In today's visually-driven world, the ability to edit photos has become a valuable skill for individuals and businesses alike. While Adobe Photoshop has long been the go-to software for photo editing, there are now several alternative tools and applications that offer powerful editing capabilities without the need for expensive software or extensive training. Whether you're a professional photographer, a social media enthusiast, or simply someone who loves capturing moments, here you will find three creative ways to edit photos without Photoshop with desktop & smartphone programs and online tools.
Desktop Software
When it comes to editing photos on a desktop or laptop computer, a larger screen and more processing power allow users to work on multiple images at the same time, increasing productivity and streamlining the editing process. Here are some easy-to-use software options to choose from:
1. PhotoWorks
PhotoWorks is a user-friendly yet powerful photo editing program that is available for Windows and Mac users. It lets you easily correct colors, remove unwanted objects, change & blur backdrops, dehaze images, fix composition, and much more. It also provides an extensive set of AI-driven retouching tools for removing skin flaws and reshaping face and body parts. Additionally, PhotoWorks comes with a collection of over 200 filters and 3D LUTs and supports a wide range of file formats, including PNG, JPEG, and 450+ RAW formats.
2. Fotor
Fotor is an easy-to-use photo editing software available for Windows and Mac computers. It offers a wide array of retouching tools, including wrinkle removal, blemish correction, teeth whitening, and red-eye effect correction. It also comes with background replacement, text overlay, and collage-making features, as well as 100+ artistic effects. However, the program has limited export options and may present difficulties when working with certain file formats.
3. GIMP
GIMP is a free and open-source image editor that runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS computers. Its comprehensive toolset includes essential features like layers, masks, filters, and brushes, allowing you to make intricate edits and adjustments with precision. The software also supports various file formats and can be extended with plugins.
Online Tools
If you’re looking for convenient editing without being tied to a single device, online photo editing tools are a great option. You can access the tool from any device with an internet connection without the need for specific software installations. Plus, web-based tools often have collaborative features, enabling multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously. Here are a few of the good options you might like:
1. Canva
Canva is a versatile graphic design platform that offers a suite of photo editing tools, including filters, cropping, and text overlay options, yet lacks portrait retouching features. It is a web-based application known for its simplicity and feature-packed design tools. Canva allows users to create professional-looking content for social media platforms, presentations, flyers, and even CVs with a range of customizable templates.
2. BeFunky
BeFunky is an online tool that offers a wide array of editing features, from basic adjustments to artistic filters and even the ability to create photo collages. As a web-based photo editing software, it provides an intuitive interface with a variety of editing tools. The program is also known for its color correction capabilities, portrait retouching tools, and a library of elegant frames.
3. SumoPaint
Sumopaint is a browser-based image editor with a Photoshop-like interface that offers tools such as the brush, lasso, magic wand, and layer support for a versatile editing experience. While it's great for enhancing images, its main strength lies in drawing, with a wide range of graphic design tools including gradients, smudges, shapes, and more than 300 brushes.
Smartphone Apps
In an era dominated by mobile photography, photo editing apps have become indispensable for smartphone users. The portability and convenience of smartphone apps allow users to edit pictures on the go without the need for a computer or internet connection. This mobility enables spontaneous editing and immediate sharing of photos, making it ideal for social media and real-time communication. Here are some of the great options for you to try:
1. Lightroom CC
The Lightroom app provides professional-grade editing tools, such as presets, selective adjustments, and advanced color grading, all presented in a user-friendly interface. It's a simplified and portable version of the Adobe Lightroom desktop software, offering comprehensive photo enhancement features, from focus point and ISO control to a healing feature for object removal. However, access to Creative Cloud and some key features are only available with a pricey subscription.
2. VSCO
VSCO is a popular photo editing app known for its stylish filters and film-inspired presets, providing users with the ability to achieve unique looks effortlessly. The app features tone, contrast, and exposure adjustments, as well as options to create grainy, faded, or clearer images. It also includes advanced editing tools like exposure, temperature, and skin tone adjustments, offering a minimalist interface and high-quality presets for professional-looking results.
3. Lensa App
The Lensa app features AI-powered editing capabilities that include portrait enhancement, background blurring, and automatic adjustments based on the photo's content. The app also provides a variety of filters and effects to add unique touches to images, as well as advanced editing options for fine-tuning details.
Conclusion
By exploring these alternative programs, you can now unleash your creativity and improve your photography skills without the need for expensive and cumbersome Photoshop. Each way offers unique benefits, from the powerful editing tools and seamless integration of desktop software to the portability and intuitive touch controls of smartphone apps to the accessibility and collaboration features of online editing tools.
Now it's up to you to decide which editing platform you want to use according to your needs, preferences, and budget. If you are still undecided, check out how to edit photos without Photoshop via the link and find a comprehensive guide with step-by-step instructions.
