Free Photo Editing/Manipulation Software

[Lancashire Lad]

Just a thought, for those who don't want to spend lots of money on photo editing/manipulation software.

Keep a watch on computer magazines at the big newsagents.

These magazines occasionally have full, unlimited use programs given away as freebie CD's / DVD's.

OK - they are invariably earlier versions, and more often than not are given away when the particular software developer has an updated product on release, but they are likely to offer superior functions when compared with out and out freeware. (Image resizing, cropping, sharpening, etc. etc.).

I got my first version of Paint Shop Pro by that method, and I'm sure that I've seen versions of Photoshop Elements and Serif Photoplus, and several others.

Might be a good idea if anyone spots a top notch freebie to post details so that others can benefit.

Regards
Mike.

[Badllarma]

Totally Agree Mike, it's a pitty Adobe don't release photoshop 3.0 this way because to be honest everything after it was just bells and whistles.

[Geoff F]

Adobe Elements 3 is often a freebie but sometimes only when buying rather expensive hardware. Other times Elements 2 is given free plus a free upgrade to 3 if you apply for it. That's how I got a copy, but I never use it as I prefer Serif software.

Serif version 6 is a freebie but personally speaking, I wouldn't recommend anything earlier than version 8, which is also sometimes given away with magazines.

Now, I use Serif X2 (around £50) which has a lot of improvements, but not that much better than v. 10.

It's the 'sprat to catch a mackerel' idea, hoping you like the product then purchase the expensive one and all the upgrades thereafter. But I think it can backfire as if you don't like the freebie you are unlikely to buy the expensive latest version.

But it all depends on what you want to do in the way of photo editing. Elements 2 is sufficient for most beginners and few will want to move on to the full £800+ version.

[Ukwildlifeo]

THE free photo editing software is the slighlty dodgily names "Gimp." It gets rave reviews and is completely free to download. I use it to edit on my Macbook (I can't afford Aperture!), although I have much because I tend too use my PC because it has a bigger screen

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by Ukwildlifeo

THE free photo editing software is the slighlty dodgily names "Gimp." It gets rave reviews and is completely free to download. I use it to edit on my Macbook (I can't afford Aperture!), although I have much because I tend too use my PC because it has a bigger screen

GIMP - GNu image manipulation programme - its a good package and can run under either linux or windows (up to XP i dont think there is yet a vista version) the only down side is if you are used to photoshop it can be difficult to get your head round as the interface is completely different. It is free fro the GNUsoft website

Another good freebie is Irfanview , which is more similar to photoshop in the way it operates and again can be downloaded.

Earlier versions of Serif photoplus can be downloaded free from the freeserif software site

and finally if you just want to do simple resizing and tweaks Picasa, which can be downloaded free from google is also worth a look

there are also numerous others if you google free photo manipulation software you will get thousands of hits, but the above four are the "best" of the freebies , at least in my opinion.

[nightshade]

Irfanview is free and works for me (I use it more than Elements 6) I would love a totally free latest version of Lightroom (the price just keeps going up)

[barquar]

its great to have your opinions on these photo software programes.
barquar

[pressld2]

Originally Posted by nightshade

I would love a totally free latest version of Lightroom (the price just keeps going up)

Me too Nightshade! I'm using version 1.4 and at the moment I'm digging my heels in and refusing to upgrade. This is because Adobe are charging double in Europe what they are in America and Japan - nasty people!

Dave P.

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by pressld2

Me too Nightshade! I'm using version 1.4 and at the moment I'm digging my heels in and refusing to upgrade. This is because Adobe are charging double in Europe what they are in America and Japan - nasty people!

Dave P.

Same here Dave. I was going to upgrade but decided I'd rather keep the money myself than line their greedy pockets any further. To be honest, the current version does what I need, but I do find it frustratingly unreliable. It's the only program I've got that I can guarantee I can crash it!

[eeyore]

further to this thread I have just acquired a free copy of Adobe Photoshop Album 2.0 SE -which came free with a card reader. This is a basic organising, resizing, and tweaking programme.

I dont want it, as I use photoshop CS and extensis portfolio, so if anyone would like it (free) please pm me your postal address

(Mods - I hope it is okay to put this up - if not please delete)