Darktable bridges the gap between raw developers and image management software. Built primarily as a RAW editor, Darktable works with JPEG, TIFF, and a huge number of other files. Like Lightroom, Darktable allows you to view all your photos in a digital “light table” and then non-destructively enhance and adjust each photo as you desire. Plus, it’s free with no annoying pay-to-unlock features. Best Free Lightroom Alternative: Darktableĭarktable is easily the best program out there that replicates the functions and experience of using Lightroom. Like Photoshop, however, this isn’t the greatest program for beginners as there is a rather steep learning curve. If that weren’t enough, you can also use Photoshop plugins!

Some of these plugins come preinstalled, but there are tons more in its glossary that you can install in addition. Better yet, it is an open-source editor, meaning the huge community of users has created an extensive array of plugins that expand the functionality and abilities of GIMP. From layers, masks, and curves to brushes, clone stamps, and perspective changes, there is not a whole lot that GIMP can’t do compared to Adobe’s counterpart.

Free photo editor for beginners