Free alternative to photoshop?

[hamlet]

I am wondering if there are any freeware programs like photoshop so i can edit raw photos?

 

[Tinderbox (UK)]

Try Gimp, though you will have to install the plugin from the links below for raw support.

GIMP - The GNU Image Manipulation Program

UFRaw - Home

John.

 

[480sparky]

How 'bout the free software that comes with the camera?

Raw Therapee.

 

[JTPhotography]

GIMP is awesome.

 

[480sparky]

GIMP is awesome.

Except it's limited to 8-bit.

 

[cynicaster]

I tried GIMP once and I couldn't figure out how to do adjustment layers. I'm guessing it's not possible, which renders it pretty much useless for me, but it is pretty darn good for being free.

 

[480sparky]

I tried GIMP once and I couldn't figure out how to do adjustment layers. I'm guessing it's not possible, which renders it pretty much useless for me, but it is pretty darn good for being free.

GIMP can do layers.

 

[KmH]

True, but does GIMP have non-destructive adjustment layers.
Elements, CS & CC have Adjustment layers.

http://tv.adobe.com/search/?q=Adjustment Layers

Non-Destructive Photo Editing With Adjustment Layers In Photoshop

 

[480sparky]

True, but does GIMP have non-destructive adjustment layers....

If you save the edit as an .xcf file, then the answer is yes. You can then reload the .xcf image and all the layers are still there for editing, addition or deletion.

 

[Murray Bloom]

Gimp is about as good as it gets for free. One thing I've noticed, though - many will say that Gimp is as good or better than Photoshop. They'll swear to it. But when I ask them whether they have any experience with Photoshop, the answer is always no. Why is that?

 

[480sparky]

Gimp is about as good as it gets for free. One thing I've noticed, though - many will say that Gimp is as good or better than Photoshop. They'll swear to it. But when I ask them whether they have any experience with Photoshop, the answer is always no. Why is that?

Simple.

Gimp is ....... free. ........

On the flip side, those who 'grew up' with PS are always complaining that GIMP is difficult to use. It isn't difficult... it's just a different set of keystrokes and mouse clicks.

 

[mmaria]

Gimp is about as good as it gets for free. One thing I've noticed, though - many will say that Gimp is as good or better than Photoshop. They'll swear to it. But when I ask them whether they have any experience with Photoshop, the answer is always no. Why is that?

I used both.
Photoshop. I use CS6 and off course it is much more powerful program but it costs.
Gimp. A bit difficult at the beginning but it is a great program. You get plenty, and maybe even enough for free. It is updated often and you can find a lot of great plugins and great tutorials as well.
:thumbup: for people who created it!
But again, Photoshop is difficult also.
My point here is that you have to learn both and both are difficult at the beginning.
Anyway, Gimp is a great program.
If you need more than 8 bit, then probably you would know all about "8 bit - 16 bit" stuff and would invest some more money in Photoshop. And, there are a lot of things going on in Photoshop and maybe you just don't need them all at that cost.
You weren't specific about your editing needs so I don't know what to write about either

 

[Edsport]

Photoshop CS2 is free now...

 

[hamlet]

CS2 is free? is that program enough to edit your photos?

 

[amolitor]

GIMP has layers, but cannot do adjustment layers. You have to use other and somewhat more cumbersome things to accomplish similar effects.

That said, it's perfectly capable and useful.