PhotoScape X

A free photo editing software program from Microsoft which has quickly become my favorite. I literally use this on a daily basis and for most users, I think it will accomplish 95% of what you need to do regarding photo editing. For high-end users, I do not think it will be a replacement for Photoshop but certainly earns high praise for ease of use.

Just a few of the features;

All-in-One: Photo Editor, Cut Out, Batch Editor, Viewer, Collage, Animated GIF, Film Effect, Light Leak, Miniature Effect, Filter, Brush, Sticker, Pattern, Frame, Shape, Border, RAW images.

Loads most RAW files for processing. I have used it with; CR2, CR3, DNG
Export as JPEG, TIFF, PNG, GIF, BMP

Numerous tools for automated color correction or presets

Includes basic tools for desktop publishing. Easily add text in a variety of fonts and colors.

The usual photo editing tools such as; Spot Healing, Clone, and Red-Eye Reduction.

Relatively sophisticated mask tools for selective editing. Able to work with objects and layers.

Numerous clever editing presets which might be described as, “Just for fun”’

When I got my first lesson in computer software sometime in the early 1990’s I was asking my friend about the instruction manual. His response was, “Good software does not need instructions”. Perhaps this was a slightly exaggerated statement but at least a good goal to have in mind? This brings me to one of the best features in that, I have never had to read the instructions and the software has never crashed.

As with most free offerings, there is also a paid version that provides access to a few more functions. Current price of $39.99

Available for Windows or Mac;
https://download.cnet.com/PhotoScape/3000-2192_4-10703122.html

Track: Chill Acoustic
Music composed and recorded by Oak Studios
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