If you are looking for an image editing program that meets the highest demands and is also free of charge, PixlR is the right alternative to the paid programs.
Pixlr gives you the opportunity to edit pictures directly in the browser. There are now a lot of image editing But Pixlr clearly protrudes from the crowd through four characteristics:
- It can be operated like Photoshop
- An online registration is not required
- It's 100% free
- It can be used everywhere
- There are numerous free tutorials and an active community for help, inspiration and support
-> Simply upload the image and get started!
The range of functions cannot be measured with Photoshop, but it easily stands out on the most photo tools on Web 2.0.
Functionality
On the website you can edit your photos directly in the browser according to your ideas and save them on your computer afterwards.
The page is in English, but all functions of image processing are displayed and explained in German. You don't even have to register in order to use the extensive options. Your pictures remain on your own PC during processing. They are only invited to the browser of the image editing program.
The Pixlr E Tool (formerly Pixlr Editor), Pixlr X (formerly Pixlr Express) and the newer PixLR BG run conveniently directly in the browser and are completely cloud -based. It is not necessary to download or install something locally and you can get started immediately.
The express variant is also available in Apple's App Store ( link to the iPhone app ) and on Google Play for Android-based smartphones ( link to the Android app ). The only downside in the browser version: The internet connection must not strike if you have to complete the graphics for the presentation under time pressure.
Three options - PXLR E, Pixlr X and Pixlr BG
On the start page of Pixlr.com you have three variants of free image editing to choose from:
Pixlr e

The photo editor & design maker offers you the complete program that is equipped with a German menu navigation.
The e-variant comes as a free and advanced online photo editor with extensive functions. With the app you can edit and transform photos and templates directly in the browser and even open photoshop files online.
Make even more creative/complex processing in fewer steps with extended tools and functions such as AI cutout, filters (glitch and other), design templates, designer fonts, frame tool, course text, double exposure, photo collages and more.
The program supports the processing of most common image formats, you can edit JPEG, PNG, WebP, GIF and PSD (Photoshop image). However, you cannot edit video files or animated GIFs.
Work on levels, replace colors, adjust brush presets, transform objects, apply filters and effects directly from your browser to have full control over your image results.
Pixlr X

Another tool (somewhat lightweight and slimmed down than the E version) with many helpful functions for photo editing . Self -explanatory symbols help here with image processing. The following functions and applications are available here:
- Simple cutting, change of size and rotation of pictures
- Car fixed “Photos, compensate for colors, and adjust dark photos with bad lighting conditions
- Remove red eyes and light teeth with simple tools
- Use overlays to change the mood of a picture - reinforce the color or add surreal shades
- Use lighting effects for drama or to add a grunge look. Check effects with simple adjustments to the intensity and alignment of the individual effects
- From the multitude of edges - choose a style that suits you
- Work like a professional with cool photo effects such as blurring, denoise and more
- Discover color tools to change the contrast, illuminate photos
- Use favorites to keep an overview of your favorite effects and overlays
- Share your photo via Facebook or email, or simply save it in your library ...
Create impressive YouTube-thumbnails, Instagram stories, Facebook posts, Roblox clothing and more with professionally designed front designs. No design experience required.
Design your masterpiece with one-click tools and functions such as AI cutout, glitch studio, filters and effects, text styles and default settings such as overlays, borders, shapes & stickers.
Pixlr BG

The really helpful tool for intelligent and quick removal of backgrounds has been added. Free made easy.
The background is removed with the help of the specially developed artificial intelligence Pixlr AI. Automatic and free background background in just a few seconds.
With the ultra-modern AI tools from Pixlr you can remove the background of selfies, profile images and others without tedious manual work. If necessary, even remove the background on several pictures at the same time. Then the fine-tuning of the result can be carried out with detailed section tools.
Useful tools and helpful functions
Additional processing options with effects used to offer the O-Matic tool , which is probably no longer available.
In detail, the programs have all functions that are used for image processing. The free image clerk opens and stores formats such as JPEG, PNG and BMP as well as GIF and Photoshop files.
The tool box contains everything that is used for professional image processing. Whether for painting or cutting, reworking or exempt, nothing is missing in the tool palette, including eraser, text and distortion tools.
Shortcuts are also available for all relevant menu items and tools . You can use the program to distort, transform or mirror .
A history helps you if you want to correct work steps or want to undo step by step.
The free image processing also includes color and contrast adjustments in numerous gradations .
Automatic tonal value correction and around 30 filters are other helpers in perfect image processing.
The program also does great services as an app for the smartphone Before you share your photos in a social network, you get the finishing touch with the tool. Even the teeth can shine white, while the image quality can be significantly improved with Denoise and Sharpen .
If you do not want to familiarize yourself with this great image editing tool without any previous knowledge, we recommend the following contact points for tutorials, instructions and tips:
- Video tutorials from the provider itself (English)
- Pixlr tutorials on YouTube (English)
- Questions and answers about Pixlr on Gutefrage.net
This post was completely revised on November 16, 2021.

Owner and managing director of Kunstplaza. Publicist, editor and passionate blogger in the field of art, design and creativity since 2011. Successful conclusion in web design as part of a university degree (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expression painting and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through many years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.