What image editor should I use?
by
, August 7th, 2019 at 19:07 (24487 Views)
I've had several people lately ask me what photo editing software I use and what would I recommend for them to use. For the past 30 years, I have been the web guy and senior programmer for several marketing companies and Photoshop is absolutely required. I realize that most people don't have the time, inclination, and sometimes the financial resources to learn and use Photoshop, so here's some alternatives that are available.
Canva Photo Editor (FREE) - https://www.canva.com/photo-editor/
The Canva Photo Editor is hands-down the easiest online photo editor to use. If you can drag and drop an image into your web browser, you can use this editor. There are only six operations that you can make: filter, adjust, crop, resize, rotate and flip. Canva Photo Editor is great when you just need to resize and save an image.
Pixlr X - (FREE) - https://pixlr.com/
Pixlr X is another online photo editor that supports basic image editing, as well as the ability to add text and other elements to your image. They have made it simple to add overlays, borders, shapes, stickers, and stock images to your creation. Image layers are also supported. More advanced editing options are available for a fee.
Photopea - (FREE/PAID) - https://www.photopea.com/
I already mentioned that I was a photoshop guy, so it won't surprise you to find out that Photopea is my favorite online editor. It looks like Photoshop, acts like Photoshop, and most importantly will open and save a Photoshop PSD file. Sidebar ad can be annoying, and you can subscribe and get an ad-free version. I use this alot when I am on someone else's computer who doesn't have Photoshop.
GIMP - (FREE) - https://www.gimp.org
GIMP is a cross-platform open-source image editor available for GNU/Linux, OS X, Windows and more operating systems. GIMP is an serious alternative to Photoshop in terms of both power and feature sets. Like Photoshop, there is a learning curve. I haven't used it a whole bunch, so if you have questions about it, post on the forum and a GIMP user will be able to help you.
Adobe Photoshop - ($$$) - https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud.html
Adobe Photoshop is so widely used that the program's name has become synonymous with image editing. Photoshop's feature set is massive and growing. Photoshop does it all: image editing, video editing, 3d modeling, and more. Two major drawbacks to Adobe are the learning curve and the cost. Like all software, it takes time to learn and YouTube videos will be your friend during the process. There are several different pricing plans from US $9.99/month to $52.99/month(All Adobe Apps) ($82.98/mth All apps + Adboe Stock). As a side note, if your a photographer, the $9.99/mth photography package is worth it just for Lightroom.
If I missed any that you would recommend to please, please leave it in the comments below.