Download PhotoPad for Windows

Our Review

Check out the system requirements, editions, getting started with PhotoPad, and its set of features before getting our final verdict for this image editor.

PhotoPad system requirements

There’s no special hardware necessary to run this application, so it should work well even on older computer models. However, make sure you’re using one of these OS versions:

• Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP (both 32-bit and 64-bit)

PhotoPad editions

Multiple versions are available for this application, PhotoPad Free Edition, which has some restrictions and doesn’t permit commercial usage. If you want to unlock all features for home use, you can check out PhotoPad Home Edition. However, if you need the photo editor for business, you should purchase PhotoPad Pro Edition.

To get a license, you can make a one-payment payment so that you won’t have to worry about recurring monthly bills. All licenses come with a 30-days money-back guarantee to reassure you. This way, you can get a refund if you change your mind about using PhotoPad within the first month.

How to install PhotoPad

The setup file is rather light so that you can download it without delays. Installation is done in a few seconds, with almost no intervention on your behalf. On the downside, you can’t pick a preferred install folder.

PhotoPad’s interface is pretty intuitive and has a dark theme. It welcomes you by proposing some quick tasks that involve batch editing, collage, panorama, screenshot, embroidery, paint by numbers, and tutorials. You can explore all options on the menu bar or by opening Menu to use the editor, selections, color adjustments, effects, tools, retouch, and sharing options.

Easy photo editor with many talents up its sleeve

There’s no doubt about it: PhotoPad comes packed with a surprisingly rich set of photo editing tools. For instance, the batch function is ideal for reducing time otherwise spent on repetitive tasks, like converting multiple pictures to the same format to display on a device that supports particular file extensions.

You can also apply watermarks and resize images to a fixed dimension in bulk, in order to meet specific requirements when uploading the photos on a website (like WordPress). Batch mode covers additional effects, like reducing noise, fixing brightness, or converting to grayscale. That’s only a small part of what PhotoPad is capable of.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to use, requiring no sort of image editing skills. It borrows complex graphic processing functions from more advanced photo editing software and wraps them up in an intuitive package that accommodates casual users. And, if you get stuck at any point and can’t figure out how to proceed, you can check out some online video tutorials.

PhotoPad FAQ

• Is NCH PhotoPad free?

Yes, there’s a free version of NCH PhotoPad available, which gives you access to most features. You can also check out our selection of the best free photo editing tools for Windows 10.

• How do I use PhotoPad?

To use PhotoPad, get started by adding an image. You can drag and drop it onto the main window, use Menu -> File -> Open, or press Ctrl+O. What happens next depends on how you want to edit the photo. For instance, to auto-adjust the balance between brightness and contrast, select the Color menu on top and click Auto Levels. Afterward, you can save the new, modified photo as a new file with Ctrl+S. If you don’t know what file extension to pick, go with PNG for better quality or JPEG for smaller file size.

• What is the best photo editing software for beginners?

PhotoPad is an excellent choice for rookies to get familiarized with photo editing software for Windows PCs. However, if you want to take a look at other similar applications, we suggest starting with Skylum Luminar, Adobe Photoshop Elements, and Corel Painter.