Money tight? 14 great things you can get for free
There’s always something new to spend money on regarding tech. Here’s a secret some companies don’t want you to know: You can get a lot without spending a dime.
Speaking of money, I hear from people all the time who want to cut Netflix, Hulu, and other expensive streaming services. Did you know that mobile carriers offer free streaming service subscriptions as part of their plans? Here’s what T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T are offering.
Movies aren’t the only things you’ll get for free. Here are freebies you can thank me for later.
1. Photo editing software
Photoshop is generally synonymous with photo editing, but the software subscription is expensive. Here are a few free ways to crop, brighten and otherwise adjust your photos:
- Canva: This user-friendly browser and app-based editing software is ideal for creating presentations, social media graphics, marketing materials, posters, and anything else you can dream up.
- Pixlr X: This tool runs in your browser; no download is required. It has advanced features like photo filters and drawing options, but it really shines with simple-to-use cropping and resizing tools.
- GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program): This professional-grade photo editor works similarly to Photoshop. Unlike Photoshop, GIMP is free to download.
- Adobe Express: This cloud-based platform from the makers of Photoshop offers a library of stock photos, illustrations, and fonts for your designs. You can also create a project from scratch.
2. Video editing software
This is one of those things you don’t need until you really need it. Maybe you were tasked with creating a video for a wedding or class reunion, or you finally want to start a YouTube channel.
Most dependable video editing programs cost an arm and a leg. Notice I said most. When it comes to free options, DaVinci Resolve takes the cake.
If you have a Mac or iPhone, you’ll be glad to know Apple iMovie is a surprisingly good video editor. Tap or click to see how to turn your clips and photos into a masterpiece with iMovie.
3. Word processing software
When it comes to productivity software, Microsoft Office is the gold standard. Of course, it’s pricey. I have recommended LibreOffice for years. It’s an open-source software suite that works much like the apps in Microsoft Office.
10 tech freebies to grab now: Software, phone service, logos and more
There’s never a dull moment when you own your own business. You don’t report to anyone but are on the hook for all the big decisions. You have complete control over what you spend your money on, but the bills never stop coming. Tap or click for small business tips that will save you money.
20 things you can get for free that you shouldn’t pay for
There are a ton of services you should never cut corners on. For example, you get what you pay for when it comes to security essentials like VPNs and cameras.
Then again, a dollar sign doesn’t ensure a good product. A ton of great tools are free, like video editing software or even streaming platforms. If you want language lessons, smoke detectors or even a deep climb into your family tree, you can do it all without cracking open your wallet.
4 ways to digitally restore old photos
There’s a lot of gold in your old family photo albums. It might be hard to believe at first when you look at those old black and white photos. They’re not nearly as vivid or eye-catching as digital pictures — but you can change that with a little editing magic!
How to make money selling your photos (with cheap equipment)
If you’re a photographer, you probably have a long list of camera equipment and gear on your wish list. If you sell your photos professionally as a stock photographer, better equipment can make your job and life easier. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford to shell out thousands of dollars for a better camera and lighting rig.
Tech freebies: 15 upgrades you get for free
You’ve spent so much money already — on a laptop, tablet, computer, router, network extender, printer, and smartphone. You’ve signed up for the internet, and you’re paying monthly fees. You’ll be relieved to know that a lot of tech is free.