The Best Free Photoshop Alternatives
posted by Michelle Rae Uy on June 18, 2019 in Photo / Video Editing, Cameras and Photography, Photo / Video Sharing, Computers and Software, Software & Games, Guides & Reviews, Top Picks :: 11 comments
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Adobe Photoshop is widely accepted as one of the most powerful photo editing tools for photographers, photo editors, and graphic designers. And, it’s the go-to tool for professionals for manipulating and retouching the images you see every day in ads and commercials.
However, most of us are not professional photo editors or photographers. And, a complex and comprehensive tool like Photoshop may be overkill, especially since you have to pay at least $9.99 per month for it.
While there are advantages to investing in paid applications, like a cleaner user interface, included cloud services and a wider variety of tools and effects. However, there are a lot of open source programs that offer just as good – if not better – features than Photoshop for free. Here are our three favorite free alternatives to Photoshop.
Best overall free photo editing software: GIMP
GIMP, or GNU Image Manipulation Program, is more than just a photo editor. It also has sophisticated image manipulation tools, which will appeal to pros as well as regular uers.
GIMP has the expected assortment of basic features, including cropping and straightening to adjusting brightness, contrast, and color balance to name a few. Plus it has more advanced tools, like layers, content rescaling, and animation, plus the ability to add blur, noise, and distortion, among other effects.
In fact GIMP offers most of the features that Photoshop has, even if it is missing things like other color modes besides RGB and the capability for non-destructive editing. Even better, GIMP’s interface is very customizable, and its features are expandable.
Since it is open source, GIMP community members can create plugins, and they often do, sharing them to the rest of the community for free.
For: macOS and Windows 10 users on Gimp
Best free photo editing software for under-powered computers: Pixlr Editor
If own an old, under-powered system or are using a computer with limited storage, like a Chromebook, Pixlr Editor is a great photo editing tool. And it has enough features for those who are looking to create graphics as well as edit exiting files.
Pixlr supports layers, masks and has a plethora of filters, including blur, noise, sharpen and tilt shift. And for basic editing, it has everything users need, from controlling brightness, contrast, shadows and highlights to adjusting hue, saturation and vibrance. You’ll also find tools like spot healing, dodge, burn, bloat and pinch.
Its interface is more minimalist than Photoshop, so it doesn’t look intimidating to folks who don’t have a lot of photo editing experience.
But that interface is also reminiscent of Photoshop, so folks who are familiar with Photoshop will have no problem transitioning to this tool.
It might not be as comprehensive as Photoshop. For instance, it doesn’t support the RAW format, for example, which is essential for more advanced photo editing. And, it’s missing a few manipulation and retouching tools like Liquify. However, Pixlr has certainly more than enough to cover most people’s photo editing needs.
For: macOS, Windows 10, and ChromeOS users on Pixlr
Best free photo editing software for beginners: PhotoScape X
PhotoScape X has a beautiful interface for a free photo editor. It starts with opening images. When you select a folder full of photos, you’ll see thumbnails of each image in a bin. Highlight the one you want and it appears in the editing window. When you want to move on to the next image, you simply reveal the bin showing the folder full of images and select the next one.
The editing interface is nicely labeled and accessible without being cluttered. Whenever you select a tool or setting, like sharpen or shadows/highlights, the application automatically analyzes the photo, adjusts it for you, and then shows you how you can further tweak that particular setting. A before and after slider lets you see exactly how changing the setting will affect the original shot before committing.
To top it off, PhotoScape supports RAW files so more advanced photographers who are ready to take that step up to RAW don’t have to switch to a different photo editing tool to edit their RAW. Professionals may want to step up to the PRO version ($39.99, Windows 10 only), which adds extremely useful tools like levels, curves, clone stamp, chromatic aberration and lens correction to the mix. But for beginners, PhotoScope X is a great free photo editing tool and an amazing tool for learning how to become a better photo editor.
For: macOS and Windows 10 users on Photoscape
[Image credit: laptop and camera via BigStockPhoto, screen shots: Michelle Rae Uy/Techlicious]
Open mix file
There are 7 other file types using
the MIX file extension!
.
mix — Power C object
.mix — Command & Conquer game file
.mix — Don Knuth’s MMIX emulator file
.mix — Project Dogwaffle mixing palette
.mix — 3ds Max motion mixer data
.mix — MotoGP game data
.mix — VentaFax voice message data
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What is mix file? How to open mix files?
The mix file extension was in the past used for Microsoft’s proprietary image format used in its Microsoft PhotoDraw and Picture It! products. Both of these programs are no longer supported.
The mix file is the default image file saved by these programs.
MIME types:
image/vnd.mix
This mix file type entry was marked as obsolete and no longer supported file format.
This type of file is no longer actively used and is most likely obsolete. This is typically the case for system files in old operating systems, file types from long discontinued software, or previous versions of certain file types (like documents, projects etc.) that were replaced in higher versions of their original programs.
The default software associated to open mix file:
Microsoft PhotoDraw
Company or developer:
Microsoft Corporation
Microsoft PhotoDraw is photo editing and vector drawing tool released in 1999. It is discontinued and unsupported product.
Microsoft Picture It!
Company or developer:
Microsoft Corporation
A discontinued photo editing application from Microsoft. Picture It! was geared to make digital imaging easy for consumers. It was the first consumer imaging program to enable sprite creation, leveraging alpha masking.
Help how to open:
Only Microsoft PhotoDraw or Picture It! are able to properly open *.
mix images, but perhaps other programs may support this file type as well.
How to convert:
MIX format can probably be saved to another image format like JPEG via any of the program that still support this old format.
Find conversions from mix file:
mix to jpeg
mix to jpg
mix to png
mix to tif
mix to tiff
List of software applications associated to the .mix file extension
Recommended software programs are sorted by OS platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android etc.)
and possible program actions that can be done with the file: like open mix file, edit mix file, convert mix file, view mix file, play mix file etc. (if exist software for corresponding action in File-Extensions.org’s database).
Hint:
Click on the tab below to simply browse between the application actions, to quickly get a list of recommended software, which is able to perform the specified software action, such as opening, editing or converting mix files.
Software that open mix file — Microsoft PhotoDraw image
Programs supporting the exension mix on the main platforms Windows, Mac, Linux or mobile. Click on the link to get more information about listed programs for open mix file action.
Microsoft Windows:
Main software associated with mix file by default:
Microsoft PhotoDraw
Microsoft Picture It!
Enter any file extension without dot (e.g. pdf)
Search for file extension details and associated application(s)
The 5 best Russian analogues of Microsoft Office
Microsoft has already left the Russian market, and Roskomnadzor can block Google Docs servers along with YouTube, which has already received the second warning out of three. We list online text editors and office suites that are suitable for collaboration and are not affected by external factors.
- The service is free.
- With a paid subscription to Yandex 360 from 108 ₽ per month, additional tools are available.
«Yandex Documents» — the closest analogue of Google Docs
Description and features
The service offers a full set of basic Google Docs options: files are created and synchronized with the cloud, which involves sharing and saving text online. In Yandex Documents, you can set the access level by link and comment on the text, and the built-in document scanner allows you to quickly digitize data. For a remote editorial office, office or document management, this service is now the most rational option for import substitution.
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Document commenting and sharing |
Lack of support for all popular functions in tables. For example, there is no IMPORTRANGE — a function to import cells from one table to another |
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Document scanner for fast data digitization |
Problems with spelling, when the service does not offer the correct options when checking it, like the same Google Docs |
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Ability to work in the same service with tables, text documents and presentations |
No review mode |
Resume
Yandex Documents is now the best alternative to Google Docs: in the presence of a large document flow, it makes sense to gradually transfer files to Russian servers.
To fully use the service, you will have to buy a paid subscription to Yandex 360 and get used to the interface.
- Price: free for home use and from 390 ₽ per month for 1 user on a corporate plan.
- The home version is available for review for 30 days.
- No free version available.
Office environment with a text editor — functionality close to corporate MS Office
Description and features
My Office is an office suite with built-in business tools. In addition to the built-in text editor and calendar, the software supports management, warehouse and accounting. The service is suitable for organizing a remote office or editorial office, as well as tax management for a company with up to 50 employees.
Available functions:
- Secure cloud up to 25 GB.
- Formatting documents according to a sample from the file history.
- Support for text and audio comments.
- Control of record of corrections and change history of documents.
- Extended clipboard and a set of macros for automation.
The service can work offline and synchronize with the database when connected to the Internet. The software core supports adaptability and can work in a web browser, on a PC, as well as through a mobile application.
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Personnel management without creating a complex hierarchy for the exchange of documents |
Complicated tariff scale — it is difficult to understand and choose the right tariff the first time |
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Duplicate Document Control Tool |
Regular slow response of technical support to requests in the evening and on weekends |
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Simplified integration with 1C |
Connecting corporate tariffs only through an integrator partner |
Summary
The main advantage of My Office is the combination of expensive software into a single service available by subscription.
This reduces the cost of office management and accounting for small businesses, as well as simplifies the coordination of employees and control of resources in the enterprise.
- Price: from 1500 ₽ per year for a corporate rate for small businesses.
- Trial period 30 days.
- The desktop version is free for personal use.
Yandex Documents was developed on the R7-Office code: the services have a similar interface and functionality
Description and features
«P7-Office» supports all Microsoft Office documents, and also offers tools similar to Google Docs. The text editor has a history of changes and sharing, support for spreadsheets and setting access rights.
There is a mobile application, a web version and a desktop editor. The P7-Office ecosystem, in addition to the editor, also offers its own operating system, a cloud office with a set of automation tools, and corporate remote servers. When connecting a corporate service, a cloud and tools for automating workflow, a corporate social network, mail and a calendar appear.
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Completely free desktop version of the editor |
No multi-factor authentication or HTTPS access |
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Editor support for all key file formats, from PDF and DOC to HTML |
Possible high consumption of RAM resources by the desktop version |
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There is a document scanning tool |
Desirability of using the service with other R7-Office products to achieve maximum functionality |
Resume
R7-Office is included in the register of Russian software and is suitable as an import substitution product for large companies. Faster technical support and a loyal tariff scale favorably distinguishes it from My Office: for corporate use it is now the best alternative.
See also:
«Google Sheets»: a complete guide to the updated version of
- Free software.
- Not developed in the Russian Federation, but protected from sanctions.
The interface of LibreOffice strongly resembles earlier versions of MS Office
Description and features
Standard text editor, where there is support for basic document formats. The online version of the editor is available as a browser extension, LibreOffice Online, where you can share documents for editing. The desktop version works on all modern OS, mobile applications are expected in the future.
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Document support for MS Office |
Limited functionality compared to commercial cloud editors |
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Ability to work with tables, pictures and presentations |
Document co-authoring is only available in online version |
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Completely free software |
No mobile app |
Summary
LibreOffice is an open source software, so it is independent of external factors.
The program is suitable for home and non-commercial use, as well as a temporary text editor for small businesses.
- Free software.
- Not developed in Russia, but protected from sanctions.
OpenOffice is another simple but free text editor
Description and features
OpenOffice is an old text editor whose source code was used to create LibreOffice. The program works stably on weak computers and has an extension for browsers, which has a little more tools for working with text.
The editor supports most popular document formats and quickly converts files to DOC and PDF. You can work with tables, charts and pictures in it, but the interface looks a little dated and the functionality is weaker compared to other competitors.
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Work even on weak PCs without loading RAM with large files |
File compatibility issues — sometimes markup peels off or fonts fly off |
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More convenient toolbar than MS Word |
Poorer toolkit than other free editors |
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Convenient conversion of a text document to PDF — in 1 click |
More rare updates than LibreOffice |
Summary
OpenOffice is suitable as a temporary tool for working with documents — while the company moves to another CRM or picks up a corporate office suite.
The product is completely free, protected from sanctions and contains the entire basic set of tools for working with documents and spreadsheets.
MS Office analogues: 5 free alternatives
Technologies
Dmitry Kuzmin
tried several office suites
Author profile
I work with documents, spreadsheets and presentations every day and have never used the official Microsoft Office suite in the last five years.
All the features you need are in free alternatives that can open a file created in MS Office. This also works the other way around: Office users will be able to work with your file.
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Microsoft Office Online
Where it works: Windows, Android, iOS, online
Get started: on the official website
These are slightly stripped-down versions of Word, Excel and Powerpoint from th Microsoft Office suite .
You need a browser and a Microsoft account to work.
There are quite a few restrictions: for example, in Word it will not be possible to save a file in RTF and PDF format, edit text in a saved style, or edit HTML documents. PowerPoint only allows you to make three presentations a month, and there are just over 20 free templates.
On the plus side, the developers are constantly updating the service, it is likely that in a month or two the desired function will appear. For example, earlier in the online version of Excel, you couldn’t use PivotTables. The feature is now available.
Files are stored in the OneDrive cloud. Moreover, saving is automatic — you will not lose data if the electricity is turned off. By default, 5 GB is available. If you purchase a subscription for $6.99 (R545) per month, the storage will be increased to 1TB and the core package of all Microsoft Office programs will be available. You won’t be able to pay for a subscription with a Russian card, but you can buy an activation key for a Microsoft 365 subscription on marketplaces.
Use the online version if you need to open, create and edit text documents and spreadsheets. In general, this is enough for office work.
The interface in the online version is minimalistic, there are no usual style settings
Google Docs, Spreadsheets and Presentations
Where it works: Android, iOS, online in a browser on any system
Get started: on the official website
900 02 This set of office online applications replaces all Microsoft Office programs for me: Word here is called Documents, Excel is called Spreadsheets, and PowerPoint is called Presentations. You need a Google account to work.
The functions are similar to «Office». The interface is slightly different, but everything is intuitive. The package is suitable for working in a team, and in real time: for example, while I am writing this text, the editor can process the beginning of the document.
Documents are stored in a cloud called «Google Drive».
By default, each user has 15 GB. For 139 R per month, you can get another 100 GB. You won’t be able to pay for a subscription with a Russian card. For payment, you will need a foreign card and a change of profile region.
Files can also be edited offline, but only from the Google Chrome browser: after connecting to the Internet, the file is synchronized with the main document in the cloud.
Of the minuses — if you try to open a file from Microsoft in Google Docs, some of the formatting may be lost.
Google Docs has the ability to leave comments and suggest corrections — the author can accept or reject revisions
Apple iWork
Where it works: any Apple devices
Download: on the official website
The Apple office suite works on all ecosystem devices, i.e. Macbook, iPad, iPhone. There are three programs in the package: Pages for editing text documents, Numbers for spreadsheets, and Keynote for presentations.
You can work in the service at the same time as your colleagues. Finished files are converted into formats for Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Presentations in iWork are more focused on beautiful animation and drawing with the stylus — Apple Pencil. Competitor Excel is also different: instead of the usual tables on the main page, there will be a blank sheet. And you can already add tables, charts, graphs and images to it. Pages is also different from Word: the document is more like a web page than a familiar text file.
You need an Apple ID to work. Documents are stored on the device or in the iCloud cloud: by default there is 5 GB, for 59 R per month you can buy another 50 GB. You can top up your Apple ID account in the Russian region using your MTS or Beeline phone number.
This is the Numbers editor This is what documents look like in Pages
LibreOffice
Where it works: Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, macOS
Download: on the official website languages .
This project has analogues of Word, Excel and PowerPoint — Writer, Calc, Impress. And an analogue of Access databases is Base.
There is also a unique tool — LibreOffice Math formula editor. It helps to edit and write down your own formulas — this is convenient for technical specialists and students of engineering universities.
An example of quick formula writing in LibreOffice Math
Working with documents, tables and presentations is almost the same as in Microsoft Office. Previously, the main complaint about the package was an outdated visual appearance, made by analogy with the interface of Office 2007. In the seventh version of LibreOffice in 2020, this was fixed: now the editor looks like MS Office 2019of the year.
In addition, in the new version of the package, you can save documents in docx format. It became possible for Calc to export files to the xlsx format — this is the modern Microsoft Excel standard.
Another important disadvantage is that LibreOffice is noticeably slower than MS Office, even on modern computers. On the other hand, if you need to open a file, but there is no «Office» on the computer, LibreOffice will help out.
The interface in LibreOffice differs slightly from competitors — I got used to it in just a couple of hours
WPS Office
Where it works: Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, macOS
Download: on the official website
This free office suite from Chinese developers used to be called Kingsoft Office. Almost complete analogues of Word, PowerPoint and Excel are available with support for all possible formats. Built-in PDF editor — you can quickly translate and recognize text from a scanned file. There is an online version of the editor, including for teamwork.
Files are stored in the cloud, when registering an account they give 1 GB for free. For $29.99 (R2310) per year, you can expand the drive up to 20 GB.