Simple editing program (Page 2): I use FastStone all the time for viewing and for editing. Another one free and very good is PhotoScape X, check it out. Can be used with Mac and...

dandi Loc: near Seattle, WA

I use FastStone all the time for viewing and for editing.
Another one free and very good is PhotoScape X, check it out. Can be used with Mac and Windows.
http://x.photoscape.org/
Both free and user friendly.

SewClever

Thank you!

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

SewClever wrote:

Hi friends....I am looking for a very basic/intro editing program. I'm not opposed to 'free' for the moment to get a feel for how much I would use certain elements. I have tried a couple free programs in the past, but although the editing was relatively simple and successful, I could not open the newly edited photo on my computer. It all gets quite frustrating after awhile. Any suggestions?

simple almost always equals limited. What are you hoping to do? Can you define basic edits?

Some of the more advanced programs, like On1 Raw, DXO Photolab 3, Photoshop/Lightroom, Capture One - all have "auto adjust" modes that get you pretty great results in most situations. Then you are free to use additional tools to fine tune the results. It's my opinion that to spend time with free/cheap software is not a good use of one's time, and the results are rarely as good as what is possible with better software, even if you just used the auto modes.

junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

SewClever wrote:

Hi friends....I am looking for a very basic/intro editing program. I'm not opposed to 'free' for the moment to get a feel for how much I would use certain elements. I have tried a couple free programs in the past, but although the editing was relatively simple and successful, I could not open the newly edited photo on my computer. It all gets quite frustrating after awhile. Any suggestions?

Photoscape X is free and easy to use.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

SewClever wrote:

Hi friends....I am looking for a very basic/intro editing program. I'm not opposed to 'free' for the moment to get a feel for how much I would use certain elements. I have tried a couple free programs in the past, but although the editing was relatively simple and successful, I could not open the newly edited photo on my computer. It all gets quite frustrating after awhile. Any suggestions?

Photoshop is easy to use and effective. I get Photoshop and Lightroom for a monthy fee of $10.00.

dave.m

Linda From Maine wrote:

If you use Windows, take a look at the first free download in this list:
https://www.faststone.org/

It says "viewer" but actually has quite a few editing tools.

It might be instructive to know what caused your inability to open edited photos from previous apps. What software was it? And were you editing jpg or raw files?

For Windows this is a terrific program!! I have a PS subscription and use Faststone Viewer for probably 60 to 70% of my editing - fast, flexible, easy to use, plenty of editing functions and free. To try just load download the standalone version, and explore (all editing functions are found by 'bouncing' mouse pointer on the LH side.)

https://www.faststone.org/FSViewerDownload.htm

I dunno what camera your using but it edits any JPEG, Canon RAW and loads of others There are even shortcuts for common functions. There are also several output formats in addition to the obvious JPEG

I find it surprising they don't charge for it, and no nag screens or adverts

PS I have NO connection to Faststone other than being a very impressed user.

Jimmy T Loc: Virginia

SewClever wrote:

Hi friends....I am looking for a very basic/intro editing program. I'm not opposed to 'free' for the moment to get a feel for how much I would use certain elements. I have tried a couple free programs in the past, but although the editing was relatively simple and successful, I could not open the newly edited photo on my computer. It all gets quite frustrating after awhile. Any suggestions?

I use PhotoScapeX and it works very well for me. It can be used accurately with 3 or 4 clicks or you can REALLY get into serious editing. Here are a couple of sites for you, Enjoy. Be sure to select Mac/or Windows. Get the free version first (it never expires), and you can always upgrade. Also, please do yourself a favor and watch both of the following youtube videos to see if you would be interested and for training. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWC-SAuYOzw&t=325s Instruction and download info http://x.photoscape.org/.
Best wishes to you with your photographic journey.
Smile,
JimmyT Sends

Kazjkram

I agree with Jimmy T that PhotoScape is a good easy to use free editor. I use it primarily to crop photos and adjust brightness if needed. Other easy to use features include color, saturation adjustments, adding captions, noise reduction, file size reduction, easy red eye removal, clone tool (to edit out mean people from your photos😆), filter (for example sepia)...and many other easy to use tools.

Good luck!
Mark

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

Photoshop and Photoshop Elements are not what I’d call beginner programs. Picasa is where I started; it’s uncomplicated and intuitive. and intuitive.

rond-photography Loc: Connecticut

SewClever wrote:

Hi friends....I am looking for a very basic/intro editing program. I'm not opposed to 'free' for the moment to get a feel for how much I would use certain elements. I have tried a couple free programs in the past, but although the editing was relatively simple and successful, I could not open the newly edited photo on my computer. It all gets quite frustrating after awhile. Any suggestions?

If you are on a PC, FastStone Image Viewer is excellent, and free (but you can donate to the supplier, which I have done because it is worth it).

sandykreit

SewClever wrote:

Hi friends....I am looking for a very basic/intro editing program. I'm not opposed to 'free' for the moment to get a feel for how much I would use certain elements. I have tried a couple free programs in the past, but although the editing was relatively simple and successful, I could not open the newly edited photo on my computer. It all gets quite frustrating after awhile. Any suggestions?

I like Lightroom CC, also started playing around with DxO Photolab 2, there maybe a free trial.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

SewClever wrote:

Hi friends....I am looking for a very basic/intro editing program. I'm not opposed to 'free' for the moment to get a feel for how much I would use certain elements. I have tried a couple free programs in the past, but although the editing was relatively simple and successful, I could not open the newly edited photo on my computer. It all gets quite frustrating after awhile. Any suggestions?

If you want to post process images—go the whole hog, and learn Photoshop/Lightroom.
Unless cost is a serious factor, why waste time and energy with a less than complete fix.

jjbrenner Loc: San Angelo, TX

kpmac wrote:

Take Linda's advice. Fastone is great for beginners. Also; Irfanview. Both are free.

I "third" this suggestion. I've used Faststone for years and find it to do almost everything I need. It has a gentle learning curve, and you can't beat the price!

JeffL Loc: New Jersey

I have used paint.net for years on a Windows PC. Easy to use and it’s capabilities can be expanded with plugins. It is free, and could be all you need. BTW, free doesn’t necessarily mean a compromise on functionality.

rlv567 Loc: Baguio City, Philippines

SewClever wrote:

Hi friends....I am looking for a very basic/intro editing program. I'm not opposed to 'free' for the moment to get a feel for how much I would use certain elements. I have tried a couple free programs in the past, but although the editing was relatively simple and successful, I could not open the newly edited photo on my computer. It all gets quite frustrating after awhile. Any suggestions?

I have been/am using ON1, but have tried and/or used many of the other post processing applications. For a very capable, free program with exactly NO learning curve, I suggest you get Adobe Photoshop Express. It is available from the Apple, Google and Windows stores online. It does a remarkably good job, and is by far the easiest to use of the many programs out there!

Loren - in Beautiful Baguio City