I use GIMP for most mundane modifications. Graphics Image Manipulation Program is free and Free (open source).

I have not paid for any subscriptions, preferring to use the old PS and LR (latter for keywording and basic mods while I'm there).

I am used to software and had been using Photoshop. It's reasonably intuitive, but even now if I'm a bit rusty on it, I can get hung up for a bit. A few things similar to Photoshop have different names.

Both programs use layers which is very powerful for adding effects and retouching and adjustments. You might get a floating layer for pasting for example, and I think I use a menu item to merge it to the top layer. You can make layers invisible or not and merge down, etc.

GIMP wants to save an XCF file, it's own format that preserves layers and effects which is handy, but for most tasks, I just Export to JPG.

It's a powerful program, but mostly I use it for quick tasks. I also use Lightroom "editing" because it is so handy, so these days I rarely fire up the old Photoshop.

Install it, and run it and play around. There's online documentation and help and articles, I'm sure, but I haven't used them much. It's worth getting to know it.

It came to me in the software of my XP computer and it still works on my Windows 10 computer.

It has way more capability than I need, and I mostly use it for resizing photos, squaring them to the display when they were scanned a little crooked, and some retouching of defects on old images.

Last edited Mon Aug 19, 2024, 08:44 AM - Edit history (1)

Plus Canon's DPP if I need to edit raw formats

Apple's Preview App is usually all I need.
Finer adjustments and healing take GIMP. Open Source.
To edit RAW files, I use Darktable. Open Source. RawTherapee. Open Source. or GIMP.
"Use the Open Source, Luke"

I refuse to place my workflow at risk due to some highwayman demanding a subscription.