While it is true that the Windows Paint application can be used for some types of basic image editing, much more sophisticated editing is possible with software packages designed for this purpose. However, it is not always the best choice to spend hundreds of dollars on commercial image editing software like Adobe Photoshop. Sophisticated free software of this type is available for download online; read on to learn about the individual free programs of this type...

GIMP: The GNU Image Manipulation Program has a vast number of features and capabilities; although it is most well-known as a Linux program, versions are also available for Windows and Macintosh computers. The newest Windows version requires XP, NT 4.0, Vista, or 2000, but older versions are available for 95 and 98. The documentation files are a separate download; you can also find free tutorials and other information online. The latest Windows version (2.4.1) of this software is a fairly large download, at almost fifteen megabytes. GIMP is frequently compared to Photoshop, and is probably the best free image editing program in terms of its capabilities.

IRFANVIEW: Although it doesn't have as many features as GIMP, IrfanView is superior to it in some ways. It downloads much more quickly (just over one megabyte), opens faster, and works better at a low resolution (like 640x480) than GIMP. It is also easier to use than some of the more sophisticated image editing software. Useful features like red eye reduction, color depth adjustment, image sharpening, and sepia conversion are included. It is only available for Windows, but works on all versions '95 and up. This software is free for non-commercial purposes, but requires a small registration fee for commercial use. It might be the best choice if you have an older computer or want something easy to start using right away.

PAINT.NET: This is a free, open-source image editing program which has many sophisticated features, but is only available for newer versions of Windows (XP, Server 2003, Vista) and has fairly high system requirements. It works best with at least 512MB memory, and 256MB is required. It does have a small download size (1.5 megabytes). According to its website (getpaint.net) the Paint.NET software includes features like B/W conversion, layers, gradient tool, and an "undo" feature which can reverse an unlimited number of steps. Paint.NET looks to be a good way to get many of the features of GIMP without as large a download, but isn't the best choice if you have a low screen resolution or older computer.

Other free options include Picasa, Pixia, and PhotoPlus. The best choice of free image editing software depends upon whether you need basic or sophisticated editing capabilities, your internet connection, computer operating system, and monitor display resolution. Free image editing software is quite sufficient for most purposes, but expensive commercial products may still be best for the most complex and demanding types of editing.