No. 7 of 160 ·Photo Editing Software

PhotoPad

Web · Windows · Mac · Linux · Android · iPhone · Extension

Freedom report

Three barsScore 7.8

Free tierA free tier is on its own pricing page
Open codeNo open-source code on record
Runs widely6 of 6 device platforms
DocumentedPlans, terms and facts published

PhotoPad is ranked #7 of 160 in photo editing software on Freedom251. It runs on Android, Browser extension, iOS, Linux, macOS, Web, Windows. There is a free plan.

PhotoPad plans and pricing

All plans

Pro Edition Annual Plan Not published No restrictions · Single location license secure.nch.com.au · 20 Sept 2026

Home Edition Annual Plan Not published Unlimited use · Licensed for non-business use only secure.nch.com.au · 20 Sept 2026

Pro Edition Quarterly Plan Not published Unlimited ongoing use of professional version features · All upgrades secure.nch.com.au · 20 Sept 2026

Free Free Non-commercial use only nchsoftware.com · 4 Oct 2026

Pro License Not published Purchase page did not expose a price secure.nch.com.au · 4 Oct 2026

Compared on photo editing software

Free plan: Yes

Best PhotoPad alternatives

See all 12

Two bars Photopea Free tier No. 1$37.50/mo8.1 Two bars darktable Free tier No. 2Free8.0 Two bars RawTherapee Free tier No. 3Free7.9 One bar PhotoDirector Free tier No. 4Free7.9 Two bars VSCO Free tier No. 5$0.21/mo7.8 Two bars BeFunky Free tier No. 6$6.99/mo7.8

The record

RAW photo support: Yes
Purpose: PhotoPad edits and enhances digital photos and images.
Editing: Features include cropping, rotating, resizing, retouching, color and exposure adjustments, and blur and sharpening tools.
Creative tools: It can create collages, photo mosaics, calendars, greeting cards, and photo montages.
AI features: The maker lists AI-assisted super-resolution resizing, object removal, background removal, and colorizing black-and-white photos.
File formats: The maker lists JPG, GIF, PNG, TIFF, and BMP among supported image formats and says PhotoPad supports RAW editing.
Cloud integrations: The maker says edited pictures can be uploaded directly to Twitter, Flickr, Dropbox, OneDrive, or Google Drive.
Platforms: Downloads are listed for Windows, Mac, Android, and Kindle, with Cloud Lite for iPad, Linux, and ChromeOS and a Chrome extension.
System requirements: The maker lists Windows 7 to 11 and macOS 10.5 or later for the desktop versions.
Free-use limit: The free PhotoPad edition is available for non-commercial use only, and the maker says no signup is required.
Editing behavior: The maker lists non-destructive editing, including undoing, reordering, and editing effects in a layers list.
Privacy: NCH's privacy statement says it does not store credit card information and will never sell personal data.
Support: NCH offers email support; telephone and live chat support are listed for customers with Platinum support.
Upgrades: The PhotoPad versions page says buyers who purchased more than six months ago may need to purchase an upgrade to use the current version.
Price from: Free

Where it ranks on Freedom251

Best Photo Editing Software in 2026#7 of 160
Best AI Photo Editors in 2026#3 of 94
Best Panorama Stitching Software in 2026#1 of 21

Is PhotoPad yours?

Claim it for free: prove the domain, then correct facts, plans and screenshots. An editor reviews every change.

Claim it free Promote PhotoPad

Sources

nchsoftware.com/photoeditor/versions.html· checked 20 Sept 2026
nchsoftware.com/photoeditor/index.html· checked 4 Oct 2026
nch.com.au/general/privacy.html· checked 4 Oct 2026
nchsoftware.com/support/· checked 4 Oct 2026
secure.nch.com.au/cgi-bin/register-no.exe· checked 20 Sept 2026
secure.nch.com.au/register.html· checked 4 Oct 2026