Free Photo-Editing Software

Google Picasa takes the lead

Most free photo-editing software and online services provide only basic tools. For Mac users, Apple iPhoto '09 comes packaged free with new Mac computers, as part of the iLife software package. Similarly, Windows Vista builds in Windows Photo Gallery. Both programs offer basic editing and image management.

At the other extreme, GIMP, which stands for GNU Image Manipulation Program, rivals Adobe Photoshop CS4 (*Est. $665) for power in manipulating images. It's available for Unix/Linux operating systems as well as for Windows and Mac.

There are significant differences between GIMP and Photoshop, however. We found the Wikipedia article on GIMP (see Useful Links) to be the best source for comparing the two programs. One of the main differences used to be in color depth; GIMP was able to deal with 8-bit color (as in JPEG images) but not in higher color depths, as is typical in RAW files. However, CNet editors note that GIMP 2.6, the latest version, can handle 32-bit color. Reviews of this latest version are quite positive, finding its usability much improved over earlier ones.

GIMP and Photoshop have different user interfaces, and much is made of that in many reviews. We've also seen comments, however, that say that GIMP's interface is not inferior, just different, and those not previously exposed to Photoshop will find it no harder -- or easier -- to learn to use; both programs have a steep learning curve. For those who really prefer the way Photoshop does things, you can try another free version of GIMP, called GIMPShop.

The bottom line, however, is that just like Photoshop, most experts say GIMP is complicated, difficult to use and overkill for those who don't want to spend hours learning how to use it. Instead, other free photo-editing software is much easier for beginners, with enough editing tools to enhance photos without being so time-consuming that it's not at all fun.

While there are many free products competing in this arena, reviews recommend Google Picasa 3 far more than any other. It started as more an image organizer than a photo editor, but this latest version is earning excellent marks for its editing tools. Picasa 3 is now available for Mac as well as Windows and Linux operating systems.

One of Picasa's main advantages is that it combines image editing with organizing photos. It's basically a browser -- creating thumbnails of photos stored on your hard drive -- so reviews say it's not suitable for huge collections. For that, it's better to use a separate catalog database such as Microsoft Expression Media (*Est. $200) or IDImager (*est. $70 to $130). You can download trial versions of various image-management programs to decide which you prefer.

For most users, however, Picasa organizes photos very well. The latest version, Picasa 3, includes an optional "sync to web" feature that synchronizes files you edit on your computer with versions posted on the Internet. This is especially handy if you have a weblog, website or participate in social networks.

Reviews say Picasa 3 has upgraded the photo-editing tools too. For example, a "retouching brush" lets you change just part of an image. The software is easy to learn to use, another plus. Its integration with the online Photoshop.com service makes it easy to edit photos you've posted online -- in social networking sites, for example.

Picnik, another free photo program, integrates directly with the web. It's ideal for anyone doing social networking, since it integrates with Facebook, MySpace, Flickr, Freewebs, Yahoo!, Webshots, Photobucket, WebAlbum and even Picasa itself. You can also install various free Picnik tools, such as a Firefox extension for quick screenshots and editing photos from the web.

Picnik isn't an image organizer, but earns some rave reviews as a photo editor. At PC World, it's the top pick among free photo editors. Reviewer Harry McCracken calls its interface "superb" and says its "thoughtful touches make photo editing fun." It's easy to use, with live previews of editing options. In addition to basic editing tools, Picnik provides printing help and lets you use borders and layers.

A more established free photo editor, IrfanView, now in version 4.23, is for Windows only, but is supported by older Windows operating systems (95/98/Me) as well as by Windows 2000/NT/XP/Vista -- making it a good option if you use an older computer. It first gained fame for its ability to rotate and save JPEG files losslessly, but includes a wide range of viewing, converting and editing tools. You can also use it to create slide shows. Plug-ins let you edit video. The review at CNet calls it a "longtime staff favorite," adding that it's "far from fancy but should be easy enough for most users to figure out."

Several other free programs earn favorable mentions in reviews. Paint.NET, now in version 3.36, is a free image and editing program for Windows. It began as an undergraduate design project mentored by Microsoft, and is now maintained by some of the original alumni who developed it. PC World named it one of the top 20 products for 2007.