Adobe Photoshop is nowadays used by so many people but this does not mean that you need to use it when you want to create some simple graphics. All that you really need to do is look for some free alternatives. That can save you a lot of money and the great thing about these free Photoshop alternatives is that the learning curve is really fast.

Adobe Photoshop Express

This is one option that many do not know much about but it is great since it offers all the basic Photoshop features completely free. The app can be used in most devices and there are apps for iOS, Android and Windows Phone (hope you are not using this :D). I personally use in in Windows 10 through the Windows Store free download. You can use different features Photoshop users already know like Burn, Highlight and Dodge. While you do not have all the control that you may desire, most of what you want to do will be available.

GIMP

GIMP is constantly gaining new popularity since it is open-source and can even be used on MAC and Linux computers. You can use many different tools that are similar to the popular Photoshop and even if the interface is a little different, you can opt for the version that mimics the feel and look of Adobe (the power of open-source).

You will be able to use color correction, painting tools, selection, enhancements and cloning. Picture format compatibility is high and the included file manager is quite similar to Adobe Bridge. If you want to avoid having to pay for Adobe Photoshop, GIMP has to be considered.

Paint.NET

Initially this was basically an upgrade of the Windows Paint tool. It eventually evolved and is now highly appreciated by many. The cover above was done with this program in just a few minutes. It does offer exactly what you would expect from Paint at a level that is so much higher. While it is not as great as GIMP, if you do not need photo manipulation, you can take advantage of what this program offers. Everyone is already familiar with the program since we all used paint.

Choose the option that you use wisely. Only go for Photoshop when you actually need it since it has so many features that you will never use and the money is simply not worth it.