How do I choose a free tool and explore the interface?

# Get Started with Photopea (Free Online Editor) 1. Visit [Photopea.com](https://www.photopea.com/) in your browser—no download needed. 90 2. Familiarize with the workspace: Toolbox on left, Layers panel on right, top menus for tools. 3. Open Help (F1) or go to [Learn section](https://www.photopea.com/learn) for context-sensitive guidance. 90 **Pro Tip:** Use a mouse for precision; works offline after first load.

How do I open, crop, and resize images?

# Basic Image Handling 1. **Open Image:** File > Open (Ctrl+O), select a JPG/PNG. 2. **Crop:** Select Crop Tool (C), drag to select area, Enter to apply. 91 3. **Resize:** Image > Image Size, set width/height (preserve aspect), OK. 4. **Save:** File > Export As > PNG/JPG. Practice on 3 personal photos: straighten horizons with Crop's Straighten option.

How do I adjust exposure and colors?

# Essential Adjustments 1. Duplicate layer (Layer > Duplicate Layer). 2. **Brightness/Contrast:** Image > Adjustments > Brightness/Contrast. 3. **Levels/Curves:** Image > Adjustments > Levels (use sliders) or Curves for precise tones. 90 4. **Hue/Saturation:** Image > Adjustments > Hue/Saturation to boost colors. **Exercise:** Fix an underexposed photo—aim for balanced histogram.

How do I introduce layers and masks?

# Non-Destructive Editing 1. Create new layer (Layer > New > Layer). 2. Add adjustment layer: Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Brightness/Contrast. 3. **Masks:** Select layer mask (bottom icon), paint black to hide, white to reveal. 4. Blend modes: Top dropdown (Normal > Overlay for effects). 90 **Practice:** Composite two images using masks.

How do I selections, retouch, and export?

# Polish and Finish 1. **Select Subject:** Select > Subject (AI-powered). 91 2. **Clone/Heal:** Spot Healing Brush (J), paint over blemishes. 3. Refine: Select > Refine Edge for clean edges. 4. **Export:** File > Export As (web: PNG/JPG; print: TIFF). **Project:** Retouch a portrait and remove background.

Master Photo Editing Basics in 5 Steps for Beginners

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Instant Toolkit

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Step-by-Step Guide

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Get Started with Photopea (Free Online Editor)

Visit Photopea.com in your browser—no download needed.
Familiarize with the workspace: Toolbox on left, Layers panel on right, top menus for tools.
Open Help (F1) or go to Learn section for context-sensitive guidance.

Pro Tip: Use a mouse for precision; works offline after first load.

Why this step matters:

-Builds confidence by starting with a no-cost, accessible tool
-Understanding the interface speeds up all future edits

30-60 minutes

Photopea.com, Web browser, Sample photo

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Definition of Done

•Can navigate menus and panels comfortably
•Opened the learn page and read introduction

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Overwhelmed by similar tools to Photoshop

→Focus only on basics: Toolbox, Layers, Menu bar first

❌ Ignoring keyboard shortcuts

→Note common ones like Ctrl+O (Open), Ctrl+S (Save)

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Suggested Videos

Photopea - Tutorial for Beginners in 13 MINUTES!

Learn GIMP 3.0 Photo Editing for Beginners in 25 Minutes

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Learning Resources

📖 Online Courses

Diploma in Photo Editing

beginner

Alison

Image Editing

beginner

Coursera (Adobe)

📖 Recommended Books

The Digital Photography Book

beginner

by Scott Kelby

🌐 Helpful Websites

Photopea Learn

documentation

Step-by-step interactive tutorials

GIMP Documentation

documentation

Official user manuals and guides

🛠️ Useful Tools

Photopea

Online Editor

Free browser-based Photoshop clone

GIMP

Desktop Editor

Powerful free desktop photo editor

Master Photo Editing Basics in 5 Steps for Beginners