(Sidenote: if you are looking for freeware photo editing software and you run Mac OS X or Linux, skip this article and check out Gimp.)<\/p>\n
First and foremost, PhotoScape is a free and feature-rich alternative to paid photo-editing programs and it’s been downloaded over 6 million times (according to CNET) with an average review of 4 stars and it is highly recommended for beginners.\u00a0 Those who are tried-and-true Photoshop fans may not love the interface but it’s worth a shot — it is free but it is not a heavy-duty editing app.<\/p>\n
Functionality and User Friendliness: <\/strong><\/p>\n One of the most noticeable things about PhotoScape is just how different its layout is from Photoshop.\u00a0 Rather than the rectangular toolbars that you can open and close on command, you’ll find a circular navigator and tabs at the top of the screen.\u00a0 Clicking through the tabs presents most, if not all, of the tools you’ll need. As for tools, you have plenty to choose from, including:<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 RAW Image support. What PhotoScape lacks in functionality, it makes up for in ease-of-use.\u00a0 You won’t find layer support, nor will you be able to do any of the fancy things you can do with other programs but you can turn your not so-so snaps into frame-worthy shots with its retouching tools.\u00a0 Some users have mentioned its lack of a Leveling\/Straightening tool.\u00a0 And, for a graphic editing software, it has clunky looking “old-school” icons circa Windows 1998.<\/p>\n PhotoScape also supports animated GIF files (anigifs), which is pretty surprising for freeware.\u00a0 It takes a little getting used to but PhotoScape has a pretty respectable “Help” menu that will allow you to learn how to use most of its tools adequately.<\/p>\n PhotoScape 3.3 is only available for Windows.\u00a0 For comparable Mac-compatible programs, check out GIMP\u00a0 (Here’s a review on it<\/a>).<\/p>\n Bottom Line:<\/strong><\/p>\n Probably not the best choice for very precise editing but great for quick fixes.\u00a0 It’s easy to learn (intuitive, almost) and free.\u00a0 Definitely worth a download to supplement your photo-editing tools.\u00a0 Also look at GIMP and PhotoFiltre.<\/p>\n There’s not too much to be said about PhotoScape other than the fact that it is free and easy to use.\u00a0 It lacks any “awesome features” — at least that I could see but if you’ve found something worthwhile, please write to me (or comment) and I’ll be sure to mention it!<\/p>\n![\"Photoscape's](\"http:\/\/www.killersites.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/07\/a6ff6c4b0a0f8bea12742a03ff2ab2bd_ss_intro_540x399-300x221.png\" "\\"a6ff6c4b0a0f8bea12742a03ff2ab2bd_ss_intro_540x399\\"")
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Standard features (red eye removal, contrast\/lightness editing, etc).
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Batch editing\/batch printing.
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Screen capture (a handy enough add-on).<\/p>\n![\"Creating](\"http:\/\/www.killersites.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/07\/PhotoScape_4-292x300.png\" "\\"PhotoScape_4\\"")
\nFinal Mentions: <\/strong><\/p>\n