Top 12 Free Photo Editing Software Options for 2024

Looking for the best free photo editing software? In today’s digital age, having a reliable photo editing software is essential for any photographer, whether you’re a professional or just enjoy capturing memories. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to find the right one for your needs.

Whether you’re looking to enhance colors, remove blemishes, or add special effects, this list of the 12 best free photo editing software in 2024 has got you covered. These software offer a wide range of features and tools to help you transform your photos into stunning works of art. Best of all, they won’t cost you a dime!

From industry leaders to lesser-known gems, this compilation includes free photo editing software that cater to various skill levels and preferences. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there’s something here for everyone. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top free photo editing software available in 2024!

Criteria for selecting the best free photo editing software

When it comes to selecting the best free photo editing software, there are several important criteria to consider. These criteria can help you determine which software will best suit your needs and allow you to edit your photos effectively.

User Interface: One of the most important criteria is the user interface of the photo editing software. It should be intuitive and easy to navigate, allowing you to access the tools and features you need without confusion. A clean and organized interface can greatly enhance your editing experience.

Tools and Features: Another crucial factor to consider is the range of tools and features offered by the software. The best free photo editing software should provide a variety of editing options, such as cropping, resizing, adjusting brightness and contrast, removing blemishes, applying filters, and more. The more tools and features available, the more flexibility you will have in editing your photos.

Performance: The performance of the software is also an important consideration. It should be able to handle large files and process edits quickly and efficiently. Slow and laggy performance can greatly hinder your editing workflow, so opt for software that is known for its speed and responsiveness.

Compatibility: Make sure the photo editing software is compatible with your operating system. Some software may only be available for Windows or Mac, so check the system requirements before downloading. It’s also a good idea to ensure the software supports the file formats you commonly use.

Community and Support: Having access to a strong community and support system can greatly enhance your experience with the software. Look for photo editing software that has an active user community, where you can find tutorials, tips, and help from other users. Additionally, check if the software offers proper documentation, customer support, and regular updates.

Price: While we’re discussing free photo editing software, it’s worth noting that some software may have premium or paid features. If these additional features are important to you, consider the pricing structure and whether it aligns with your budget and editing needs.

By considering these criteria, you can narrow down your options and select the best free photo editing software that suits your preferences and requirements. Remember, each person’s editing needs may vary, so it’s important to find software that aligns with your specific editing goals.

Top 12 free photo editing software for 2024

In today’s digital age, photo editing software is a vital tool for both professional photographers and amateurs alike. There are numerous free options available that provide powerful features to enhance and manipulate your images. Here is a list of the top 12 free photo editing software for 2024:

1. GIMP

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free and open-source photo editing software that offers advanced tools and features for editing and retouching images.

2. Paint.NET

Paint.NET is a user-friendly photo editing software that is perfect for beginners. It offers a wide range of tools and effects to enhance your photos.

3. Pixlr

Pixlr is an online photo editing software that allows you to edit your photos directly in your web browser. It offers a variety of filters, effects, and editing tools.

4. Photoscape X

Photoscape X is a versatile photo editing software that provides a range of features, including batch editing, collage creation, and RAW image support.

5. Fotor

Fotor is a powerful photo editing software that offers a variety of features, including automatic photo enhancement, filters, and effects. It also has a user-friendly interface.

6. Photopea

Photopea is a free online photo editing software that supports a wide range of file formats. It offers advanced editing tools and features similar to Adobe Photoshop.

7. Canva

Canva is a popular photo editing software that is designed for creating graphics and designs. It offers a range of templates and tools for editing photos.

8. BeFunky

BeFunky is a fun and easy-to-use photo editing software that offers a range of effects, filters, and editing tools. It also has a collage maker and graphic designer.

9. Glimpse

Glimpse is a free and open-source photo editing software that is based on the GIMP project. It offers a clean and simple interface with powerful editing features.

10. RawTherapee

RawTherapee is a free and open-source photo editing software specifically designed for editing RAW images. It offers advanced tools for enhancing and correcting images.

11. LightZone

LightZone is a free photo editing software that offers advanced tools for editing and enhancing images. It has a unique tone mapping feature for creating stunning visuals.

12. Darktable

Darktable is a free and open-source photo editing software that is designed for editing RAW images. It offers a range of tools and features for processing and organizing photos.

These free photo editing software options provide a wide range of features and capabilities to enhance your images. Whether you are a professional or just starting out, these tools will help you take your photos to the next level.

GIMP

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free and open-source photo editing software that offers advanced editing tools and features. It is considered one of the best alternatives to paid programs like Adobe Photoshop.

GIMP provides a wide range of functionalities, allowing users to retouch photos, create artwork, and enhance images. It supports various file formats, including JPEG, PNG, GIF, and TIFF.

With GIMP, you can adjust colors, apply filters, and remove unwanted elements from your photos. It also offers advanced features like layers, masks, and customizable brushes, giving you full control over your editing process.

One of the standout features of GIMP is its extensive plugin support. Users can enhance the functionality of the software by installing various plugins and scripts created by the GIMP community.

Despite being free, GIMP is regularly updated and maintained. It has a user-friendly interface with customizable layout options, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users.

Whether you need to perform simple edits or complex manipulations, GIMP provides a powerful platform for all your photo editing needs. Its versatility and extensive features make it a go-to choice for many photographers and graphic designers.

Overall, GIMP is a robust and feature-rich photo editing software that offers professional-grade tools without the price tag. If you’re looking for a free alternative to Adobe Photoshop, GIMP is definitely worth considering.

Paint.NET

Paint.NET is a free and powerful photo editing software available for Windows. It provides a wide range of features and tools that are perfect for both beginners and advanced users.

With Paint.NET, you can easily edit and enhance your photos with just a few clicks. It offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate and find the tools you need. Whether you want to crop, resize, or adjust the colors of your photos, Paint.NET has got you covered.

One of the highlights of Paint.NET is its extensive collection of filters and effects. From basic filters like blur and sharpen, to more advanced ones like noise reduction and color correction, you can easily transform your photos and give them a professional look.

Furthermore, Paint.NET supports layers, allowing you to work on different elements of your photo separately. This gives you more control and flexibility in editing and allows you to experiment with different effects without affecting the original image.

In addition to its editing capabilities, Paint.NET also offers a variety of drawing tools. You can create shapes, add text, and even use the built-in brushes to create stunning artwork from scratch.

Paint.NET also supports plugins, which further extends its functionality. There are a wide range of plugins available, allowing you to add even more effects, filters, and tools to enhance your editing experience.

In conclusion, Paint.NET is a top choice for anyone looking for a free and powerful photo editing software. With its wide range of features, user-friendly interface, and support for plugins, it offers everything you need to edit and enhance your photos.

Photoscape X

Photoscape X is a versatile and user-friendly photo editing software that offers a wide range of features for both beginners and advanced users. Whether you want to enhance your photos, create collages, or add filters and effects, Photoscape X has got you covered.

One of the standout features of Photoscape X is its extensive collection of editing tools. From basic adjustments like brightness and contrast to more advanced functions like layers and curves, this software provides everything you need to transform your photos. The intuitive interface makes it easy to navigate and apply these edits, even if you have little to no experience with photo editing.

In addition to its editing capabilities, Photoscape X also offers a variety of tools for creative expression. You can create stunning collages using various templates and layouts, add text and clipart to your images, and even create animated GIFs. The software also includes a wide selection of filters and effects, allowing you to easily achieve different styles and moods in your photos.

Another great aspect of Photoscape X is its file management system. You can organize your photos into albums, tag them for easy searching, and even compare similar images side by side. This makes it simple to find and work with your desired photos, saving you time and effort.

Photoscape X is available as a free download, making it an excellent option for those on a budget. However, it also offers a Pro version with additional features and enhanced technical support for a small fee. Whether you choose the free version or decide to upgrade, Photoscape X is a powerful and reliable photo editing software that can meet all your editing needs.

Overall, Photoscape X is a top choice for anyone looking for a free and comprehensive photo editing software. With its extensive array of features, user-friendly interface, and impressive results, it remains a popular choice among both amateur and professional photographers. Give it a try and take your photo editing to the next level!

Pixlr

Pixlr is a powerful and user-friendly online photo editing software. It offers a wide range of tools and features that are suitable for both beginners and professionals. With Pixlr, you can easily edit your photos, apply filters and effects, adjust colors and tones, remove background, and much more.

One of the highlights of Pixlr is its intuitive and easy-to-use interface. The software provides a simple layout with all the essential editing tools easily accessible. This makes it convenient for users to navigate through the software and find the tools they need.

Pixlr also offers a variety of editing options, such as cropping, resizing, and rotating. It allows you to enhance your photos by adjusting brightness, contrast, saturation, and other parameters. The software also includes a wide range of filters and effects, including vintage, black and white, and artistic effects.

In addition to basic editing tools, Pixlr also allows you to add text, stickers, and overlays to your photos. This gives you the flexibility to personalize your images and create unique designs. The software also supports layers, which allows you to blend multiple images or elements together for more complex editing.

What sets Pixlr apart from other photo editing software is its availability as a web-based application. This means that you can access Pixlr from any device with an internet connection, without the need to download or install any software. This makes it convenient for users who are constantly on the go or do not have access to their personal computers.

Pixlr is available in both free and paid versions. The free version provides access to most of the essential editing tools and features, while the paid version unlocks additional advanced features and removes ads. Whether you are a casual user or a professional photographer, Pixlr offers a reliable and versatile solution for all your photo editing needs.

Pros	Cons
User-friendly interface Wide range of editing tools and effects Web-based and accessible from any device	Some advanced features require paid version May be slower compared to desktop software

Fotor

Fotor is a versatile and user-friendly photo editing software that offers a wide range of editing tools and features. It has a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy for beginners to navigate and use.

With Fotor, you can easily enhance your photos, apply filters and effects, adjust colors and tones, add text and overlays, and more. It also offers advanced editing features like retouching, resizing, and cropping.

One of the standout features of Fotor is its one-click enhancement option, which automatically improves the overall quality of your photos with just a single click. This can be a great time-saver when you have a large number of photos to edit.

Fotor also offers a wide variety of stylish and customizable templates for creating collages, graphic designs, social media posts, and more. You can choose from a range of pre-designed templates or create your own from scratch.

In addition to its desktop version, Fotor is also available as a mobile app for iOS and Android devices, allowing you to edit your photos on the go. It also offers cloud storage, so you can access and edit your photos from anywhere.

Overall, Fotor is a powerful and feature-rich photo editing software that offers a great combination of simplicity and functionality. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, Fotor has something to offer for everyone.

Photo Pos Pro

Photo Pos Pro is a feature-rich photo editing software that offers advanced tools and a user-friendly interface. It is suitable for both beginners and professional photographers looking to enhance and perfect their images.

With Photo Pos Pro, you can easily adjust colors, apply filters, and remove unwanted objects from your photos. The software provides a wide range of editing options, such as cropping, resizing, and rotating images. You can also enhance your photos by adding text, frames, and various special effects.

One of the standout features of Photo Pos Pro is its advanced retouching tools. You can easily remove blemishes, whiten teeth, smooth skin, and apply digital makeup to create flawless portraits. The software also offers powerful selection tools, allowing you to precisely select and edit specific areas of your photos.

Photo Pos Pro supports a wide range of file formats, including JPEG, PNG, BMP, TIFF, and RAW. It also offers support for layers, making it easy to work with complex projects and create stunning compositions. The software includes a variety of brushes and drawing tools, giving you the freedom to unleash your creativity and create unique artworks.

In addition to its extensive editing capabilities, Photo Pos Pro also offers advanced printing options. You can easily create photo collages, posters, and greeting cards, and print them directly from the software. The software also supports batch processing, allowing you to apply the same edits to multiple photos simultaneously.

Whether you are a beginner or a professional, Photo Pos Pro is a powerful and versatile photo editing software that can help you achieve stunning results. Its intuitive interface and wide range of editing tools make it a great choice for photographers of all skill levels.

Q&A:

What are the best free photo editing software available in 2024?

In 2024, some of the best free photo editing software available are GIMP, Adobe Photoshop Express, Pixlr X, Fotor, and Photopea.

Is GIMP a good photo editing software for beginners?

Yes, GIMP is a great photo editing software for beginners. It has a user-friendly interface and offers a wide range of editing tools and features.

Can I use Adobe Photoshop Express for advanced photo editing?

While Adobe Photoshop Express is primarily designed for quick and simple edits, it does offer some advanced photo editing features like layers and advanced tools.

What makes Pixlr X a popular choice among photographers?

Pixlr X is a popular choice among photographers because it offers a wide range of professional-level editing tools and features, including advanced retouching, filters, and adjustments.

Is Fotor suitable for editing photos on mobile devices?

Yes, Fotor is suitable for editing photos on mobile devices as it offers a mobile app that allows users to easily edit and enhance their photos on the go.