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Free versus paid: Photo-editing software

Loads of advanced features are included in these photo-editing programs

f-333-save-on-software-gimp
Photoshop is unrivalled when it comes to image-editing software

Experts’ choice for photo editing

Adobe Photoshop CS5

Adobe Photoshop CS5 is the undisputed leader in photo-manipulation software, and one of the few programs whose name is so well known it has become a verb.

The price may be eye-watering, but then the tools on offer are peerless: this latest version can do things such as erase people from photos, then make a good stab at filling in the background where they were without any help from the user.

It’s not an easy program to use once you go beyond the basics, but excellent online help and video tutorials are available.

The alternative: Gimp 2.6

Gimp (the silly name is short for GNU Image Manipulation Program) is one of the jewels in the crown of free software.

It is a credible alternative to Photoshop, with many advanced features, and even shares a similar menu layout.

It supports pretty much every image file format you will ever encounter.

It is a great way to learn the ropes of advanced image editing without spending any money.

For keeping your photos organised, two great free companion programs are Google Picasa and Windows Live Photo Gallery 2011.

Total saving: £663 (download version)

Download Gimp here

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