PicEdit

Advanced image processors provide a vast range of options and it is easy to get confused when using their interfaces, especially if you just need to make a few adjustments. PicEdit makes this task much easier. Its interface is simple and easy to understand, but it still provides a good number of features, to correct certain mistakes on your pictures or to apply various effects.

Most image processors are not free, but you will be glad to know that PicEdit is freeware. It works on 32 and 64-bit Windows XP and Windows 7 editions. It takes less than a minute to install the software and you don't have to sacrifice too much disk space or too many resources.

Like other similar programs, PicEdit displays your loaded image in the central region of its interface. The available functions are organized around the preview area, on the top, left and right areas of the window. At a first glance, you will find various sliders, which you can use to adjust the picture's brightness, contrast, hue and saturation levels, as well as the color balance. Different brushes can be used to draw a mosaic effect, colorize the picture, highlight a certain area or reduce red eye effects.

In addition, PicEdit provides a good number of predefined effects, which are listed as thumbnails, on separate tabs, on the right side of the window. Effects are applied instantly, when selected and you can see the results in the preview area. The software will also display one or more sliders, depending on the effect, so you can adjust the effect's intensity or other aspects. Options for inserting shapes, arrows, text and other elements are located on the upper area of the window. You can also find options for rotating or flipping the picture, placing stamps or watermarks. When it comes to saving your work, you can opt for the JPG, PNG, GIF and BMP formats.

The software preserves your original image at all times. If you are not satisfied with your adjustments, you can just click the Restore button, on the left part of the interface and your picture will be restored to its original state. The best part is that you can use this option even if you save the picture and load it again, at a later date. Regardless of its format, if you load an image into PicEdit interface a second time, you will be able to modify or remove any shape or to restore its colors to their initial state.