Photoshop has become synonymous with image editing in general. It lets manipulate an image in any way, whether you want to fix a minor blemish or create something new out of nothing. However, all this comes at a steep subscription not everyone wants to pay, given there are other options out there. That’s why we have curated a list of the best Photoshop alternatives you should try.
The tools mentioned in this list are added based on their price, how much value they offer for them, and their popularity within the image editing community. With that said, let us take a look at this list.
1. Photopea
Photopea is one of those tools that you don’t even need to download in order to use it. It offers an identical experience to Photoshop right from your web browser. And you don’t miss out on any of the essential features as it comes with layers, masks, and selection tools. It can even open and save files in PSD (Photoshop’s native format).
But you have to note that it does not feel as optimized as Photoshop which is apparent since it is running on top of your browser. Photopea is a free-to-use tool and yet does not feature any ads within the interface, at least to the extent that we have used it. However, I feel it is best suited for making quick online edits. But the number of features does let you do more if you want to.
Pros Cons Free online editing tool Closing the tab will result in loss of project Interface similar to Photoshop Starts too slow down while heavy editing Supports PSD file format Also lets you make vector art
Pricing: Free
Availability: Works from Web Browser
2. GIMP
GNU Image Manipulation Program also known as GIMP, reigns supreme in the free photo editing world. This open-source software boasts a ton of features that rival Photoshop, like layers, masks, and professional-grade photo editing tools. You can even create your digital artwork from scratch using it. Plus, it offers a vast library of plugins allowing for plenty of customizations.
However, GIMP’s interface can feel a bit overwhelming, especially for beginners. The learning curve is steeper compared to some user-friendly options in this list. But if you’re a student learning professional graphic designing or an enthusiast willing to invest time in learning, GIMP is an absolute steal.
Pros Cons Plethora of photo editing tools Interface can be complicated to understand Vast library of plugins Doesn’t open RAW files Free, completely open-source software Allows scripted image editing
Pricing: Free
Availability: Windows, macOS, and Linux
3. Affinity Photo
Affinity Photo can be one of the good alternatives if you are switching from Photoshop but don’t want to start all over again with a new tool. It is a close alternative to Photopea which is popular among professional photographers and designers. This tool carries a lot of tools and features from Photoshop, even the interface to some extent, and runs overall smoother on lower-spec machines.
However, what I consider the best part about Affinity is that it is a one-time purchase, so you can get licensed software without having to pay a hefty monthly subscription fee. Though you won’t find some advanced AI features that have recently been introduced with Photoshop, overall, Affinity is a pretty well-rounded alternative.
Pros Cons Runs better on limited hardware Some advanced AI features are not available One time purchase Mirrors Photoshop’s features and interface Also available for iPad
Pricing: One-time payment of $34.99
Availability: Windows and macOS
4. Skylum Luminar Neo
Skylum Luminar Neo caters to a different audience. Right off the bat, I want to make it clear that it is more of an image enhancement and refining tool instead of a full-fledged editing software like Photoshop. It can help you adjust the lightning of the sky, or fix blemishes using its AI-powered tools. You can also find advanced features here like masking tools, object removal, and portrait retouching.
Luminar Neo is best suited for people who often take and edit landscape photos or portraits. It does not give you as much flexibility as Photoshop or some other alternatives in this list but it does well for the job it’s intended for. However, it is also a subscription-based service. Users can also use its plugin for Photoshop to try out the tool before they shift to a new platform.
Pros Cons AI tools for one click image enhancement Does not let you draw or manipulate the photo Easy to use interface Requires a subscription service Some advanced tools are also available Steep lifetime purchase license Can be used as a Photoshop plugin No free trial
Pricing: Yearly subscription of $99 or $249 for a one-time purchase
Availability: Windows, macOS, and Plugin for Photoshop
5. Pixelmator Pro
If you are a Mac user then you should surely try out Pixelmator Pro. This tool is specifically designed for Mac users offering a streamlined Photoshop-like experience on the platform. It works well with the Photos app and lets you combine photo editing with illustration and painting tools in a single program. It also comes with some machine-learning features that automatically enhance your image as required.
The user interface is pretty clean and well thought out and it runs surprisingly well on Macs, even on the older models. Though as a professional you can use it, it is directed more towards casual or inexperienced users. The Pro version of this tool unlocks a lot of features however it also comes for $49.99 as a one-time purchase. It is a good option for photographers on Mac.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good set of retouching and enhancement tools | Limited feature set compared to Photoshop |
| Well designed user interface | |
| Works quite smoothly on Macs | |
| Supports PSD and other file formats |
Pricing: One-time purchase price $49.99
Availability: macOS
6. Pixlr
For anyone who has been editing photos for a while now may have heard about Pixlr. This online tool, much like Photopea lets you edit images right from your browser. The tool has been quite popular among students for all the features it has, and all the adjustments it lets you make along with options like filters, overlays, and borders.
Pixlr has also recently introduced some AI-oriented features like Faceswap and image generation. However, about a year ago, the company changed its policy to allow for limited exports per day which turned off a lot of users. Currently, you can use the free version with limited features or go with the monthly subscription which is still pretty cheap compared to Photoshop. It is a good option for people who want to do some light image editing for projects or personal files.
Pros Cons Supports Layers Only three exports per day Runs in a web browser Requires sign up to use Lightweight and fast Unlimited saves require Premium subscription Features AI tools for image generation
Pricing: Free and Paid, base plan starts at $1.99
Availability: Runs from a web browser
7. PhotoScape X
Before Photoshop, this was the tool that I used to use excessively daily. PhotoScape X is a standard photo editing tool that you can use to make minor adjustments and edits to an image. It doesn’t offer features like layers which is common with other Photoshop alternatives. Instead, it features a bunch of filters, frames, resizing, and other adjustment tools that you can use to refine your image.
What I like the most about is its batch editing option that lets you edit multiple images in a single batch saving you a lot of time and effort. Its interface is also simple enough that your parents can start using it. Plus it runs quite well on devices with lower-end hardware. The only issue with PhotoScape X is some of its features are locked behind the Pro subscription. Still, you can make the most out of it in the free version.
Pros Cons Lets you batch-edit photos Some features locked in Pro subscription Includes a wide list of filters and other adjustments Does not support some file formats Simple to use layout Smooth operation on lower-end devices
Pricing: Free
Availability: Windows and macOS
8. Krita
Krita is a compelling alternative to Photoshop, especially for those focused on illustration and concept art. Developed by artists, for artists, it is a free and open-source painting program. It boasts over 100 different types of brushes, with multiple brush engines and a stabilizer that helps you get clean, natural strokes. It also supports layers, for complex art.
The interface is similar to that of Photoshop’s layout. However, it’s important to note that Krita lacks some of the advanced photo editing features found in Photoshop. So, if you’re a digital artist and want a free solution for creating art and illustrations then you should try out Krita.
Pros Cons Variety of different brush styles Does not feature advanced editing tools Advanced drawing tools Free and open source Oriented towards digital artists
Pricing: Free
Availability: Windows, Linux, and macOS
This brings us to the end of this list. There are a number of different image editing tools that you can find online, that are way more affordable compared to Photoshop. If you’re looking for tools to edit videos on your phone, then there are some options you can check from our Video Editing Apps for iPhone and Android lists. In case you have any doubts regarding this list then let us know in the comments section.
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I have a hacked version of photoshop CS4 on an aging laptop I usually like it it’s easy to modify text. This is the problem I have with Gimp I can’t do layer styles on the text like I can in photoshop. It’s even hard to give my text an outline in Gimp. Yes I can do Alpha to Logo but that makes a bunch of weird layers. And sometimes it resizes my entire image.. pretty buggy.
Hi,
I agree GIMP has a bunch of really weird issues with a lot of things (as I mentioned), however it’s a very popular app that can still do quite a lot of interesting stuff.
I do agree with you on the Text issue though, GIMP’s text tool is a mess.
Thanks For Sharing It ????
I used to have Photoshop and when I didn’t anymore, I downloaded Pixelmator for free. It was OK for what I was using it (even if frustrating at times). I deleted it to make space on my disk and, when I went back to download it again, I had to pay. I’m gonna retrieve it if I can, but it really sucked. That’s all, just needed to vent.
HOLA amig@s !! cual de estas 12 plataformas es la mejor para yo diseñar toda clase de artículos ???
PhotoScape is legendary and knocks most of these down a notch. Also, supereffective filters and easy to use GUI!! Totally recommended!!
I’m an occasional photoshop user. I have decided I don’t use it enough to pay their subscription fee so I’m looking for an alternate. I frequently read statements around the web about GIMP such as this one:
“Although it doesn’t offer quite a features like Photoshop”
But no one ever seems to elaborate just what it is that one would give up if they switched from Photoshop to GIMP.
Can you elaborate on this?
Thanks.
Gimp has many issues. While you can make preset brushes, the brushes themselves to not have separate settings so you have to repeatedly load the formatting to each brush each time you swap. So say you are swapping to the eraser from the brush, has the same formatting as the brush. This is annoying and takes up a bit more time. I use Gimp to edit pictures I make on other alternatives. Gimp does give you the ability to edit as if you are using Photoshop but doesn’t have the drawing capability of other programs IMO just because of this tedious problem by itself.
The Best alternative to photoshop for the very cheap cost is Corel Paint Shop Pro… I use it for many years, upgrading to a newer version almost every year. I’m a professional photographer and digital artist. I’m advanced photoshop user as well. But Paint shop pro is a program I use 90% of the time. It is much lighter(faster and easy to use in terms of conrols). For me there is nothing I can’t do in it that I want to. It does everything that photoshop does and even more (for example I like the fact that I can zoom image in and out just by rolling my mouse, instead of using the key to zoom in photoshop, I can do much more with finger tool and so on..). The only thing you may have issue with, if you like me use a lot of large files at once and keep program open 24/7, it may start to run out of memory and don’t run plugins (yes photoshop plugins do work with this program). But most people don’t use it this heavy I guess. I know there is tons of tutorials on their site, if someone want to see if it is a right fit. NOt sure if they have a free trial version, but if somoene is interested they can check.
Funny how the writer calls ‘Paint Shop Pro’ an alternative, however paint shop pro was and is the leading profit earner in this category, more than Photoshop. Photoshop is the alternative. Why? It gets’ royalties from Adobe for use of patents, just like Corel does with Microsoft word from WordPerfect (which imho is a way better product). Photopaint is the highest grossing graphic design app on the planet… all they have to do is put a product in the market to hold on to their patent. how’s that for smart!
When I try to open the Gimp download on my Mac it says I do not have an application to open it in.
It says to go to App Store and find an app or chose an app from my own applications, yet it says
I don’t have the application. How do I get the download to work on my Mac
you have to adjust your security settings to allow 3rd party app downloads.
I use Paint.NET and its Linux clone Pinta.
Thanks for sharing this awesome list Photo Editing Apps and on my side I also recommend PhotoViewerPro it has tremendous features. It’s a user-friendly and very powerful tool.
For anyone who runs Windows or Linux, then Pixeluvo is also a good alternative to consider.
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AFFINITY PHOTO is also a good and best Photo editor, provide features like Photoshop.
Yes, so far is the closest I’ve seen to get to Photo Shop. It’s closer and better than Paintshop Pro, which was my favorite before it.
Corel aftershot Pro is a paid alternative to Lightroom and the like. I use it all the time to tweak RAW files and convert them to jpgs. Fast, easy and to my eye, anyway, good.
I use GIMP, Photo Filtre, Paint.net, and of course Paint for simple stuff.
what version of windows do you use for gimp. ive been having issues to dowload,thx
What about Photoshop Elements?
Nice post thank you. Been looking for an alternative to Photoshop for a while will give some of these a try.
Wow, Susie, that was a very important correction to make. You are correct. Happy?
I mean macintosh.
I was using photoshop in 1987 on a very, very small mackintosh. That would make photoshop
30 years old. That is how long I’ve been using it. Your article says it is 25 years old. Not accurate.
Considering that “PHOTOSHOP” wasn’t actually developed until 1988, and was not released until 1990. Development began in 1987, and distribution rights, nor the completed development wasn’t until 1988 when it was sold to Adobe.
What about Photopea? Unlike all editors, that you mentioned, Photopea can work with Photoshop files 🙂
The Title says free.. but some apps listed in this post are not free.. i use gimp and am still learning it.. i have to say the best alternative for photoshop is gimp
I would recommend BIMP for self-created master pieces and Pixlr for `Photoshop` mainly because after you master both Pixlr Express and Pixlr Editor you can do a lot of amazing stuff. (took my 8 curious months to master)
It seems difficult to leave a comment
Obviously not.
wooahh mate calm down jeeeeeez!
Photoshop’s not the only image editor on the market but it is the best in the market.
While it is indeed powerful, from an artist’s perspective it is difficult to use. And it is too expensive.
Thanks for all the alternatives to Adobe’s software. They are also useful. But one one great alternative to photoshop is missing in your list – PixelStyle Photo Editor. It is also photoshop killer.
It is not the best, it is the best known. That is a difference 🙂 There are some features it lacks. For example it does not have smooth gradient on color depths >8.
I agree, it is not the best, but the best known!
There is a new PS rival called “Affinity”. Maybe it doesn’t have all Photoshop options but it works better.
Hii Dear..
Could you send me the link please, as i tried to lot and could not do it.
Thanks..