10 free Photoshop and other alternative programs you need to try

(This article has been updated, the original text was published on January 30, 2018)

We usually rely on expensive computer software to edit photos and videos, handle office affairs, and protect computers from malware. But these are not our only choices. Commercial studios usually offer basic versions of their products for free. In other cases, some volunteers believed that the software should be free and developed open source alternatives. Through these pathways, you can find free programs that cover almost all computing tasks.

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However, not all free apps are equally excellent. We have filtered out the 10 best free alternatives from a wide range of options that can replace expensive computer programs.

1. Office Suite: LibreOffice

LibreOffice is one of the best choices if you need a comprehensive office suite that does almost everything Microsoft Office does. While it lacks the visuals of more expensive products, it can perform the same functionality and can work seamlessly with files created in Office and other formats.

This suite is suitable for Windows, macOS, Linux, and even Android and iOS, including six main programs: Writer (word processing), Calc (spreadsheet), Impress (presentation), Base (database), Draw (charts) Math (formula writing). These cover the basic features you need to stay productive at work, and each program includes some templates to get you started.

Individual applications also include their own capabilities, from complex chart-making options in Calc spreadsheets to watermarks of documents created in Writer.

Download LibreOffice here

2. No need to bind the office suite: Google Drive

If you work frequently on multiple devices or collaborate with colleagues frequently, you may prefer a cloud-based Microsoft Office alternative: Google Drive suite.

Because this set of applications run online, you can access them from any browser on any computer and easily share files to collaborate with others. In addition, Drive is tightly integrated with other Google's web services such as Gmail.

The disadvantage is that Drive does not provide the same functionality as Microsoft Office. For example, you will get fewer page layout options in word processors and fewer transition effects in presentation programs. However, these applications are still professional-grade.

This package includes Docs (word processing), Sheets (spreadsheets), and Slides (presentation). Since they are all located in your browser, any edits will be saved online immediately, so you don't have to worry about backups. If you need to work offline, you can also access these applications (limited features) – no internet connection is required.

Start Google Drive here

3. Photo Editor: GIMP

For an advanced image editing program with many of the same features as Adobe Photoshop, try GIMP, which is the abbreviation for GNU (a free software collaboration with the acronym for "GNU's not Unix") image processing program. This free app is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux and allows you to create digital artwork from scratch or use color adjustments and filters to adjust the photos you have taken.

Unless you need the latest or most advanced Photoshop features, GIMP will have all the tools you need, including complex support for layers and selections, as well as drawing tools such as cloning tools and repair brushes. The interface may take some time to adapt, but the program allows you to customize the layout, so you can adjust it to your own style, and if you have problems you can consult the online GIMP tutorial.

In addition, you can extend your application using plugins and scripts created by the GIMP community. They work a little bit like browser extensions—they add extra functionality and automate repetitive tasks.

Download GIMP here

4. Photo editor without binding: Pixlr

If you work on a Chromebook or need to access your photo editor from multiple machines, replace GIMP with cloud-based Pixlr. This web app is accessible from any browser and is available in two versions: a premium full editor and a simplified quick editor.

When you first open the full editor in your browser, you might think that you are launching Photoshop. It comes with a large number of image editing and filtering tools, so you can do everything from fixing skin blemishes on your portrait to filtering your image until it looks like a classic painting. It also offers a wide variety of brushes, as well as advanced selection tools, including magic wands. In addition to layers, the app supports the most common image adjustment options such as color, brightness, hue, and saturation.

The fast (X) version of the app takes a more straightforward step-by-step approach. You can quickly add preset adjustments and filters to your images and add interesting effects like stickers and borders to the top. This version works best if you try to convert a dull looking image into a more eye-catching image instead of adjusting the details of your photo.

Start Pixlr here

5. Illustration: Inkscape

If you think GIMP is a good alternative to Adobe Photoshop, you can consider Inkscape as the corresponding software for Adobe Illustrator. This powerful vector-based drawing application allows you to create artwork like the images in this gallery on Windows, macOS, or Linux machines.

Vector graphics programs (such as Inkscape or Illustrator) are different from raster graphics programs (such as GIMP or Photoshop) because it saves your image as a collection of points and lines, almost like CAD drawings, so you can easily adjust them Size and adjust them without losing mass. Another way to think: You might edit the company logo in the former and digital photos in the latter.

In terms of vector graphics, Inkscape provides flexible tools to create lines, shapes, and text. It also provides grouping and hierarchy options, allowing you to manage objects on the canvas. If you need to edit files created in the raster graphics program, you can import and manipulate them. Like GIMP, Inkscape also has free online tutorials to help you get the software up and running.

Download Inkscape here

6. Audio Editor: Audacity

Audacity is an excellent free software application that handles audio editing and processing, whether you want to reduce the hissing in songs extracted from vinyl, edit audio interviews for podcasts, or turn two The volume of each audio file is normalized to the same volume level.

Audacity is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and supports all the most commonly used audio formats, whether native or via plug-in support. The software also allows you to add effects and filters to adjust volume, tone, speed, fade, and more. Additionally, its simple interface makes audio editing as simple as cutting and pasting sound wave blocks. You can even use Audacity to record audio from a microphone or live stream, making various tweaks and improvements along the way.

That is, Audacity does not offer the same features or tricks as more advanced audio editors like Adobe Audition or Hindenburg. However, this free program is a great way for you to try audio editing before you start paying for more expensive apps.

Download Audacity here

7. Antivirus protection: Bitdefender Free

While it is important to protect your computer from malware, the large number of available antivirus programs (free and paid) can be overwhelming. Still, there is a set of applications that always get good reviews from users and professionals: the Bitdefender series. You have to pay to use some of this security software, but you can get a free version of the antivirus tool called Bitdefender Free for Windows and macOS machines.

Bitdefender Free not only scores high on threat detection in every aspect, but it doesn't take up a lot of system resources, so it won't slow down your computer too much. During a full scan, it may reduce your performance more than usual, but not to an unacceptable level. More importantly, you can easily browse simple interfaces.

Bitdefender's goal is to make money and protect users, so you'll find more advanced features in its paid products—such as spam prevention and data encryption tools. Bitdefender Free only offers basic features, but the price cannot be surpassed.

Download Bitdefender Free

8. Video Editor: OpenShot

If you are looking for a free video editing app, OpenShot is the best choice. It is easy to use for Windows, macOS, and Linux, but still contains many useful features.

OpenShot covers all the basics of editing and resizing and supports all popular audio, video and image formats, so you should not have any problems when modifying media files from different sources. The first time the application is started, it runs a tutorial to teach you how to use it. If you want to skip it, just drag and drop the clip into place to start.

This free app allows you to overlay an unlimited number of video and audio tracks together. You can further improve your video work through titles, image overlays, watermarks, previews between scenes, subtitles, and even some 3D animation effects. Additionally, you can adjust video frames, brightness and contrast just like in the image editor.

Download OpenShot here

9. Apple's video editor only: iMovie

Apple fans can try the free iMovie (macOS only) as an alternative to OpenShot. iMovie supports 4K resolution and instant sharing options, making it a great video editor choice, as long as you have a Mac. Also install the iOS version, you can edit projects anytime, anywhere.

The video editor should be available with your system, but if it doesn't exist, you can download it through the Mac Store. The iMovie interface is very simple: drag content from the local library, arrange it on the timeline, preview the results in the player, and export.

This program helps you quickly combine clips, audio, and images, and provides quick filters that can be applied to your content. It also includes some interesting features such as the automatic video anti-shake tool and a simple green screen effect that allows you to swap backgrounds.

Download iMovie here

10. Remote access: TeamViewer

Remote access to another computer allows you to help friends troubleshoot technical issues or handle projects. But many applications charge huge fees for such access. That's why you need TeamViewer app, as long as you don't use it for commercial purposes, it's free.

[Related: You can access your computer from anywhere]

Once you start TeamViewer on the device you want to access, you will get your computer ID and password. Pass these details to others, who can use them (along with their own copy of TeamViewer) to remotely control the original computer. TeamViewer also works in unattended mode, so you can keep your home computer running and connect to it from the office, even if no one sits on the other end to confirm the connection. This helps you access your home or office computer from anywhere else in the world.

TeamViewer also offers a paid version, which adds support for more devices and multiple users. But for most people, the free version is enough, and it gives you the opportunity to try remote access to the program before spending your money.

Download TeamViewer here

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