The spotlight usually focuses on the heavyweight Linux graphics tools such as Gimp, Shotwell, digiKam, Inkscape, and Krita. However, there are many other open source graphics tools that merit attention.

Linux offers a vast collection of open source small utilities that perform functions ranging from the obvious to the bizarre. It is the quality and selection of these tools that help Linux stand out as a productive environment. A good utility cooperates with other applications, integrating seamlessly.

Although command-line tools are very useful for updating, configuring, and repairing a system, their benefits are not only confined to system administration. The majority of the applications featured in this article are command-line tools. They are very light on system resources, fast and efficient, don’t rely on a windowing system, and are great for integrating with other applications and scripting.

The term lightweight is a label attached to computer software which is relatively simpler or faster than its counterparts. Feature bloat is endemic in software especially commercial software. Often, the easiest way to persuade users to upgrade to the latest version is to add new spangly features. This happens with open source software (to a lesser degree), and open source graphics software is not immune to feature bloat. Well, there is no feature bloat here!

To provide an insight into the quality of software that is available, we have compiled a list of small image tools that are incredibly useful.

Now, let’s explore the 6 small image tools at hand. For each title we have compiled its own portal page, a full description with an in-depth analysis of its features, a screenshot, together with links to relevant resources and reviews.

Small Image Tools Phatch Simple to use cross-platform GUI photo batch processor CropGUI Graphical user interface for jpegtran pngcrush Optimizer for PNG (Portable Network Graphics) files. It's a command-line tool potrace Transforms bitmaps into vector graphics jhead Manipulate the non-image part of Exif compliant JPEG files pstoedit PostScript and PDF files to editable vector graphics converter

Return to our complete collection of recommended free and open source software including our latest additions.

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