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If what you’re after is a basic image editor, there are some free good quality tools around.

The following list is not exhaustive. It only includes those tested by retoNet and those that we can recommend.

• Fotoflexer goes first due to its range of options and because it is very easy to use. You can crop images, use bright and contrast, effects and even play with layers. All can be done online and at the end you just download the final image. It is a great basic photo editor. We have used it to crop and give some sharpening to the picture on the homepage. fotoflexer.com
• Splashup reproduces online an interface similar to Photoshop. Anybody who has been using Adobe’s image editor will not have any problems using the basic functions of this agile and efficient service. www.splashup.com
• If you’re looking for a fast edition, contrast and other basic effects, Picnik is what you need. It is free and the payment option just expands its possibilities. Great editor. No wonder why Google has just bought it. www.picnik.com
• Resizr doesn’t have the nicest interface, but it is very easy to use for the single function of resizing an image. www.resizr.com
• Gimp is an open source tool, with functions similar to Photoshop.. www.gimp.org

And regarding affordable software, even though the following options don’t have the power of Photoshop CS5, but nobody needs so much unless they’re professional graphic designer or photographer.

• Adobe offers Photoshop Elements 8, a simpler version of its brilliant image editor.
• Pixelmator is a good way to go for users of Mac.