Free Alternatives To Photoshop
Words by Scott Bourne - A Platypod Pro
Edited by Eryka Bagwell
As a photographer, you may be familiar with Adobe Photoshop, the popular software used for photo editing and manipulation. However, Photoshop is not the only option available, and it can be expensive to use for beginners or photographers on a budget. Fortunately, there are several free alternatives to Photoshop that offer similar functionality and features. In this post, we will discuss five of the best free alternatives to Photoshop for photographers.
1. GIMP
https://www.gimp.org/
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free, open-source photo editing software that has been around for over 20 years. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux, and can be downloaded for free from the GIMP website. GIMP is a powerful tool that offers a wide range of features, including layer masks, customizable brushes, and color correction tools. It also supports a variety of file formats, including RAW files, and can be used to create animations and graphic design projects.
2. POLARR
https://www.polarr.com/
Polarr is focused on enabling creators to develop their own aesthetics through visual effects sharing and discovery. Polarr currently offers applications that allow creators to express their unique visual aesthetics by making and distributing their own photo and video filters. Its flagship products include Polarr and Polarr 24FPS mobile apps for creators to create and search for trendy filters, as well as Polarr Photo Editor Online, a web-based product for pro photographers to edit photos.
3. PIXLR
https://pixlr.com/
Pixlr is a free, web-based photo editing software that is available through the Pixlr website. It offers a range of basic and advanced features, including layer masks, color correction tools, and customizable brushes. It also supports a variety of file formats, including RAW files, and can be used to create collages and add text to photos.
4. RAW THERAPEE
http://rawtherapee.com/
RawTherapee is a free, open-source photo editing software that is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It is specifically designed for processing RAW files, and offers a range of advanced features for photographers, including exposure adjustments, color correction tools, and noise reduction. It also supports batch processing, making it easy to edit large numbers of photos at once.
5. DARKTABLE
https://www.darktable.org/
Darktable is a free, open-source photo editing software that is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It is specifically designed for processing RAW files, and offers a range of advanced features for photographers, including exposure adjustments, color correction tools, and noise reduction. It also supports batch processing, making it easy to edit large numbers of photos at once. In addition, it offers a range of workflow options, allowing photographers to customize their editing process.
CONCLUSION
Not everyone can afford or even wants a monthly subscription to Photoshop. While we're fans of Photoshop there are several free alternatives that offer similar functionality and features for photographers. All of the software listed here offer excellent options that can help you edit and manipulate your photos without breaking the bank. Each of these software programs has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it's important to try them out and find the one that works best for you.
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