There are several quality free photo editing programs available if your budget just cannot afford a software investment. These freeware programs are ready to be downloaded and will provide basic imaging editing options to fulfill your photo enhancement needs.

Let's take a look at the top 5 free photo editing programs for Windows that you might want to try out. Commercial programs are given a challenge when compared to these quality, no-cost counterparts. Take note however that some of these free programs come with limited features unless you invest in an ungraded version.

The GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is an open-source program originally developed by two university students in 1996. It has now morphed into a powerful image editor with a huge user base. The latest version, the GIMP 2.0, has a revamped user interface that places it up there with mainstream image editors.

Picasa is a terrific freeware program available to fill your photo needs. Picasa can help you find, edit and share all of the pictures in your computer. If you have a multitude of photos, Picasa will keep them organized and maintained by sorting them into visual albums. Even better, is Picasa's ability to swiftly touch-up your pictures and correct most mistakes with an easy to use format. This software also provides the means to easily share these photos with friend and family through email, printing or CDs.

VCW VicMan's Photo Editor is comparable to Adobe Photoshop in its tools and features. With this program, you can zoom into and pan within your image and perform standard image editing with no trouble. There are also a wide range of color adjustment options at your fingertips. This program does come in a limited free version, but for the next level editor, a commercial Pro version is available for $30.

ImageForge is a freeware image editor gives you a great set of tools for painting and editing images and photos. Whether you want to touch up your photo shots, or add a creative effect to a boring photo, ImageForge can provide you with the tools to do it. You can even share your photos easily by creating photo albums and simple slide shows.

Paint.NET markets itself as an on-going project at Washington State University, with features that equal commercial functions, including support for layers. It is offered as freeware and is readily accessible for download. There is a special Effects API for you to generate your own special effects in addition to standard image editing features. The program also has a strong user base that sustains its progress and development.

I hope this has given you a little bit more knowledge about the best photo editors free for Windows. These programs are easy on the wallet while fulfilling all of your photo needs from editing to effects. If you find that you still need more out of your editing software after trying these out, commercial grade programs such as Ulead, PhotoImpact and Jasc Paint Shop Pro to provide for the more in-depth, long term photo editing tasks.

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