said I was unhappy with the Organizer rather than the PSE7 editor.
RedLightning
4:37 pm
You can always check out these links about how to get adobe photoshop CS 3 or 4 for free. Both are portable editions wich means they are reduced in sice but not i functions, kind of surprised it is possible to do that.
mike
3:25 am
wondering if anyone knows of a good free program that will redraw an image to another application, like myspace game applications
example: load image into program and click the program or in my case a whiteboard on another application and the image gets redrawn without me doing anything
thanks
ak
11:06 am
This probably deserves the no.1 spot : http://www.pxlr.com
Loads faster than all the other ones , and nearly as powerful as Photoshop
Bosse
7:44 am
I agree with ak http://www.pixlr.com/ Yes, yes, yes!
Em
3:27 pm
The correct url to the above comment is http://pixlr.com/ and it is hands down the best application I have ever used via web.
Putude
10:35 pm
Truly I still confuse to use GIMP and another similar. ArtWeaver or similar maybe a good choice.
Barney
5:25 am
Hi I am trying to edit a photo of my car and change the color as well as add stripes etc. Any ideas on simplest & “free” program that will do this? Thx Barney
lewis davidson
7:11 am
There is also SUMO.
Gimp is free, but must be installed with the correct files first.
Personally for MAC users, I reccommend Pixelmator.
It is not free but damn powerful and cheap!
Why is it different? Because it runs off the graphics card not the chip itself.
This is revolutionary, and makes it a very fast program that wont destroy system resources, so if you multi task with many apps open it is great.
Also I recommend image tricks, and picturesque.
image tricks is free, picturesque is cheap and great for resizing and adding simple image effects, like borders, exporting to png in a click, cropping, and adding that web 2.0 reflection effect.
If you want to manipulate vector art, and text, get art text.
please note: all of these apps are for MACS!
lewis davidson
7:14 am
Please note, I love photoshop and am not knocking it, if you are a power user it is amazing, also there is a must have plug in for photoshop called sitegrinder.
This is one of my favorite tools for making websites.
Photoshop CS4, with Illustrator using the smart object feature, and site grinder, make creating original designs and rendering them to websites, a truly enjoyable experience.
IMO worth the money to get all 3, but if you can’t afford it, get Rapid Weaver, Pixelmator and Art Text.
Although not as powerful you can still make great looking stuff.
Josh Whitman
9:29 am
Following up on Jherek I had a look at http://www.kizoa.com. They are now in English and they really are worth a visit. They do some of the stuff picnik does except that you can also organize your photos online and build personalized slideshows. I don’t know how they compare to the other sites though. Maybe it’s high time we built a comparison! What do you think?
Wissam
8:56 am
How ever all that came up is good, each one have its special function but still Photoshop is the one standing for professionals and no other can do what this software can do….
Buby
6:37 am
I have to say all of the site above are cool. But I love this open source script at http://www.stockfreephoto.com, which could enable you build an online photo editor by yourself. Believe it or not!
M
4:49 am
Is it possible to make farks with any of thse free sites listed? I just want to play around, but I don’t want to pay a bunch of money. Things like super imposing images on other images. What would be best for that?
Phil
10:21 am
For all you “elitists”, who were insulted by the Authors comments; he was only pointing out alternatives to Photoshop were available if you don’t need all of the features or can’t afford it. It’s beyond my two active braincells why that would offend anyone. Thank you Chanpory Rith. Now where is that “uninstall” for Photoshop?
ME
2:06 pm
Wow! Great info, but i agree with Phil. Would you get the boxing gloves out if the author was suggesting alternatives to expensive cars?
Bottom line is there are professionals and there are hobbiests. As the latter, I appreciate this info.
Just because you use all the features doesn’t mean you produce great content. Porn is “movie making” too, and it’s still junk!
Take a pill!
Regina
9:21 am
OK, I am a really not technical at all and ran into this site totally by suprise while trying to figure out (for NON-techy people who are NOT designers and have no programming skills at all and usually have no photoshop or Mac) HOW TO:
resize and rename images in BATCHES quickly and easily to a website (postings happen from different cities by different people via WordPress) from different events. So we all would resize our own event images on our own, rename them properly and upload them via Wordpress.
Does anyone know if we could easily Tag the photos if someone interesting is in the image…it would be such a nice feature. Does it require some fancy software… I am sure these questions sound stupid to any professional but I really don’t understand the technical part of this process. I know Picasa is not the answer - at least I think it is not though I figured one can do resizing in batches, not sure about renaming..and tagging is likely impossible.
Brooke
4:47 pm
im just scared incase i get a virus , like i would rather go on the ones that you do online like , piknik , because its simple and is online , you dont have to download anything , but has anyone got a good website that i can go on ???
I just cant get myself to download a programme incase i get a virus because this is my new laptop , any suggestions ??
thanx !
kiana
6:34 pm
wow thanks i was desperate!! XD im editing my photos while typing thanks again !!!!]
Urban Woodswalker
12:59 pm
Photoshop Elements is Wonderful and does much of the same things as Photoshop pro. No, its not free (mine was) but its cheap…especially older versions.
Its way easier to use than Gimp…I could not figure that out at all. I really strugglesd with it for a long time.
Elements gives professional results and is extremely easy. When I had Photoshop pro (cost me $750.00) a decade ago, that was a bit difficult, but then I am a professional illustrator…I need it back then. And I am completely self taught with all computer things.
I wish folks would stop bashing photoshop and saying its too expensive when Elements is easy and just as good with results for the “regular person.”
Newfiebait
4:35 am
Hello all you professional Photoshop users. I’m looking to learn all the elements of Photoshop, Are there any teachers out there? Of course I need a beginners course? Looking for a teacher with in the Toronto region. Perhaps someone can recommend a teacher. Hope to hear back.
Thank-you
Michelle Madhok
9:03 am
I’m looking for a program where we can remove the background of a photo and just leave us with the subject matter. any ideas on what I can use to do that?
JR
7:51 am
I’m looking for the samething…want a “FREE” way to remove the background and leave the object…no trials or signups.
picediter2222
9:33 pm
picnik works okay, but there are a lot of effects you have to pay for:( i recommend FOTOFLEXER because it has the same effects, which may take more time but is all free. the only things that really really really suck are the stickers and text. especially text. blah. also, doesn anybody know of something like MS PAINT for MACS? i want the simplicity of putting text on photos and overlapping without all the crap. thanks(: i would like these to be free. downloading is okay. if you have any recommendations email sweeterthancandy74@yahoo.com or if you need any pics edited(: please NO SPAM!!!!
terkoz
7:27 pm
Any recs for a simple program for creating stuff with both images and text eg. a promo sign?
Milo
4:28 pm
The closest thing i have seen to photoshop is gimp. The best part is it free
Phil S.
3:20 am
Did ANYBODY reading this article notice it was about WEB BASED alternatives…
Gimp, Et. Al. are great but they are not web based. At the present, that is a tall order.
Phil S.
Teg's.....
1:37 am
Hi all, Ok this is how it is…….im not real bright but I know how to click a mouse…..I would like to find a program that can turn a pic of my horse into a unicorn in a forest or my colt running out of a sandstorm etc….I need help cause im so damn pissed that a 14yr up the road can do it with there cats pictures Id like to do it with my horses so I can later add to a web site etc if I decide to breed them…..I also have time on my hands to learn so please help……
april
4:34 am
PhotoScape is great, it’s free and you can make georgous mosaics or collages with it.
Colin
8:03 am
I am surprised only one mention of Sumo. It is really easy to use and is ideal for very quick jobs - like putting a green tint on your Twitter avatar for instance.
anonymous
2:02 pm
what is the best and most userfriendly, easy but allows you to do stuff.i currently use fotoflexer and like it its easy with stuff to do but i want something thats just as easy and will allow you to do more
chogie65
5:40 am
Go into picasso 3 and read about it. The programme appears for about 10 seconds & then dissapears. I lost everything that was in the programme, as lots of other people have.
Mystic
10:00 am
I just want to create a logo >.< Im not good and computers files videos or anything lol Just want to create a logo, dont exactly have the money to pay as im still young and looking for a car etc but i just want a logo for my website/clan :( lol
(Was told quite a few people use photoshop for their logo’s) =o
winston
12:17 pm
please help me find some free software to remove ugly background, without making the pic look like its been done, send me an email at vinnieborg@yahoo.co.uk I’ll be real appreciative