The best photo editing software for pc: free download apps for Windows

A lot of photo editing is done on mobile phones these days. Still there’s nothing like having a full PC photo editor to retouch on a big screen.  Simple software solutions can help with the task of fixing imperfections, poor lighting, scale, size, brightness & contrast issues.

Adding an image filter is just one way to edit your photos on Windows PC

Whether it’s touching up Instagram pictures or adding filters, almost everyone has use for free photo editing software on their Windows PC.

In this article, we share some of the best photo editing software for pc free download options available and see how they stack up to inPixio’s free photo editing software.

Best free photo editing apps for PC – top 5

If you’re not ready to invest in a paid app just yet, why not try some free photo editing software for PC? Here are 5 free Windows photo editors to help you get started with your image editing.

• GIMP
• Free photo editor by inPixio
• Photoscape X
• Paint Net
• Windows Photos

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

GIMP stands for GNU image manipulation program. It is an open source photo editor available for Windows PC . GIMP has been described as the best free photo editor like Photoshop, due to its extensive selection of advanced photo editing tools. Top features include:

• Customizable interface
• Range of corrections including perspective
• Create photo composites
• Non destructive editing with layers/masks
• Suite of painting tools
• Tile-based memory to handle large images
• Supports plug-ins for new formats, filters etc.

GIMP is available to download for PC, Mac and Linux. On PC, you can install it on Windows 7 or later (32-bit and 64-bit versions).

Read more about GIMP

Paint .Net

Paint Net started out as a student project supported by Microsoft. The story goes that it was originally intended as a free replacement to Microsoft Paint.

However, today Paint Net has evolved into a full-featured photo editor with a range of professional tools.

Top functions include:

• Non destructive editing with layers
• Color adjustments
• Range of effects
• Photo compositing
• Support for multiple image formats:
• Supports plugins for new effects, shapes, file types

You can download the software for free for Windows 7 SP1, 8 and 10 (full requirements here). Alternatively, you can also purchase it for $6.99 from the Microsoft Store (Windows 10 only). Purchasing the software gives you access to automatic updates.

Read more about Paint .Net

Photoscape X

Photoscape X is a free download for Windows 10 offering a range of photo editing tools.

In addition to image editing functions, the software also provides screen capture capability.

Here is just a selection of the features:

• Retouch photos and edit colors
• Create collages and cut photos into pieces
• Batch processing to edit multiple photos at once
• Create GIFs
• Convert Raw files to JPG

You can download Photoscape X from their website. The app is also available from the Microsoft Store where you can also purchase a paid Pro version of the software.

Photoscape X works on Windows 10, 64-bit (Version 1709 or later). For Windows XP, 7, Vista or 8 another version of the software is available, Photoscape 3.7.

Read more about Photoscape X

InPixio Free Editor

This free photo editor is derived from inPixio’s flagship Photo Studio software. The free app doesn’t contain all the advanced features available in the paid program. However, it offers some easy-to-use tools that can help you get started with image editing.

Here are some examples:

• One-click filters, textures and LUTs
• Adjustment sliders for brightness, contrast, hue etc.
• Vignette effect
• Selection of digital frames
• Crop tool with multiple presets
• Before/after comparison

The free editor is available exclusively for Windows PC download. It runs on Windows 8 (64-bit version) 10 and 11. Find out more about the image editing tools available in inPixio’s free photo editing software.

Read more about InPixio Photo Editor

Windows Photos

Finally, did you know that Windows 10 users have a free photo editing app at their fingertips?

This is called Windows Photos and it provides a selection of basic editing tools.

For example, you can:

• Crop pictures
• Test different image filters
• Do some light and color adjustments
• Try adding effects to a photo.

These tools could help you out with some basic photo editing on your Windows 10 PC.

Comparing free download photo editors

As we see above the InPixio Free Photo editor stands out in certain areas but most noticeably when it comes to the ease of use and straight forward modern interface.

• Original frames: Use classic frames, design frames, colored or fun frames to create unique pieces of art!
• Filters & effects: themes likes vintage, black & white, seasons, old film, cinematic, and much more!
• Textures
• Vignetting – create professional looking photos with oval frames.
• Crop your photos then add frames, texture overlays, and more.
• Software contains numerous slider adjustments such as contrast, brightness, saturation, etc.
• Above all, the program is easy to get to grips with, even for photo editing beginners.

inPixio free photo editor demonstration

Beautiful Frames

inPixio Photo Editor allows you to add unique picture frames to your photos to help accentuate certain aspects. What’s more, you can adjust these frames to fit your photos by editing the size and color.

Access advanced editing features on your Windows PC with inPixio Photo Studio

inPixio’s free photo editor  makes creating professional looking photos fun and easy for even first time users.  In no time at all you will be ready to upgrade to inPixio Photo Studio Pro which offers a wide array of additional features, allowing you to create even more professional photos that will impress even the seasoned photographers among your family and friends.

Instructions are clear and simple to understand. Once download is complete, you are ready to begin transforming all your precious photos into works of art.

• Remove objects and distractions from photos, using the Erase and Clone tools.
• Remove and change photo backgrounds.
• Use inPixio sky replacement to change the mood in your photos.
• Easy corrections for noise and sharpness
• Easy background blur and creative blur effects.