Image Editing Software

From editing photos and creating custom illustrations to designing infographics and UI mockups, these tools empower creators to produce high-quality visual assets across a wide range of formats. Whether you’re building instructor-led materials, eLearning modules, microlearning assets, or social media training campaigns, the right visual editing tool can significantly streamline your workflow and elevate the impact of your content.

By combining widely used community favorites with emerging cloud-based and AI-enhanced platforms, this list helps instructional teams make smart, scalable choices—without sacrificing creativity or control.

• GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) emains the gold standard for free, open-source raster image editing, delivering professional-grade features comparable to Adobe Photoshop. It supports layer-based compositing, advanced masking and selection tools, customizable brushes, and an extensive plugin ecosystem. Instructional designers use GIMP to craft custom course graphics, retouch screenshots for software simulations, and build interactive visual assets for eLearning modules. Its cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux) and robust scripting interface also make it ideal for automating repetitive production tasks like batch editing icons, resizing images for responsive content, or watermarking certification graphics—streamlining content development without added cost.
   
• Photopea is a browser-based photo editor that closely resembles Adobe Photoshop. Though it is browser-based, Photopea stores all files locally by default, and does not upload any data to a server. The software supports layers, layer masks, channels, selections, paths, smart objects, layer styles, text layers, filters and vector shapes.
   
• Pixlr is an online photo editor with AI-powered tools, Pixlr provides features like background removal and batch editing. It's user-friendly and accessible from any device. It provides AI-enhanced editing directly in browsers, featuring automated background removal and generative fill tools. This platform excels in rapid asset preparation for mobile learning modules, enabling quick adjustments to stock photos or infographic elements without software downloads. Academic institutions benefit from Pixlr's education program, which offers ad-free access to premium templates and collaborative features for student projects.
   
• Ashampoo Photo Optimizer streamlines bulk photo corrections through one-click exposure balancing and color grading presets. Learning developers managing large image libraries for compliance training or safety manuals appreciate its batch processing capabilities, which maintain visual consistency across multi-part courses.
   
• Inkscape is a free, open-source vector graphics editor perfect for creating logos, icons, illustrations, and scalable designs. It offers powerful features like node editing, object manipulation, and path operations—comparable to Adobe Illustrator. Its path manipulation features enable precise alignment of flowcharts in technical documentation, while the XML editor allows accessibility-focused designers to embed ARIA labels directly into scalable graphics. Inkscape supports SVG and a variety of other formats, making it a great choice for designers, marketers, and educators alike.
   
• IrfanView is a lightweight, fast, and versatile image viewer and editor for Windows. It supports a huge range of file formats and offers basic editing tools like cropping, resizing, color correction, and batch processing. Ideal for quick edits and conversions, IrfanView is a must-have utility for anyone handling large volumes of image files.
   
• Figma redefines collaborative design through browser-based vector editing and prototyping. Instructional teams use Figma to co-author interactive course mockups, storyboard branching scenarios, and design system components that ensure branding consistency across MOOC platforms. The free tier supports real-time feedback loops essential for agile content development.
   
• Diagrams.net enables flowchart creation with export to SVGs. Its entity-relationship diagram tools assist in visualizing complex processes for IT certification courses, while the revision history supports iterative design peer reviews.
   
• Adobe Express is a free online photo editor from Adobe, it allows for quick enhancements like cropping, resizing, and adding text to images. Ideal for creating content for social media and presentations. You can also transform any image into an animated design with the animation design tool.