Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Very attractive, simple and straight-forward to use;
Excellent help specific to adjustments;
Before and after view;
Presets for adjustments
Opens Raw files.
Could do with more easy presets adjustments e.g. to improve focus;
Free version has some features of the paid version grayed out;
No PNG support;
Bug in Windows 64-bit;
No longer updated.
2.0
10MB
32 bit but 64 bit compatible
Feature limited freeware
This product is portable.
Windows XP - 8
Visions
Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Unique interface for viewing images and other tasks;
Consistent approach to editing;
Easy to use;
3D image viewing gallery is very popular;
Print greeting cards, postcards, and photo frames;
Preview changes;
Flickr and Facebook integration.
Can be slow.
1.4.4
5.9 MB
32 bit but 64 bit compatible
Unrestricted freeware
There is no portable version of this product available.
Windows XP SP2, Vista, 7, 8 plus Microsoft Net Framework 2.0
PhotoPad Image Editor
Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Consistent interface;
Excellent history of changes that you can review, undo, delete, or modify at any step;
Wide range of features;
Raw file support.
Only free for "non-commercial home use";
Lacks drawing tools.
2.56
788 KB
32 bit but 64 bit compatible
Free for private use only
There is no portable version of this product available.
Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8
There is a link to the
free download on the PhotoPad page but it does not always appear so I
linked to the FAQ page for the download. Another link is on the supported file formats page. Incidentally, the list of file formats taht can be read is extensive and includes many Raw camera formats.
FAQs, On-line help, Video tutorials, Support forum
FAQs, On-line help, Video tutorials, Support forum
Photo! Editor
Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Extremely easy to use with some very nice professional quality makeup tools;
All options are clearly visible with preset buttons;
The best straightening tool I've seen;
Options to adjust settings too;
File folder tree view.
No longer supported? Has not been updated since 2008, forum inactive since 2009;
A number of bugs such as distorted thumbnails;
1.1
7.78 MB
32 bit but 64 bit compatible
Unrestricted freeware
There is no portable version of this product available.
Windows 2000 to 8
v1.1 released 17 September, 2008
PhotoFiltre
Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Many features including some that not many editors have;
Now has layers which also means that transformations can apply to the image or just a layer;
Photoshop 8bf filters;
GIF animation;
Scanner interface;
Batch automation;
Not for basic users as there is not a lot of help to determine what some settings do;
No HDR or Raw processing.
7.1.2
4.99 MB
32 bit but 64 bit compatible
Free for private or educational use only
A portable version of this product is available from the developer.
Windows XP to 8
Paint.Net
Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Very well designed and attractive interface;
Looks like some paid editors;
Has the best "3D" rotation tool;
Many tools clearly separated into Adjustments and Effects;
No local help only online;
Not suitable for basic users.
4.0.3
6 MB
32 and 64 bit versions available
Unrestricted freeware
Windows 7 SP1 to 8.1 Update 1; requires Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5
v4.0.3 released 22 July, 2014
Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 is automatically installed if it isn't already on the system.
Paint.NET automatically runs in 64-bit mode if you have an x64 edition of Windows.
Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 is automatically installed if it isn't already on the system.
Paint.NET automatically runs in 64-bit mode if you have an x64 edition of Windows.
Artweaver
Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Comprehensive help with tutorial instructions;
Interface is sparse and some features are not intuitive;
Extensible with four types of plug-ins;
Creates PDF files;
Really a paint program at the moment;
Visual interface supports paint rather than image adjustment.
4.5.4
10.71 MB
32 bit but 64 bit compatible
Free for private or educational use only
There is no portable version of this product available.
Win XP - 7
version 4.5.4 released 6 July 2014
The paid version, ArtWeaver Plus, has a 64-bit version.
The paid version, ArtWeaver Plus, has a 64-bit version.
Image Analyzer
Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
The most advanced free image editor for photographic processing;
Transforms not found in other free software;
Exif data;
Plug-ins;
Scripts;
Multi-language.
Not easy to understand - basic users should avoid it;
Far from the best for general image editing.
1.36.1
2.3 MB
32 bit but 64 bit compatible
Unrestricted freeware
There is no portable version of this product available.
Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8
GIMP
Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Has lots of advanced features and can do almost everything the Photoshop can do;
Extensible with many add-ons;
Now allows all tool windows to dock within the main window.
Has a steep learning curve
but will not be too hard if you have used any of the image editors in
the mid-level or suites classes.
2.8.10
86.2 MB
32 and 64 bit versions available
Open source freeware
A portable version of this product is available but not from the developer.
Windows XP SP3 to 8.1; Linux; OSX
The installer installs the appropriate version: either 32-bit or 64-bit versions.
The help file is a separate installer on the Gimp download page. It is currently 24.2 MB. It didn't work on my system which runs Windows 7 64-bit.
There is a Windows installer for the GIMP extensions pack for Windows which allows you to choose which plug-ins, scripts, brushes, patterns, etc. that you want to install.
The help file is a separate installer on the Gimp download page. It is currently 24.2 MB. It didn't work on my system which runs Windows 7 64-bit.
There is a Windows installer for the GIMP extensions pack for Windows which allows you to choose which plug-ins, scripts, brushes, patterns, etc. that you want to install.
digiKam
Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Photo management suite - viewer, organizer, editor, slideshow, calendar;
Has a separate editor, ShowFoto;
Very good manual and Wiki;
Raw support including Exif and Makernotes;
Batch processing;
Sharing of images.
Very large download and program;
Windows version is less stable (Linux version is more stable);
Raw processing previews can't be split screen.
4.2.0
233 MB
32 bit but 64 bit compatible
Unrestricted freeware
There is no portable version of this product available.
Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8
v4.2.0 7 August 2014
digiKam Wiki tutorials
digiKam Wiki tutorials
Photoscape
Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Very robust suite type
program that can be fun to use. Includes everything from enhancing your
photos and adding shapes and clip-art, to creating collages and
printing.
Bundled with OpenCandy (see
information link in review text). Lacks a few of the usual retouching
tools, and has a slightly unusual menu system and user interface.
3.6.5
20.3 MB
32 bit but 64 bit compatible
Unrestricted freeware
There is no portable version of this product available.
All Win
v3.6.5 released 5 July, 2013
Version 3.4 is compatible with Windows 98 and ME
View the changelog here
Version 3.4 is compatible with Windows 98 and ME
View the changelog here
Chasys-Draw-IES
Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Three useful programs: Artist, Converter, Raw processor;
Modern user interface;
Many features;
Excellent help;
HDR;
sRGB model;
Independent layers mean you can have multiple workspaces in the same file!;
Raw file processing;
Batch processing and scripting;
Many file formats for import and export;
Plug-ins including Photoshop b8f filters;
Portable version.
Some unusual (but innovative) features;
Viewer is limited.
4.24.01
19.84 MB
32 bit but 64 bit compatible
Unrestricted freeware
A portable version of this product is available from the developer.
Windows NT / 2000 / XP / 2003 / Vista / 2008 / 7 / 8
The portable version is created from the installed version using File menu | Install to USB.