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. 

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5 easy iPhone video editing tips to make your footage stand out

Let’s talk video. Whether filming something for school, work or a cute little clip to send to friends and family, you have plenty of tools to get the footage you want. Best of all, they are built right into your iPhone.

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Free video editing software: We’re talking 4K editing, color correction and visual effects. And the basic version is free! Whether you’re a YouTuber or indie filmmaker, cut, tweak and polish footage like a pro — no degree required. Get more info about DaVinci Resolve on my site.

Free video editing software

Open/download audio

Just back from vacation and ready to create a family movie? You don’t need expensive editing software — these free tools will do the trick!

Trivia

In 2019, an app surpassed a huge milestone of 400 million downloads worldwide, offering features like daily to-do’s and audio tips. Was it an app for … A.) Fitness, B.) Video editing, C.) Reading the Bible or D.) Learning a new language?

Click here to find the answer!

Best free video editing program for Windows, Mac, Linux

Look up the most popular video editing software, and you’ll find enormous price tags. If you have to edit videos for work, you need something affordable and dependable — preferably without the high costs. DaVinci Resolve 18 is a great free option that works just as well as expensive apps from Adobe or Corel.

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Cool site: Free easy-to-use video editing tools

How many pictures do you have on your phone’s camera roll? You don’t have to be a trained photo editor to have amazing images. Tap or click here for five photo apps that make your pics better without any Photoshop skills.

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That’s refreshing: Refresh rates (found in your computer’s display settings) control how things look on your screen. For regular work and browsing, go with 60Hz. For gaming or video editing, try 120Hz or 144Hz. Competitive gamers use 240Hz or higher. Now you know!

It's so much easier to edit videos on your iPhone now thanks to this update

Your smartphone makes it easy to shoot photos and videos without a second thought. You don’t have to worry about the cost and limited use you get out of old-school film. Just point and tap!

While you can capture footage with reckless abandon, eventually, you’ll hit your phone’s storage limit. Did you know a hidden setting on your iPhone reduces how much storage space your photos and videos take up? Tap or click here and Kim will tell you more.

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Best audio editing software: Free and paid options for PC and Mac

Editing photos and videos have become easier than ever, thanks to advances in technology. Tap or click here for the best free video editing program for Windows, Mac, Linux. You no longer have to be a professional to cut and edit videos or photos because there is always an app for that.

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This popular video editing app tried to scam $25 million from users

Are you careful when downloading apps? Installing the wrong apps, especially on open-source platforms like Android, can cause serious harm to your device.

But it’s not just downloading that you need to be wary of. You also need to make sure that you’re keeping your apps up to date. Developers don’t just release new features with updates. They also send patches or fixes for bugs.

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If you miss Windows Movie Maker, try this free alternative

For those who don’t want to pay for software, there are always open-source programs to turn to. Some of them are actually better and more user-friendly than their costly counterparts. But where do you start?

First, decide what program you like, but wish wasn’t so expensive — like Photoshop. This expensive program offers tons of features, but if you’re not a professional, is it really worth the price? Tap or click here for free alternatives to Photoshop.

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Free Hollywood-grade video editor is tops and you can't beat the price

Just the equipment can be rather intimidating and the apps expensive and, for some, difficult to learn and use. Still, if they weren’t so pricey, more of us would likely at least give it a shot.

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How to print from your smartphone

Here at Komando.com, we’ve made the argument that a modern tablet can replace your desktop or laptop computer … in certain cases. For web browsing, Facebook, email, watching videos, reading books and other basic tasks, a tablet, or even a smartphone, works just fine for many people.

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