Image Editing & Organization

Getting Started

Once images have been uploaded and saved on a computer’s hard drive, the content on the memory card can be cleared in order to make space for new images. The image files created from the content on the memory card can be manipulated in a number of different ways both on and offline. In addition to duplicating, moving, and grouping them, image files may also be edited in order to modify qualities such as size and coloring.

Most computers come equipped with a standard picture viewing program. For example, Microsoft Office Picture Manager is the standard image viewer for many PCs operating on the Windows system. Aside from a handful of basic tools, these types of programs usually offer very little in the way of editing capabilities. When it comes to the type of computer being used, Apple systems (Mac) tend to provide a more diverse array of standard photo editing capabilities than do Microsoft/Windows. However, unless you are an experienced photographer with advanced editing skills who is currently in the market for a new computer, do not run out and buy a Mac ... as both PCs (Windows) and Macs (Apple) have great potential in terms of digital photo storage and modification. 

Editing & Organizational Software

Free Software:

  • Picasa - Free software created by Google is available online for download. This program helps users organize and edit pictures as well as create movie slideshows and photo collages. In addition, users can create web albums using the image files on their computer; giving them the ability to share photos with others.

  • Picnik - This program runs online and therefore requires an Internet connection. In addition to its user-friendliness and visually appealing layout, Picnik offers quite a few editing options that make it easy for beginning and intermediate photographers to modify and share their work through networking outlets like Twitter, Flickr, Facebook, and Photobucket. Picnik also gives user the option of purchasing a premium package for a monthly fee -- the main difference being a larger number of photo editing tools.

  • PhotoShop Express Editor - This program is an online "lite" express version of the PhotoShop system. After signing up using a current email address, a user has the ability to access several different photo editing tools (must be online to access albums and edit images)

  • iPhoto - Free software included with all Mac computer systems, available for download online at Apple’s iLife site. Like Picasa, iPhoto offers basic organizational and editing options but few advanced or complex functions. In contrast to Picasa and some of the other free photo storage software, iPhoto offers a wide range of unique project creation options (e.g. greeting cards, photo books etc.).

  • Windows Live Photo Gallery – More comparable aesthetically to iPhoto than Picasa, Windows Live Photo Gallery is a free and relatively simple image organizer. It does offer a few unique features like the ability to fuse separate images, or combine different aspects of different photos to create a single, better-looking image.

  • Photoscape - This program has none of the appealing iPhoto frills, but it offers a greater range and variety of editing options. For people interested in making more particular modifications to their image files, Photoscape may come in handy.

Software for Purchase:

If you are someone who is interested in a more advanced program and are willing to pay for it, these are some of the more popular software systems:

  • Adobe Lightroom ($250, Mac or PC)

  • Apple Aperture ($199, exclusive to Macs), Apple offers a free 30-day trial for this program

  • Adobe Photoshop ($699, Mac or PC) A more advanced program featuring a greater range of editing options. More suited to experienced photographers that are familiar with both cameras and computers. Currently, Adobe offers two editions of this program, CS5 and CS5 Extended (primarily for creating and editing 3D and motion content)

  • Adobe Photoshop Elements ($100, Mac or PC) Kind of a “lite” version of the more complex Photoshop system. Provides many of the central commands and options without as much of the complexity. Adobe offers a free trial of this Photoshop program.

  • iLife 11 ($49)

Free trials of most of these programs are offered on the websites of their producers. If given the option, it is definitely worthwhile to try before you buy!

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