We recommend the Adobe line of editing software because Adobe is the industry standard. They have a product suitable for every user from the complete beginner to the most advanced. As well, the knowledge you will gain from mastering the most basic product is upward compatible, allowing you to grow and learn at your own pace.

Photo Editing Software

Once you have taken some digital pictures, you will need editing software. Your images are stored on the memory card in your camera. Once your memory card is full, you need to get these images copied onto your computer’s hard drive so you can re-use your memory card.

Editing software will do this and much more. After images are copied onto your computer, you will be able to save, view, improve, print and email them. Editing software does not have to be complex or difficult. However, it is important that you pick appropriate software for your needs and level of experience.

We would like to make this process easy for you. Often, software is included in the purchase of a new digital camera. We suggest that you do not use this and instead follow the recommendations below.

Adobe Album Starter

Adobe Album Starter is the most basic editing program offered by Adobe. It allows the complete beginner to copy pictures into a computer, organize, view, print and email them with little difficulty. The program will also perform basic automatic corrections and image improvements.

The best part of Album Starter is that the program is completely free from Adobe and can be easily upgraded.

Adobe Album Full

Adobe Album Full is one step up from the most basic editing program offered by Adobe. Like the Starter version, it allows you to copy pictures into a computer, organize, view, print and email them with little difficulty. The program will also perform basic, automatic corrections and image improvements. What distinguishes Album Full from the Starter version is the ability it gives you to manually override the automatic corrections.

Adobe Elements  - Basic

Adobe Elements is the next step up from Adobe Album. This program can be used in two modes: Basic or Advanced.

In Basic, you can copy pictures into a computer, organize, view, print and email them. In this mode, the program will also perform basic, automatic corrections and image improvements. However, Elements Basic allows more control over the manual override of automatic corrections than Album Full.

Adobe Elements  - Advanced

Adobe Elements is the next step up from Adobe Album programs. This program can be used in two modes: Basic or Advanced.

Like the other programs we have discussed, Elements Advanced allows you to copy pictures into a computer, organize, view, print and email them. In its Advanced mode, Elements will also perform the powerful edits and corrections associated with full featured editing software.

Photoshop CS2

This is the software used by professionals in the editing industry.

This version allows CD and DVD back up.