While Microsoft Paint could do little more than resizing images, Paint.NET can handle advanced photo editing you’d expect only Photoshop and other paid programs could perform. Paint.NET features an intuitive user interface that supports layers, an “unlimited undo” tool to back out of any mistake no matter how disastrous, various special effects, and other utilities. Paint.NET has surpassed Microsoft Paint in functionality and also provides more advanced features. The software initially was developed as a free replacement for Microsoft Paint, which comes standard with Windows.

Created as a college undergraduate senior’s design project mentored by Microsoft, Paint.NET continues to be maintained by alumni of the program. Paint.NET is a case where the apprentice becomes the master. Making the jump from one to the other will take a little time, but you’ll save yourself a monthly subscription fee if you do. Overall, GIMP may feel like a free version of Photoshop, but it sports a unique look and experience. You can apply numerous filters, too, such as dropping a shadow, adding a neon effect, adding a glass tile, removing devilish red eyes, and so on. Icons in the toolbox represent specific tools, like Scale, Pencil, Paintbrush, Bucket Fill, Airbrush, Smudge, and more. When using a large display, or two monitors, you’ll have an expansive workspace to edit your images. You’ll also see two floating docks: One with the toolbox and another for managing layers, paths, brushes, and more. Once you launch the program, you’ll find a dedicated window that displays the image. It provides many professional-level editing and retouching tools - perfect for designers who can’t or won’t shell out hundreds of dollars for Adobe Photoshop. It’s available for MacOS, Windows, and Linux. Often heralded as the best free alternative to Photoshop, GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is an open-source application that relies on a community of volunteer developers who maintain and improve the product. There are great choices for both conventional desktop software, mobile apps, and web-based solutions that don’t require installing software.

And if our top pick isn’t for you, be sure to check out the other options on this list. We provide more than 7,000 how-to articles, news articles, and best-of lists to help you build your photography skills, choose the best gear for your photography needs, and make the most out of your photo equipment. It offers a huge workspace and a wide variety of professional editing tools.

Our top pick is GIMP, an open-source photo editing software available for the big three operating systems.

Free photo editing programs