Whether you make creative digital videos of performance art, paint with computer programs or are on your way to one of the best design schools, there are loads of ways that you can get free online tools to help you with your project. Here we’ve listed 100 tools to get you started sharing your work, converting files, editing and much more.

Drawing Tools

These online tools are a great free way to start drawing, painting and getting creative.

1. Odopod: Check out this sketch pad for a great paper-like surface and a unique look to the drawing tools that’s like no other online drawing tool.
2. ArtPad: With a brush-like cursor and a range of simple options for drawing, this program makes creating images online fun and easy.
3. ComicsSketch: This free online program makes it easy to create and publish a comic, just for fun or for posting later in your blog.
4. KerPoof Studio: This simple drawing tool is great for jotting down ideas or creating basic sketches.
5. Queeky Online Drawing: Similar in format to downloadable applications, Queeky allows you to create quality drawings right from the Web.
6. Google Sketchup: Whether you need to make a simple plan or a detailed 3-D rendering, this tool is the most sophisticated way to do it without paying a dime.
7. WiiPlayable Paint: Even if you don’t have a Wii you can have fun playing with this online painting tool.
8. Flash Paint: This online painting tool allows you to create an image in the Flash program, save it to your computer or share it with others who use the site.
9. Scriblink: Great for jotting down class notes, making sketches and sharing ideas, this online whiteboard is well worth bookmarking.
10. Offtype Painter: This drawing tool is simple in design but allows users to create just about anything they can imagine.
11. WebSketch: With a menu similar, but much simpler, than pricier tools, you’ll be able to create a wide range of quality images using this web tool.
12. Scribbler: With Scribbler, your simple line drawing is transformed into something else with the program’s rendering tools.
13. Viscosity: Become one of the modern masters with this contemporary art creation tool that offers surgical technician type precision..
14. Qbesq: Need to draw a fancy arabesque or complicated design but don’t have your old Spirograph hanging around anymore? Try out this online version instead.
15. All My Magic: This tool allows users to save, send or use the images they create as avatars.
16. Brushster: The National Gallery of Art provides this fun and simple online drawing tool for budding digital artists.
17. skrbl:While extended features aren’t free, you can try out this drawing tool’s demo at no cost. Create your own drawings or draw on existing photos.
18. Litha Paint: Here you can create and share vector graphics right from your browser.
19. PaintBox: Another NGA drawing tool, PaintBox is a basic online painting tool for creating simple images.

Collaborative and Social Drawing

Why work alone when you can draw with someone else or share what you’ve done immediately? Even students at top online universities can benefit from advice and feedback from other artists.

20. WebCanvas: This site allows you to paint on the world’s largest collaborative painting, watch other’s paint or just share your art with others from around the globe.
21. SwarmSketch: On this site, you’ll get a themed idea and work together with others to create an image that reflects that idea. Topics have included everything from Sarah Michelle Gellar to The Stock Market Crash of 1929.
22. SketchFu: From stick figures to fully rendered drawings, this site allows you to create and share your works of art and let others see just how you did it.
23. Sketch Swap: Create a drawing on this site and you’ll be able to share it with anyone you want.
24. BeFunky: Turn your videos into animations and share them with others on this fun site.
25. Mikons: Here you can create logos and designs, share them with others and even get them printed on merchandise.
26. Noughts: This Japanese site makes it easy to share and rate digital drawings, and see step by step how they were made.
27. Rate My Drawing: Create drawings on this site and let others tell you what they think of them.
28. Sketch Planet: Skype is the most popular voip service. You can use VOIP to collaborate by phone call through your computer. Check out voip coupons here.
29. Scribble: With Scribble, you can create drawings, send them to friends and even get a play back of how you created them.
30. MyDrawings: Take part in the sharing and creation of drawings on this fun and interactive site.
31. Imagination Cubed: GE provides this fun drawing site where you can create simple images to share or work with others to build a collaborative work.
32. Jotspace: Check out Jotspace to share ideas and drawings with others and sketch with each other in real time.
33. DabbleBoard: From simple flowcharts to more complex drawings, you can share your ideas with others using this online whiteboard.
34. Dreamzone: This site allows you to create a drawing and then for others to work on it, possibly making it better or worse. The best version is voted on and stays to fight another round.
35. iSketch: Not only can you create drawings on this site but you can chat with friends and collaborate together as well.

Photo Editing

You don’t need to shell out big bucks for Photoshop to do some basic photo editing. These online tools let you do it simply and without spending a dime.

36. Aviary Phoenix: This web-based image editor is one of the best available and is loaded with cool (and free) features.
37. Alilg: This free online photo editor provides artists and everyone else with some basic tools to create great images.
38. Picnik: With Picnik you can edit photos from your computer or those you’ve uploaded to Flickr. Basic accounts are free but additional features will cost you.
39. FotoFlexer: If you’ve got images posted on MySpace or Facebook, this program allows you to edit them directly online. With new features planned in the near future is a great tool to add to your repertoire.
40. Phixr: Add some simple effects to your photos using this tool or convert between image types as well.
41. pixer.us: Here you’ll be able to edit your photos online, apply effects and even save your work in a variety of formats.
42. Splashup: Arranged to look similar to Photoshop, this tool has an impressive array of features for an online too and will make image editing easier than ever online.
43. PhotoshopExpress: While advanced accounts aren’t free, you can try out a trail of this Adobe program that let’s you edit images online, share them on Flickr or Facebook and store up to 2GB of them on the site.
44. Pixenate: This tool can be a great way to edit your own images or to embed on your website for others to use as well.
45. FlauntR: Add some effects to your images with this easy-to-use online image tool.
46. LunaPic: This simple photo editing tool is great for when you just need some small tweaks done.
47. 72Photos: Get a free account on this site and you’ll be able to edit and save your photos online.
48. myImager: Use the tools, filters and effects provided by this image editing tool to alter the look of any image you have on the Web.
49. PiccyFix: With PiccyFix you can do some simple image editing to make sure your photos are just the way you want them.
50. OnlinePhotoTool: Whether you want to edit images from your PC or those you have stored online, this tool is an easy way to do it.
51. VicImager: VicImager allows users to resize, adjust brightness, and even add some effects.
52. Pikipimp: With this tool you can add a little bling to your photos with effects for glitter and animations.
53. Picture2Life: Here you’ll find a variety of tools to help you easily edit images online.

Video Editing

Make sure your artistic vision is being met with these helpful online video editing sites.

54. Cellsea: Cellsea is a useful tool for doing everything from converting file formats to adding effects and sound to a video.
55. JayCut: This easy-to-use Flash video editing program allows users to add clips, music, effects and transitions to their videos.
56. One True Media: Here you can mix photos, videos, music and more to create a great presentation about you or your work.
57. Vidavee Graffiti: Tag your own videos or make humorous contributions to the videos of others with this fun online tool.
58. Kaltura: If you’re looking for a way to easily organize and store your videos, check out this open source option.
59. Editor One: Check out this tool to edit your videos and publish them all over the web.
60. MovieMasher: re-sequence, add effects, music and more in the easy-to-use timeline editor provided by MovieMasher.
61. VideoEgg: Whether you want to edit your own videos or create a fun new mashup, you can do both with VideoEgg’s free online software.
62. Eyespot: Eyespot offers video editing and sharing software than you can easily embed into your own website to apply all kinds of effects to your videos.
63. Jumpcut: With Jumpcut you can dub, cut, title and more and share the results with others.

Free Graphics

If you want some graphics to work with or put in your work, these sites provide some great vector choices free of charge.

64. GoMedia Vector Pack: This free collection of images can provide you with everything from animals to paint splatters.
65. Disignious Vintage: Skulls, angels, flowers and girls are the focus of this free graphics set.
66. BySkell: This simple set includes a tree, skull, banners and more that you can use royalty free.
67. Electronic Devices: Need a quick graphic of an iPod or a DVD player? These free choices have got you covered.
68. Sports: These silhouettes range from skydiving to roller skating.
69. Ecology: With green things all the rage, why not have a few green images like these on hand just in case?
70. Sexy Girls: If your website or design needs a little jazzing up, consider the addition of one of these free sexy girls.
71. Swirly Curls and Ornaments: Add a little decoration with some free swirly and curly designs.
72. Bugs: Whether you hate creepy crawlies or love them, you’ll enjoy these free bug images.
73. Ornaments: Swirls, foliage and butterflies make up this free collection.

Conversion

Whether you’re converting image formats or videos, these online tools can be a big help.

74. Image Converter: With over 100 major image formats supported, this tool can help you convert just about anything.
75. Online Image Optimizer: Convert images between JPG, GIF and PNG formats on this site.
76. Zamzar: Whether you need to convert images, music, videos, documents or something else, this tool has got you covered.
77. Convert Tube: If you want to be able to watch your videos on your iPod or PSP, use this helpful conversion tool.
78. Media Convert: From presentations to videos, this site can help you convert pretty much any kind of file.
79. iaza.com: This site is full of tools to convert all kinds of image formats and even apply some effects as well.
80. Vector Magic: Need to make your Bitmaps into vector images? Check out this online tool that can do it for you right from your browser.

Online Portfolios

These sites can help you share your creations with the world.

81. Voodoo Chili: With a free membership to this site you can upload up to 7 images, get comments, post your resume and much more.
82. FinalCrit: This Flash-based site helps users to create simple and attractive galleries of their best images.
83. Carbonmade: Here you can host your portfolio online for free with tools that make it easy for both Web-novices and experts to create a site that reflects their personality.
84. FigDig: If your artwork is the kind that begs to be viewed in high resolution, then check out this site to create an awesome online portfolio.
85. Shadowness: Join other digital artists with this online portfolio tool. You’ll be able to post your own images and see the inspirational work of other artists out there.
86. DeviantArt: This site has a huge online community, and can be a great place to put a portfolio up to find others with similar interests and get a little recognition for your skills.
87. Coroflot: Coroflot doesn’t just provide a place to put your portfolio, it’s also home to numerous job listings so you can use that portfolio to help you find work.
88. Viewbook: With a streamlined appearance and great drag and drop functionality, this site can be a great choice for designers looking for a simple way to house their work online.
89. Behance: Both a design community and a place to post your work, this site can be a great way to network and maybe even find a job.
90. ArtistPortfolios: Here you can set up multiple galleries to show off your work and let others know all about you.
91. ArtMajeur: If you’re not just looking to show your work but to sell it as well, consider this online portfolio option.

Miscellaneous

From tools that are just for fun to those that find free images, these tools can help make your art better.

92. Shapeshifter: Give this tool a try to create fun and original animations online.
93. MorgueFile: Check out this site to find loads of public domain engineering images you can use in your designs or art.
94. StockXchng: The images on this site are available for you to use, at no charge.
95. PicFindr: This online tool makes it easy to search for free images to use.
96. Color Schemer Online: Create a great color scheme for a painting or even for your living room using this tool.
97. Pixie Color Analyzer: See a color you just love on the web but can’t see to get it right in your drawing tool? This program allows you to get information about any color and use it for yourself.
98. Adobe Kular: This site can help you find the perfect mix of colors for your designs and images.
99. Ultimate Flash Face: This fun tool allows you to create a face using pre-rendered features.
100. Block Posters: If you’re looking to print out one of your digital images, this tool can help you figure out the right size.

By Kelsey Allen

The Internet is full of wonderful resources for photographers, artists, and designers. Among these resources, you’ll find a variety of websites that have a narrow, focused approach. Read on to find 100 of the best sites that cater to specific photography niches.

Organizations

These organizations provide resources and support for specific types of photographers.

1. Professional Photographers of America (PPA): For anyone who makes money from their photos, joining this organization is essential.
2. National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP): Join this organization to get access to a knowledgeable online community, discounts, tech support, and more.
3. International Association of Panoramic Photographers (IAPP): This organization offers a wealth of information about panoramic photography.
4. Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI): WPPI offers valuable information and resources to its members.
5. North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA): Through this association, you can find information, resources, and education for nature photography.
6. Women in Photography International: Women in Photography is a strong advocate for the visibility of female photographers and the photographs they create.
7. National Press Photographers Association (NPPA): Learn about issues and information important to press photographers through this organization.
8. The Center for Fine Art Photography (C4FAP): C4FAP promotes the art of photography with programs, exhibitions, and education.
9. The Royal Photographic Society (RPS): This society is open to amateurs and professional photographers, specifically in the United Kingdom.
10. American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP): This organization supports publication photographers worldwide.
11. Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA): This organization celebrates and supports wedding photojournalism.
12. Society for Photographic Education (SPE): The SPE is all about supporting photographic education.
13. The Canadian Association for Photographic Art (CAPA): CAPA is just for Canadian photographers.

Photojournalism

Photojournalists can find support and inspiration from these websites.

14. A Little News: For photojournalists and those who aspire to become one, this blog offers advice and inspiration.
15. Lightstalkers: These photographers, journalists, filmmakers, and travelers are in developing or destroyed countries.
16. American Photojournalist: Find featured photos, other photographers, and news on this website.

Outdoor & Travel

Locate photo spots, travel guides, and more using these websites.

17. Photo Travel: Check out this website to get travel guides for photographers.
18. Photo Locations Guide: Check out this website to find photo locations throughout the US.
19. Travel Photographers Network: Join this community of serious amateur and professional travel photographers to learn about scenic destinations, tips, and more.
20. Flying With Fish: On this blog, you’ll find excellent information and resources for traveling as a photographer.
21. LocationIndex: Using this site, you can find and share great locations for photographs.

Wedding, Event & Portrait

Learn more about the art and business of custom photography from these websites.

22. Wed Shooter: This blog examines the wedding photography industry, and is full of top notch images.
23. Pictage TV: Here you can find interviews, tutorials, and more for photographers specializing in weddings, events, and portraits.
24. Open Source Photo: The Open Source Photo forum is a great resource for wedding and portrait photographers.
25. Collective Lens: This website supports promoting social change with photos.
26. SportsShooter: Get news about sports shooting, share your images, learn about workshops, and more on this site.
27. The Wedding Photography Project: This blog offers news, resources, and more for wedding photographers.

Fashion & Commercial

On these websites, you’ll find resources and information for magazine shooters, fashion photographers, and more.

28. Fashion Photography Blog: This blog is a resource written by a fashion photographer, for fashion photographers.
29. Editorial Photographers: Learn about the industry of editorial photography from this website.
30. SHOWstudio: SHOWstudio will keep you up on the latest in photography, fashion, and fashion photography.
31. Microstock Diaries: Read this blog to learn about making money from microstock photography.

Science & Medical

These websites cover the details of scientific photography.

32. Medical & Scientific Photography: This website is an online resource for medical professionals and others looking for information on imaging techniques.
33. Science Photo Library: Learn about techniques and find examples of scientific photography on this website.

Fine Art

Get a look at the fine art side of photography from these websites.

34. Art Support: On this website, you’ll find lots of great resources for fine art photography, including business forms, advice for exhibitions, and copyright information.
35. Photograph Mag: This magazine and website will help you find exhibitions, dealers, and other great resources for getting involved in fine art photography.
36. Fine Art Photoblog: See fine art photography, news, and more on this blog.

Education

These websites are all about photography education and training.

37. PhotographyMentor: Check out this site to watch videos and learn from professionals, and stick around to network with other photographers around the world.
38. School of Photography: Learn about digital photography through this website that offers online courses.
39. Digital Photography School: Check out this blog to get an education in photography.
40. PBase: PBase offers a forum, galleries, and a magazine.
41. ShootSmarter: This website offers columns in topics including lighting, Photoshop, and printing.
42. Photocritic: Learn more about photography through this photography blog.
43. Better Photo: Learn about photography in this site’s online courses, and then share what you’ve created.
44. Yanik’s Photo School: Check out this blog to find tutorials, tips, reviews, and more.
45. Short Courses: This website is an online library for digital photography.
46. Web Photo School: Get online lessons and tutorials in digital photography through this school.

DIY

Take photography gear into your own hands with these websites that will help you DIY your lighting and other supplies.

47. DIY Photography: Learn how to create your own studio lighting and other photographic tools through this website.
48. Cheapshooter: Learn how to shoot on a budget with this website.
49. Fotohacker: These geeks will help you take your photography to the next level.

Business

On these websites, you’ll find great information for creating or maintaining a successful photography business.

50. Photopreneur: This blog is all about making money from your photos, with lots of information about stock photography.
51. Photo Lovecat: Anne Ruthman, Jillian Kay, and Christine Tremoulet share their incredible knowledge about photography on this blog.
52. Strategy Avenue: Strategy Avenue is a great resource for professional photographers, focusing on information that can help you run your business.
53. Photo Business News and Forum: This blog is all about the business of being a photographer.
54. Starting a Photography Business: Dan Heller’s website is an excellent resource for anyone getting started as a professional photographer.
55. BananasEDU: Read this blog for regular insight into the business of photography.

Technique

Follow the information in these websites to learn how to execute a variety of photographic techniques.

56. Assignment Construct: Learn about all of the details that came together to create a photograph here.
57. Pinhole Resource: Check out this website to learn about pinhole photography.
58. Strobist: The Strobist community is all about lighting, and often offers DIY or cheap solutions to lighting challenges.
59. Studio Lighting: Check out this website to learn all about lighting in the studio.
60. Lomography: This website is all about lomographic photographers and their images.
61. Infrared Photography: Get an introduction to infrared photography and find galleries of infrared images on this website.
62. Macro Photography: This website celebrates and supports everything macro.
63. Pinhole Visions: Pinhole Visions celebrates photography created through the pinhole process.
64. Holga: Plastic is Fantastic: If you’re interested in photography using Holga cameras, be sure to check out this website.
65. Beyond Visible: Visit this site to learn about ultraviolet, infrared, and luminescence photography.
66. The Nocturnes: These photographers shoot only at night.
67. Tilt-Shift Photography: Learn how to create fake miniature photographs using a tilt shift lens or Photoshop with this website.
68. Stereoscopy: Get an introduction to the world of 3-D imaging through this website.
69. Panoguide: Panoguide offers a valuable resource for panoramas and panoramic photography.
70. Alternative Photography: The resources on this website cover a variety of different photography processes.

Photoshop

Learn everything you need to know about Photoshop from these sites.

71. Worth1000: Worth1000′s website revolves around fun and challenging Photoshop contests.
72. Grunge Textures: Check out this site to find great resources for Photoshop textures.
73. Photoshop Insider: This blog from Scott Kelby will help you learn about everything Photoshop.
74. Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Killer Tips: Get great tips, news, tutorials, and more for Lightroom on this blog.
75. PhotoshopDisasters: Marvel at and learn from some of the awful creations manipulated in Photoshop on this blog.
76. Photoshop Cafe: Photoshop Cafe offers free resources for Photoshop including tutorials and tips.
77. Totally Rad Actions: On this website, you’ll find awesome Photoshop actions.
78. Photoshop Contest: Check out this website to see great images, participate in online forums, and compete in their contests to win prizes for your work.

Resources

These websites are fully devoted to helping you find photography resources, tips, and education.

79. Fredmiranda: On Fredmiranda, you’ll find Photoshop plug-ins, forums, galleries, and more.
80. Daily Tips to Improve Your Photography: Read this blog to find excellent tips and resources for improving your photographs.
81. Photojojo: This photo blog comes up with fun and creative tips, projects, and gear for photographers.
82. Pay It Forward Photography Resources: Pay It Forward has one simple purpose-to inform professional and hobbyist photographers about awesome resources and useful information.
83. All Day I Dream About Photography: Read this blog to find tips, featured photographers, and more.
84. Epic Edits: Check out this website to find shooting tips, editing techniques, buying guides, and more for hobbyist photographers.
85. Camera Dojo: Check out the Camera Dojo for information that will help you take better photos. You’ll also find forums here.

Photography Law

Use these websites to get a photographer’s legal education.

86. Photographer’s Tool Kit: On this website, you’ll find legal resources for photographers.
87. Bert P. Krages: This attorney offers legal information for photographers, including a printable copy of a guide to photographer’s rights designed to be kept in your camera bag.
88. Photography and the Law: This site is a useful resource for anyone who takes photos in the public of people, places, and things.
89. Photo Attorney: Carolyn E. Wright works for photographers, and regularly features information and resources that are helpful to know about.
90. Photos and the Law: Here you’ll find a free online legal resource for photographers.

Gear

These websites are all about photographic gear.

91. Photography Review: Check out Photography Review to learn about cameras, techniques, and more.
92. Photography on the Net: Here you’ll find galleries, Canon digital photography forums, and more.
93. Nikon Links: On this website, you’ll find an incredible amount of Nikon links.
94. OK1000 Pentax Blog: This blog focuses on Pentax gear.
95. Serious Compacts: Learn more about compact cameras on this website devoted solely to this type of camera.
96. Canon Rumors: Get the latest news about Canon gear from this blog.
97. 1001 Noisy Cameras: This blog focuses on gear, news, reviews, and more.
98. Nikon Rumors: Read Nikon Rumors to learn about what’s going on in the Nikon world.
99. Camera Deals: Check out this blog to learn about the latest deals on cameras and photography gear.
100. Nikonians: In this community of Nikon fans and users, you’ll find reviews, guides, and more.