Media Hub

1) GIMP

GIMP is a cross-platform image editor available for GNU/Linux, OS X, Windows and more operating systems.

What SMS staff say:

 “A very capable photo editing program. Not quite as powerful as Photoshop but can still do more than a hobbyist could ever need. While there are not many GIMP tutorials online compared to Photoshop, it remains a simple enough program that is easy to use. This program is completely free to download. I love it as the program is so much more lightweight compared to Photoshop”. – Josh 

2) Be Funky

BeFunky's all-in-one online Creative Platform has everything you need to easily edit photos, create graphic designs, and make photo collages.

What SMS staff say:

“This is an app that you can download on your phone (or desktop). I used this app all the time when I used to edit photos. It is very easy to use and works you through how to use it when it’s your first time. You can do lots of different photo editing with it like blurring and touch ups.” Ashley
 

3) Pixlr

Pixlr, the World’s Favorite #1 Online Photo Editor lets you edit photos right in your browser for Free.

What SMS staff say:

Really good, free photo editing software. The tools are very similar to Photoshop, and the layout is easy to navigate. It’s really a very intuitive program, especially if you are familiar with Photoshop. There is an option to pay a monthly fee for an “advanced” or “professional” version of the software, but honestly, for the average person, the free version is about all you need. There’s also an option to search stock images inside the editor, which is super useful." - Erin

Check out our Tutorial

1)  Visme

Create engaging presentations, professional infographics, and other stunning visuals online.

What SMS staff say:

“A really great do-it-all design resource. The site features templates for presentations, infographics, charts and graphs and other documents. It also has a repository of icons, images and flowcharts. It’s simple to navigate and use, and I would feel comfortable recommending it to someone who had never used another design program." –Erin

2)  Canva

Canva is a graphic design platform that allows users to create social media graphics, presentations, posters, documents and other visual content. Users can choose from many professional designed templates, and edit the designs and upload their own photos through a drag and drop interface.

What SMS staff say:

"This is a great site if you have little or no design experience whatsoever. Instead of starting from a blank screen you can choose a template that matches your style. I use this site all the time when I need a burst of inspiration or when I'm stuck and just need to get something out fast." -Hayden

Tutorials for Canva

1) Audacity 

Audacity is a free and open-source digital audio editor and recording application software, available for Windows, MacOS, Linux.

What SMS staff say:

"Audacity is my go-to program after Adobe Audition. Not only can it do many of the things a professional program can do, but there are lots of tutorials on Youtube that can make you an Audacity expert in a few hours." -Hayden 

Tutorials for Audacity

1) DaVinci Resolve 

DaVinci Resolve is a color correction and non-linear video editing application for macOS, Windows, and Linux.

What SMS staff say:

"When we started looking for free alternatives to Adobe Premiere Pro, we kept finding flashy programs that looked great, but would limit you to what you could create or would watermark brand your content. When we found DaVinci Resolve we were blown away! All of this power- equivalent environment and power to Premiere Pro, and access to presets that make it easy like iMovie? Wow!" -Hayden 

Tutorials for DaVinci Resolve