12 Free Photo Editing Sites, Picnik Alternatives

Update:  This list has been expanded and updated.  You’ll find the latest list of 14 Free Photo Editing Sites that are great alternatives to Picnik HERE.   I’m hearing good things about iPiccy and PicMonkey.

Are you a long time user and fan of Picnik?  If so, I’m sure you’ve heard the news that it’s going away.  Actually, the Picnik site says it’s moving after April 19th to Google +.

I have used Picnik occasionally over the years and had just started playing around with it more recently for the purpose of watermarking photos.  I found another program I like better for watermarking a few weeks ago, though.  I’ll explain more about that in an upcoming post I’m working on about how I edit photos before posting them here on BNOTP.

In the meantime, I took a look at some of the free programs available for editing photos and I found 12 free photo editing sites that appear to be pretty popular.  Here they are in no particular order:

Psst: Skip down to #10 and try Be Funky first.  I’ve heard it’s similar to Picnik.

1. Fotoflexer:

You can do some fun, crazy things with Fotoflexer including retouching photos, adding special effects, fun fonts, layers, etc…  One neat thing…it will link to your photos wherever you have them stored.  You can edit photos from Facebook, Picasa, Flickr, Photobucket or upload them from your website or computer.

2. Picasa:

Picasa lets you share your pics directly with the folks in your circles in Google +.  There are also a lot of “effects” you can apply to photos. This is the program I currently use to create collages.

3. Pixlr:

I dove right into Pixlr and started playing around with their effects.  I found it easy to use.  Of course, you can do the usual stuff…sharpen, crop, adjust contrast and color.  There’s even a “teeth white” feature. lol  Don’t we wish life was that way. 😉

4. Phixr:

I’ve found Phixr also very easy to use.  You can adjust the usual things that photo editing software allows.  Some fun things: you can add speech bubbles to your pics of your pets, decorate with objects, like hearts…that could come in handy for Valentine’s Day.

5. LunaPic:

LunaPic lets you to upload your pics from Facebook, Photobucket, Flickr, Picasa, MySpace, and your computer.  Lots of effects available, including some animation.  The “reflecting” animation is pretty cool!

6. Gimp:

Gimp describes their program as a “versatile graphic manipulation package.”  It looks pretty sophisticated.  You can use it to elminate various distortions from photographs, retouch your photos…it even has a clone tool, like Photoshop.  It may be a bit more complicated to use than some of the other programs mentioned in this post, but it definitely has some cool features.

7. Photobucket:

I have a love/hate relationship with Photobucket.  Okay, maybe hate is too strong a word. Let’s call it a love/dislike relationship.  Photobucket has lots of fun editing tools for images, but after you’ve been using it for several months/years, one day you may find all the pictures or blog buttons you stored there have suddenly vanished from your blog.   Apparently, there’s a magical storage number and once you exceed it, it’s pay-up or all your images vanish.   I learned this the hard way and at that point, I took all my images off and moved them to Picasa.  I still use Photobucket occasionally, but once I finish the editing, I copy the pic and save it on my computer to use when needed.  I don’t store pics or blog buttons or anything on Photobucket anymore.

8. Paint.net:

Paint.net is a mini Photoshop.  It will do a lot of the same things you can do in Photoshop, like creating layers and special effects.  If you’re familiar with Gimp or Microsoft Photo Editor, this program is sort of like those.

9.  Photoscape:

10. Be Funky

Be Funky is another great site that is said to be similar to Picnik.

11. Creative Kit:

You’ll find directions/steps for locating Creative Kit on Google+ in THIS post.  It may be the program that Google is developing to replace Picnik.  It doesn’t have as many features as Picnik at this point.

12. Photoshop Express Editor:

This program is a free program offered by Adobe Photoshop.  You can edit your photos to correct for the usual “problems” as well as add lots of special effects, conversation bubbles, cartoon characters, etc…  I figure it can’t be too bad since it’s offered by the makers of Photoshop.

Have you used any of the above programs?  Would you recommend any of them?  Please share what you’ve used and how you use it…would love to hear and it would help everyone who reads this post.

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Comments

  1. Great info … thanks for the head's up, Susan!
    — Joan Ü

  2. Thanks for the great alternative sites. I liked picnik but it's nice to know there are options – lots of them.

  3. Karen Harper says

    Thanks Susan, I like Picasa and Photoscape. I've tried Pixlr that's pretty good too. I'm going to try some of the others you mentioned. I'm still bummed about picnik since I used that to store my photos. BTW how did you add the google+ widget to your blog?

  4. Susan BetweenNapsOnThePorch says

    Hi Karen,
    It automatically appeared at the end of the post…Blogger added that one. Emily, The Blog Fairy added the ones at the top of the sidebar.

  5. Susan @ homeroad.net says

    THANK YOU Susan!!!! This is exactly what I needed to see this morning! I am so sad about Picnik and was just talking about needing a new photo site last night! Thank you again for doing the research!
    Susan (Homeroad)

  6. Susan BetweenNapsOnThePorch says

    Thanks, Susan! Glad this info. helps. 🙂

  7. Shasta @ intheoldroad says

    Thanks for listing alternatives to Picnik. I'm very unhappy about it leaving. I also use Picasa alot. It's a Google product…I hope it doesn't also leave for G+ too.

  8. NYC, Style and a little Cannoli says

    Great post will save for sure. What sites besides picasa do you like for photo collages? One that gives the most possibilites for free. I read on flickr however they are going to be having a different software to edit. They cannot have none as many people edit even if just for adding their copyright logo on their shots.

  9. Barb @ GritsandGlamour says

    I am so sad picnik is going bye-bye. Thanks for sharing these neat sites. I have heard of some and tried a few, but some are new to me and I can't wait to try them out. I have been trying to learn Photoshop but boy is it difficult. Ugh Hope you are having a great weekend. 🙂

  10. Lynn@ The Vintage Nest says

    I loved Picnik!….and was hoping someone would make this post. Thank You! I was playing around with some of the others yesterday. But I am still crying over losing my fave! I am sure once I get used to another I will be happy.

  11. Hi Susan, How nice of you to take the time to check out Picnik alternatives. I loved Picnik because it is so easy to use. I'm in the process of moving my 1,000 pictures over to my computer. I know that Picnik will do it for me but for now they have not been able to get it done becausee of so many requests. I also have Carbonite for keeping my pictures safe along with several external hard drives.
    I will check out some of the alternatives you suggested. Again, a big Thank You. Gina

  12. Kristin_Texas says

    GIMP is pretty good. When I lost Photoshop, GIMP was my replacement. I use it a lot.

    Kristin

  13. Gardening in a Sandbox says

    Have you checked out Photoscape. I used to use it exclusively until I learned Photoshop. It is a free install will lots of great features and collage templates. Not for Mac users however. V

  14. Ooooh I would be very interested in how to do an easy watermark. I hope you do show a way how to do this in a future posting.
    You have a lovely blog. 🙂

    Greetings from Scotland
    Ann

  15. Susan BetweenNapsOnThePorch says

    You can use Big Huge Labs and Photoscape. I think Photoscape has a little learning curve but lots of folks love it.

  16. Susan BetweenNapsOnThePorch says

    I had that one on the list and removed it….that's a good one too.

  17. Susan BetweenNapsOnThePorch says

    I just added it to the list. Is it easier to use now? The last time I tried to create a mosaic with it (about 2 years ago) I struggled with it. I know a lot of folks do like it.

  18. Susan BetweenNapsOnThePorch says

    Ann, I will share the program I use real soon. I'll try to get that post done soon.

  19. Susan BetweenNapsOnThePorch says

    Kristin, thanks for your input…glad to know that's a good one.

  20. Susan BetweenNapsOnThePorch says

    Gina, I hope I never need Carbonite, but I do have it also. Peace of mind.

  21. Susan BetweenNapsOnThePorch says

    Lynn, I'm the same way. You get so comfortable and know what you're doing, then suddenly you have to learn a new way. You may even find one you love even more. Hope so.

  22. Susan BetweenNapsOnThePorch says

    Shasta, I don't think it will because when you upload a pic to a blog on Blogger, it's automatically stored in Picasa, so it would be a disaster if they ended Picasa. All the pics on everyone's blogs would vanish. So don't worry about that…don't see that ever happening. They may change Picasa or improve it, but I think it's here to stay.

  23. Susan BetweenNapsOnThePorch says

    Thanks, Barb. I've been trying to learn Photoshop too…definitely a challenge.

  24. Thanks for this post! I just noticed that Picnik was going to be closing and it is what I use to edit my photos. I will give those other sites a try.

  25. Diane Cayton-Hakey says

    Thank you! Had heard and tried some of these, but there are a few new ones that were not on my list… will be sure to take a look at them. Great info!

  26. miss flibbertigibbet says

    Thanks for all that research! I am a newbie and have used Picnik pretty exclusively bc it was so nice and easy. I just received a Mac for Christmas and haven't taken a class on using it yet. i wonder if the iPhoto feature will let me do the things i used to do on Picnik? I hope so…..

  27. Thanks for the information. I currently use Picasa, but would love to try each of these to see what they have to offer.

  28. A Classy Flea says

    Hi Susan, the program I keep going to is Microsoft Picture Manager. It's installed as part of the Microsoft Office bundle. I have not found a separate download for it. For my website work, I use Gimp to create all of my PNG files with variable transparencies. I also use Irfanview to do batch manipulation such as resizing, renaming and adding watermarks to a group of pictures.

  29. Something Nice and Pretty says

    Thanks for listing the alternatives to Picnik, I'm sad to see it go because I was so comfortable with it.
    Have a great day!

    Rondell♥

  30. Susan BetweenNapsOnThePorch says

    Glenn, I use Microsoft PM also…same thing, it came installed on my previous laptop. I liked it so much I went out and purchased it when I bought my desk top from Vision, since nothing comes preloaded when you buy from them. I also use photoshop for the things I can't do with Picture Manager. I'll have to check out Gimp and Irfanview…thanks for sharing those!

  31. Thank you so much for writing this! I'm so sad about losing Picnik! I've browsed at some of these sites, but do any of them have the ability to make the "fancy collages" in the fun seasonal designs that Picnik offered? Yesterday after getting the email that they're closing, I rushed and made several collages for the upcoming holidays and saved them on my hard drive! I'm so sad!

  32. Susan BetweenNapsOnThePorch says

    Several do make collages but not sure if they are the same as picnik. Picnik will hopefully resurface at Google + so don't get too discouraged.

  33. I was just about to start a post about Picnik. I was so upset when I found out that it is being discontinued. Thank you for the post!

  34. Jen @ Creating with the J's says

    Thanks for putting all this info together. It was on my list to do tonight. (done) I have used fotoflexer before. When I came across Picnik I stopped using it though. I guess I will be giving it a second chance. I sure loved picnik!

  35. Larrisa Hill Designs says

    Susan; You've handed me a gift…..I'm relatively new to blogging and have been so overwhelmed with taking perfect photos and have attempted to make collages and add effects. I can't wait to try these. Heather
    PS. Have been a long time follower and love your blog.

  36. Calypso In The Country says

    Thank you so much! I was wondering what I was going to use!
    -Shelley

  37. Thank you for this info.. I'll play with each
    in time….
    Sandy

  38. Hi Susan,
    I use Picasa 3 and Microsoft Paint to resize my photos. Big Huge Labs for some mosaics. Thanks for your information. The blogging world is changing and since I love to blog I want it easy and attractive.
    Thanks again
    Betty @ My Cozy Corner

  39. I'll miss Picnik even though I didn't use it a ton. It was just nice to know it was available. I use Picasa when I want a quick easy edit like bumping up the contrast a little and also to throw a simple watermark on my photos. I use Photoshop Elements (not free), when I want to do something fancy like adding textures. Kim Klassen (kimklassencafe.com) has a nice free Photoshop e-course that she offers a few times a year. It's a good introduction to Photoshop if you're interested.

  40. Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads says

    Susan, you are a wealth of information! Thanks for posting this, and thanks for saying that you used Microsoft Picture Manager because I thought that I was the only one using it. I've used Fotoflexer for a few things. I've never tried to do a mosaic, but that was on my list of things to learn. I've just had a bloglift! Come look when you get a chance.

  41. Pat@Back Porch Musings says

    I love Photoscape and use it almost exclusively. I heard about Be Funky today and decided to try it for a couple of months. I paid for the upgrade, as it seemed to offer more than the freebie and I want to give it a decent try before deciding. Will probably continue with photoscape, though.

  42. Susan BetweenNapsOnThePorch says

    Pam, I would love to take the class. I started it but then got busy with other things…need to go back to it again. Thanks for sharing what you use!

  43. Susan BetweenNapsOnThePorch says

    Thanks, Jane, I will!

  44. Susan BetweenNapsOnThePorch says

    Pat, let me know how Be Funky goes. Would love to know. Great to know you like Photoscape…I should give it another whirl, maybe I'll find it easier next time. I'd love to create mosaics with Photoscape instead of Picasa…I think I'd have a bit more control over the arrangement of the pics.

  45. Having just started with Picnik, and have scheduled a party with my "Crafty Ladies" women from my small Bible Study group (we're an off-shoot) so that I could show them how to make a collage, and then I get the email saying they are closing. Yikes! What to do? I will show them Pinterest and of course, BNOTP, but what else? Susan to the rescue! I will play with some of these programs this week and be good to craft! Thanks, CJ

  46. Susan BetweenNapsOnThePorch says

    CJ, you may want to try Photoscape…lots of folks love it for collages. Oh, Big Labs too is pretty good for collages. Have fun! Wish I was there to play with y'all. lol

  47. Thanks for this list! I have only used picnik but I will have to check these out.

    makingitfeellikehome.blogspot.com

  48. Diane @ Philzendia says

    Thanks so much for posting about these alternatives.

  49. Shari @ My Cottage of Bliss says

    I've been on an extended blogging break to take care of some personal things on the homefront and during this break, I have had mixed feelings about whether to return to blogging, or not. The demise of Picnik may heavily influence my decision. Inasmuch as I have used Picnik exclusively to edit 99% of my blog photos, I was not one bit happy to hear the Picnik site shutting down. I'm not the most tech savvy person so I found Picnik to be extremely user friendly. (Before I found Picnik, I tried Picasa and I didn't like it At. All. And I've never been able to figure out Photobucket.) This old dog hates learning new tricks but I'll check out some of the other sites you recommended. Thanks!

  50. laurie @ bargain hunting says

    Susan, I still use Photoscape for everything. I still love it and think that, if someone plays around with it enough, it is so easy to use and has all of the features I could ever want. I'll admit that it took me awhile to find some of them, but I am so not tech savvy. I might quit blogging of Photoscape went away! Thanks so much for mentioning my blog. I still do mosaics on Photoscape. I always feel like my pix are not pretty or interesting enough to post all of them, but if I combine them in a mosaic, I can still use them without boring my readers to death. laurie

  51. Wow just in time for a project I am working on. I have a very long hallway and am in the middle of making multiple photo cutout matts. So I am sure on of these programs will be great.

    Thanks a bunch.

  52. A Perfect Setting says

    Hi Susan! Thanks for the information. I'm having the same issues with Picassa that you had with Photobucket. They are saying I have exceeded my storage limit, and I must pay, but when I try to pay, it won't let me. I have to go in and delete some images, and if I choowe the wrong ones that I have posted on my blog, they vanish from my site. Then I have to go back and re-load. It's been a real pain, and I don't mind paying to increase the storage, but I'm not sure how to go about it–the button that says pay now, is never highlighted, so it won't allow me to click on it. If anyone has a solution to this, I'd love to hear it. Picassa works fine for me, with this exception.

  53. Thank you again for always being on the cutting edge and keeping us abreast of things. Would you believe I just finally learned how to do a watermark on Picnik and upgraded to premium and now they are closing! They did say they would refund subscriptions to premium which is very nice.
    I also opted for the new interface on Blogger because of things you said in a previous post. I do have one question? When I preview a finished blog post and close the preview everything closes and I have to start over getting back to the post. This also happens to me in Google Chrome but not if I use Safari. My question is, how do you look at the preview, get back to the blog post and publish without starting over?

    I am looking forward to your watermark post coming up.

  54. Susan BetweenNapsOnThePorch says

    Hi Bonnie,
    If I click on a post that's done to preview it, it opens up a separate preview window. When I'm done previewing it, I just close the preview window…then I hit "publish" or "update" or whatever the button at the top displays. I think it takes me back to the list of posts then…the screen that shows all the posts. Not sure if this helps.

  55. Susan BetweenNapsOnThePorch says

    Check this link…this may be where you can pay for your additional storage with Picassa/Blogger:
    https://support.google.com/checkout/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=29072

  56. I never did much editing on Photobucket, but did use it to host pics for other things.
    Your comment explains why one day I logged in and could not find anything.

    I've since joined Flickr, but never got around to playing with Picnik, which I guess is a good thing now. Thanks for the options!

  57. Tartan Terrace says

    Susan – As a new blogger, I'm just now learning about photo editing sites. Your post has given me a wealth of information. Your post on the Nikon D5100 was also quite informative, as I just purchased one a few weeks ago. Thanks for all of the help!

  58. Heaven's Walk says

    Well, it sounds like I wasn't the only one who hit the panic button after receiving Picnik's email. Sheesh! Don't they realize how much this user-friendly site was used??? A lousy decision on their part, for sure. Anyway, after my panic attack subsided, I grit my teeth and starting surfing the net for free photo editing sites similar to Picnik (because I want it quick, easy, and a no-brainer). lol! I stumbled across bestfreephotoeditors.com and read the plethora of information there, then visited some of the sites to try them out. I'm leaning toward Fotoflexer because it looks the easiest and most like Picnik to me (and no ads!). But I'll keep my mind open and will try some of the others again just to make sure.

    I'm still up in the air as far as Google+ goes, though, Susan. Isn't it just a take-off on Facebook? Is there a way keep information private and not have the whole world see what you're doing there…? I might consider going to Google+ if only to use it if Picnik is moved there. 🙂

    Thanks for helping us all with this information, Susan. I'm looking forward to your future post on the editor that you use and how you use it! 🙂

    xoxo laurie

  59. Susan BetweenNapsOnThePorch says

    Laurie, I never realized how many folks used it. It did appear to be very user friendly. I'm still trying to understand Google + to, so I'm a terrible person to ask. lol It does seem a lot like Facebook and is growing in leaps and bounds. Picnik is supposed to resurface at Google+ I believe…but not sure how soon after it ends…hopefully right away.

  60. Susan BetweenNapsOnThePorch says

    You're so welcome! The D5100 is an awesome camera…you'll love it!

  61. If you use Picasa, there is a feature that allows you to add text to your pictures. I've been using Picasa, and have Gimp (haven't really done much with the latter), but I just might check out the other programs. Thanks for the post-great info!

    • minnie anderson says

      I have made many attempts at adding text to my picasa pictures! However, when I prints the photos, the text is NOT there! This was my main use of picnic. I’m working on a old family pictures, and I like to add the name and a little family history to each picture! So I’m basically looking for a program with text in the picture editing!

  62. Thanks for this info. I've been having a great time with FotoFlexer and Lunapic!

  63. Grace InAZ says

    A lot to consider. Thank you for taking time to check these out and give us this info!
    Hugs, GraceinAZ

  64. Passionate for White says

    Thanks for taking some of your precious time to put together this post….it is SO appreciated!

  65. Sherri Cassara says

    I only used Picnik for making collages (grouping photos together). I do not see that option on all these other sites. Does anyone know of a way to do that without Picnik? Funny, but I didn't know Picnik did all the other things that I read in all the comments!

  66. Susan BetweenNapsOnThePorch says

    Sherri, I've seen Photoscape used a good bit for making collages. Laurie at the blog Bargain Hunting and Chatting with Lauries makes all her collages on Photoscape.

  67. Zuni, Chickadee Home Nest says

    Thanks for all the info, Susan. Very helpful. I've been using Picasa but I'm not nuts about it, because it's pretty limiting. With collages, for example, it just plops the picture wherever it wants and you can't move it within its own frame–that drives me crazy! And I've had to use the text tool for the watermark because I haven't been able to figure out another way to do it,even though I've researched it. For now I'll keep using it because I know it and it's easy, but I'll be looking to you to see if you switch from Picasa, so keep us posted 🙂 . I have Photoshop–gave up on it. Too complicated. Thanks, Susan!

  68. Sherri Cassara says

    Thank you so much Susan! I will check it out ;D

  69. I am looking for some new software with photo collage and watermark capabilities. I tried to download Gimp for my Mac, but it only supports the leopard version and my version is the newest version – lion. So back to the drawing board. Please let us know what you settle on. I was getting ready to purchase pixelmator for $29. I still may do so if I cannot find a freebie.

  70. Susan BetweenNapsOnThePorch says

    Madonna, another blogger I know loves Photoscape for collages. She makes some amazing collages using that free program. I've been using Picasa and I don't like it for collages at all, so I think I'll give photoscape a try.

  71. Marias Hörna - Njut av livet ♥ says

    Hi, yes Picnic shut down. Have used this a lot. But plenty of more and more to the PhotoScape that I like a lot. The more I work at it the better. Thanks for the other tips! Hugs Maria

  72. Thanks so much for this information – I was so sad when I received the news of Picnic closing. I had blogged about Picnic a new weeks back on my blog and wonder if it would be ok with you if I add a link to this post for my readers. (I am new to the blogging world) My blog is http://aredbikeandkhakishorts.blogspot.com/

  73. Susan BetweenNapsOnThePorch says

    Hi Maureen, Sure…I'm happy to have you link to it. Hope it will be helpful for you and your readers. 🙂

  74. I couldn't take another breath without Photoscape. I use it every single day with almost every single photo I take.
    I am having severe heart failure over losing Picnik but THINK I might be able to handle some of the ones you listed. Just gonna take time….I HATE CHANGE ! :))

  75. Jean Tuthill says

    Thank you, Susan. Through the grapevine, I heard that you researched this and had some alternatives. I will try some of the others. I need something that's easy and doesn't take too much time. Thanks again!

  76. ❁Velma ~Down Our Country Road❁ says

    I'm curious about looking at some of the other free sites you have mentioned as a comparison to what I'm using now. I use Gimp to work on my banner. It's alot like digital scrapbooking where you can layer, add images, etc, etc.
    I use Photoscape to edit my photos for my blog. You can only work with one photo at a time but it's pretty quick for editing purposes.

  77. BE FUNKY doesn't have collage options and that's what I used Picnik mostly for. I edit and correct my photos in PhotoScape but I sure liked the collage feature on Picnik. I THINK the first one you have listed does have collage features…not sure yet.
    Thanks for your time in finding these for us. I sure do appreciate it.
    xxo

  78. Susan BetweenNapsOnThePorch says

    Velma, that is so neat. I need to check Gimp out.

  79. Susan BetweenNapsOnThePorch says

    Thanks, Jean…hope one of these is helpful.

  80. Susan BetweenNapsOnThePorch says

    Thanks goodness Photoscape isn't going away…we can't have you not breathing, BJ! 😉

  81. Did google buy picnik to destroy it?

    Were they jelious or something?
    And why picnik?
    Why not some other photo editing site…

    Googles becoming like Darth Vader and the Empire…

  82. Susan BetweenNapsOnThePorch says

    I thought Google already owned Picnik.

  83. Why did google have to destroy one of the best photo editing sites out there??
    Why??

    What does google know about photo editing?
    Absolutly nothing….

    For those of us who used picnik, it was one of the most detailed, yet simple to use editing sites out there…

    You could apply effects, and then 'reverse' those effects to only apply to portion of photo you wanted…which allowed for awesome digital wonder…

    And now google comes along and destroys all of that….why?

    I've been playing around with other editing tools, but it's like trying to find another lover, after your first love…
    Alot of them require downloads, and are just 'cheap' in feel, after useing picnik…

    I've created masterpieces on that site…and now…well..who knows…

    I'm wondering if they still sell regular disc programs, that you can buy at Best Buy, that do all of this…

  84. If the developers of any of these other photo editing sites or downloads happen to read this…I would like to say the following…

    One of the major tools that made picnik stand out is their 'brush'…

    In other words every site has this effect or that effect…but what picnik did was give the user the ability to 'erase' parts of the effect they didn't want…

    In other words it allowed you to 'blur' out or 'distort' certain parts of the photo, while leaving subject 'the same'…

    Go to the picnik site and see what I mean…
    Most other editing sites or tools, don't, do not, give the user that much creative options…it's kind more like a one template fits all…

    Without the ability to 'erase' parts of the effect you don't want applied to subject…it really takes away ones ability to go beyond the normal…

    It's like flying a plane on auto pilot, vs flying a plane where you can go wherever you want…

    And I'm one who's use to going wherever I want when it comes to getting creative…vs a kind of generic basic template…such a template doesn't allow an artist to stand out…cause it's kind of like a one size fits all type of deal…

    I wish I could show you some of the things I use to create on there…
    It's even better than photoshop…

    Yes,the tools on picnik allow you to layer stuff better or as equal to photoshop…but with much more ease…and it's a shame all this is being lost…why?

    Oh well…so goes the world…

  85. Great tips! But is there a photo editing site (besides photoshop or gimp) that have the beautifying tools… Eye bright, airbrush, teeth whiten? Of all those listed I don't see these as options 🙁 Let's hope Google realizes what they've done and at least offer it in the new Google version. It's so sad and I am thinking it's a ploy to get people to sign up for google+. I guess I'm going to really have to learn photoshop!!!

  86. Thanks for all this info. I am happy to have names of different sites, since Picnic is all that I have used.

    Thanks much. Have a good day, Maki

  87. Such a helpful post -thanks so much for those links – I had no head where to start in looking for an alternative to picnik!

  88. I am a new user to Picnik and about a week after I started they announced they were closing! Since I'm new to all these editing things I was in a bit of a panic because I didn't know what else was out there (though I was sure there must be something) but I didn't even know how to search! Thank you so much for the suggestions here. I look forward to checking them out!

  89. Kell's Blurbs says

    Me too, I"m devestated about Picnik closing. The photo editing tools on Picasa and google don't even begin to compare to what I had on Picnik with my premium subscription. Where am I going to find a photo editor to change eye color now?? one of my favorite edits is to make photo B&W then add color to eyes. I'm bummed

  90. 4you-withlove says

    Just wanted to let you know I put a link on my post to you

    http://4you-withlove.blogspot.com/2012/02/recap-of-week-4-of-5-weeks-of-kindness.html

    Marilyn

  91. Thanks for all these! I had no idea there were so many options!

  92. Linda Young says

    Thank you so much for this valuable information. I really had no idea about editing photos, and felt discouraged that Piknik was closing just when I was going to try and learn to do stuff there. I'm so happy you took the time to help us out!

  93. I just discovered your blog yesterday. Loving it. What about Shutterfly? I am using it to store/organize my photos. I love to make photo books. I found the site easy to use but not terrific for editing. I tried Picasa but not too sure about Google+ and want to limit who sees what. Picasa seems to publish photos you upload without you controlling it? Wanted some input b/c i downloaded a free trial of Photoshop (trial period is over & I didn't use it enough). Do these "free" programs do as much as photoshop or should you use both? hoping to see some comments to help me. I love photography and love using the computer to enhance and store my photos. Ann S

  94. Susan BetweenNapsOnThePorch says

    Ann, I know there's a way to set your privacy settings in Picasa so your pics are visible to anyone but you. I set mine a while back on the site but don't really remember how now. I just googled and found these links that should help with setting your privacy level for your pics. H
    http://support.google.com/picasa/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=39551
    http://support.google.com/picasa/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=188464&ctx=cb&src=cb&cbid=-oja8322nwyus&cbrank=2

    About Photoshop…there are two types of photoshop…the professional kind that's reallllly expensive and then photoshop elements, which is what I have, that's affordable. Photoshop is probably the best program for editing pics, it's just a bit complicated and takes some training to use. That's why so many folks use the online editing sites, instead. They are easier to learn normally. There are several online sites that offer free classes in Photoshop. Just google for "free photoshop classes" or something like that and you'll find them. I can only do a few very basic things in photoshop…hope to get more proficient in that this year…one of my goals for the year.

  95. Thanks for the prompt response. I first became interested in your post about the pottery barn furniture. I have the queen bed and wanted to get some of the pieces from the desk but wasn't sure I had enough room; now, after seeing your photos and description I think I can successfully finish this room. So thank you again. You'll be hearing from me in the future. Especially glad to know about Photoshop. I had no idea there were so many options. You'll be seeing my comments in the future; so glad to have found your blog!

  96. Susan BetweenNapsOnThePorch says

    I love their queen bed…so pretty! I had never shopped PB that much until I created the office and bought their Bedford office furniture. I do like the Bedford line…have enjoyed it a lot. I can't recommend the chair I bought from PB Teen, though…the back is pretty comfortable.

    Thanks, Ann. So happy you are here reading and I appreciate your comments and input so much!

  97. Hi Susan, Hope you had a nice weekend. I have been working on completing the room that I mentioned. Putting a queen bed in this room may have been a mistake b/c it does take up a lot of space. I just loved the bed and wanted a guest room after my son moved out. So I've been looking at your posts about your makeover of your son's room. (BTW, wasn't it hard to cover those murals? must have taken you forever but I can see they had to go). 2 things I am not clear on: are you just living with the chair that you mentioned above? If not what did you get? Also, it looks like you did use the wrapping center but not quite sure. Did it end up on the right as you look at
    the desk as shown in 1 photo? Do you use it and find it helpful? Can't wait to finish this room now. I've been looking at that desk forever. I also love the chest you found. I don't think I have room for it unless I replace another piece with it but it's too much furniture for this room's makeover. So glad your blog helped me get this done. Oh, did the furniture require much assembly? Lots of questions; appreciate you taking time to help me. ann

  98. Susan BetweenNapsOnThePorch says

    Hi Ann,
    Yup, very hard to cover up the mural, but it had to be done. So far, I'm just living with the desk chair. It only starts to bother me if I sit too long and I've mostly gotten used to it. I did move the wrapping paper organizer. You can see where it ended up in this post: http://bit.ly/kGaJBq. Just scroll down and you'll see it on the wall to the left side of the room. That makes my day to hear that the posts about the office helped some. 🙂 The desk furniture didn't require assembly. The only part that had to be assembled was the unit that sits on top of the desk…the one that holds the printerand the monitors. Forgot what that piece is called. Really there wasn't much assembling to it…just tightening a few screws. You do have to attach the corner desk to the side units…and that requires two people. So be sure you have help with that part. Can't wait to see your room all done!

  99. I can't wait either! That room has been 1/2 done for more than a year. I guess I should take some before pix although before was really like your room with the bunk bed set,mine in blue mica. That's been long gone. I never thought of taking before pix. I was just on line looking at the cameras you recommend. The Nikon 5100 is quite expensive.have to check the specs- it looks heavy. I don't have a blog but I do a lot of things with my photos on the computer and want to do more. I continue to upload my photos to the internet. It's a big job to get all your photos loaded to the internet but well worth it in the long run. I'm going to try a collage on Picasa after I look at the sites you gave me to help with my settings. It's nice that you respond on the weekends. Looking forward to this week's blogs, ann

  100. Be Funky offers a brush option for most of their effects.

    What I miss is the cloning capabilities that Picnik had. Anyone know of any online resources that have that?

  101. I agree that Picasa editing tools pale in comparison to Picnik's. I liked being able to edit my photos within Picasa using Picnik. Now I have to download some other program to use along with it. It's annoying.

  102. Anthony Kalowski says

    Picnik is awesome and better than these alternatives. I came across this company which looks like they might be creating a true alternate Picnik site: http://www.picnikalternative.com

  103. As I was stumbling around, searching for a Picnik alternative, I found this page.

    Thank you.

    I used Picnik quite a bit, but decided to try Photoshop after the announcement that Picnik would be closing. Photoshop is a bit much for me, and I really liked the Picnik interface.
    For me, Befunky was a winner! Easy to use, plenty of options, and a few new wrinkles that I really like!

  104. Anonymous says

    Thanks…I am stilling holding on to hope that Picnik will be saved. BeFunky looks like it will be my new Picnik.

  105. Anonymous says

    Hi I have never replied to a blog before so I wasn't sure how to use the comment as button. My name is Michele, by the way. I, too, have been having panic attacks about Picnik. I love it and used it exclusively. I knew it like the bakc of my hand which then made editing very quick and easy. I have tried Photoscape and really like it, for the most part. It isn't as versatile as I need it to be but it has some great filters and such. I will continue to use it but am still looking for something that gives me more control. I will have to try out some of these that have been mentioned here. Thanks so much for the info. Also, just wante to warn you that my niece had carbonite and when her computer crashed they had lost a lot of her data including a ton of pics. FYI.
    Thanks, again!

  106. Anonymous says

    Michele from above post here again. Just got done trying FotoFlexer. Love, love, love it!!!
    Thanks so much for this wonderful article!!!

  107. Susan BetweenNapsOnThePorch says

    Hi Michele…Glad FotoFlexer is working out. Since I created this post, I have found two more sites and one I've been hearing good stuff about…folks saying it was similar to Picnik. So check out this post…it includes the two new sites I found: http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2012/02/14-free-photo-editing-sites-picnik.html
    I think the one folks like is iPiccy.

  108. Anonymous says

    Awesome! I will check out those also!
    Michele

  109. Anonymous says

    Just checked out iPiccy and I love it!!!! VERY similar to Picnik but it may have a few more or maybe just different effects. Haven't checked it out totally yet. Watched some Foto Flexer demos and they have an amazing smart resize tool and another on where you can take an object out of the pic withou changing the composition. And it is all soooo simple to use. I, too, was a Photoshop wannabe and I hated it. Too complicated for me. And so many options that I would never need. Thanks, again, for this invaluable info!
    Michele

  110. Susan BetweenNapsOnThePorch says

    You're welcome! 🙂

  111. Hi Susan!
    I was wondering your thoughts on Picasa 3 for photo editing? I tried Photoscape and loved it however, fyi, both times I downloaded it and began using it I got major problems on my computer, it finally crashed. I did a review search on Photoscape to see what was being said about it and there were quite a few warnings from others about viruses from using it, so I figure it would be my third strike and I don’t want to be out again…so I won’t be using that one again. 🙂
    Thanks for your thoughts on Picasa!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

    • Cindy, I don’t use Picasa very much. Sometimes I’ve used to make collages but very rarely. I mostly just used Pixlr and Adobe Photoshop, which I don’t half understand how to use. Wish I could be of more help. Some folks really like Pic Monkey

  112. Inez Wilson says

    I am a former Creative Memories Consultant and can well sympathize with the loyal fans of Picnik. Many of us cried when we heard that Creative Memories was closing and that the company would be reorganizing in the future but not the same as it was. I used CM Memory Manager exclusively. It was an awesome editing tool!!! My computer guru deleted all my CM programs when he tried to “speed up” my lap top. I will not tell you what I wanted to do to him. They were not retrievable.
    I too, find “Photoshop” too complex. I do not have the patience for it. Thank you for your list! As CM often advised and the Library of Congress also advised many years ago, is that….. the only sure way of totally preserving your photographic history is to print them and place them in an album similar (we hope that Cm will return) to a CM album which was acid-free, lignin-free and buffered so that they would last in excess of 100 years. It is not a case of IF your computer will crash but WHEN. ….Regards, Inez

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