IDguy Loc: Idaho

Photoshop Elements is like a combination of Lightroom and Photoshop. Inexpensive one time purchase. Also has a learning curve but much free help.

Do not overlook the Organizer. It does much more than organize.

Jim Bianco

Photoscape X, decent software and easy to use and it is free.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

--Bob

Terrymac Loc: LONDON U.K.

Must agree no need for it.

FL Streetrodder

Picasa, a free program is still available as a download and is probably one of the easiest editing programs to use. I used it for a number of years before buying Photoshop Elements. The latest version of Picasa can be downloaded at this site https://filehippo.com/download_picasa/?ex=CORE-190.2, as well as several other sites if you Google Picasa. Another program you might want to try is the one included in Google Photos which was patterned in many ways after Picasa which Google bought out.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I hope you don't get upset if you ask a question here and someone replies thusly.

goldenyears Loc: Lake Osewgo

I've been happy with my first full-featured editor - Luminar AI - not free but cheap - $69. Amazing one-click sky replacement.

outdoorcat

There's a program that I have not noticed ever being mentioned here before.
Paint.NET
Find it at www.getpaint.net

Paint.NET is image and photo editing software for PCs that run Windows. It features an intuitive and innovative user interface with support for layers, unlimited undo, special effects, and a wide variety of useful and powerful tools. An active and growing online community provides friendly help, tutorials, and plugins.
It started development as an undergraduate college senior design project mentored by Microsoft, and is now maintained and developed by Rick Brewster. Originally intended as a free replacement for the Microsoft Paint software that comes with Windows, it has grown into a powerful yet simple image and photo editor tool. It has been compared to other digital photo editing software packages such as Adobe® Photoshop®, Corel® Paint Shop Pro®, Microsoft Photo Editor, and The GIMP.

BigOldArt Loc: Seminole, FL

If you are just starting, try the Photos app that is built-in. Then look at the features of paid apps. Which features do you need to add to your repertoire?

PhotogHobbyist Loc: Bradford, PA

Deoending on what you want (and need) for editing, you may do well with some of the free software. for the more advanced programs, a relatively small charge may be justifiable. I do not want, or even need the full verion for my post processing, so I have used Photoshop Elements stand alone for several years. I purchase it when I can get it on sale and use a version for several years before upgrading to the more current version. I find it very appropriate for me needs. As I learn more about the program's abilities I try to practice them and only upgrade when the new version offers something I feel will benefit my phortos. Overall PSE is less than 25% of the cost of the subscription for the full verion and the cloud for one year for me. Currently I am using PSE 2019 which I bought two years ago for around $60. I figure I'll be using it for another two or three years at least.

edrobinsonjr Loc: Boise, Idaho

Jerrybn

Many people are not aware Adobe has a subscription for photographers. It has Photoshop, Bridge, and Lightroom for 9.99 a month. Instead of the 54.99 a month for everything.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

FastStone Image Viewer is FREE and easy to use. For your computer.

Here's the link. https://www.faststone.org/download.htm

Here's (see attached image) what tools look like along with a processed image.

Also for your PHONE- Download FREE; Tool Wiz and Snapseed These are exceptional editing tools for Android-based phones! Toolwiz photo link-

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.btows.photo&hl=en_US&gl=

Snapseed app- link-

https://snapseed.online

Photocraig

As an old fil guy, I didn't know editing software either. What I found using a very elementary, no longer available program, that the BASIC edits I used were lightening and darkening the scene, improving contrast for teh whole scene and color saturation. MOST valuable was teh cropping and straightening tool--including teh ability to minimize if not eliminate the "key stoning" effect as line converge when aiming upward or downward with your camera.

Those are available in Windows Picture at the VERY most basic, Your camera's software which is usually available for download if you don't have the CD.

I suggest you start out editing you photos that way to start. Then, as you desire to DO MORE, and you will, you will be prepared to make the right selection for YOU. The free camera software is usually good but in Canon's case a little "clunky to use." But usable. at my favorite Later in life price: FREE. The free stuff like GIMP, GLANCE and Darktable, I suggest is best attempted after a user has some experience manipulating photos on teh screen--which you will have.

I have found the YouTube has some really great tutorials, and choices of coverage of the same topics from a number of instructors, so you can fine one that suits you. Google opens the whole world of information, too. It takes a little practice to form the queries to get targeted results. But, less time than gtting to the Library, if it's open during COVID.

Best of luck,
C

Good Luck,
C