Top Five Photoshop Alternatives
By Rick Valence
For many, the Adobe Photoshop Creative Suite provides everything one needs for photo
editing and manipulation; it is user friendly, highly customizable and highly versatile.
However, it's incredibly expensive. Some users may even have problems with its interface
or its overall compatibility. Regardless of your reasons, there are plenty of other
programs to consider that are a safe, affordable and a simple alternative to Photoshop.
Many are open source, which will save you a bundle. Here are the top five Photoshop alternatives.
1. GIMP (GNU image manipulation program):
When it comes to getting the most out of a photo editing software, GIMP has all
the features you need to create a variety of stunning effects. If you miss Photoshop's
unique structure, another similar alternative includes GIMPShop, which is a form of GIMP
that is quite similar to Photoshop. In terms of navigation, it has almost identical tools
featured in Photoshop and allows them to be accessed with ease. Not only is it compatible
with a variety of operating systems, but best of all, it is an open source program; which
means it can be download for absolutely free.
2. Paint.NET: This is a Windows based
photo editor that is perfect for users who want something simple to work with. Out of all of
the Photoshop alternatives in this article, this is quite possibly the most basic. Just
because it does not have the same bells and whistles as the more ornate programs this
software is in no way less efficient. Packed with a variety of simple, user friendly
features, it is for photographers who prefer to focus more on taking photos than editing
them. Also an open source program, it is simple to download for free.
4. FotoFlexer: Another one of the
Photoshop alternatives that runs through a browser. It is the perfect solution if you wish
to tweak a photo before sending it off to Flickr or Facebook. However, unlike Splashup,
this is a very bare bones program. While it has most of the tools you'll need to get the
job done, don't consider it a complete Photoshop replacement. Instead, consider it a
convenient additional tool.
5. PhotoLine: The only Mac exclusively based editing program on this list, it provides
you with a wealth of features designed to make editing and fine tuning your photos a
breeze. It's not the most attractive of interfaces; nevertheless, it is user friendly
enough to make the job easy. While not incredibly well known at the moment, it is
definitely a program to keep in mind when it comes to simple and reliable photo editing programs.
Equipped with these tools you will make short work of any photo. It all starts with
great photos, so get out there and start shooting!
Rick is a digital camera repair
service provider at C.R.I.S. Camera Services located in sunny Chandler, Arizona. Rick has
been repairing cameras for the better part of a decade. He is also the webmaster of the
companys camera repair blog.
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