10 Free Graphics Editors

The best things in life are indeed free when it comes to software. Today I’ll give you not one or five, but ten free softwares for graphic design. You may already be accustomed in using Paintbrush or Photoshop, but the following programs are worth a try if you want to manipulate or enhance pictures without the need to shell out licensing fees.


1. GIMP(http://www.gimp.org/) – As a free software under the GNU license, GIMP proves that free doesn’t mean it has limited functions. It can fix distorted images really fast as it has a very extensive library and functions; almost any picture file in the world could be opened using this program. If it’s not available, their website even has more plug-ins for support.


2. Ultimate Paint(http://www.ultimatepaint.com/) – Whether it’s image creation, manipulation or plain viewing, Ultimate Paint can be used to access popular file names. Although the freeware doesn’t support Photoshop’s plug-ins, it’s a clear winner if you want to access some files faster and change a color or two about it.

3. Skencil(http://www.skencil.org/) – a user friendly program that is vector based. It has unlimited undo history so you can change from step one. Upload popular picture files and change them using vectors. The only downside is it’s only available for Mac OSX.

4. Pixia (http://park18.wakwak.com/~pixia/)– A very popular Japanese paint program. Users of the program decided to release an English version of the program. It’s a great program to create those “kawaii” (Japanese for cute) photos. Already available for Vista (Windows only), Pixia brings out anyone’s anime ability. No guaranteed support if something goes wrong with your program though.

5. InkScape(http://www.inkscape.org/) – Another vector graphics software. Inkscape is an open-source program that is constantly updated and upgraded in various operating systems. You can practically learn how to paint and manipulate pictures using their extensive tutorials and how to libraries.

6. Paint.net(http://www.getpaint.net/) – This award winning software is simple enough to understand, but powerful enough to give you the manipulation that you need. Even though it’s only available in Windows, it has already a growing number of supporters. Even though no help is available professionally, you can ask for help from fellow users in their online forum.

7. Smoothdraw(http://www.smoothdraw.com/) - If you have a tablet, this will definitely work for you. Although it’s not the same as actually painting in a canvass, you’ll be able to smoothen the lines using your mouse.

8. ImageForge(http://www.cursorarts.com/ca_imffw.html) – This software creates better 3D texts than those you find in your PowerPoint. Transfer images from your scanner or webcam and edit those images. Or you can upload a picture and edit the images to create cool slideshows.

9. Brush Strokes Image Editor(http://www.pabird.supanet.com/~pabird/freesoftware/brushstrokes/) - Upload images and use it like the paint accessory program. It’s a very simple program that you can use if you’re already bored with your present paint accessory.

10. Project Dogwaffle(http://www.thebest3d.com/dogwaffle/free/) – Although it’s not as great as the photo editing giants, Dogwaffle promises to be a software for art geniuses. It has various tools that can specifically point out a single portion and edit them according to various uses. Although you need some time to be familiar with the tool, it’s definitely worth it. A commercial version is also available.