Best Free Software

jammy_c · 30 Dec 2008

Any ideas on what the best free post-processing/editing software is?, and where is it available? i've used photoshop and like it, but they all seem to be 30-day trials only.

I have had a look on download.com and there seems to be loads.
any advice?

Regards,
James.

beardboy · 30 Dec 2008

I believe Gimp is quite popular and also Paint.Net has some more advanced features too.

MasterChief · 30 Dec 2008

depending on what camera you have the Canon DPP is pretty good freebie. You could use Google's photo editor GIMP take a look at all these free open source applications

Open Source For Windows

redhed17 · 30 Dec 2008

Picasa 3 does basic editing, non destructively, and version 3 now has a clone type tool called 'Retouch'.

It is all most people need for most editing, and for some thing, straightening a pic for example, it is a lot faster than Photoshop. Just be sure to 'Save a Copy' when you have finished editing.

ChrisMClark · 30 Dec 2008

I used GIMP for a while and provided you can get your head round it it's superb.

ianm79 · 30 Dec 2008

is the nikon software free? i got picture project with he d40x not much cop.....i'm sure i heard some other nikon software mentioned.

using gimp at the minute

jammy_c · 30 Dec 2008

Cheers for the pointers. will give GIMP a try. does it handle RAW ok?

I'll see how i get on. Cheers for the open source link too!

Suvv · 30 Dec 2008

I use Paint.net. It has curves, levels, layers etc (although not adjustment layers) and there are lots of free plug ins on the Paint.net forum.
If you have used photoshop you will have no problems finding your way around.
If it does not suit you - ask for your money back

jammy_c · 30 Dec 2008

will give that a try also then

ta.

simeon · 30 Dec 2008

another gimp user here

straight forward enough todo the basics....

who? · 30 Dec 2008

jammy_c said:
Cheers for the pointers. will give GIMP a try. does it handle RAW ok?

Yes. You may need to download a raw processor add on. But if you search you'll find it.

Slapo · 30 Dec 2008

Maybe this thread could be of some assistance:
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?p=770021#post770021

I use the GIMP for image editing, Neat Image for noise reduction and RawTherapee (most of the time) or UFRaw (usually via the GIMP plug-in) for my raw conversions. I've tried Paint.NET, but the last time I've tried it, GIMP was still better for me (more tools and options I found handy).

jammy_c · 12 Jan 2009

My first attempts are here if you fancy a gander...