Some people use editing software to introduce special effects, personalisation or surreal aspects to their canvas prints while others simply want the photographs they have taken to look the best they possibly can.  The technology we use to create your customised canvas prints helps ensure your prints don’t look over pixelated and come in the same bright vibrant colours as your original photos. However, we are aware that many of our customers like to have a little play around with their images before they upload them to our site.  We’re big fans of Photoshop and recently wrote a post in celebration of the editing software’s 25^th birthday but there are many more image editing options out there, some of which are free.

Today we’re going to take a little peek at five alternatives to Photoshop that you can use to enhance your photographs at home…

Pixelmator

If you’ve got a Mac or even an iPad, Pixelmator is worth a look. It recreates many of the same features of Photoshop at a very reasonable price. The app for the iPad costs less than a tenner and both versions support Photoshop files if you are working on other people’s images transferred from Photoshop.

Aperture

This photograph editor and organiser from Apple is simple to use and allows you to make slight alterations to groups of photos quickly and easily. At £59.99 it’s far cheaper than many of its rivals, designed specifically for use with photographic images and can be used alongside iPhoto.

Apple Photos

Apple photos hasn’t quite been launched yet but is set to replace Aperture and iPhoto. Alongside photo organisation and storage it will incorporate editing tools that are described as “powerful and intuitive” and will be available to use across Mac and iOS devices, so is worth a punt for the smartphone snappers among you.

Pixlr

If you’re looking for a good all-rounder that comes gratis, Pixlr could be the answer.  This can be used on Mac, windows or in browser and with over 600 effects; most of the basic editing functions are covered, though you’ll have to splash out on annual subscription for some features.

Paint.net

Depending on which decade you were born in, Paint may well have been the first software you ever used to tackle image editing. You’ll find the multiple layers handy (and familiar if you’re a Photoshop user), it can tackle most basic edits and cropping and it doesn’t cost a penny, unless you want to donate towards future development. You can download it here.

Which is your photo editing tool of choice? Are you a Photoshop devotee or do you rely on free software to enhance your photos? All tips are gratefully received!