Free Imaging & Editing software

Google SketchUp 7
3D-modelling programs don’t come any easier to use than SketchUp. Creating an object is just a matter of laying down flat geometric shapes and pushing or pulling on them to create depth. You can then add colour or texture, as well as realistic shadows.
This latest version lets you import existing models directly from Google’s 3D Warehouse.
Minimum requirements: Windows XP/Vista or Mac
File size: 2.5MB
Download: Google SketchUp 7

Pictomio 1.2
This attractive photo organiser has a smart, intuitive interface and can display your media in a choice of views including thumbnail, filmstrip, single image and carousel.
You can add annotations and coloured frames to shots, and create slideshows by dragging and dropping images to a timeline. You can also create virtual albums for your photos.
Minimum requirements: Windows XP/Vista
File size: 9.5MB
Download: Pictomio 1.2 

Picasa 3
Google’s free photo manager automatically catalogues all the pictures on your hard disk and displays them as thumbnails. Photos can be rearranged, viewed full screen, starred, tagged, edited, and shared in various ways, including uploading them to Picasa Web Albums. The latest version adds several new features including the Movie Maker, the Retouch tool for cloning out problems and the Text tool for adding captions. Facial recognition lets you filter images to only show pictures with people in. Picasa 3 also comes with an optional photo viewer for displaying images in Windows Explorer.
Minimum requirements: Windows XP/Vista
File size: 7.44MB
Download: Picasa 3

Twins Visions 1.0
This program catalogues all the pictures stored on your hard disk (and Flickr if you grant it access
to your account) and lets you display them on multiple boards in its 3D showroom. Photos can be dragged and dropped from one board to another and edited by dragging them to the basket at the foot of the screen. Its new AutoDesigner tool lets you turn your images into greetings cards, postcards and books.
Minimum requirements: Windows XP/Vista
File size: 10.8MB
Download: Twins Visions 0.4

The GIMP 2.6.3
A free and very powerful open source image editor, The GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) offers a massive range of tools and can be expanded further through the use of third-party plug-ins and filters. The interface is a highly configurable series of floating windows and palettes which takes a little getting used to. The latest release has undergone various tweaks, and now boasts an enhanced Free Select tool, and more options for brush dynamics (letting you change the pressure/velocity of your strokes).
Minimum requirements: Windows XP/Vista
File size: 15MB
Download: The GIMP 2.6.3

Paint.NET 3.36
This superb image-editing suite has an array of advanced features including layers, unlimited undo history, magic wand, clone stamp and red-eye removal. It also has lots of effects you can apply to your images and offers support for third-party plug-ins. The latest release introduces improvements to the interface and a tab-based system, which lets you quickly jump between multiple images. Not bad for a 1.5MB download!
Minimum requirements: Windows XP/Vista
File size: 1.5MB
Download: Paint.NET 3.36

FotoSketcher 1.7
Turn your digital photos into stunning artwork using this creative tool. You can apply a range of beautiful effects to your images, including pencil sketch, pen-and-ink drawing and various painting styles, as well as tweak the contrast, colour and other settings.
FotoSketcher is very easy to use and transforms pictures in a matter of seconds. A portable version you can run from a USB memory stick is also available.
Minimum requirements: Windows XP/Vista or Mac
File size: 2.5MB
Download: FotoSketcher 1.7