• The best free graphic editors. Which graphics editor is the best? And why

    Free graphic editors (photo editors) and photo managers: GIMP, Paint NET, PicPick Tools, Picasa, PhotoScape, Inkscape, IcoFX, FastStone Image Viewer, Dimin Image Viewer, XnView, Universal Viewer, NexusImage, IrfanView, Imagine, APViewer.

    FastStone Capture is a software product that allows you to take screenshots and also record video from the screen. In addition to the main functions, the application allows users to edit the image, as well as adapt it. Thanks to effects, you can completely change an image, making it unique. You can use the edited screenshot...

    DjVu Reader is the most popular program designed for reading djvu files. The application will be useful for students and teachers who read electronic manuals. Many users do not know, but books and magazines saved in djvu format take up significantly less disk space...

    ACDSee is a program designed for viewing images. The application allows you not only to view photos, but also, if necessary, edit them. Surprisingly, ICD can even play audio and video files. Many users consider the program to be a real multimedia combine. In addition to the main features...

    NanoCAD is a system designed for design. The application will be of interest to designers and engineers. This CAD platform can be used in various industries. It is noteworthy that, unlike its competitors, it is distributed completely free of charge. The system can be a good alternative to such a giant as AutoCad....

    FormatFactory is a free program for converting images, video and audio from one format to another. The Format Factory program has functions for changing images: rotating, cropping, resizing, signature, etc. The program contains a multilingual interface, including Russian. Format...

    Tux Paint is a free painting program designed for young children. At the beginning of development it was created for the Linux OS, but after a while it became available for other operating systems too. Tux Paint has been translated into a very large number of languages. In their...

    PhotoFiltre is a compact universal graphics editor for the Windows operating system. There are two versions of this program, free and paid. The author and developer of the program is Antonio Da Cruz. The entire program interface has been translated into approximately 26 languages.

    Artweaver free is a free raster graphics editor. It is needed for processing images or photographs. You can also draw various drawings in it. The distinctive feature of the program is that it is supported by tablet computers.

    It’s terribly inconvenient when programs that are so needed weigh a lot. But this is not about this graphic editor. PaintTool SAI is a very convenient and economical option.

    There are so many creative people all over the world who are interested in living because they have a spark of the creator in them. These people are open to perceive the world and, even more, they can think creatively and want to create something unique.

    To all the free artists of the new generation creating their masterpieces...

    Greetings everyone!

    If earlier, to draw a picture, you needed a brush, an easel, paints, etc., but now you can create without leaving the computer! Moreover, I would like to note that paintings created in some editor on a computer also cause great delight (as if it were a painting on canvas)!

    I will add that many people mistakenly believe that drawing a picture on a computer is easier than on canvas. Moving your cursor (or even drawing with a graphics tablet) is no easier or faster!

    Actually, this article is dedicated to tools - to draw a picture, you need special drawing programs (note: graphic editors). These will be discussed below (by the way, I’ll add that I chose free programs that support all popular Windows: 7, 8, 10 (32|64 bits)) . So...

    By the way!I have another article on drawing on my blog. There is a special sites that allow you to create paintings online, meet other artists, and find common ideas. For more information, see this article:

    List of the best programs. Let's start drawing?

    Before moving on to the programs, I would like to dwell on one important issue - the type of computer graphics. In general, there are two main types - vector and raster graphics.

    Raster drawing is a canvas on which there are many multi-colored dots (pixels). Together, all these points look to the human eye like some kind of picture (or photo).

    Vector drawing consists of entities: line, segment, square, ellipse, etc., which are all interconnected. All these entities also form a wide variety of pictures.

    The main advantage of a vector drawing over a raster one is the ability to transform it in any way (for example, enlarge it) without losing quality. The computer, in fact, only needs to recalculate your picture according to the mat. formulas.

    Raster graphics are convenient for creating high-quality photos and digital drawings. The most popular raster image formats are JPEG and PNG. It is raster graphics that are most popular in our time (and that is why in my article the main focus is on programs for working with it).

    Vector editors in the article: Gravit, DrawPlus, Inkscape.

    Raster editors in the article: Paint, Gimp, ArtWeaver and others...

    Paint

    Raster editor

    Basic program in Windows

    How to start: find it in the START menu, or press the Win+R buttons, enter the mspaint command in the open line and press Enter.

    A very simple graphic editor, designed not even for drawing, but for easily editing pictures (add an inscription, an arrow, erase something, cut out one piece of the picture and paste it into another, save the screenshot taken, etc.).

    Professionally, of course, you can hardly draw anything in Paint, but if we are talking about some very simple drawings, then the program can be used. At least, if you are just at the very beginning of your journey, then why not try? ☺

    Gimp

    Raster editor (partly vector)

    The GNU Image Manipulation Program (or GIMP for short) is a very powerful, free and multi-purpose graphics editor. This editor is very multifunctional: it can be used for drawing, or as a program for retouching digital photos, as a program for processing a package of pictures and publishing them (+ converting one format to another).

    In addition, there are very interesting opportunities for creating step-by-step commands (scripts) that will automate routine tasks (and the scripts can be truly complex)!

    Main advantages:

    • drawing pictures and posters;
    • support for graphics tablets (Wacom, Genius, etc.);
    • draw web designs for sites, edit ready-made layouts from Photoshop;
    • you can refresh your old photos, make them more juicy and vibrant;
    • or poster;
    • remove unnecessary elements from photos (a bad photo can become a good one!);
    • a huge collection of plugins for GIMP will allow you to solve a wide variety of problems;
    • The program supports Windows, Mac, Linux operating systems.

    ArtWeaver

    Raster editor (some analogue of Photoshop)

    This program replicates many of the tools of such a popular editor as Adobe Photoshop. To edit ready-made pictures and draw new ones, there are a bunch of ready-made brushes of all types and sizes, different modes, pencil imitation, ink pen, oil brush, etc.

    Main advantages:

    • support for all popular graphic formats: GIF, JPEG, PCX, TGA, TIFF, PNG (including PSD and AWD);
    • a huge number of tools for editing pictures: gradients, selections, filling, etc.;
    • plugin support;
    • availability of convenient drawing tools: brushes, pencils, etc.;
    • graphics tablet support (BIG plus for those who like to draw);
    • many different filters: spot, blur, mosaic, mask, etc.;
    • working with text layers;
    • the ability to sequentially cancel your actions.
    • support for all popular versions of Windows.

    MyPaint

    Raster editor

    MyPaint - painted portrait of a girl

    A popular raster graphics editor designed more for digital artists (those who like to draw). It is an unlimited canvas (sheet) and a relatively simple interface on GTK+, without distracting the artist from the creative process - drawing.

    Unlike Gimp, MyPaint has much less graph functionality. editor, but for your attention a huge dimensionless canvas; a large number of brushes, for a variety of tasks and for different functions (there are a lot of brushes, see the screenshot above).

    MyPaint is a tool for painting with brushes on your PC screen almost as if you were doing it on a real canvas. In addition to brushes, there are: crayons, charcoal, pencils, etc. It's hard to resist if you have a craving for drawing...

    Main features:

    • the program is specifically designed for drawing, so it has fewer options for editing existing pictures (i.e., there are no functions such as selection, scaling, etc.);
    • a huge set of brushes that you can customize for yourself: create and change groups, blur, mix colors, etc.;
    • the program supports graphics tablet;
    • the boundless canvas is very convenient in the drawing process - nothing is holding you back while creating;
    • support for layers: copying, pasting, adjusting transparency, etc.;
    • Windows, Mac OS, Linux supported.

    SmoothDraw

    Raster

    A free program for painting and those who like to draw by hand on a computer. The program's interface is very simple, designed so that any artist who has just started can immediately start creating without wasting time studying.

    I would like to immediately note that the program has a lot of brushes (pen, brush, airbrush, pencil, etc.), there are tools for retouching, working with layers, you can change the brightness, contrast, colors of pictures, add some effects .

    Program features:

    • many types of brushes for drawing: pencil, chalk, pen, airbrush, brush, spray, etc.;
    • works with tablet PCs, supports graphics tablets;
    • works with the following image formats: PNG, BMP, JPEG, JPG, TGA, JIF, GIF and TIFF;
    • there are tools for photo retouching;
    • working with layers;
    • possibility of color correction;
    • Compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10.

    Note! For SmoothDraw to work, you must have at least NET Framework version v2.0 on Windows.

    Paint.NET

    Raster

    Paint.NET is a free picture and photo editor for Windows. The main difference from other programs is that it uses an intuitive and innovative interface with support for layers, a dimensionless canvas, special effects, useful and powerful editing tools (analogues of which are only available in paid products).

    Active and growing online support will help in solving non-standard problems. In addition, quite a lot of instructions have been written for the program, additional ones. plugins to expand capabilities.

    Peculiarities:

    • free to distribute and use;
    • user-friendly interface (somewhat similar to Photoshop);
    • you can work with many documents at the same time;
    • support for working with layers;
    • a large number of instructions;
    • the program is optimized to work with 2 and 4 core modern processors;
    • Supported by all popular Windows: XP, 7, 8, 10.

    Livebrush

    Raster

    Livebrush(translated from English as “live brush”) is a powerful graphic editor that allows you to paint with brushes. Moreover, I would like to immediately note that the “drawing tool” is not a simple one, with its help you can create quite interesting pictures, decorate the art with beautiful strokes and lines, etc.

    As you work, you can select and adjust the brush so that as you move it, the line under the brush will change its thickness, color, transparency, tip rotation, depending on your mouse movement speed, pressing speed, etc.

    By the way, those who have a graphics tablet will be able to fully experience the benefits of Livebrush, because it also understands the force of pressure and its inclination.

    The program's set includes many brushes of different shapes: from simple lines to patterned Gothic ornaments. By the way, you can correct any pattern yourself by switching to editing with a pencil.

    In addition, you can draw the pattern yourself and save it as a template. You can import ready-made sets of brushes, projects, and decorations into the program. By the way, they can be found in huge quantities on the official forum of the program.

    In general, my verdict is that the program is very convenient, interesting, and deserves the attention of all drawing lovers!

    Inkscape

    Vector editor (one of the few)

    Free analogues: Gravit, DrawPlus

    Paid analogues: Corel DRAW and Adobe Illustrator

    Inkscape is a free vector editor, one of the few that can partially replace such monsters as Corel Draw and Adobe Illustrator. The application has a fairly standard interface: color palette, menu, tools. The program supports all major graphic formats: SVG, PDF, AI, PS, EPS, CorelDRAW.

    By the way, Inkscape also has tools from the raster editor - for example, it supports various types of blending. In addition to drawing some geometric shapes, the program supports extensive work with text: you can write text along curved lines. It looks very cool and unusual.

    The application has a fairly large number of filters, extensions, etc. All this is available at the office. program website.

    Gravit

    Vector editor (online version)

    Gravit- quite an interesting vector editor. Of course, it cannot replace Adobe Illustrator, but it can compete with the previous program (Inkscape).

    The tools include all the most basic things: pens, lines, intersection and cutting of shapes from each other, alignment, layers, fonts, etc. Works can be exported to SVG and several raster formats. You can also open works made in Adobe Illustrator in the program.

    What's somewhat surprising is that Gravit looks like a real program while running in a browser window, without using Flash. Among the main shortcomings I would highlight the lack of Russian language.

    By the way, in Gravit the choice of canvas is quite interesting: you can choose standard formats of sheets, business cards, postcards, and create covers of popular social networks, phone screens and other gadgets.

    Overall, an interesting editor that deserves attention.

    DrawPlus

    Vector

    A very flexible and powerful graphic editor that allows its users to create high-quality illustrations. This program will allow you to fully explore your drawing capabilities.

    DrawPlus has many tools that will allow you to easily and quickly create a variety of shapes, strokes, and lines. Each of the elements can be combined with others and gradually the whole complex will become a rather complex, but beautiful illustration.

    By the way, DrawPlus has a 3D module - it will allow you to turn your creativity into real 3D design elements. You can apply a wide variety of effects when creating logos, isometric projections, and flowcharts.

    You can import a huge number of formats into the program: PDF, AI, SVG, SVGZ, EPS, PS, SMF, etc. The proprietary format for projects is DPP.

    Graffiti Studio

    Website: http://www.vandalsquad.com

    Raster graphics

    One of the best programs for drawing graffiti, it looks as realistic as possible!

    To start drawing: you need to choose a piece of canvas (carriage, walls, bus), and, in fact, start creating (there are just heaps of ready-made options to choose from!). The artist has a large palette of colors (more than 100 pieces), several types of caps (skinny, regular and fat), and a marker. The distance to the surface is changed manually, it is possible to make drips. In general, for fans of such graphics there is a huge scope!

    Those who don’t believe that you can create real masterpieces in the program, I recommend taking a look at the official website and seeing the best works - your view will change a lot!

    PixBuilder Studio

    Raster editor

    A powerful program for processing and editing graphic images and photographs. In addition to editing, it is quite possible to draw and create (although there are fewer tools for this than in previous similar programs).

    PixBuilder Studio has quite interesting tools that allow you to finely work with color, brightness, contrast, and layers. In addition, there are built-in effects (for example, dithering (when processing digital signals, it is the mixing of pseudo-random noise with a specially selected spectrum into the primary signal) ), blur, sharpening, etc.

    Peculiarities:

    • support for popular raster formats: BMP, PNG, JPG, GIF, TIFF, etc.;
    • there is the opportunity and tools for drawing (though very limited);
    • Great opportunities for editing finished photos and pictures;
    • ability to work with layers;
    • professional work with color: adjusting balance, brightness, contrast, etc.;
    • setting up hot keys;
    • the presence of ready-made effects (you just need to apply them);
    • preview (to evaluate the result);
    • support for popular Windows OS: 7, 8, 10.

    Krita

    Raster editor

    An excellent and convenient raster graphics editor for artists (by the way, at the time of writing this review, the program is free even for commercial use). Krita runs on both Windows and Linux.

    As for the most important thing: there is a good brush motion stabilizer, layers, masks, dynamic brushes, animation, a large number of blending modes, paper and pastel imitation, “infinite” canvas, etc.

    By the way, there is even a portable version of the program that can be run from a regular flash drive on any PC. The program has also been translated into Russian.

    PS: the article will be updated...

    Thank you in advance for tips and advice in the comments!

    It's no secret that the best graphic editor for editing raster graphics is the Photoshop software product from the well-known company Adobe. Probably, today this is the best program for working with images in the form of photographs, design solutions, Web design, and any other graphics. I personally also think and am confident that this is the best product in its industry. By the way, it is distributed not only for the Windows operating system, but the release is also known for computers based on MAC OS.


    If you remember my history of acquaintance with the first graphics editor, it was the Paintbrush program in the Windows 3.11 operating system for personal computers. By the way, it has survived to this day and is even available in the latest version of Windows 8. However, now it is simply called Paint and has greater capabilities for editing graphic images. Although in general its functionality does not reach Adobe Photoshop.


    Another equally interesting program for working with raster graphics, I would like to mention the GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) program. During my short acquaintance with the Linux-based operating system, I don’t remember exactly what kind of distribution I used for this, but, nevertheless, during this period of time I paid attention to the GIMP program. This free and open source program is a good alternative to Adobe Photoshop. This program has a lot of interesting functions and tools for working with raster graphics.

    Perhaps there are many more different interesting and good applications for working with raster graphics, but still, one way or another, I believe that the highest quality program for working with photography, some design elements and building some graphic templates for websites, etc. p. is the Adobe Photoshop program - whatever one may say. And the only negative that I find in this program is that it is paid and is not cheap.

    But why is Adobe Photoshop considered the best?

    It's simple - it is the standard of quality in the world of digital images, provides powerful graphics editing capabilities, and plus everything has an intuitive interface. This amazing product pushes the boundaries of digital image editing and helps you make your design dreams come true.

    But the most important thing is the variety of working tools for image editing. For example, such as various ways to select an object, brushes with different types and sizes, the ability to create a gradient, that is, a transition from one color to another, darken, blur, create beautiful text, choose a different color palette and much more. It is also worth noting the ability to work with layers, that is, for example, to separately work on the text design and separately work on its background without affecting the overall picture. As a plus, you can note the almost complete history of your actions, which leads to the fact that you are not afraid of ruining something, since you can always return to the original state.

    Another advantage is preparing the image for publication on the Internet. Ability to save images in almost any modern file format. Saving the image and template in your own PSD format - which is probably already a standard and saves all layers and current settings in it, which is convenient when returning to editing again, as well as the ability to leave marks directly on the image elements.

    The ability to create and work with simple three-dimensional 3D objects. You can twist, twirl, increase, decrease and change color.

    Another feature of Adobe Photoshop is the application of various filters to the image, which gives an interesting and striking special effect. There are about 50 of these filters and they all have a unique effect. Such, for example, effects as turning a picture into neon lights or frayed paper and many other equally interesting solutions.

    We could go on and on about all the features and advantages of this amazing image editing program, but in general, the whole world and the whole planet uses it, and they know very well that it is the best editor in the computer world.

    Most of us associate computer graphics in general and editing in particular with Adobe Photoshop, which itself costs 700 bucks and requires significant hardware resources. And this is natural, because this is the most powerful graphic editor to date, created for the needs of design professionals. “Non-designers” more often use only a small fraction of its resources for basic image changes. Don't believe me? Remember why you opened Photoshop the last 5 times. I guarantee that if you are not a professional designer, then you have changed the size of some image, cropped it, or saved it in another format. As a last resort, we adjusted the brightness/contrast/color gamut. Agree, it is not at all necessary to have Photoshop installed for this.

    1 Photoscape

    Photoscape is an amazing free photo editor. This program contains so many filters, tools and special effects that it’s hard to believe that it’s free.

    Photoscape has almost everything you need to view, optimize, edit, print, and have fun with your photos. It's so full-featured that many consider it a free alternative to Photoshop. Of course, Photoshop is still at a higher level, but the program really is an excellent alternative to Adobe's flagship and turns photo editing into a very fun experience.

    2 Pixia

    Pixia is a free raster graphics editor developed by Isao Maruoka. Initially, the graphic editor was intended for creating anime/manga, but later began to be used in other areas of art.

    Pixia supports Wacom graphics tablets, three-dimensional layers, transparency effects, can work with the most popular image file formats (.bmp, .jpeg, .tiff, .ico, .pict, .png), supports the Adobe Photoshop format - .psd, and also has its own - .pxa.

    3 Colourpaint

    A simple drawing app for KDE. The most basic functionality such as a brush, eraser, pipette, primitive forms. As for editing, there is autocrop, balance adjustment, size and color changes. Designed for drawing diagrams and diagrams, as well as simple image editing. Another solution for those who are confused by the abundance of buttons and incomprehensible tools of more complex editors.

    4Paint.NET

    Paint.NET is a free raster graphics editor for drawings and photographs for Windows, developed on the .NET Framework. Paint.NET is an excellent replacement for the graphics editor that comes standard with Windows operating systems.

    With many powerful features found only in expensive graphics editors, Paint.NET is completely free.

    5 Pinta

    Pinta is a lightweight, open-source, cross-platform raster graphics editor inspired by the Paint.NET editor. The latter only works under Windows, and Miguel de Icaza's attempt to directly port this program to the Linux/Mono environment was not very successful.

    6 Seashore

    Opensource image editor for the Mac OSX Cocoa framework. Knows what gradients, textures, anti-aliasing are. Supports layers and alpha channel. It is based on GIMP technology, and, accordingly, is friendly with its native format.

    7 Paint Star

    The Paint star program is a graphic editor for high-quality editing, as well as creating drawings, digital photos and other images. This editor for Windows perfectly suits the basic needs of the user, and also allows you to work with layers, transparency, gradients, textures, scripts, templates, paths, etc.

    Paint star has a solid line of image editing and processing tools, similar to popular programs for highly professional business design. Basic functionality allows the average user to realize their idea without a special training course or video.

    8 My Paint

    A simple and fast opensource application for digital artists for Windows and Linux. Essentially, it's just a dimensionless canvas onto which you can display interface elements only when you need them. The rest of the time, draw for your own pleasure, without being distracted by menus and tools. It fully supports graphics tablets, has a simple minimalist design, allows you to create brushes and customize existing ones, and supports layers.

    9 5Dfly

    Free Windows application for batch photo processing. In addition to the standard functions of a graphic editor, it can create slide shows for PowerPoint.

    10 Visual Box

    Free for non-commercial use application for creating web galleries. Available as a jQuery plugin or Prototype extension, there are versions for Windows and Mac. Flickr and Photobucket support, built-in ftp client, tons of themes, nice modern design.

    11 Digikam

    This is an OpenSource photo editor for Linux, Windows and Mac-OSX. Allows you to view, edit, enhance, catalog and tag your photos and do a lot of other nice things. However, you must be prepared to compile the application. For those who are new to this, the official website offers a detailed tutorial.

    12 PEdit

    A very simple free online photo editor. Contains all standard tools, even a child can use it. It requires installation of the Silverlight 3 plugin.

    13 photos

    A multifunctional and, at the same time, understandable program, which includes the functions of a photo editor, a graphic editor and an application for creating computer graphics. Provides many options for design, photo processing and enhancement, image editing and more.

    14 Irfan View

    One of the most popular image viewers on Windows systems. Fast, compact, free. Can open all kinds of graphics, convert them into the desired format, optimize them, and create slideshows. There are plugins, skins and localizations. Often opposes ACDSee. Although, to be honest, at home I replaced it with FastStone Image Viewer, which is also free for personal non-commercial use, but, in my opinion, is much more convenient and can work with NEF.

    15 Krita

    One of the finalists in the 2011 Packt Open Source Awards, along with Blender and GIMP. This is another KDE editor for creating sketches and drawings, as well as for manipulating graphics. The main direction is illustration, concept art and other creative work.

    16 GIMP

    The GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP for short) is a powerful and multi-purpose graphics editor. Thanks to a wide range of functions, you can make your photos more juicy, remove unnecessary elements from photographs, create collages and posters, prepare website designs and cut ready-made layouts, and much more. GIMP works on the most popular operating systems: Windows, Mac, Linux.

    17 Artweaver

    Artweaver is another graphic editor that claims to be a free analogue of Adobe Photoshop. The program can simulate painting with oil, acrylic paint, brush, crayon, pencil, charcoal, pastel, airbrush, etc. There are also various filters, working with transparency and layers, exporting and importing files into various graphic formats and much more.

    18 Paint tool sai

    Paint tool sai has both a Free and a paid version. First of all, it is necessary to note the editor interface, which is implemented as conveniently as possible for users. All the necessary buttons fit compactly on the panel on the left, allowing you to quickly find the necessary tool.

    In addition, the interface allows you to keep several drawings open at once. The canvas itself with the image can be scaled and rotated using hotkeys and special buttons on the panel.

    19 Hornil StylePix

    Hornil StylePix is ​​a powerful multifunctional free graphic editor in which programmers were able to combine such parameters as: compact size, user-friendly interface and a large number of functions. The program does not require mandatory installation, as it has a portable version that you can easily place on any flash drive and run the program directly from it. StylePix has a large number of functions and capabilities and is a worthy competitor to Paint.NET and Photoshop programs.

    The program will serve you as an excellent assistant in photo editing. With this editor you can correct almost all the flaws in your photo. For creative people, StylePix provides a wide selection of brushes, cloning, selection, fill tools, as well as many options for working with text.

    There is also a paid version of Hornil StylePix. Has more features such as Quick Mask, Layer Mask, Brush Image and Layer Styles for more advanced works than StylePix.

    20 Photoshop Online and other online editors

    There are many services on the Internet for editing photos online and without installing any programs. One of the main differences between online editors and installation programs is that the application requires the most minimal system requirements for your computer and just an installed browser to view web pages. 100% convenience from working in the online version of the graphic file editor.

    When it comes to image editing, the first thing that comes to mind is Adobe Photoshop. However, the price of this tool is prohibitive for many, and in most cases such sophisticated functionality is not required at all.

    There are plenty of free, high-quality analogues on the market for working with pictures, both for computers and mobile devices. There are also excellent online solutions.

    Various analogues of “Photoshop” come out quite often. Some become popular, others disappear unnoticed. In recent years, several truly interesting solutions have emerged that continue to evolve and require increased attention.

    Krita – editor for artists

    The free program, available on Windows, Mac and Linux, can surprise many with its simple but effective features. Did you crop and rotate the photo? Are you satisfied with the result? Fragment allows you to upload images to your Facebook profile in a couple of clicks. If you like Gif animation, that’s no problem either. The program supports PSD and HDRI formats and is not demanding on resources. There is also a portable version that you can carry with you on a flash drive.

    Picture.st - the best online editor

    The simplest and best online graphics editor. If you only occasionally edit images, does it make sense to install a full-fledged application on your computer? For a long time, online editors were not very convenient and often unstable. They also lacked functionality. Picture.st has solved this problem and can easily be considered as an online image editing solution.

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