As some of you might already know, my favorite photo editing program, Picnik, is shutting down on April 19.
I have been using the Pro version of Picnik for a couple years now and absolutely LOVE how simple it is to use… especially for a novice photographer like myself! I edit all the photos for my website with Picnik and most of the photos for my digital photo albums as well.
I’m really bummed that I won’t be able to use this great program after April 19, and I’m now in the market for a new photo editing program that meets a few of my criteria:
- Relatively inexpensive {I paid $24.95 a year for Picnik Pro}
- Easy to use and navigate — I am not a great photographer and I don’t know a lot about editing photos, so it needs to be something even I can use! I also don’t have a ton of time to learn a brand new program… so something simple is always preferred!
- Doesn’t require me to download a program — this isn’t as big of a deal… but I did really love that Picnik was totally web-based and didn’t require me to download all kinds of programs. I also loved that I could access my photos on Picnik from any computer.
I would LOVE to know what you use for photo editing… and/or what some of the other options are.
And on a brighter note, if you are looking for a totally free way to edit your photos for the next 3 months, Picnik is letting everyone use the pro version complete FREE until it closes down on April 19!
Cathy Stratton says
I use gimp.com it’s a little more complicated than picnik, but it works for simple photo shopping.
Love you website. I’m a struggling hoarder (lite). Trying to get rid of 50% of my families junk in 2011.
KimH says
I use predominately Picasa but I used Picnic in conjunction with it. Im sad too that its closing, since I’ve been using the Pro version for a couple years now.
2 of the best Pro programs out there are Adobe Photoshop Lightroom and CS5.. Both are software programs though & they arent cheap.
Dawn says
I have always used Picasa and I LOVE it!! I also like how I can upload the pictures to Google photos and store them online there. Super easy and simple!!
valerie says
I am fairly certain that the Picnik domain is just closing. Sounds like they may have been bought by Google…? I went to Google+ the other day and uploaded a photo and went into their editing tools and they are exactly like Picnik. I am unsure about the number of features in Google+ compared to Picnik Pro because I only ever used the free version of Picnik. Check it out though!
Melissa says
I’m a huge fan of Picasa. I have downloaded their software, but there are still many things you can do just using their online editing. The software has all the features that a simple mom user like me needs (cropping, red eye, color correction, fill light, and “ahem” delete). It automatically loads up all my pictures on my hard drive into its system and then I can upload to the internet whichever ones I select.
It’s been fantastic for sharing photos with my friends and family. I just upload the pics to an online album, then hit “share” and draft an email to tell folks to go have a look.
Best part — it meets all my needs and it’s FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
Melissa says
I’m so gald you wrote this post because I’m so sad that picnik is closing 🙁
Chelsea @ Endless Baby says
Andrea,
Here is a list of a few for you to check out
Picasa – free
Serif Photo Plus – free
PAINT.net – free
Corel Paint shop Photo Pro – $49.99 (buy)
Gimp –free
Some of these are downloads (sorry) but the benefit is they’re free!
These 10 are FREE & Web based – I gave you the link so you can choose which one you think is best suited for you.
http://www.lifeclever.com/10-free-web-based-alternatives-to-photoshop/
Tammy Skipper (@Tammy_Skipper) says
Hubs found http://pixlr.com/ for me and I am enjoying it. I’m not sure how it compares to what you’re used to, but I just open up a tab and use it right through the browser. Free and no downloads but it’s not a storage site. For me that’s a plus, but isn’t for everyone.
Meg says
I’m going to miss picnik so much! Thankfully someone just put up a post over at The Blog Tap of a bunch of different options of sites to use once picnik is gone – http://theblogtap.blogspot.com/2012/01/what-to-do-when-picnik-closes-by.html
skye @ neathering our fest says
Oh thanks – I will have to check these out! 🙂
Digger says
We did. We are a new site designed to HELP any and all bloggers (new and established) find their way around the net and learn all the ins and outs of blogger. We’d really love it if you’d all stop by. We’re always looking for guest writers and any/all tips, tricks, or tutorials that you’d like to share. It’s completely FREE. We’re just wanting to help those that need it and hopefully learn a bit ourselves too.:) Thanks you Meg for leaving a link! We really appreciate it!
Digger & Lauren
The Blog Tap
Kendra says
I use photoscape…free download VERY Easy to use and you can save edited versions right to your computer! I love it!
Dee says
I also use Creative Memories Memory Manager. It automatically sorts pictures by date when you import them! The editing features are fabulous. You should check it out!
Melinda says
I use Creative Memories Memory Manager–however, it does require you to use software, so I’m not sure it would fit your bill.
skye @ neathering our fest says
I am so so SO upset that Picnik is closing!! Kate at Centsational Girl wrote a great post about some alternatives… You can check it out here. http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2012/01/picnik-aftermath-making-pinteresting-labels/
Heart and Haven says
I use GIMP. It is similar to Photoshop in terms of functionality…but it’s FREE!
Annette W says
Since I created my new blog, I want to put my name on each photo. So this month I started a Picnik account. I have the same question as you!!
(Oh, and Andrea, my newly organized…for free…coat closet is there!)