PicsArt - Photo Studio for Windows 8

PicsArt is one of the few apps that successfully made the transition from a phone app to a fully functioning program that you can use on your computer. For editing photos on a computer running a Windows operating system, it's one of your best options.

When first launched, this was a simple photo editing app that would only work on Windows phones. While iPhone and Android devices are still more popular, there are a large number of people using Windows phones too. This app, which let users edit photos before sharing those images with others, became so popular that the developers eventually released PicsArt Photo Studio for Windows 8. A similar version is also available for those who upgraded to the Windows 10 operating system.

While there are hundreds of photo editing programs out there, this is the only one designed specifically for use with Windows devices. It allows you to select and edit an image from your own library or from a social networking site. When you edit an image from your library, you can open different folders to find the exact image you want. The program will also let you select an image from Facebook or another site, though you must be logged into your account to use this option.

PicsArt Photo Studio for Windows 8 includes all the classic photo editing tools that you expect. Using the red eye tool allows you to remove the glare found in some images that makes a person's eyes glow or shine bright red. Using the sharpen tool increases the contrast in the image and reduces blurry edges and other blurry spots.

This program offers more tools that are akin to those used by professionals too. It comes loaded with filters that let you turn color images into black and white pictures and filters that add an old-fashioned sepia tone to the image. You can customize those filters to get the exact results that you want too, and you'll love experimenting with those filters to get the best results. There is even a collage option that lets you create one large image out of multiple smaller pictures.

This Windows program is especially popular with artists because it lets them make hundreds of changes to their images. If you have a touchscreen, you can select a tool and drag your finger across the screen to make those changes. With traditional screens, you can use your mouse to achieve the same results. PicsArt comes with a number of preset features that you can use for adding text or effects to your photos. You can select the color, type and size of the font you want to use.

PicsArt also added a new social networking feature to its Photo Studio for Windows 8. As soon as you finish editing your photo, you can upload it directly to your favorite social networking site. The company encourages artists to use the hashtag #freetoedit when sharing their work. This lets others know that you want some feedback and can help you decide what to do next with your image.

Though PicsArt Photo Studio for Windows 8 comes with dozens of tools, it does require that you purchase some tools and features. It also reacts slower than other similar programs. With a new version now available, you need to decide which one will work right for your needs and with your computer.

Pros:

• Includes dozens of different photo editing tools
• Now comes with a social networking feature that helps you share your work
• Preset and customized filters let you change the look of images
• Traditional photo editing tools remove blurred areas and red eyes
• Loaded with tools that both professionals and beginners can use

Cons:

• Only works with Windows 8 operating systems
• Requires that users buy some tools to use all features
• Doesn't come with all the tools found on similar programs
• Runs slower than some will like
• Includes pop up ads for an upgraded version and other programs from the developers