Photo Effects Software

80 PC software downloads

Sven Sorensen

“A list of software titles which can apply special effects to a picture”


A listing of downloads compiled by Sven Sørensen

When you have a large collection of digital photographs, there likely comes a time when you want to add cool effects to images. These can range from wacky and fun to serious retouching. With these freeware and shareware downloads, you can apply a myriad of different effects to your images.

While many of these programs can apply effects to a single image, others can also perform batch photo editing and apply effects to many different types of images like JPG, PNG, GIF and even PSD Photoshop images.

If there is a tool here you find that isn't freeware, there is always the chance to take advantage of the free trial period.

  • Paint.NET 5.1


    Paint.NET Icon

    A highly successful and popular freeware image editor with tons of different applicable uses.
    Paint.NET can add text to an image, apply special effects to a picture, create PNG graphics and create web graphics.

  • FotoWorks Pro 25.0.0


    FotoWorks Pro Icon

    An effective photo editing application with fun fliters, effects and modification tools to add more life to your photography.
    FotoWorks can apply special effects to a picture and optimize graphics.

  • PhotoPad 13.62


    PhotoPad Icon

    Free image and photo editor for Windows.
    PhotoPad can add text to an image, apply special effects to a picture, create slideshows and optimize graphics.

  • PhotoPad Free 13.62


    PhotoPad Free Icon

    Image editing suite with core graphics adjustments, automated effects and pre-defined filters for image beautification.
    PhotoPad Free can add text to an image, apply special effects to a picture and optimize graphics.

  • jAlbum 36


    jAlbum Icon

    Free web photo album creator. Customize with skins. Publish on any site.
    jAlbum can add text to an image, apply special effects to a picture, create slideshows and optimize graphics.

  • XnView 2.51.7


    XnView Icon

    A multi-format graphics viewer and converter.
    XnView can apply special effects to a picture, view EXIF data, create PNG graphics, create slideshows, optimize graphics and convert RAW to JPG.

  • RawTherapee 5.11


    RawTherapee Icon

    A RAW image editor, free and full of easy and useful features.
    Raw Therapee can apply special effects to a picture and convert RAW to JPG.

  • ImageMagick 7.1.1-38


    ImageMagick Icon

    Advanced, yet powerful image manipulation suite acting as the open-source standard for creating, modifying and printing images with plethora of filters,...
    ImageMagick can add text to an image, apply special effects to a picture, create PNG graphics, create web graphics, create and edit layers and batch process images.

  • CorelDRAW 2024 25.2.0.72


    CorelDRAW Icon

    Legacy version of a popular graphics editing program with support for photos, web graphics, drawing and various other tools by Corel.
    CorelDRAW can add text to an image, apply special effects to a picture, create animated GIFs, create PNG graphics, create web graphics and create and edit layers.

  • Able RAWer 1.24.8.23


    Able RAWer Icon

    Works with different types of camera RAW files and applies filters.
    Able RAWer can apply special effects to a picture and convert RAW to JPG.

  • Fotor 4.9.0


    Fotor Icon

    Modern image editing and graphics processing application with a lot of useful tools and support for photo collages.
    Fotor can apply special effects to a picture and convert RAW to JPG.

  • Alternate Pic View 3.480


    Alternate Pic View Icon

    Image slideshow viewer and image manipulation application.
    Alternate Pic View can add text to an image, apply special effects to a picture, create PNG graphics and batch process images.

  • Adobe Photoshop CC CC 2024 25.11


    Adobe Photoshop CC Icon

    Photo editing suite to enhance your photos and designs with Photoshop with a complete set of tools including RAW processing and photo manipulation.
    Adobe Photoshop can add text to an image, apply special effects to a picture, create web graphics, optimize graphics and convert RAW to JPG.

  • Adobe Photoshop Elements 2024.3


    Adobe Photoshop Elements Icon

    Photo retouching software with scrapbooks, collages, slideshows and social media integration.
    Adobe Photoshop Elements can apply special effects to a picture, view EXIF data, create web graphics and optimize graphics.

  • JPEGView 1.3.46.2


    JPEGView Icon

    Advanced image viewing software with some editing functionality, EXIF support and fast slideshow generation.
    JPEGView can apply special effects to a picture, view EXIF data, create PNG graphics and convert RAW to JPG.

  • Krita 5.2.3


    Krita Icon

    Free paint software for creative artists and amateurs with a number of drawing tools, image enhancements and effects for creating digital art.
    Krita can add text to an image, apply special effects to a picture, create web graphics and create and edit layers.