Need recommendation for a lightweight photo editor

August 7, 2012 10:34 AM

Lightweight Photoshop/Picasa alternatives? Main need is photo filters/effects.

Hello everyone! Recently, a family member asked me "can I get Photoshop?" I use Photoshop quite a bit, and so I inquired what exactly she needed it for. It turned out she had been using Picasa, and enjoyed using the photo filters and effects. She wanted something similar, that gave her more options.

So I'm thinking Photoshop would be overkill. Adding to this is the fact that she is using a relatively underpowered netbook (A Dell Mini 10 running Windows XP).

So essentially, all I really need is a photo editing program that:

* Will run on a netbook
* Includes lots of photo filters and effects
* Is cheap or free

Suggestions very much appreciated!

posted by Alaska Jack to Computers & Internet (8 answers total)

Picasa is free and easy, with lots of filters, etc. Not sure why you are lumping it together with Photoshop.

I use Picasa for basic, quick edits, like things I am posting on Facebook.
posted by virginia_clemm at 10:37 AM on August 7, 2012

Pixlr runs in-the-browser, and does lots of useful stuff. I haven't tried the "retro filters" option, but the photo editor does a surprising percentage of what most users need Photoshop for. Might be a little pokey on a netbook, but I think it ought to work.
posted by uncleozzy at 10:38 AM on August 7, 2012 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Paint.net
posted by COD at 10:49 AM on August 7, 2012

Response by poster: @virginia_clemm - Sorry, should have been more clear! Picasa does have filters, etc. But she wants something that has *more* filters, with more tweaking options, etc. Maybe also the ability to draw on a picture.

- aj
posted by Alaska Jack at 12:50 PM on August 7, 2012

Best answer: Seconding paint.net. Great little (free!) program for photo editing. Lots of filters and tweaking options; easy to use. I use this all the time for work (I'm in a web design-related field).
posted by jeoc at 2:48 PM on August 7, 2012

Best answer: Regarding Paint.NET (which is what I'd also recommend after Picasa), take a look in the forum where you'll find lots of plugin packs which will give you a tonne of additional filters and effects.
posted by mr_silver at 12:06 AM on August 8, 2012

Phoenix maybe?
posted by chairface at 4:59 AM on August 8, 2012

Response by poster: Paint.net it is. Thanks everyone!
posted by Alaska Jack at 9:55 AM on August 8, 2012