The best graphics editor. Drawing programs - what to choose? List of the best free products

It's no secret that the best graphic editor for editing raster graphics is the Photoshop software product from the well-known company Adobe. Probably, today this is the best program for working with images in the form of photographs, design solutions, Web design, and any other graphics. I personally also think and am confident that this is the best product in its industry. By the way, it is distributed not only for the Windows operating system, but the release is also known for computers based on MAC OS.


If you remember my history of acquaintance with the first graphics editor, it was the Paintbrush program in the Windows 3.11 operating system for personal computers. By the way, it has survived to this day and is even available in the latest version of Windows 8. However, now it is simply called Paint and has greater capabilities for editing graphic images. Although in general its functionality does not reach Adobe Photoshop.


Another no less interesting program for working with raster graphics, I would like to mention the GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) program. During my short acquaintance with the Linux-based operating system, I don’t remember exactly what kind of distribution I used for this, but, nevertheless, during this period of time I paid attention to the GIMP program. This free and open source program is a good alternative to Adobe Photoshop. This program has a lot of interesting functions and tools for working with raster graphics.

Perhaps there are many more different interesting and good applications for working with raster graphics, but still, one way or another, I believe that the highest quality program for working with photography, some design elements and building some graphic templates for websites, etc. P. is the Adobe Photoshop program - whatever one may say. And the only negative that I find in this program is that it is paid and is not cheap.

But why is Adobe Photoshop considered the best?

It's simple - it is the standard of quality in the world of digital images, provides powerful graphics editing capabilities, and plus everything has an intuitive interface. This amazing product pushes the boundaries of digital image editing and helps you make your design dreams come true.

But the most important thing is the variety of working tools for image editing. For example, such as various ways to select an object, brushes with different types and sizes, the ability to create a gradient, that is, a transition from one color to another, darken, blur, create beautiful text, choose a different color palette and much more. It is also worth noting the ability to work with layers, that is, for example, to separately work on the text design and separately work on its background without affecting the overall picture. As a plus, you can note the almost complete history of your actions, which leads to the fact that you are not afraid of ruining something, since you can always return to the original state.

Another advantage is preparing the image for publication on the Internet. Ability to save images in almost any modern file format. Saving the image and template in your own PSD format - which is probably already a standard and saves all layers and current settings in it, which is convenient when returning to editing again, as well as the ability to leave marks directly on the image elements.

The ability to create and work with simple three-dimensional 3D objects. You can twist, twirl, increase, decrease and change color.

Another feature of Adobe Photoshop is the application of various filters to the image, which gives an interesting and striking special effect. There are about 50 of these filters and they all have a unique effect. Such, for example, effects as turning a picture into neon lights or frayed paper and many other equally interesting solutions.

We could go on and on about all the features and advantages of this amazing image editing program, but in general, the whole world and the whole planet uses it, and they know very well that it is the best editor in the computer world.

Download graphic photo editors to your computer for free.
Programs for editing photographs and images in Russian.
Download free graphic editors for drawing on Windows XP, 7, 8,10.

version: 4.1.6 from March 19, 2019

Free image editor with many built-in tools and effects. The application supports working with layers, importing photos from a scanner, and adding plugins to improve functionality.

Here is a convenient graphic editor created by Microsoft employees. In terms of its characteristics and appearance, Paint.Net is very similar to Photoshop and is its “lightweight” and free copy. Here you can work with layers, resize photos, apply effects and make photo corrections. Standard capabilities can be increased by integrating additional plugins. By downloading free Paint.net, you can import photos from a scanner and digital cameras to your computer.

version: 4.1.7 from December 15, 2018

A program for drawing on a virtual canvas “from scratch.” The application contains tools for processing ready-made images, including photographs.
The Krita graphic editor was created as a cross-platform application for drawing on a computer from scratch, then its functionality was supplemented with tools for editing finished images.

version: 2.10.8 from November 12, 2018

The advanced graphic editor Gimp allows you to process and retouch photos, work with multiple layers, use drawing tools, and also reduce file sizes.

Many designers and layout designers prefer to download GIMP as a free alternative to Photoshop. Its functionality is 70% capable of replacing the tools of a popular photo editor. The application is recommended to be used both for improving photos before publishing on social networks, and for professional tasks.

version: 0.92.3 from October 09, 2018

A free graphic editor for vector images that allows you to edit existing ones and create your own. At the same time, the program provides the opportunity to save your creation in a large list of formats.

Inkscape is a graphics editor that is used to create high-quality images for logos, posters or business cards. Until 2004, the developers released the Sodipodi program, which, in fact, is the prototype of Inkscape.

version: 0.9.23 from September 03, 2018

Tux Paint is a simple graphic editor with a non-standard way of drawing, aimed at children. It features a simple interface and unusual sound accompaniment of actions.

The Tux Paint drawing app is ideal for being the #1 application for the youngest users. With this graphic editor it is very easy to draw various pictures, so parents often download it for their children.

version: 3.0.15 from April 23, 2018

Joxy Screenshot is a fairly popular application for taking screenshots and editing them instantly. Allows you to take a screenshot of the selected area, add text, arrows, lines to it, apply a blur effect and much more.

A small startup project from Russian developers was able to grow into a useful and convenient service. In addition to the version of Joxi for Windows 7, 8 and XP, which we will review, the authors also offer versions of Joxi for Mac and Linux, as well as a plugin for Chromium-based browsers.

version: 4.2.8 from November 20, 2017

PicPick is a program for capturing screenshots and editing them. Allows you to quickly process pictures and send them to another program, by email or on a social network.

Why do you need a program for creating screenshots if there is a wonderful “PrtScr” key, you ask? But what if the button doesn't work? And what if you don’t need to capture the entire screen, but select only part of it? And, as a rule, a screenshot needs to be processed before saving.

version: 3.7 from September 11, 2014

Photoscape is a Photoshop clone that has the same functionality and set of tools. But, unlike its famous older brother, you can download Photoscape for free.

The capabilities of this graphic editor allow you to fully process photographs and pictures. In particular, you can crop pictures, change the background, make two layers, apply various filters and retouching, and also use a rather large set of tools.

Want to learn how to create stunning images or master photo retouching? All you need for an exciting journey into the world of art is a computer and a suitable graphics editor.

Where are graphic editors used?

Photo processing and retouching. Today, almost everyone has a digital camera, the images of which are very convenient to store, view, and edit in special programs. With the help of graphic editors and a bit of talent, stunning shots are created that can be proudly inserted into a family album or uploaded to your social network page.

Photo editing is not difficult and even a beginner can handle it. But this is what happens when a person with experience gets down to business. Digital painting. In the age of development of electronic technology, artists no longer need to purchase tons of paints, kilometers of canvases and allocate a separate place for their creativity. Graphic editors have replaced an entire art workshop, making the drawing process easier and even more efficient.

No more fussing with paints and art tools. Just a clean shirt, a cup of tea and an irresistible craving for art.

Advertising creation. Thanks to their wide capabilities, graphic editors have firmly established themselves in the advertising business. Experienced designers use them to create enticing images for posters, magazines, labels and other advertisements.
To create large-sized advertisements, vector graphics are used, which do not lose quality when enlarged.

Choosing the ideal graphics editor

Before choosing a tool, determine for what purposes do you need a graphics editor?. Do you want to get into digital painting and draw pictures on the computer? Or do you need a photo editing program? Or maybe you want to create a 3D model for a virtual game?
Having answered the main question, you will quickly choose the appropriate program and within a couple of minutes you will begin your creative activity.

We value the time of our guests, so we have collected the best graphic editors in a single archive. We have written a clear description for each program, added screenshots and video tutorials so that your creative activity can begin as early as possible. Choose programs based on rating results and user reviews. Download graphic editors via torrent or file sharing services (Yandex.Disk and MEGA).

Awaken your thirst for beauty and learn how to create stunning compositions. Art has never been so accessible.

Most of us associate computer graphics in general and editing in particular with Adobe Photoshop, which itself costs 700 bucks and requires significant hardware resources. And this is natural, because this is the most powerful graphic editor to date, created for the needs of design professionals. “Non-designers” more often use only a small fraction of its resources for basic image changes. Don't believe me? Remember why you opened Photoshop the last 5 times. I guarantee that if you are not a professional designer, then you have changed the size of some image, cropped it, or saved it in another format. As a last resort, we adjusted the brightness/contrast/color gamut. Agree, it is not at all necessary to have Photoshop installed for this.

1 Photoscape

Photoscape is an amazing free photo editor. This program contains so many filters, tools and special effects that it’s hard to believe that it’s free.

Photoscape has almost everything you need to view, optimize, edit, print, and have fun with your photos. It's so full-featured that many consider it a free alternative to Photoshop. Of course, Photoshop is still at a higher level, but the program really is an excellent alternative to Adobe's flagship and turns photo editing into a very fun experience.

2 Pixia

Pixia is a free raster graphics editor developed by Isao Maruoka. Initially, the graphic editor was intended for creating anime/manga, but later began to be used in other areas of art.

Pixia supports Wacom graphics tablets, three-dimensional layers, transparency effects, can work with the most popular image file formats (.bmp, .jpeg, .tiff, .ico, .pict, .png), supports the Adobe Photoshop format - .psd, and also has its own - .pxa.

3 Colourpaint

A simple drawing app for KDE. The most basic functionality such as a brush, eraser, pipette, primitive forms. As for editing, there is autocrop, balance adjustment, size and color changes. Designed for drawing diagrams and diagrams, as well as simple image editing. Another solution for those who are confused by the abundance of buttons and incomprehensible tools of more complex editors.

4Paint.NET

Paint.NET is a free raster graphics editor for drawings and photographs for Windows, developed on the .NET Framework. Paint.NET is an excellent replacement for the graphics editor that comes with standard programs in Windows operating systems.

With many powerful features found only in expensive graphics editors, Paint.NET is completely free.

5 Pinta

Pinta is a lightweight, open-source, cross-platform raster graphics editor inspired by the Paint.NET editor. The latter only works under Windows, and Miguel de Icaza's attempt to directly port this program to the Linux/Mono environment was not very successful.

6 Seashore

Opensource image editor for the Mac OSX Cocoa framework. Knows what gradients, textures, anti-aliasing are. Supports layers and alpha channel. It is based on GIMP technology, and, accordingly, is friendly with its native format.

7 Paint Star

The Paint star program is a graphic editor for high-quality editing, as well as creating drawings, digital photos and other images. This editor for Windows perfectly suits the basic needs of the user, and also allows you to work with layers, transparency, gradients, textures, scripts, templates, paths, etc.

Paint star has a solid line of image editing and processing tools, similar to popular programs for highly professional business design. Basic functionality allows the average user to realize their idea without a special training course or video.

8 My Paint

A simple and fast opensource application for digital artists for Windows and Linux. Essentially, it's just a dimensionless canvas onto which you can display interface elements only when you need them. The rest of the time, draw for your own pleasure, without being distracted by menus and tools. It fully supports graphics tablets, has a simple minimalist design, allows you to create brushes and customize existing ones, and supports layers.

9 5Dfly

Free Windows application for batch photo processing. In addition to the standard functions of a graphic editor, it can create slide shows for PowerPoint.

10 Visual Box

Free for non-commercial use application for creating web galleries. Available as a jQuery plugin or Prototype extension, there are versions for Windows and Mac. Flickr and Photobucket support, built-in ftp client, tons of themes, nice modern design.

11 Digikam

This is an OpenSource photo editor for Linux, Windows and Mac-OSX. Allows you to view, edit, enhance, catalog and tag your photos and do a lot of other nice things. However, you must be prepared to compile the application. For those who are new to this, the official website offers a detailed tutorial.

12 PEdit

A very simple free online photo editor. Contains all standard tools, even a child can use it. It requires installation of the Silverlight 3 plugin.

13 photos

A multifunctional and, at the same time, understandable program, which includes the functions of a photo editor, a graphic editor and an application for creating computer graphics. Provides many options for design, photo processing and enhancement, image editing and more.

14 Irfan View

One of the most popular image viewers on Windows systems. Fast, compact, free. Can open all kinds of graphics, convert them into the desired format, optimize them, and create slideshows. There are plugins, skins and localizations. Often opposes ACDSee. Although, to be honest, at home I replaced it with FastStone Image Viewer, which is also free for personal non-commercial use, but, in my opinion, is much more convenient and can work with NEF.

15 Krita

One of the finalists in the 2011 Packt Open Source Awards, along with Blender and GIMP. This is another KDE editor for creating sketches and drawings, as well as for manipulating graphics. The main direction is illustration, concept art and other creative work.

16 GIMP

The GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP for short) is a powerful and multi-purpose graphics editor. Thanks to a wide range of functions, you can make your photos more juicy, remove unnecessary elements from photographs, create collages and posters, prepare website designs and cut ready-made layouts, and much more. GIMP works on the most popular operating systems: Windows, Mac, Linux.

17 Artweaver

Artweaver is another graphic editor that claims to be a free analogue of Adobe Photoshop. The program can simulate painting with oil, acrylic paint, brush, crayon, pencil, charcoal, pastel, airbrush, etc. There are also various filters, working with transparency and layers, exporting and importing files into various graphic formats and much more.

18 Paint tool sai

Paint tool sai has both a Free and a paid version. First of all, it is necessary to note the editor interface, which is implemented as conveniently as possible for users. All the necessary buttons fit compactly on the panel on the left, allowing you to quickly find the necessary tool.

In addition, the interface allows you to keep several drawings open at once. The canvas itself with the image can be scaled and rotated using hotkeys and special buttons on the panel.

19 Hornil StylePix

Hornil StylePix is ​​a powerful multifunctional free graphic editor in which programmers were able to combine such parameters as: compact size, user-friendly interface and a large number of functions. The program does not require mandatory installation, as it has a portable version that you can easily place on any flash drive and run the program directly from it. StylePix has a large number of functions and capabilities and is a worthy competitor to Paint.NET and Photoshop programs.

The program will serve you as an excellent assistant in photo editing. With this editor you can correct almost all the flaws in your photo. For creative people, StylePix provides a wide selection of brushes, cloning, selection, fill tools, as well as many options for working with text.

There is also a paid version of Hornil StylePix. Has more features such as quick mask, layer mask, brush image and layer styles for more advanced works than StylePix.

20 Photoshop Online and other online editors

There are many services on the Internet for editing photos online and without installing any programs. One of the main differences between online editors and installation programs is that the application requires the most minimal system requirements for your computer and just an installed browser to view web pages. 100% convenience from working in the online version of the graphic file editor.

Free graphic editors (photo editors) and photo managers: GIMP, Paint NET, PicPick Tools, Picasa, PhotoScape, Inkscape, IcoFX, FastStone Image Viewer, Dimin Image Viewer, XnView, Universal Viewer, NexusImage, IrfanView, Imagine, APViewer.

FastStone Capture is a software product that allows you to take screenshots and also record video from the screen. In addition to the main functions, the application allows users to edit the image, as well as adapt it. Thanks to effects, you can completely change an image, making it unique. The edited screenshot can be...

DjVu Reader is the most popular program designed for reading djvu files. The application will be useful for students and teachers who read electronic manuals. Many users do not know, but books and magazines saved in djvu format take up significantly less disk space...

ACDSee is a program designed for viewing images. The application allows you not only to view photos, but also, if necessary, edit them. Surprisingly, ICD can even play audio and video files. Many users consider the program to be a real multimedia combine. In addition to the main features...

NanoCAD is a system designed for design. The application will be of interest to designers and engineers. This CAD platform can be used in various industries. It is noteworthy that, unlike its competitors, it is distributed completely free of charge. The system can be a good alternative to such a giant as AutoCad....

FormatFactory is a free program for converting images, video and audio from one format to another. The Format Factory program has functions for changing images: rotating, cropping, resizing, signing, etc. The program contains a multilingual interface, including Russian. Format...

Tux Paint is a free painting program designed for young children. At the beginning of development it was created for the Linux OS, but after a while it became available for other operating systems too. Tux Paint has been translated into a very large number of languages. In their...

PhotoFiltre is a compact universal graphics editor for the Windows operating system. There are two versions of this program, free and paid. The author and developer of the program is Antonio Da Cruz. The entire program interface has been translated into approximately 26 languages.

Artweaver free is a free raster graphics editor. It is needed for processing images or photographs. You can also draw various drawings in it. The distinctive feature of the program is that it is supported by tablet computers.

It’s terribly inconvenient when programs that are so needed weigh a lot. But this is not about this graphic editor. PaintTool SAI is a very convenient and economical option.

There are so many creative people all over the world who are interested in life because they have a spark of the creator in them. These people are open to perceive the world and, even more, they can think creatively and want to create something unique.

To all the free artists of the new generation creating their masterpieces...