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Updated February 18, 2025
A picture is worth a thousand words.
Fortunately, in the age of computers, smartphones, and the internet, teachers and students already have the tools to readily record and access digital images. And the top free image editing tools below will help users enrich assignments, convey information, or even create art.
The following image editing sites and software range from straightforward and convenient to powerful tools that rival Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. All are fully free or offer a robust free basic account.
Best Free Image Editing Sites
Canva Free Online Photo Editor
A freemium browser-based editor that allows users to easily upload and edit images by adding text, graphics, drawings, stickers, and other elements such as charts and graphs, Canva Free Online Photo Editor also allows users to incorporate audio and video files. Free users can upload up to 5GB of media, while Canva for Education and Canva for Nonprofits users can upload up to 100GB. Bonus: K-12 teachers are eligible to upgrade to Canva for Education at no cost.
OIE Online Image Editor
Fully free browser-based image editor that requires no login and is a breeze to use. Add text, speech bubbles, borders, or transparencies, and convert file types with a few clicks. Both basic and advanced tools are intuitive to use, and the Help page offers tips for making the most of everything. Available in 10 languages, including English, Spanish, German, and French.
Pixlr For Education
A GDPR-, CCPA-, and COPPA- compliant version of Pixlr that’s fully free for teachers, students, education professionals, and NGOs, Pixlr for Education is a super easy-to-use site with a clean stylish interface that’s great for students of any skill level. Simply upload your image and start using the tools provided, including text, animations, special effects, filters, touchup, and more. Not sure what you want to do? Check out Pixlr’s fine collection of video tutorials for users here.
Photopea
Billing itself as an advanced image editor, Photopea supports multiple popular formats such as PSD (Photoshop), XCF (Gimp), XD (Sketch App), and CDR (CorelDRAW). The generous free account allows all features, while going premium adds history steps and removes ads.
iPiccy
On this deceptively simple site, visitors will find a wide range of free photo, collage, and design tools. Upload images and start editing and creating right away. Check out the features page to quickly link to tutorials on professional-style techniques such as editing backgrounds, retouching, and meme creation. Fully free.
Best Free Image Editing Software
Krita
A full-featured free software download that allows users to create and edit images and illustrations using a robust suite of tools similar to those found in Photoshop. With its extensive capabilities, Krita naturally has a relatively steep learning curve compared to simpler photo-editing options. Fortunately, Krita hosts a comprehensive online user guide as well as the Krita YouTube channel, which offers dozens of videos covering the basics as well as detailed tutorials on individual tools. Downloads are available for Windows, macOS, and Linux Appimage.
Photo Pos Pro
A free downloadable image software for creating, enhancing, and editing images that includes a wide range of brushes, filters, and effects. Users have the convenient option to open the software in pro or novice interface, while the user guide provides solid direction on the basics of photo editing as well as tutorials on common tools and techniques. Be sure to check out the online AI-powered automatic photo fix, which quickly sharpens images and corrects color and lighting.
GIMP
GIMP (Gnu Image Manipulation Program) is considered by many to be the best free alternative to Photoshop. Building on more than two decades of development as an open-source program, Gimp is widely employed by both amateurs and professionals to create and edit images and illustrations of every kind. Tutorials and multiple online forums are helpful for beginners as well as more experienced users. Ideal for high school graphic arts projects. Linux/Windows/MacOs.
Paint.net
Often cited as one of the best free Photoshop alternatives, Paint.net is full-featured software with all the bells and whistles, from layers to plugins to unlimited history. A robust users’ forum offers a great way to discover how to make the most of this potent imaging software. Windows.
Inkscape
A free, open source vector graphic design tool to rival Adobe Illustrator. Features include a diverse set of drawing, shape, text, and transformation tools, as well as tutorials and forums to learn how best to use this powerful freeware. Linux/Windows/MacOs.
Reshade
A super-light and fast free image resizing software, Reshaden is designed to do one thing very well—resize/enlarge, enhance, and crop images without loss of resolution. It’s extremely easy to use, but watch the brief tutorial first for an even better result. Windows.
Ashampoo Photo Commander Free
From the German software company Ashampoo comes a free image-editing download, designed with powerful features—but not with a steep learning curve. Windows.
iRFanView
A free, fast and lightweight download that supports multiple languages, dozens of file types, and easy batch conversions. Windows.
