February 1, 2012

which way to go (when picnik is gone)


i have been playing around with every editing program i can get my hands on and have been mostly disappointed with what i have found. many of the alternative editing programs need to be downloaded which irks me a bit. 
i don't want to download something just to try it and then end up finding out that i don't like it.
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ipiccy is the closet thing to picnik. 
unfortunately everyone is heading over there to try it out and since it's in beta form {a testing mode} it keeps crashing or running at a snail's pace. but i do believe that once they get their head on straight, there will many of you who will love this site and it could very likely become the new picnik.
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pixlr-express is pretty darn good and easy to navigate, but then there's another pixlr with an editing format that is amazingly photoshop like. if you don't like photoshop, you won't like this one at all, but go there just for fun, since on the bottom of that editing page you have the option of playing around with vintage looks and that seems to be pretty fun and easy.
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be funky is fun and also easy to navigate and has a few picnik like options. this one is certainly worth playing around with and won't waste your time.
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picture2life is alright. i haven't played much on there, but i think it looks somewhat promising. i think it's a site that holds onto your photos like picnik did, if you want to go back and find them later.
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the only downloadable editing program i'm going to use at this point i think is snap seed. i have it on my iPhone and iPad and now they're made it for desktop use and from what i've read, it's getting two thumbs up.
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photovisi-photoshop express-paint.net-lunapic-aviary-picasa-photoscape-gimp
are the other sites i know about that i either didn't like, are downloadable or i haven't tried.
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i think this is now where we all need to come together and share what we find, what we know, what we like and what we don't like.
 the one thing i know for sure is that i still love LR3 and am thrilled that i took the time to learn it and that  no matter what, there will always be photoshop.
 but i also know that those can be expensive programs and possibly more then what you really need or want from an editing program. 
i also know that some people over all, just prefer an online editing program.
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so come on everyone. let's play and share. 
and hopefully, by april 19th when picnik is taken from us, someone will have been smart enough to duplicate it, give it a new name and hand it over to us on a silver platter.
*

23 comments:

  1. this is great information.....

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  2. Awesome info! Someone suggested this one to me http://pixlr.com/o-matic/ and I haven't had the time to truly play with it. But it might be worth a try? I'll keep looking and share if I find anything new. My hubby is hoping I will convert to LR3 but then I think he would love to be able to send me photos to edit for HIM!

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  3. I give you a 10+++++++ thumbs up for all the effort you put forth in searching and trying these out for everyone. Bravo to you!

    We dont download anymore, way too risky these days.

    If someone wants a simple one and has Windows, there is "Paint" and one other editing program that comes with it. Very basic if all one needs to do is resize, crop and watermark.

    Now go walk off your numb-butt from sitting and get the circulation flowing back and know we all appreciate what you did. You are a gem!

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  4. You've really been doing your homework and it's much appreciated. I see much time spent testing and trying out...going to be fun.

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  5. I didn't know about iPiccy or Snapseed, so thank you for those recommendations! I downloaded paint.net and so far I'm loving it, such an easy and rich programme. It's especially great for layers. Although I miss Orton and Cross Process and other options which provide light, warmth and softness. I can't afford photoshop, but I need a serious editing programme. Off now to check out iPiccy!

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  6. Can I admit here that I'm being very lazy and just waiting to see what YOU come up with ? Cause that's just the truth...lol...

    I am SOOOOO BUMMMMMED about $%#^$ picnik!!!

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  7. I'd like to add Toycamera Analogcolor. It's an ok program to play with but I'm not in love with it. I just downloaded Pixlr.
    My go to for photo editing is CS4 that is supplemented with a ton of actions and RadLab. I do, however, use Snapseed on my iphone and love, love, love it. Do you know if they plan to create a PC version anytime soon?

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  8. Glad you found a couple of decent substitutes for Picnik. I know many of you loved that program. :)

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  9. Great post with lots of choices here. I use Photoshop but, it didn't cost me anything. Got it from school. If you're in education, you do get a good discount, you know.

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  10. Thanks Beth, I'm wondering where I'll go but unlike you, I'm lazy and was waiting for someone else to give good suggestions. Thanks for your ideas!

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  11. appreciate the information and links. i saved 2 of your more favorable ones for future playing...

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  12. photoshop elements is a simpler and more affordable version of photoshop. still not free though.

    my son is a gimp fan. :o)

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  13. Thank you Thank you.
    I'm crushed. I just am.

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  14. I thought of you when I heard it was ending! I played around with it some but it bogs my computer down for some reason. I love LR3, but my computer can barely handle it, so for quick edits, I still use Picasa. Thank you for all the research you've done - I didn't realize there were so many out there!

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  15. I am no help, I do everything in photoshop. but now you have me wanting to try some of these other programs...

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  16. all is Greek to me but if the conversation brings out really cool photos like the one of the lizard then I'll hang in there :)

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  17. I have not used Picnik. Is it related to Picassa? I see it listed there. That is what I usually use.

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  18. Thanks Beth, I loved Picnik too. I will try out some of these sites and be on the lookout for others. hugs, have a great day.

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  19. Thanks for the additional links. I have been playing with BeFunky! Not bad
    Hugs
    SUeAnn

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  20. Great info. I am saving this.

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  21. Great post Beth. I use Aperture which I love and have purchased a number of editing programs (Topaz & Nik) which I love using. I used Picnik occasionally but haven't for a while. I use gimp once in a while .. not my favorite though. Hard to use I think. I always love hearing about other programs and I'll be checking the ones you've mentioned! Thanks!

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  22. thanks Beth!!

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  23. Well, I am new to Picnik...just got it figured out, then it closes. Someone told me about fotoflexer.com. Kinda' like picnik.

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**I love reading the comments you leave, as they make me feel like we're sitting in my kitchen, having a cup of tea, discussing life and wondering where all the time has gone ...beth