Choosing a free photo-editing app: try it yourself

1. Choose one test photograph

Use a photograph that needs a crop, a brightness adjustment and a small colour correction. Keep the original untouched.

2. Try two free editors

Make roughly the same corrections in two free apps available on your device. Do not judge them by filters alone.

3. Check the export

Export a finished copy and check its pixel dimensions, file quality and whether the app added a watermark or other restriction.

4. Check what is really free

Look at which tools require an account, subscription or in-app purchase. Features and prices change, so use the current information shown by the developer or app store.

5. Keep the one that gets out of the way

The better app for you is the one that handles your normal photographs without unnecessary friction. You do not need the editor with the longest feature list.