Top 10 Photo Editing Software for Family Photo Organization
Top 10 Photo Editing Software for Family Photo Organization
By: Brenda Stoke
With digital cameras and at-home photo printers there’s a huge demand for photo editing software that helps families keep those vacation photos organized without a huge learning curve. The following 10 programs can help you edit your images, keep them organized and save time in the process.
1. Apple iPhoto
It comes with iLife if you buy an Apple computer but you can also buy it separately. iPhoto is an extremely useful program that’s both easy to use and relatively inexpensive. You can automatically adjust settings on your photos, organize them into flipbooks and even have them professionally printed, all within the program!
2. Picasa
You can’t beat the price here, because Picasa is free. It only works on Windows operating systems, but it is easy to use and allows you to edit and manage your photos. Once you’re done, it is also very easy to share your photos with family and to create albums that can be viewed online.
3. IrfanView
IrfanView is a free program for Windows operating systems only. You can use it for personal use only, but that’s all you really need for family photo manipulation, right? You can do simple edits and there are several options available if you want to print your photos. Just make sure you have photo printer ink if you’re going to do so.
4. Roxio PhotoSuite
Roxio PhotoSuite is for Windows only, but it is multi-featured and gives you a lot of options for photo editing. You can manipulate each photo until it is the best it can be, put them in calendars and then share them. You can even burn your albums onto a DVD.
5. Ulead PhotoImpact
Another relatively inexpensive choice is the Ulead PhotoImpact. This one is easy to use but also provides the features more experienced users can appreciate. Add your photos to greeting cards to print out, order prints or print them at home. Anything involving photos is covered by this program.
6. Adobe Photoshop Elements
While the full featured Photoshop CS2, let’s say, requires quite a bit of skill to use but Photoshop Elements has just enough features to appease the more skilled without confusing the beginner. It’s available for both Windows and Mac platforms and you can fix photos and create photo compositions. You also have superior control over resolution options and can print top quality photos from this program. Adobe Photoshop Elements printing options support all photo paper sizes and types (such as Matte and Glossy Photo Paper)
7. Serif PhotoPlus
Serif PhotoPlus is another great free find. You can edit your photos, make them look great, print them out or share them with friends. While only available for Windows platforms, it is user-friendly and provides a lot of options for the advanced user and the novice.
8. Foto Finish
While you can try it for free for thirty days, FotoFinish is a program you will have to pay for. However, it is worth its price tag. You can edit your photos for professional quality, put them in compositions for print and the web or just print out your photos as though they were professionally developed.
9. Paint.NET
Paint.NET is a free software program that is funded by donations on their website. It only runs on Windows operating systems but it provides many useful tools including unlimited undo! Trust me, that’s a useful one. It’s meant for the beginner but can be utilized at full capacity by those with more experience. With its photo ink saving functionality, this is a great software to print on special photo papers such as matte or waterproof photo paper.
10. GIMP
GIMP or the GNU Image Manipulation Program is a free program that works on most operating systems. It is very similar to Adobe Photoshop in function, meaning that it offers numerous options and features. While it may be a bit over the heads of the standard family album maker, it is worth a look, especially if you have an interest in furthering your skills.
With digital cameras and at-home photo printers there’s a huge demand for photo editing software that helps families keep those vacation photos organized without a huge learning curve.
This article is written by Brenda Stokes. A longer version of this article is at Compare Photo Editor Programs and Review Photo Editing Software She writes more on Discount Epson Printer Ink