Digital photo editing, manipulation and enhancement programs allow computers users to not only tweak photographs, but to transform them into creative images. Although some editing and manipulation programs are designed for the more advanced user, some are designed specifically for beginners and are quite simple to use.
The following websites provide an introduction into the world of photo editing and digital image enhancement. Whether young or old, beginner or advanced, creativity and imagination is key.
Free Photo Editing Programs
- Photo Op - Photo Op is an introduction to the world of photo editing and digital photography enhancement. From the National Gallery of Art, Photo Op provides two separate online activities designed specifically for children, Snapper and Editor. Snapper allows users to easily create all sorts of fun images; from abstract and still life to portraits and landscape images. Users are able to adjust the focus, aperture and speed as well. The Editor program includes a wide variety of editing tools to use on pre-existing photographs. Brushes, filters, blends, layers and all sorts of special effects are included. Shockwave is required.
- Paint.NET - What began as a college design project is now a popular photo editing program. PC World named Paint as #19 on their “Top 100 Products of 2007” listing. Touted as having a “simple, intuitive and innovative user interface,” Paint.NET offers features for both the beginner and more advanced user. Just a few of the basics include layers, Gradient tools, Recolor, Magic Wand and Clone Stamp. Some of the special effects include embossing, blurring and 3D Rotate Zoom. A helpful forum is also available online. This program is available as a free download and is compatible with Windows XP and Vista.
- LunaPic – This program is available online. Simply upload a photograph and add special effects. Standard features include cropping, rotating, drawing and adding text. Special animations include old movie effect, blood rain, rotating cube, scary horror and more.
- BeFunky – Created by cartoonists and engineers, BeFunky allows users to create all sorts of fun and entertaining photographs with a simple click of the mouse. Select an effect, upload a photo from the hard drive or online and manipulate. No registration is required.
- Photo Pos Free - This simple and user-friendly photo and graphics editor is the free version of the more powerful, award-winning Pos Pro. Although the program includes some advanced features, it was designed for beginners. Photo Pos Lite is available as a free download and is compatible with Windows XP/ Vista.
Free Image Morphing Programs
- MorphThing – Young or old, this online site is just plain fun! Upload two separate front-facing faces and morph them into one hilarious picture. And just for fun - see what happens when a personal photograph is morphed with a celebrity!
- Popims Animator – Besides morphing and warping, Popims Animator also creates 3D animations and cartoons. The free download is available in several different languages and is compatible with Windows98/ME and XP.
- WinMorph – This download, designed for personal or business use, includes all sorts of custom effects, morphing and warping features. Or why not try a digital movie? Currently available for Windows users, a Linux version is expected soon.
Create and transform photographs into unique images with the free photo editing programs listed above.
Jace Shoemaker-Galloway - +JaceShoemaker-Galloway is more than passionate about online safety awareness. She has devoted and dedicated over five years to Internet ...
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