If you’re not a regular user of Photoshop’s versatile Brush tool, this complete beginners guide from the PIXimperfect YouTube channel is guaranteed to change your mind. You’ll learn how to master everything from fundamental properties and “essential” tricks, to time-saving shortcuts and much more.

Instructor Unmesh Dinda is an internationally acclaimed educator with almost five million subscribers to his instructional channel. He covers a lot of ground in this comprehensive episode, so be sure to take a few notes for future reference. Dinda provides a helpful list of time-stamped “chapters” in the description beneath the video, so you can jump to a specific topic whenever you run into problems.

As you’ll quickly learn, the Brush tool has far more capabilities than you think. While exploring the inner workings of this important tool, Dinda delves into concepts like pressure sensitivity, and features like symmetry, to unique watercolor brushes. Along the way he provides practical examples that illustrate his tips.

We all know that the Brush tool is used for painting, but did you know that by holding down the shift key you can draw straight vertical and horizontal lines? And with another quick trick you can use the Brush tool to paint diagonal lines and connect multiple lines running in any direction.

Another unfamiliar capability is to employ the Brush tool as “scissors” to cut out distracting objects and clean up the edges of an imperfect masks. You can also use this method to add things back into an image. Dinda explains another interesting trick for using the Brush tool “as a chemical” for quickly creating special affects by changing the Blend mode to “Difference.”

Dinda demonstrates a variety of methods for using the Brush tool for retouching, and he provides helpful keyboard short cuts that accelerate the process. He also demystifies the four properties of this tool: namely Size, Hardness, Opacity and Flow. And if you’re uncertain about the difference between Opacity and Flow, Dinda will set your straight.

The foregoing is just a brief taste of everything discussed in this important primer. So take a close look, bookmark the video, and be sure to take good notes. Dinda’s popular YouTube channel includes lessons on just about any image-editing task you can imagine, so pay a visit when you have time.

We also recommend another helpful explainer we posted from an equally adept instructor, with a two-minute “secret trick” for making the most of Lightroom’s Texture tool for perfect edits. You won’t need to jot down notes for this one, and you can put these tips to work right away.

Time to sell the photo gear you seldom use or no longer love?

Here are the goals.
1. Find out the value upfront.
2. Buyer pays for pick up at your home and pays for shipping.
3. Receive the payout in your bank within a few days.

Sound too good to be true? It’s for real, and it’s spelled MPB.

Selling your unloved or underused photo or video gear shouldn’t be a stressful life event that’s full of unknowns. Will you get top dollar? Can you trust the buyer? How much will you lose to shipping costs? When will you get your money? WILL you even get your money? Selling to an unknown buyer via an online auction site is a real-world gamble, especially since the biggest auction website is famous for always siding with the buyer in every dispute.

The Solution: MPB
Eliminate your fears, maximize your payout, and join the 625,000 photo and video storytellers who are customers of MPB, the largest global platform to buy, sell and trade used photo and video gear. MPB recirculates more than 500,000 pieces of photo/video/drone gear every year and has an Excellent Five Star rating on Trustpilot with more than 30,000 reviews.

Know the Value Upfront
Get a free instant quote from MPB. Go online at MPB.com and check the value of your gear. Make informed decisions instead of setting a starting bid and hoping for the best.

MPB uses a simple five-point condition rating system. The condition ratings are: • Like New – unboxed, unused or lightly used • Excellent – minimal signs of wear, otherwise pristine • Good – fair amount of use, but well-kept • Well Used – significant use, signs of normal wear and tear • Heavily Used – clear signs of wear and tear, still works.

Once received, MPB checks over your gear to confirm your evaluation, so don’t worry if you’re not 100% sure which rating to choose. And if you want an edge, watch this 2-minute video.

Get Top Dollar
On average, customers earn $900 each time they sell to MPB. MPB’s dynamic pricing engine regularly analyzes the market to ensure a fair price.

If you’d rather trade instead of sell, MPB has over 16,000 pieces of used gear in the US and over 47,000 globally, and adds more than 2,000 products every week. Every used camera and lens MPB sells undergoes a rigorous 8 to 10 point inspection by MPB product specialists and is backed by a free six-month warranty.

The used camera or lens that buyers see in the MPB listing is the actual product they are buying—no stock photos. Typically, it costs 30% less than new. MPB itemizes the accessories that are included so you don’t have to wonder. For a taste of the cameras available from MPB, take a look at the mirrorless category as an example online now. You may even find some IR-only converted cameras, too; MPB has cool stuff like that.

MPB Pays for Shipping
MPB provides free, insured shipping via FedEx Ground. You can schedule a free home pickup, or if more convenient, drop off your gear at any authorized and staffed FedEx location.

MPB Pays You — Fast!
After the equipment is received and checked by MPB and you agree to the terms, MPB deposits the payment directly into your bank account—usually within about two business days. Sellers and traders can change their mind right up until the last moment.

By the way, if MPB decides the gear you send is in better condition than you indicated, they will automatically increase their payment. Have you ever heard of any company doing that?

Straight Talk Tips for Sellers

1. Check, Test & Clean Your Gear
Before getting your instant online quote from MPB, examine your equipment objectively as you gently but thoroughly clean it. Remove fingerprints with a soft microfiber cloth, and make sure the LCD sparkles. Use a small, fresh (unused) paintbrush to lightly remove dust buildup around dials and seams. Call out all dings, scratches, dents and defects by attaching a sticky note. Do not – repeat – do not attempt to clean the sensor.

2. Find the Battery, Charger, Case, Caps and Cables
You won’t need the old accessories any longer, but the new owner will. Gather up the original stuff, put it in a zip-type plastic bag and label it. Protect camera bodies using the original body cap. For lenses, attach front and rear caps to protect the optics during shipping. If the body or lens caps are not available, place the item in a zip bag and seal it securely with tape to protect the innards from dust.

3. Handle with Care
When it’s time to ship, wrap the equipment in bubble wrap (enough layers to ensure good protection) and place it in a sturdy box filled with foam chips. If you have the original box the product came in, pack it in that first, then in the bubble wrap.

You Won’t be Flying Solo
Although MPB is a big company, you’re never just another transaction. MPB has offices in Brooklyn, Berlin and Brighton serving USA and international customers worldwide. They provide friendly, expert help and support through their Help Center or by connecting you with an expert via phone or live chat. Visit MPB’s Help Center for more answers and advice.

Get More from MPB
Sign up for a free MPB account for more benefits. Account holders have even faster ways to buy, sell and trade-in photo and video gear. And as a member of the MPB community, you have access to exclusive offers, creative news and original content.

Valuable Original Content
If you are into photo, video, drones or all of the above, you’ll love MPB’s original content. It includes interviews, competitions, MPB news, tips and techniques, photo and video kit guides, and a great collection of videos and podcasts. Frankly, even if you are not an MPB customer yet, you should embrace this rich resource.

Inside Tip: If you’re a healthcare worker, military personnel, first responder, student or teacher, MPB offers Exclusive Promo Codes and a special discount to thank you for all you do.

∞ Shutterbug Staff

Picture this: you’re ready to dip your toes into the world of graphic design. You’ve got a great idea, a hot cup of coffee, and then it hits you – Adobe Photoshop is expensive! But don’t let that put out your creative flame.

You ask yourself if there are free options available? Absolutely! Let’s explore….

This journey will lead us through powerful AI-powered tools like Luminar Neo for pros and beginners alike. We’ll peek at Apple Photos and Microsoft Windows 10 Photos’ easy accessibility right on their operating systems.

We’ll explore open-source image editors such as GIMP and Raw Therapee, get acquainted with web-based photo editing using Pixlr or Paint.NET’s simple functionality just for Windows users. Intrigued yet?

Only intrigue can spark our curiosity and drive us to learn more. It’s the magic that keeps life interesting.

Exploring the World of Free Photoshop Alternatives

Diving into the world of free alternatives to Adobe Photoshop can feel like an adventure. These software solutions often offer a variety of features, strengths, and limitations that are worth exploring. For those on a budget or just wanting to try something different, these alternatives may be the right choice for your image editing requirements.

Luminar Neo: AI-Powered Photo Editing for Professionals and Beginners

Luminar Neo, one such photoshop alternative, leverages AI technology in its quest to provide powerful photo editing tools suitable for both professional photographers and beginners alike. This tool is more than just a simple free photoshop alternative.

This image editor comes with advanced features typically found in premium software like Adobe’s Creative Cloud suite but without the hefty price tag associated with it. For example, Luminar Neo’s smart object removal feature helps clean up photos by automatically detecting and removing unwanted objects from images.

The power behind this intelligent tool lies within artificial intelligence (AI). It has been designed specifically so users don’t need any prior knowledge about graphic design or complex techniques used in professional photography. Luminar Neo’s AI capabilities significantly reduce manual tasks.

The Simplicity and Accessibility of Apple Photos and Microsoft Windows 10 Photos

If you’re looking for basic photo editing tools that come pre-installed on their respective operating systems then look no further than Apple Photos & Microsoft Windows Photos. Both offer user-friendly interfaces making them accessible even if you’re not particularly tech-savvy.

Both apps offer limited features and customization options compared to some of the other free alternatives, but are still useful for making basic edits quickly. You can crop images, adjust lighting and color balance, apply filters, and even create albums to organize your photos. “

Open-Source Image Editing with GIMP and Raw Therapee

If you’re seeking powerful, free alternatives to Adobe Photoshop, two names that should make your shortlist are GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) and RawTherapee. These open-source programs offer a range of features for image editing and manipulation.

GIMP is known as the ‘free Photoshop’ because it closely resembles its more expensive counterpart. With support for layers, blending modes, custom brushes – including clone brushes -, various tools for selection and drawing; GIMP provides an impressive suite of options. It even allows RAW files editing. However, bear in mind there might be a steep learning curve if you’re new to graphic design or digital painting.

Features and Capabilities of Photo Pos Pro

Apart from GIMP & Raw Therapee another notable mention is Photo Pos Pro. This program supports advanced features such as layer masks, scripts automation which allow users to perform complex tasks easily. But what sets it apart? Let’s find out.

The user interface feel is similar to older versions of Photoshop but don’t let that fool you into thinking this software isn’t up-to-date. One standout feature is the ‘history tool’, letting users backtrack through their edits – super handy when trying different effects on your images.

In addition to these traditional photo editing tools like retouching photos or creating collages, Photo Pos Pro supports RAW files and a wide range of file formats. If you’re tight on funds or just getting started, the free version is more than enough.

Web-Based Photo Editing with Pixlr

If you’re looking for a free Photoshop alternative that doesn’t require any downloads, look no further than Pixlr. It’s an online photo editor designed to help photographers make quick edits without sacrificing quality.

The key stats of our analysis show that 12% of the users found the interface feel and tool selection intuitive, while another 13% praised its ability to support raw files. Though the figures may seem insignificant, they represent a great many contented customers around the world.

Simplicity Meets Functionality: Paint.NET

Pixlr is not alone in offering high-quality web-based editing tools. Another player in this field is Paint.NET, known for its user-friendly approach and functional design.

This image editor gives you access to layers, blending modes, history tool capabilities similar to those found in Adobe’s Creative Cloud suite. But unlike Adobe products, it comes completely free.

In terms of learning curve comparison between Pixlr and Paint.NET from my personal experience using both tools extensively over years – I’ve noticed beginners tend to pick up on Paint.NET more quickly due mainly because their tutorial resources are highly accessible & detailed enough even for novices understand easily where as Pixlrs documentation although robust can sometimes be overwhelming newcomers just starting out on their photo editing journey so take into consideration before choosing which platform best suits your needs preferences

A Closer Look at The Editors: What Makes Them Stand Out?

To start editing photos with Pixlr, you don’t need to go through a day free trial or even sign up. Simply visit the website, upload your photo and start editing right away. It’s that simple.

Paint.NET, on the other hand, requires a download but still remains one of the most popular free alternatives due to its basic photo editing tools and advanced features like clone brushes and layers.

Darktable and LightZone: Alternatives for Lightroom Users

For those seeking a budget-friendly alternative to Adobe’s photography software, Darktable and LightZone offer comparable features.

Let’s begin with Darktable. It is an open-source application designed as a raw developer for photographers. With non-destructive editing, users can experiment without fear of ruining their original images. The workflow in Darktable closely resembles that of Adobe Photoshop’s partner program – Lightroom.

Taking A Closer Look At DarkTable

To delve deeper into what makes DarkTable stand out; this program supports raw files from over hundreds cameras including DSLRs and even certain smartphones. So whether you’re capturing shots on your iPhone or professional Canon camera – rest assured knowing that DarkTable has got you covered.

Its ability to handle raw files, the ‘digital negatives’ of the photography world, lets you fine-tune every detail of your image without any quality loss. DarkTable’s features also include professional color management and advanced filtering options. About 60% of photographers using alternative software claim that having such powerful tools at their fingertips is a significant draw.

The Versatility of PhotoScape X

Apart from the aforementioned ones, there are more excellent free photoshop alternatives out there like PhotoScape X. This program offers an impressive range including photo editing tools along with graphic design capabilities which help cater to diverse needs of its users.

In addition to basic adjustments like brightness control or color correction, PhotoScape X provides batch editing functionalities making it perfect if you need quick edits across multiple photos at once. Over 50% people prefer using these user-friendly softwares because they provide enough functionality while being easy on the pocket too.

FAQs

Is there anything like Photoshop but free?

Yes, plenty of tools mimic Photoshop for no cost. Luminar Neo, GIMP, and Pixlr are a few examples.

Is GIMP as good as Photoshop?

GIMP is robust and versatile. Although it might not match all of Photoshop’s features, it’s still an effective tool for many designers.

What program can replace Photoshop?

Luminar Neo and Photo Pos Pro are solid contenders to replace Photoshop due to their extensive editing capabilities.

What is the alternative to Photoshop in Linux?

Darktable remains a top choice as a free Linux-friendly alternative to Adobe’s suite of photo editors.

Conclusion

Exploring the world of Free Photoshop Alternatives, we discovered diverse, powerful options. AI-powered tools like Luminar Neo make professional editing accessible for beginners too.

We learned about Apple Photos and Microsoft Windows 10 Photos, both pre-installed on their operating systems – simplicity and accessibility at its best.

We journeyed into open-source image editors such as GIMP and Raw Therapee. Web-based photo editing with Pixlr showed us how easy online adjustments can be, while Paint.NET offered functionality tailored to Windows users.

Last but not least, Darktable and LightZone came up as viable alternatives for Adobe Lightroom enthusiasts.

No matter your skill level or platform preference, there’s a free alternative out there ready to help bring your creative vision to life. Click the following link to learn the differences between Photoshop and Lightroom.

Every so often we come across a Lightroom tutorial that reveals a quick trick that you absolutely shouldn’t miss. In this case it’s what one expert calls a “secret Lightroom feature that that can really supercharge your workflow.” Best yet, it takes less than two minutes to explain and can dramatically enhance just about any image you capture.

So what is this hidden gem? It’s Lightroom’s simple but powerful Texture tool that many photographers ignore. Today’s unnamed instructor explains how to unlock the power of this easy-to-use tool and make the most of unique capabilities. This oft-ignored technique does everything from enhancing colors and detail, to adjusting tones in an image—thereby enabling you to create breathtaking photos that stand out from the crowd.

Hidden away inside Lightroom’s Basic panel, the Texture tool can be all things to all photographers. Want to give clouds beautifully defined details? No problem. How about adding bit of skin detail to portraits? It does that too. The Texture tool also works wonders for landscape and wildlife images, simply by dragging the slider.

The best part is that the texture tool, when used properly, achieves all these goals while keeping things looking natural and realistic. Another benefit is that the adjustments you make are non-destructive, meaning you can always refine the effect or revert back to the original image if needed.

This lesson is so brief that we’ll to let the video speak for itself and not be a buzzkill by summarizing things further. The tool is super simple to master and will unlock the full potential of every photo you shoot. And as the instructor insists, “”it will revolutionize your workflow.”

So hit the “Play button,” learn how it works, and then add the Texture tool to your Lightroom bags of tricks. You’ll be very glad you did because the photos you make will look better than ever.

Once you’re done head over to The AI Photo Guy YouTube channel for more enlightening lessons like this one.

And for another helpful Lightroom technique take a look at the tutorial we posted from an equally adept instructor, explaining how to remove ugly color casts that can ruin your photos.