There are many great free online image editors available and this piece takes a brief look at the most popular web-based photo and image editors. While many people prefer to use software installed on their own computer, free online image editors can be the perfect solution for editing images when working on another person's machine.
Some of these editors have quite simple interfaces, while others emulate image editing applications like Photoshop and GIMP, offering a wide range of tools.
Whichever kind of free online image editor you are looking for, I'm sure that one of these editors will cover most of your needs.
1. Picnik
The free version of Picnik offers a selection of adjustment tools to allow global and localized adjustments to an uploaded photo. In the Edit screen, each tool comes with onscreen advice and tips to using it effectively. Many tools also have Advanced options that give you a bit more control over how the image is changed, though many users may prefer the simplicity of the basic controls.
The Create screen offers a reasonable range of features including Effects for more artistic adjustments, Frames and a Text tool. When you've finished working on your photo, you can save it in several formats to your own computer or upload to a number of social network or photo sharing sites.
2. Pixlr Express
This free online image editor is the first of two from Pixlr. This is the simpler of the two and is similar to the way Picnik's Create screen operates. The tools are arranged in three groups with Basic covering options for cropping and sizing images. Adjustments primarily contains tools for improving and correcting the appearance of images and Photo effects offer simple tools for producing a range of creative effects. While there is no obvious help or advice in the interface, it does encourage users to experiment. Images can be saved to your computer when finished.
3. FotoFlexer
Fotoflexer offers quite a broad range of tools that will keep users amused for a long time. There are the expected image adjustment tools, but for those looking for more creative results, there are plenty of effects to change the overall appearance of an image and even options for adding animated elements. It also supports layers, allows images to be combined, and there are tools that allow adjustments to be applied to specific areas of an image. The finished photo can be saved to your computer or saved directly online through the better known photo sharing and social networking sites.
4. Pixlr Editor
The second free online image editor from Pixlr is a more advanced offering aiming more at traditional image editor users. Anyone who has used Adobe Photoshop will feel at home almost immediately. The application contains floating palettes for Layers, with blending modes, and History, plus a full featured Tools palette. The Menu bar contains most of the commonly-used features of pixel-based image editors, within familiar menu items, such as Layer, Adjustment and Filter. Photos can be saved on your computer or online and if you intend to work further on the image, a layered file can be saved that can be loaded into Pixlr at a later date.
5. Sumo Paint
Sumo Paint is another free online image editor for those wanting a more powerful solution to allow them to edit images with multiple layers. The interface has a familiar feel and is quite intuitive with a range of common drawing tools. The Menu bar is arranged as you'd expect with plenty of features to allow for advanced image adjustments. Photos can be saved to your computer in a few formats, including a layered file that would allow you to continue working on an image later. Alternatively, if you register for a free Sumo account, you can save and share your images through the Sumo site.
6. Splashup
Again, users of traditional image editors will feel at home with this environment that allows for layered images to be worked on in many ways. The Menu bar lacks some of the features that might be anticipated, especially adjustment tools like Curves and Levels, but this may make it a little more user-friendly for less advanced users looking to take a step up from one of the more basic free online image editors. Photos can be saved to your computer or shared through a number of popular websites.