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My five favorite free photo apps and websites

June 25, 2015 By Ashley 49 Comments

You don’t have to be a blogger to enjoy taking, editing and sharing photos. I’m definitely far from a professional when it comes to photos, but I do have a few free tools that I rely on regularly. 

It can be overwhelming when you see how many options there are out there for photo-editing, especially if you’ve never done it before. So today, I’m sharing some totally free resources you may be interested in trying out yourself. Because, hey, it’s fun to play with pictures and add some funny text. And I bet you’ve always wondered how people do some of the things they do to photos. Right?

My five favorite free photo apps and websites

And this list is by no means exhaustive, but features those tools I use the most frequently …

My five favorite free photo apps and websites via A Lady Goes West

1. PicMonkey — For adding text to photos and creating graphics using my laptop.

I even taught my own Mom how to use PicMonkey, if that gives you an idea of the ease of using this site. While you can upgrade to a paid version for more functionality, I stick with the free options. I add text, filters, shapes and shading to photos, as well as create my own graphics. (For instance, all of my workouts images are created using PicMonkey.) You can even make collages of nearly any size or shape. Totally free and only online. Once you’re done with your creation, you can save it in any size you want to your computer. Voila.

2. Frame Swagg — For collage-making on my iPhone.

If you aren’t near a computer and want to quickly throw together a collage of moments, combining multiple photos into one, this app works great. You can even change the color of the borders and make a few graphic modifications on Frame Swagg. This one is very easy to use, because it pulls photos right from your Camera Roll on your phone with one click. You can upgrade to get additional collage formats, but I’ve always been happy with the free ones. I mean, you can’t beat this collage of my little Rudy, right?

3. Squaready — For converting photos to a square size on my iPhone.

Have a vertical or horizontal photo that is too good to cut off into a square to make it fit into Instagram‘s standards? Just download Squaready and you can turn nearly any photo into a square with a white border. I learned about this one from some gals on a trip to Key West a few months ago and have used it a ton since then. It’s not as easy to use as the other apps, but once you get it, you’ll be converting photos in just seconds. Like this one I made of my friends and me at a recent NBA Finals game.

4. BeFunky — For editing and sharpening photos on my laptop and iPhone.

This one is totally new to me, and I learned about it while Googling “how to make a photo less blurry.” True story. I came home from the gym with a cool shot of me and a fellow instructor, but of course, neither of the photos were in focus. I downloaded BeFunky app and it certainly helped the photo sharpen. Super easy to use as well. After finding the app, I realized there is a BeFunky website for photo-editing as well, which you can access for free, and I’ll be trying that one out very soon.

5. Dropbox — For storing and sharing photos on my iPhone and laptop.

When you find yourself taking and storing a lot of pictures, you need a way to transfer them from the phone to the computer, back to the phone. I’ve been using a free version of Dropbox storage for a long time. Sometimes I have to clean out my inventory, but I’ve always stuck to the free version without the need to pay for additional space. All I do is upload my phone photos to my Dropbox, and they magically appear on my laptop, available for editing. Of course, Internet connection required.

And just like that, I’m armed and ready to play with photos at all times. Perhaps too armed and playing with photos too often. But whatever. If you want to see some of my photo skills in action, be sure to follow me on Instagram.

My photo-sharing challenge for you

That’s it for today, my friends. My challenge for you is this: Take a photo today and share it. If you’re not someone who usually posts anything on social media, maybe you just text that photo to a friend or family member for fun. Nothing brightens my day more than receiving an unexpected photo-text from somebody. So get out there and share the moments, people!

And I’ll see you back here tomorrow for some more favorites in the form of “Friday Favorites.” Have an awesome Thursday!

Questions of the day

How often do you share photos on social media?

What are your favorite photo apps or websites?

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Filed Under: Blogging, Uncategorized, Writing Tagged With: BeFunky, blogging, Dropbox, Frame Swagg, free blogging tools, photo editing, PicMonkey, Squaready, Writing

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About Ashley

I'm a writer, trainer, group fitness instructor, new mom and foodie, and A Lady Goes West is where I share my healthy lifestyle, simple meals, fitness tips and experiences living in the San Francisco Bay Area.
 
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Comments

  1. Marielle says

    June 25, 2015 at 3:06 am

    I love pic monkey, I use that when I write up a workout routine as well! I haven’t heard of the other apps you use, I’ll have to try them out!! 🙂
    Marielle recently posted…Returning to Group FitnessMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      June 25, 2015 at 6:41 am

      Hi Marielle! Yes, you can do so much with PicMonkey, and I love that it’s free for most of it. Happy Thursday!! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Chrissy @Pink Polish and Running Shoes says

    June 25, 2015 at 3:10 am

    I use the PS Express app on my phone. It’s a free version of Photoshop that basically includes the essentials like red eye removal, cropping, filters and sharpening images, color correction, etc. It’s awesome. I definitely recommend it!
    Chrissy @Pink Polish and Running Shoes recently posted…5 Links to Brighten Up Your DayMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      June 25, 2015 at 6:42 am

      Great tip, Chrissy! Thanks for that. I will have to check it out. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says

    June 25, 2015 at 3:30 am

    Be Funky is one I need to try. The Instagram square makes me crazy sometimes so thanks for helping me less crazy! Haha! Dropbox is another I’ve thought about trying but honestly my phone and Mac automatically sync photos through my photo stream. I should probably go trough and delete some before I have to pay for cloud space! But Dropbox would be helpful like when your Mac suddenly stops working like mine did this week. Grr!
    Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious recently posted…Are You Making These 8 Diet Mistakes?My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      June 25, 2015 at 6:42 am

      Hi Megan, I actually need to get my iPhone and Mac photo stream working properly, because I don’t use it at all ahhaah. 🙂 Nonetheless, I still enjoy Dropbox for many things. Hope you like BeFunky! Happy Thursday!

      Reply
  4. Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says

    June 25, 2015 at 3:31 am

    Yes to PicMonkey! I use it all the time.
    Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious recently posted…Are You Making These 8 Diet Mistakes?My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      June 25, 2015 at 6:43 am

      Me too. Like every single day I’m on PicMonkey. Every day!

      Reply
  5. Susie @ SuzLyfe says

    June 25, 2015 at 3:46 am

    You can also just change the frame on your phone to take square pictures!
    Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Why I Freaked Out + Approaching a Fork in the RoadMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      June 25, 2015 at 6:44 am

      Hi Susie! Yes, but then you lose so much of your shot. I use Squaready when I have a great shot that I want to feature without cutting off someone or the background. I don’t always like to take square photos, so I can use them in more than one place, and that’s where this app comes in handy. But I totally see why someone would just take them in the square format to start — but you better get up-close-and-personal with the people you are posing with for that!! hahahah! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Heather@hungryforbalance says

    June 25, 2015 at 4:54 am

    I am such a novice when it comes to photos and photo editing! I really need to check these out (and get a better camera!). Thanks for sharing these!
    Heather@hungryforbalance recently posted…Thinking Out Loud about…BODYPUMP Instructor training?My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      June 25, 2015 at 6:44 am

      Hi Heather! For sure, give them a try and you may find you’re incorporating them with ease. And YAY for BODYPUMP training!!!

      Reply
  7. Melissa says

    June 25, 2015 at 5:10 am

    I am not good at taking photos or sharing on social media. The last time I put a picture on Instagram was 11 weeks ago. I don’t even know how to get a little picture in this box by my name like everyone else has on their comments. I think I shy away from social media because every time I log on I see the same few people posting selfies and I am sick of it! I should just unfollow them I guess.

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      June 25, 2015 at 6:46 am

      Hi Melissa! Well I would agree there are far too many selfies out there, but that doesn’t mean you can’t share a pic every now and again of yourself or your life. Maybe just text someone a pic? hahah! Capture the moments, lady!! 🙂 (Oh and unfollow people who you get sick of!!) BUT NOT me. 🙂

      Reply
      • Melissa says

        June 25, 2015 at 6:50 am

        Oh, heck no I won’t unfollow you! You are right – I need to just hit unfollow and post some pictures. I’ll *try* to do it today 😉

        Reply
        • Ashley says

          June 25, 2015 at 9:50 am

          Go for it, Melissa! 🙂

          Reply
  8. Pinky says

    June 25, 2015 at 6:34 am

    I am so downloading The Squareready app. I hate when I can’t fit something in a collage. Thanks lady!
    Pinky recently posted…Oh-Oh-Oh OWN ITMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      June 25, 2015 at 6:40 am

      Hi Pinky! You are very welcome! Enjoy it. 🙂

      Reply
  9. Hayley @ Full of Life says

    June 25, 2015 at 7:52 am

    I’ve never used any of these except Dropbox for work stuff, not for photos! I just use a photo editor app only my phone (Camera+) and then upload to Instagram. Need to check some of these out 🙂

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      June 25, 2015 at 9:50 am

      For sure, Hayley! Enjoy playing around with them. Happy Thursday to you! Hope the new house is great!

      Reply
  10. Gretchen | Gretchruns says

    June 25, 2015 at 8:41 am

    Canva is the BEST! I absolutely love it for creating graphics. I share photos when something exciting happens, for more every day I’m a Snap chat girl as you know!
    Gretchen | Gretchruns recently posted…How I Create a BudgetMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      June 25, 2015 at 9:53 am

      Hi Gretchen! Yes, I’ve heard Canva is good but haven’t tried it yet. Thanks for the reminder! 🙂 And yes, you’re quite the Snapper!!
      Ashley recently posted…My five favorite free photo apps and websitesMy Profile

      Reply
  11. Cassie @ Almost Getting it Together says

    June 25, 2015 at 9:07 am

    I love PicMonkey! I also use Picasa, but you have to download it – it’s a Google app, though. I really try to only publish great photos on Insta… my Snapchat is for random photos!
    Cassie @ Almost Getting it Together recently posted…The Best Free Workout ResourcesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      June 25, 2015 at 9:50 am

      Hi Cassie! I actually just started using Snapchat for fun random photos as well. 🙂 Happy Thursday, lady!

      Reply
  12. Dani @ DaniCaliforniaCooks says

    June 25, 2015 at 10:33 am

    I hadn’t heard of a lot of these! Thanks for sharing! I think PicMonkey might become one of my new favorites..
    Dani @ DaniCaliforniaCooks recently posted…Mediterranean Salad with Crispy ChickpeasMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      June 25, 2015 at 12:37 pm

      Hi Dani! You’re welcome! Have fun playing with your photos. 🙂 Happy Thursday!

      Reply
  13. Niki @ Life With Niki says

    June 25, 2015 at 10:34 am

    I love picmonkey too! I also like using framatic for making collages… I’m glad these apps exist because I would be so lost on what to do :P.
    Niki @ Life With Niki recently posted…Eating Even When You Don’t ExerciseMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      June 25, 2015 at 12:38 pm

      Hi Niki! It seems like there is app for just about everything these days. Right?? 🙂

      Reply
  14. Katie @ Daily Cup of Kate says

    June 25, 2015 at 11:22 am

    I am a huge fan of PicMonkey and use it all of the time. I also use Dropbox for work. I am excited to check the others out, thanks Ashley!
    Katie @ Daily Cup of Kate recently posted…Madison, You’re The BestMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      June 25, 2015 at 12:40 pm

      Hi Katie! Yes, Dropbox seems to be the one that most people have used before. Happy Thursday, Katie!:) Go create some beautiful pics heheh!

      Reply
  15. Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says

    June 25, 2015 at 11:51 am

    Sharing pictures of me and my normal everyday is the hardest part of blogging for me! I just feel like if it’s not something really cool or fun that people are going to be like, who cares?

    But then again, I like seeing into everyone elses every day so I do think it’s good to take lots of pics.

    I use Dropbox and PicMonkey but I’ve never heard of the others. I’ll have to look into those!
    Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health recently posted…Cucumber Bites with Creamy Sriracha PestoMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      June 25, 2015 at 12:49 pm

      You should share your real meals so we can see that they don’t look as fabulous as what you post on your blog. DO IT!!! Please. 🙂

      Reply
  16. Dee Golden says

    June 25, 2015 at 12:07 pm

    In addition to PicMonkey and Canva (which I love!), I use the PhotoSync app to wirelessly transfer photos from my phone to my laptop. Didn’t think of using Dropbox for this — might try that next!
    Dee Golden recently posted…Summer Streakin’My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      June 25, 2015 at 12:49 pm

      Hi Dee! PhotoSync app? Interesting. I haven’t used that one. Thanks for the tip. And hope you have a lovely Thursday! 🙂

      Reply
  17. Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says

    June 25, 2015 at 12:35 pm

    Great tools! A couple of these I use myself like PicMonkey and DropBox, but a few of these I’ve never heard of and am excited to try … particularly the BeFunky one!
    Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries recently posted…Pineapple Cream PopsiclesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      June 25, 2015 at 3:45 pm

      I just love the name BeFunky. Don’t you?? 🙂 heheh
      Ashley recently posted…My five favorite free photo apps and websitesMy Profile

      Reply
  18. Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says

    June 25, 2015 at 2:35 pm

    I am a big fan of Drop Box and just upgraded to the premium version of Pic Monkey. For my phone, I’m currently using insta picframe. Thanks for the suggestions!
    Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment recently posted…My Nighttime RoutineMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      June 25, 2015 at 3:28 pm

      Hi Lauren! Nice, hope you enjoy the upgraded PicMonkey. I look forward to seeing some of the things you make from that! 🙂 Happy Thursday! 🙂

      Reply
  19. Kelly - A Side of Sweet says

    June 25, 2015 at 2:36 pm

    Be funky? Haha, what a fun name for an app! I use the Instagram app for most of my cellphone editing needs and photoshop for my blogging photos. I keep it pretty simple I guess!
    Kelly – A Side of Sweet recently posted…Wine Country Style to the Max(i)My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      June 25, 2015 at 3:28 pm

      Hi Kelly, Well you do a great job with the tools that you’re using. That’s for sure! 🙂

      Reply
  20. Sara @ Lake Shore Runner says

    June 26, 2015 at 8:42 pm

    Love this! I always wondered how people got photos to fit in the insta square.
    Sara @ Lake Shore Runner recently posted…5 Kitchen Hacks to Make Your Life EasierMy Profile

    Reply
  21. Heather @Fit n Cookies says

    June 28, 2015 at 7:04 am

    Oh my gosh I just downloaded Dropbox and it’s a lifesaver! I always email myself the pictures, but you can only email 5, and then open them and etc. It was annoying but I am LOVING dropbox for transferring my photos between phone and computer! Thank you!
    Heather @Fit n Cookies recently posted…Five Things Friday 6/26/15: Attempt number 2My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      June 28, 2015 at 9:20 am

      I’m so glad, Heather! I rely on Dropbox, so I’m hoping you enjoy it too! 🙂

      Reply
  22. James @ HalfMarathonJames says

    June 28, 2015 at 2:48 pm

    I use Irfanview… pretty easy and quick after you initially get it set up…
    James @ HalfMarathonJames recently posted…Half Marathon Training – Week 4My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      June 28, 2015 at 7:14 pm

      Hi James! I’ve never heard of that one. Thanks for the tip. Hope you had a great weekend! 🙂

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Weekly Reads and Fun Finds {6/27} - Sweet Tooth Sweet Life says:
    June 27, 2015 at 3:01 am

    […] Five Favorite Free Photo Apps and Websites via A Lady Goes West (PicMonkey is my favorite too!) […]

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  2. Good good links #96 | Let's get living says:
    June 29, 2015 at 2:37 pm

    […] My five favorite free photo apps and websites via A Lady Goes West […]

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  3. Expert tips to help you grow your blog - A Lady Goes WestA Lady Goes West says:
    August 18, 2015 at 2:55 am

    […] Use plenty of clear visuals in your posts. Try taking pictures from the subject’s level to get cooler shots. And use Canva, PicMonkey or other sites to help improve your pictures and create graphics. You can also check out my post on my my five favorite free photo apps and websites. […]

    Reply
  4. Blog Tip Thursday: Free Photo Apps and Websites says:
    December 3, 2015 at 5:01 am

    […] What are Ashley’s other two favorite free photo apps and websites?  Click here to read the rest of her post and find out! […]

    Reply

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Hi, I'm Ashley. I started this blog when I moved from Florida to the SF Bay Area, and I love to help you live a balanced life, making sure you never skip a rest day. I'm a mom and fitness instructor, and A Lady Goes West is where I share my workouts, simple meals and wellness tips with you. Find out more about me and stay awhile!

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A Lady Goes West is a personal blog meant for entertainment purposes only and does not serve as a substitute for professional advice from your own doctor, trainer or nutritionist. While I'm a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, the workouts, food and plans I post are what works for me and may not work for you. Please enjoy these stories and tips from my life, but proceed with caution. Also, know that affiliate links and sponsored posts appear from time-to-time, and I appreciate your support. For more information about how your data is stored, visit my Privacy Policy. Thanks for reading!

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