15 of the Best Free Photo Editing Software Apps

While image editing has become a key aspect of modern-day digital photography, as well as an integral part of selling products and services online, not everyone will want to pay out for the big names in photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop, especially if you are starting out as a small business or only planning to edit a few holiday snaps.

The good news is you can also get picture-perfect without breaking the bank with some of these fantastic photo editing apps, which are all available to download or use online for free.

1 Photoshop® Express editor

Use this exceptional online version as a shortcut to make your snapshots look great with easy options for quick fixes and creative enhancements.

2 Google Nik Collection 

This outstanding app used to cost $149 but is now free to use. It really does simplify advanced editing and you can enjoy six powerful plug-ins for Photoshop®, Lightroom®, or Aperture®, without spending a penny.

3 GIMP

One of our personal favourites when it comes to free image editors, the GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) is a free and open-source image editor that provides you with sophisticated tools to get the job done.

4 Pixlr

Have full control over your images, including layers and effects without the need of installing software. The phone version of this free photo editing app is also available.

5 Paint.net

This is a basic image and photo editing software with functional filters, layers, and plug-ins, for use on Windows computers.

6 PhotoScape

PhotoScape is a fun image editing software that enables you to fix and enhance photos and create animated GIFs by yourself with easy-to-use tools.

7 FotoFlexer

FotoFlexer is an advanced browser-based digital image editor. It performs professional photo effects without the need of purchasing expensive software for all your digital image editing needs.

8 SumoPaint

Personalise, draw and edit images with this online flash application to get professional results every time. A great choice for those serious about photography.

9 BeFunky

A fun and simple web-based editing program. Check out their tutorials, tips, tricks, and inspiration which are all excellent for beginners.

10 iPiccy

Make your photos amazing with many easy-to-use photo tools. Apply beautiful photo effects, and add text and paint to show your creativity.

11 Fotor 

Simple and intuitive to use, this powerful software makes quick work of photo editing tasks online which in turn makes a massive difference to your photos.

12 piZap

A fun and simple-to-learn browser-based photo editor and collage maker with plenty of effects, fonts, stickers, layouts, borders, frames, and tools.

13 Canva

This app makes photo enhancement a simple task for everyone. You can create designs for web or printing purposes, such as blog graphics, presentations, Facebook covers, flyers, posters, and invitations.

14 PhotoCat

Yet another free web-based photo editing app for editing and retouching images, as well as making photo collages with effects, filters, frames, text, and speech bubbles.

15 LunaPic

Create photos, sketch, paint, and even animate effects on images, great for use on Tumblr, Facebook, Twitter, Polyvore, or your own website.

So whether you are starting out with your online business or editing images for a project, we hope these great free apps will have you well on your way to success.