Whether we’re making art or just airbrushing out that damn zit, image editing is rapidly becoming something the digital generation does every day. If you’re ready to move on from Instagram filters and selfie apps, there’s a lot of software out there that will let you do everything from tweak your photos to change them outright.
We’ve ranked five apps for laptops to help you become a photo-editing wizard.
5) iPiccy
If you just need a simple, easily accessible set of tools for basic work, iPiccy is perfect. It’s not as powerful as some others on this list, but it’s simple, accessible and even fun. If you’re just getting started, it’s a good way to get a sense of what you like about photo editing.
4)Paint.NET
https://www.instagram.com/p/Be084AnhdpP/
Remember Microsoft Paint? Paint.NET remembers. This Microsoft-supported program is not only just like the program you used to mess around with, it’s also a wonderful image editor.
There is one downside and you’ve likely guessed: It’s Windows only.
3) Sumopaint
Available in both download and web app form, Sumopaint is probably the best software to ease yourself from Photoshop to other image editors. It has a similar layout, similar basic tools, and will help you think about image editing beyond just the software you use.
2)The NiK Collection
https://www.instagram.com/p/Be0877Qli02/
A series of browser plug-ins, this essentially gives you a set of Instagram filters, but so much better and more tweakable. Originally from Google, these plug-ins have something of a learning curve, but if you ever wished you could tweak the colors on a picture just so, this will help you do it with style.
1) GIMP
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeuetL_gLhQ/
Yes, we know, it’s a terrible name, but it’s short for General Image Manipulation Program, and it’s not only completely free, it’s by far the most fully featured editing software for photos you can get, essentially an off-brand Photoshop. That said, it doesn’t have the fancier features, so it may be a step below professional grade. But if you want Photoshop without the price tag, it’s your best choice.
Got a favorite we haven’t mentioned? Let us know in the comments!