Recommend a photo touch-up app for Mac?

J

JBR

Senior Member
Location
Southern Canada mtn. valley, tad west of Rockies
Recently, a friend has sent me scans of some pre-1990s photo prints. Some good images, but sometimes with smudges, creases etc.

For digital images other than scans, I've frequently made use of Preview, the app that came with my 2022 Macbook Pro. It's limited, though it's great for cropping, exposure level, contrast, color saturation, or a little sharpening. There are a number of free apps that acquire recommendations online, so it's hard to make a choice.

Can you recommend a free, downloadable app that can remove (smooth over) the damages on old prints?
 

This may not be the answer you're looking for, but maybe it will help.

I looked for an editor sometime ago, but didn't find one I wanted to use, so I just use a free online editor: PIXLR.

I scan the photo I want to edit, then save it as a jpeg on my laptop, then upload it to the PIXLR (link above) which has the best touch up tool I've experienced for removing imperfections, as well as other enhancement features.

When you're finished editing, you can download the finished photo directly to your computer, or if that makes you uncomfortable, then just do a copy and paste from the finished image to a document, and save it from there as a jpeg.

AI says: "Based on available information, Pixlr is generally considered safe to use, with the company stating they take security measures to protect user data, including images, and do not access or store edited images beyond the necessary duration for functionality; however, like any online service, users should always be cautious about sharing sensitive information and review their privacy settings."
 
MACKTEXAS said:
When you're finished editing, you can download the finished photo directly to your computer, or if that makes you uncomfortable, then just do a copy and paste from the finished image to a document, and save it from there as a jpeg.
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I signed up, which seemed to be required to use the online tools. After a few trials, I was able to improve a photo to where I like it. However, although I am now considered a member with a free trial, I can't find the way to download the result onto my computer. I'm sure it should be simple, but I can't find the button to click for that. Can you tell me how one does it?
 
No, it wasn't necessary to sign up to use the tools. I've never signed up with PIXLR.

When opening the PIXLR website, all you need to do is click where it says "Open AI Photo Editor", and that brings you to the next screen, where you click where it says "OPEN IMAGE." That will bring up a screen allowing you to upload any image you have on your computer.

Then, you do your editing. When you're finished editing and you're pleased with the results, you will see a SAVE button. You can click that and it will download the finished photo to your computer. (Choose the location where you want to save it)- OR, you can copy and paste it instead, as I mentioned in my earlier post.
 
I'm sorry I didn't make this more clear in my first post, JBR. but that post had already become rather long. If PIXLR isn't working the way you want, I've seen a lot of good reviews on the editor GIMP that Naturally posted. I just haven't used it myself, and didn't think to recommend it.
 
I've heard good things about GIMP as well. I downloaded it, but it turned out to be just as difficult (and just as powerful as Photoshop Elements) to learn as my current Elements software, so I decided to stick with what I know (somewhat) rather than learn a new system. I'm truly an amateur, but I really enjoy cleaning up some of the old family photos. Here's a before and after of my grandfather. I'd love to see others' work and maybe a forum section dedicated to this sort of thing. I'd love to improve my skills!!
Henry Stoltz 1.jpgHenry Stoltz R2.jpg
 
u37qYS.jpg

Before and after 50th anniversary picture of my cousin and her husband after PIXLR redo.
 
MACKTEXAS said:
I'm sorry I didn't make this more clear in my first post, JBR. but that post had already become rather long. If PIXLR isn't working the way you want, I've seen a lot of good reviews on the editor GIMP that Naturally posted. I just haven't used it myself, and didn't think to recommend it.
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No need for an apology. Actually, when I clicked on "Save" that automatically started my laptop downloading. It's just that there was no indications (signal) on the PIXLR site that this was occurring. So I've made one satisfying upgrade of an old color pic. Thanks, again Macktexas.
 
hollydolly said:
the before picture is much better.... I've used PIXLr in the past and stlll use it on the very odd occasion... but I'm not techi minded enough to get my head around using it properly.. that includes GIMP.. and Photoshop... I'm too impatient...
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The before picture is better because it's real, and the retouching in the 2nd picture is overdone. That is easily avoided, but can be good for blemishes, temporary imperfections, and damaged photos. PIXLR can do as much or as little as you want. The couple in the picture have not seen the retouched photo. I was just playing with it for my own experimentation. It took about 12 minutes.
 
MACKTEXAS said:
The before picture is better because it's real, and the retouching in the 2nd picture is overdone. That is easily avoided, but can be good for blemishes, temporary imperfections, and damaged photos. PIXLR can do as much or as little as you want. The couple in the picture have not seen the retouched photo. I was just playing with it for my own experimentation. It took about 12 minutes.
Click to expand...
yes I've used it for that myself..particularly colourizing old black and white photos of my family...
 

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