8 Best Free Photo Editing Software: From Camera to Print

Everyone has photos tucked away, sitting in folders, waiting for their moment to shine. But there’s usually a lingering touch-up or crop job standing between you and sharing your favorite memories.

Despite how easy these fixes can be, most people think editing means spending countless hours or lots of money. This misconception keeps precious moments hidden for far too long.

Thankfully, you don’t have to break the bank. This article walks you through the best free photo editing software to help you bring your pictures to life—so you can pick the perfect shots for photo books, calendars, and more.

1. Google Photos

Best for: Users who want quick fixes for everyday photos and cloud storage in one place

Google Photos is a simple and intuitive photo editing tool, making it one of the best free photo editing software options for beginners. Google, known for making technology accessible, has made photo editing straightforward with its easy-to-use platform.

For photo editing tips to improve your images, Google Photos offers basic yet effective tools like cropping, brightness adjustments, and artistic filters.

One of Google Photos' features is its cloud storage, which automatically backs up your photos and syncs them across your devices. Best of all, it’s free to use once you register for an account.

Pros:

• Automatic photo backup and sync across devices, keeping your photos safe and accessible
• Simple and intuitive user interface

Cons:

• Limited editing options compared to more advanced tools
• Requires internet connection for syncing and backup

2. Snapseed

Best for: Beginners and users who want a powerful yet easy-to-use editing tool without a steep learning curve

Snapseed is considered one of the best free photo editing software options, offering a range of tools to enhance your images. It’s designed to provide both beginners and experienced editors the flexibility to make everything from subtle adjustments to advanced edits.

You can use Snapseed to make simple adjustments like enlarging photos or dive into more advanced edits.

It includes AI-powered tools like an automatic background remover, plus options for film-inspired filters, selective edit brushes, and RAW image support.

With seamless integration with Google Photos, Snapseed makes it easy to share and export your edited images. The app is free of ads and in-app purchases for an uninterrupted experience.

Pros:

• Trusted by both amateur and pro photographers, making it reliable for everyone
• Extensive, professional-grade selection of filters and editing tools for creative freedom

Cons:

• Can have a slight learning curve despite being beginner-friendly
• Only available for mobile editing, limiting its use on desktops

3. Fotor

Best for: Users who want fast, professional-looking results without complexity

Making a photo book starts with great photos, and Fotor is one of the best free online photo editors for making that happen. This photo editing tool, available on both desktop and mobile, allows you to quickly improve your photos with minimal effort.

The app’s one-click enhancement tools let you instantly improve color, brightness, and sharpness. For those looking to get more creative, Fotor provides a collage maker and design templates, making it easy to create visually appealing layouts.

The app’s features allow you to fine-tune facial details, smooth skin tones, and add artistic touches to each portrait, whether you're making a family photo album or creating a professional portfolio.

Advanced features like beauty retouching and AI-powered object removal give your photos a polished, professional look.

Pros:

• One-click enhancement tools for fast, simple photo improvements
• Collage maker and design templates for easy and creative layouts

Cons:

• Occasional performance issues, such as slow loading times or browsing freezes
• Free version has some feature limitations compared to the premium version

4. Canva

Best for: Users looking to add a creative touch to their photos for projects

Canva is an intuitive design tool that allows you to create stunning visuals with its drag-and-drop functionality. It's perfect for those who want to use their photos in creative projects without needing any design experience.

You can get started quickly with various pre-designed templates, ranging from social media posts to invitations. Canva also offers a library of fonts, icons, and images, making it easy to personalize your designs and enhance your photos.

The app’s photo editing tools let you adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation. Features like background remover and text styling options allow for more advanced customization.

Canva can also help users incorporate elements of design into their projects, making it easier to create professional-looking visuals.

Pros:

• User-friendly drag-and-drop functionality makes it easy for anyone to design without prior experience
• Wide range of templates, fonts, icons, and images for quick customization

Cons:

• Advanced users may want more features, as the tool focuses on simplicity
• Free version has some feature limitations, with premium features requiring a subscription

5. Adobe Photoshop Express

Best for: Users who want to quickly edit photos on the go with Photoshop's reliability

Adobe Photoshop Express brings the power of Photoshop to your mobile device, offering easy-to-use editing tools for quick fixes. With its user-friendly interface, it’s accessible for both beginners and experienced editors.

You can fix blurry images, enhance photos with one-click presets, and crop or dehaze your images instantly. It also provides a glam makeover for your professional photo book project with its smoothing, healing, and touch-up features.

It includes fun stickers, text, and stamps to give your photos a little extra flair.

Pros:

• Portrait retouching tools like smoothing, healing, and touch-ups for professional-looking photos
• Mobile-friendly, with the power of Photoshop in a free, compact app

Cons:

• Limited editing options compared to the full desktop version of Photoshop
• Can be slow with larger files or more complex edits

6. Pixlr

Best for: Users who need quick edits without downloading software

Pixlr is a fast, browser-based photo editing tool that works seamlessly on both desktop and mobile. It’s perfect for users who need quick edits without the hassle of downloading software.

This program is split into two web apps: Pixlr E and Pixlr X. Pixlr E is designed for users who want advanced editing tools, offering a more detailed, professional editing experience.

Pixlr X provides a simplified, user-friendly interface with easy-to-use features, making it one of the best free photo editing software choices for beginners. Both apps are free, with the option to upgrade for access to additional premium features.

With no account required to start editing, Pixlr makes it easy to work on your projects from any device. If you’re editing photos for a sentimental gift or preparing images for a special occasion, Pixlr delivers high-quality results.

Pros:

• No account required to start editing, making it quick and easy to jump right into your project
• Easy-to-use AI features, even for beginners

Cons:

• Some premium features are locked behind a paywall, limiting access for free users
• Occasional slow performance with more complex edits or larger files

7. GIMP

Best for: Users with some experience in photo editing who want advanced features

GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) is a powerful, open-source photo editing software with a range of advanced features.

The software is fully customizable, allowing you to tailor the workspace and tools to suit your needs.

It offers advanced filters, effects, and layer management, making it perfect for those who want to take their photo editing skills to the next level. As an open-source tool, GIMP is regularly updated by a large community of contributors.

Pros:

• Fully customizable interface to tailor the workspace and tools to your needs
• Perfect for professionals and users with experience looking to take their editing skills to the next level

Cons:

• Interface may feel overwhelming for new users, with so many tools and options available
• Not as user-friendly as some simpler editing apps, requiring more time to master

8. Photopea

Best for: Intermediate to advanced users who want Photoshop-like capabilities for free

Photopea is a web-based photo editing tool that serves as an alternative to Adobe Photoshop. It offers Photoshop-like capabilities, including layered editing and advanced tools for professionals and experienced users.

Ideal for those looking to digitize photos or edit scanned images, Photopea supports multiple file formats (like PSD, JPEG, and PNG), allowing you to enhance and manipulate your images with precision.

Working directly in your browser, Photopea eliminates the need for downloads or installations. It also gives you the flexibility to edit across different platforms and projects.

With features like curves, masks, and blending modes, Photopea allows for detailed photo manipulation and is considered one of the best free photo editors.

Pros:

• Photoshop-like capabilities with advanced features like layered editing and PSD file support
• Works offline, making it convenient for users without a constant internet connection

Cons:

• Free version includes ads, which may disrupt the editing experience
• Some actions may be slow, particularly when working with complex images

Bring Your Best Photos to Life with Mixbook

Mastering photo editing opens up endless possibilities for enhancing your images and transforming everyday moments into lasting memories. With the best free photo editing software, you can elevate every photo into something truly special.

Mixbook makes it easy to showcase your creativity and preserve your most cherished memories. Turn your edited photos into personalized photo books, custom calendars, or thoughtful gifts, and relive those special moments again and again.