Before sending or saving images, many users prefer to enhance them in some way. A good editing tool helps a lot when fixing, adding effects, or cropping an image. Windows photo editors are simple programs designed to perform these tasks and are easily accessible on computers.
This article lists 3 efficient and free Windows photo editors to help you enhance your images like a pro.
What is the Windows photo editor software
A Windows photo editor app is a tool made to assist users in editing photographs using a Windows-based computer. They provide basic functions of cropping, resizing, and color adjustment. Most editors also give users the capability to apply filters, add text to photos, or even edit out portions of images.
How to use the built-in Windows photo editor software
Using Windows' best photo editor is one of the most effective ways to enhance photographs without incurring additional costs through downloaded software. The photo application enables users to quickly perform many basic processes, such as image cropping and drawing, which can even be color-adjusted. Here is how you can easily use this tool to edit your images:
- STEP 1
- Open the Photos app
Type photos in the search box on the taskbar and select the "Photos" app from the list. Then, choose the photo you want to edit.
- STEP 2
- Access the editing tools
Click on "Edit image" or press Ctrl + E. This opens the editing toolbar at the top of your screen, showing options like cropping, rotating, and filters.
- STEP 3
- Edit your photo
Pick an editing option to start. Use tools to adjust light and color or add effects and drawings to make your photo look just right.
3 simple Windows photo editors you need to try
Properly selecting a tool can greatly enhance the photo editing experience. The best Windows photo editors built for the system are good for quick edits. However, simple editors with more functionality can be beneficial to try sometimes. Below are the top 3 most efficient and easy-to-use tools for editing images:
CapCut desktop video editor
The CapCut desktop video editor is a multifunctional tool that comes with photo editing capabilities for Windows users. It is well suited for people who need to edit images in a hurry while making videos or preparing social media content, providing features like filters, cropping, brightness adjustment, background removal, and text overlays for quick and creative results.
- Smart AI color correction: CapCut supports automatic color balancing and tone enhancements, which make your photos look lively and natural without any effort.
- Enhance low-light images: You can easily remove video flickers and enhance images to improve dark areas, increasing visibility and revealing more details in poor lighting conditions.
- Denoise images in one click: With a single click, users can denoise videos with AI and export them as still frames, making it easy to make high-quality, clear visuals.
- AI face retouching: AI face retouching automatically smooths skin, removes blemishes, and sharpens facial features, making portraits look professional without complex editing skills.
- Export photos in 8K: Exporting photos in 8K resolution lets you save ultra-high-quality images with exceptional detail and clarity, which is ideal for large prints and detailed projects.
- Occasional slow performance with very large files.
- Some AI features may over-smooth details on faces.
How to edit pictures on Windows using CapCut
Users can download CapCut for Windows from the official website. After downloading, open the installer and follow the quick instructions to complete the installation. Once installed, launch CapCut to start editing your pictures easily. Users can download it by clicking the button below.
- STEP 1
- Import the image
Use CapCut on desktop, import your image by clicking "Import," or drop the image onto the editing screen. Next, add it to the timeline to begin editing.
- STEP 2
- Enhance the image
Start by manually resizing the image to your desired dimensions. Next, open the "Filters" tab and choose one that best suits your needs. Then, go to the "Remove BG" tool in the "Video" editing tab and use the "Auto cut" to professionally remove the background and make the subject stand out. You can also enhance the image and reduce image noise effortlessly for a cleaner look.
- STEP 3
- Export the 8K photo
When you're done with the edits in CapCut, click the three-bar icon above the preview screen. Then you can choose "Export still frames" to select the format and 8k resolution from the pop-up menu, then click "Export" to save it on your PC.
Ashampoo Photo Optimizer
If you are looking for a simple Windows 10 photo editor app that quickly and efficiently improves images, Ashampoo Photo Optimizer is a good option. It automatically enhances images and provides options for manual editing as well. This software is simple, so users get fast results and don't have to deal with complicated steps.
- One-click automatic photo optimization.
- Supports batch processing for multiple photos.
- Intuitive and beginner-friendly interface.
- Lightweight and fast performance.
- Limited creative filters and effects.
- No advanced retouching tools.
Canva
Canva is one of the best free Windows 11 photo editors with its handy drag-and-drop functionality. It is of great help to users who wish to design an elegant image by adding text, illustrations, and even some other templates. Canva can help you make visuals for social media, presentations, and other, more elaborate designs.
- Large library of templates and design elements.
- Easy-to-use interface with drag-and-drop tools.
- Great for adding text and graphics to photos.
- Cloud-based, accessible from any device.
- Limited offline functionality.
- Some features require a paid subscription.
How to maximize productivity with Windows photo editor
The Windows 11 free photo editor is an easier tool for editing photos. If you know how to use a program’s functions, it becomes much easier to use. While editing images, developing a routine can contribute to an organized editing strategy. Here are some tips to maximize productivity when using these tools:
- Use shortcuts
Cutting time on repetitive tasks like cropping, rotating, and zooming is achievable with keyboard shortcuts. A good example is Ctrl + E, which instantly takes you to the edit screen. These shortcuts improve the workflow not just for individuals but also for groups.
- Organize albums
Using the Windows photo editor to store and organize your images into albums facilitates easier access for editing and finding them later. You can sort images by date, theme, or specific events. By taking this simple step, you avoid wasting time searching large folders, thus keeping your workspace organized.
- Batch edits
With Windows photo editing tools, you can modify images through a group edit session. This comes in handy when you need to adjust brightness, contrast, or resize a similar batch of pictures. This tool is especially for those who want to edit images from family vacations or product photographs.
- Auto backups
Turning on auto backups ensures your edits are saved safely and can be recovered if needed. Many users who download Windows photo editors also use OneDrive for automatic cloud backup. This feature helps avoid losing work during crashes or updates. CapCut automatically saves your progress and syncs projects to the cloud when logged in.
- Preset filters
Applying preset filters on the Windows photo editor app boosts your images from looking ordinary to looking consistent and classy within seconds. The filters work with lighting and color alteration at a click, making them a go-to for social media posts. CapCut offers AI-powered filters and templates to apply cinematic looks with one click.
Conclusion
A Windows photo editor lets you fix, enhance, and arrange your pictures without the need for expertise. Editing becomes simple and fun when the right resources are available, such as when color correction or minor flaw removal is necessary. There are plenty of free and simple editors that are available to suit your requirements. For more creative options that include both photo and video capabilities, the CapCut desktop video editor is another excellent option for Windows users.
FAQs
- 1
- Can I edit RAW photos on Windows 11 photo editors?
Most built-in and third-party Windows photo editors are compatible with RAW formats, especially with the installation of the RAW image extension. Programs like Microsoft Photos and similar ones provide basic edits. Enhanced color grading often requires advanced software, though. The CapCut desktop video editor does image editing, which makes it a useful backup for light RAW edits.
- 2
- Are there free photo editors available for Windows 11?
Yes, there are several free Windows photo editors, such as Microsoft Photos and other applications available on the Microsoft Store. These tools are free and provide functionalities like cropping, applying filters, and more basic edits. Although these tools work for most users, in some cases, they may fall short in flexibility. Therefore, consider using tools like the CapCut desktop video editor with advanced editing tools.
- 3
- Can Windows 11 photo editors handle batch processing?
Certain software for Windows photo editors supports batch editing as a feature that ensures changes such as resizing or color changes for multiple images simultaneously. There is a certain level of batch processing that Microsoft Photos can manage, but tools like Ashampoo exceed those limits with better batch capabilities. The CapCut desktop video editor is another example that provides basic batch image processing, which can be helpful for streamlined workflows.
