Editing photos on Ubuntu is best done with dedicated photo editing software, designed to handle tasks like cropping, retouching, and applying advanced effects. These tools ensure that you can create stunning visuals without needing expensive proprietary software.
Fortunately, in 2024, there are several excellent free photo editors available for Ubuntu. If you’re searching for the best software to enhance your photos, this list will help you find the perfect option for your creative projects. Remember to leave a comment and let us know what you think.
Top Free Ubuntu Photo Editors in 2024
#1. Vectr
Vectr is probably the newest ‘image editor’ on this post and I put it in quotations because technically, like the name of the software.
This is a vector graphics editor but just like Adobe Illustrator, you can use Vectr on your Ubuntu to do whatever you need to do with your photos including opening other popular file formats without a problem.
It also doesn’t utilize that much memory so it loads up pretty quick even on some old computers. I also love the new UI and extra features that it has, surely underrated but mainly because it is new. If you love vector art, this should be the first app you install on your Linux OS, trust me on this one.
[ Install Vectr ]
#2. Darktable
Darktable is an open source photography workflow application and raw developer. Basically it is a virtual lighttable and darkroom especially for photographers.
It manages your digital negatives in a database, lets you view them through a zoomable light table and enables you to develop raw images and enhance them.
But that is basically the general definition, in reality this neat photo editor with the unique name can do just about everything you need from a photo editor.
It does have a steeper learning curve than most the programs listed on this post but once you get used to it, the beautifully organized UI will make a huge difference when you are working with a bunch of photos at once.
#3. Krita
Krita is trending as one of the best apps especially for those of you who are into digital art and animation. It is the complete package if you are looking for either an advanced photo editor or something which has just enough for you to edit your pictures.
Krita does it all including being one of the best free animation software on the market. I hope more people in the Linux community will support this software because the programmers behind the scenes have done a great job with constantly updating it with new features, bug fixes and plugins to make it as I type, the best free digital art software on Linux.
[ Download Krita ]
#4. Gimp
Gimp is probably the most famous Photoshop alternative for Ubuntu for many reasons and that is why we had to include it on this list. It was my very first photo editor that I installed on Ubuntu more than 10 years ago after all my friends told me it was just like Photoshop.
It turned out it was lie but it has improved greatly over the past few years and with all the plugins you can now install on it, Gimp can literally do everything you need an image editor software to do.
It is supported by a great open source community so if you have any questions or problems, just google your issue or visit Gimp’s official website/forum and someone will quickly help you out, not to mention you have the endless Gimp tutorials if you need them.
[ Download Gimp ]
#5. InkScape
Inkscape is free and open-source, providing tools for cropping, enhancing, and applying effects to images. It’s especially powerful for tasks like creating logos, illustrations, and combining vector art with raster images.
I’ve personally used Inkscape for creating custom illustrations and editing photos for blog posts, and it’s incredibly intuitive once you get the hang of the interface.
One of my favorite features is its ability to handle both raster and vector elements in the same project, giving you unmatched flexibility. It complements the other editors on this list by adding a focus on scalable and design-friendly editing.
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