Photoscape X
Price: Photoscape X comes in a free version (which I have) and a Pro version that is (of July 28, 2025) $39.99.
I cannot say that I have seen the Pro version on sale, but I am happy with the free version. The main difference between the two is that you get more variations of various filters with the Pro version compared to the free version. So, I suggest try the free version first and then see if you want to spend the money for the Pro version. What is nice in the free version is that you see all of the Pro variations (sort of a sneak peek) but cannot access them unless you pay for the Pro version.
Website for Photoscape X: copy and paste the following: x.photoscape.org
The features I use most with Photoscape X are:
- HDR: This is my "go to" for adjusting images using HDR. It is easy to adjust the strength of the HDR effect.
- Color controls: These are very easy to use and the ones I use most often are "deepen", "white", and "black." But I will try most of the other options for adjusting the color as they are really effective and easy to use. NOTE: If I am trying to adjust single colors (e.g., red, yellow, blue, magenta, green), I will use Photoshop Elements most of the time.
- Film: These effects apply different variations of the overall image, some emphasizing different color emphasis, some creating old fashioned looking pictures, and some applying different textures to name a few.
Examples of using Frames, Shapes, and Borders in Photoscape X
One of the interesting features in using Photoscape X is the ability to add frames, shapes, and borders to your image. Below are several illustrations of these.
Frame Effect
Shape Effect
Border Effect
Shape Effect