Download Special Effects - Best Software & Apps

  • Instagram

    varies-by-device

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Windows
    Android
    iPhone
    Web Apps

    Popular photo-based social network

    9
    4480 votes
    • PROS: Easy to use, Share to various social networks, Impressive photo editor, Tag friends in images, Geotagging support, Capture and share video
    • CONS: Requires sign-up
  • Photoscape

    3.7

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Windows

    An amazing free photo editor with lots of extra tools

    8
    30039 votes
    Download
    • PROS: Amazing free application, Lots of special effects and filters, Many extra tools to work with your photos
    • CONS: Nothing so far
  • ManyCam

    5.5

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Windows
    Mac

    Add fun special effects to your webcam

    7
    3569 votes
    • PROS: Lots of fun effects, Everything from backgrounds to accessories, More free effects on the developer site
    • CONS: Effects are poorly positioned, Resizing images often results in a black screen
  • Audacity

    2.3.1

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Windows
    Mac

    Free virtual studio for Windows computers

    7
    7192 votes
    • PROS: Works with all popular audio formats, Contains all relevant filters and tools
    • CONS: Crashes occasionally, Program interface no longer appropriate
  • Virtual DJ Music Mixer

    1.2

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Android

    Free Software for Music Makers

    8
    564 votes
    Download
    • PROS: No need to subscribe, Packed with cool sound effects
    • CONS: Lots of pop up ads, Only for casual use
  • CyberLink YouCam

    8

    License
    buy Download
    Platform
    Windows

    Spice up webcam chats, presentations, and more

    7
    4328 votes
    Download
    • PROS: Support for HD video and augmented reality, Works with most major messenger clients, Great background scenery effects, Expandable with downloadable effects, Includes surveillance and security tools
    • CONS: Effects sometimes look very superimposed, Installation takes a while, Photo apps only mainly useful on tablets
  • Adobe After Effects

    4.3.0.260

    License
    buy Download
    Platform
    Windows
    Mac

    Create stunning professional special effects

    7
    3847 votes
    • PROS: Integrated with other packages in CC suite, Huge selection of effect templates, Logical structured workflow, Collection of handy plug-ins, Incredibly powerful
    • CONS: Takes a lot of learning, Some video formats not supported, Requires monthly subscription to CC
  • Scrabble

    License
    buy Download
    Platform
    Windows
    Android
    iPhone

    Renowned Wordplay on Your Computer Screen

    6
    357 votes
    • PROS: Simple and recognisable gameplay, Dictionary included
    • CONS: Lack of online opponents, Some extra challenges would be nice
  • Aurora 3D Text & Logo Maker

    16.01.07

    License
    buy Download
    Platform
    Windows

    Free Software for Designers

    7
    434 votes
    Download
    • PROS: Free trial , Good range of 3D effects
    • CONS: Takes up a lot of space, Finding the right effects can take time
  • Adobe Photoshop Fix

    1.0.499

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Android
    iPhone

    Professional and Intuitive Photoshop Tool for Mobile Phones

    9
    57 votes
    • PROS: Many new special effects for users to enjoy., This application still maintains the traditional 'feel' of Adobe Photoshop.
    • CONS: This software may cause older operating systems to run slower due to its file size., Some features such as a histogram display and a white-balance correction are not available within this version.
  • Aimersoft Video Editor

    3.6.2

    License
    buy Download
    Platform
    Windows
    Mac

    Free and Comprehensive Video Editing Software

    8
    64 votes
    • PROS: Aimersoft Video Editor is free to download and install on a personal computer., More than 100 editing tools are provided alongside 50 special effects.
    • CONS: Modern operating systems are not supported by this bundle., There is no version currently available for smartphone users.
  • Portable Windows Movie Maker

    6.1

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Windows

    Standalone easy-to-use video editor

    7
    802 votes
    Download
    • PROS: Great for beginners in video editing, Includes many effects and special filters, Includes a title and credits tool, Can export to various formats
    • CONS: Too basic for more advanced users
  • CreaToon

    1.2

    License
    buy Download
    Platform
    Windows

    Free Tool for Animators

    7
    66 votes
    Download
    • PROS: Large number of special effects, Advanced features, Feedback in real time, Set the number of frames per second
    • CONS: Requires license activation, Some features are rather tricky to use, Takes time to learn, No tutorial
  • Voicemeeter Banana

    2.0.4.7

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Windows

    Free Software for Audio Streaming

    8
    64 votes
    Download
    • PROS: Free to download and use, Huge number of useful features
    • CONS: Can be tricky to get to grips with, Several hours of required to learn
  • ArcSoft PhotoStudio

    6.0.0.172

    License
    buy Download
    Platform
    Windows

    Fix and enhance your photos in different ways

    7
    470 votes
    Download
    • PROS: Lots of tools to edit, fix and enhance your photos, Includes great filters and special effects, Support for layers and macros
    • CONS: Not as feature-rich as other graphic editors, Strangely old-fashioned appearance
  • Melodyne

    Editor 2.1.0

    License
    buy Download
    Platform
    Windows

    Free Software for Singers

    6
    430 votes
    Download
    • PROS: Free software, Lots of great features, Words with all types of audio equipment
    • CONS: Can be difficult to use at first
  • Photo Booth for Windows 7

    7

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Windows

    Take photos with your webcam and share them online

    6
    2019 votes
    Download
    • PROS: More than 12 special effects for your webcam, No installation required, Works with all webcams, Lets you share photos on Facebook and Twitter
    • CONS: Photo roll is reset every time you run the program, Background effects don't work, It doesn't record video
  • Photo Makeup Editor

    1.81

    License
    buy Download
    Platform
    Windows

    Free App for Image Lovers

    7
    515 votes
    Download
    • PROS: Free to download and use, Lots of different effects
    • CONS: Plagued with pop up ads, Some effects look rather fake
  • Audacity Portable

    Rev 4 12.6

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Windows

    Take the best free sound editor wherever you go.

    7
    614 votes
    Download
    • PROS: Support for many formats, Lots of special effects, Easy to learn, You can preview effects
    • CONS: Poor interface design
  • Photoscape X for Mac

    2.4.1

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Mac

    Free image editor based on the Windows version

    7
    103 votes
    Download
    • PROS: Lots of filters and effects to choose from, Easy to use, Slick OS X style interface
    • CONS: Doesn't compare to the Windows version, Lacks social sharing integration, Mainly just filters and effetcs
Softonic’s Best Rated Software for this topic
#NameVersionVotesRatingPlatform
1varies-by-device44808.6Windows,Android,iPhone,Web Apps
23.7300397.7Windows
32.3.171927.3Windows,Mac
44.3.0.26038476.8Windows,Mac
5843286.7Windows

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