Best Photoshop Alternatives

Adobe Photoshop has long been the go-to software for image editing. However, its subscription model and complexity have led many to seek alternatives. Fortunately, several powerful and user-friendly options are available. These alternatives offer robust features without the high cost or steep learning curve. Whether you're a professional photographer or a casual user, exploring these options can help you find the perfect tool for your editing needs.

This article includes various alternatives to Photoshop that are free to use and work as effectively as Photoshop.

What is Photoshop and Why is It Used?

Adobe Photoshop is a leading image editing software used by photographers, designers, and digital artists. Launched in 1990, it offers powerful tools for photo retouching, graphic design, and digital art creation.

What is Photoshop?

Photoshop is a raster-based editor that supports formats like JPEG, PNG, PSD, and RAW. It provides layer-based editing, AI-powered enhancements, photo retouching, and advanced color correction, making it a top choice for professionals.

Why is Photoshop Used?

1. Photo Editing & Retouching

• Enhances images, adjusts exposure, and removes imperfections.
• Used in fashion, beauty, and product photography.

2. Graphic Design & Digital Art

• Ideal for logos, banners, social media graphics, and digital paintings.
• Supports vector and raster editing for branding and UI/UX design.

3. Web & App Design: Used for website layouts, wireframes, and app designs.

4. Marketing & Advertising: Creates flyers, posters, and social media content for brands.

5. eCommerce & Product Editing: Optimizes product images, removes backgrounds, and enhances clarity.

6. Motion Graphics & Video Editing: Works with Premiere Pro and After Effects for thumbnails and animations.

7. Print & Publishing: Used for magazines, book covers, and brochures with print-ready designs.

Why Choose Photoshop?

• AI-Powered Editing: Neural filters & smart object removal.
• Industry Standard: Trusted by professionals worldwide.
• Regular Updates: New tools and workflow improvements.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Available on Windows, macOS, and iPad.

What Makes the Best Free Photo Editor?

A good free photo editor should provide essential editing tools, an easy-to-use interface, and high-quality output without costly subscriptions. Whether you're a beginner or a professional, the best free photo editing apps offer a mix of basic and advanced features to enhance images effectively.

Key Features of a Great Free Photo Editor

1. Essential Editing Tools

• Brightness, contrast, and exposure adjustments for image enhancement.
• Crop and resize functions to frame images perfectly.
• Color correction tools to fine-tune tones and saturation.

2. Advanced Editing Features

• Layers and masks for professional-style editing.
• Object removal and background eraser for precise refinements.
• AI-powered enhancements to improve image quality effortlessly.

3. Filters and Presets

• A good editor should include customizable filters and effects to match different styles.
• One-tap presets for quick and professional results.

4. Easy-to-Use Interface

• A simple layout with intuitive controls helps beginners and professionals work efficiently.
• Non-destructive editing ensures that original images remain intact.

5. Support for Multiple Formats

• The best free editors allow editing of JPEG, PNG, RAW, and other formats.
• Compatibility with high-resolution images is essential for professional use.

6. No Watermarks or Ads

• A truly great free editor should not impose watermarks on exported images.
• Ad-free or minimal ad interruptions make for a better user experience.

7. Cloud and Cross-Platform Sync

• Editors that offer cloud storage or cross-device editing improve workflow efficiency.
• Integration with platforms like Google Drive or Dropbox is a plus.

Examples of the Best Free Photo Editors

Some of the best free photo editing apps include:

• Snapseed – Professional-grade editing with no ads or watermarks.
• GIMP – A Photoshop alternative with advanced tools.
• Canva – Great for social media designs and simple edits.
• Pixlr – AI-powered effects with an easy interface.

Best Free Photoshop Alternatives

Adobe Photoshop has long been the industry standard for image editing, but its cost and complexity have led many to seek free alternatives. Fortunately, several robust and user-friendly options are available that cater to both beginners and professionals. 

Here are some of the best free Photoshop alternatives:

Canva

Canva is a graphic design and photo editing platform with an easy drag-and-drop interface. It offers templates, stock images, editing tools, and collaboration features, making it ideal for creating social media posts, presentations, and marketing materials.

Features of Canva

• Drag and Drop Editor: Simple interface for easy design creation
• Thousands of Templates: Pre-designed layouts for various needs
• Stock Images and Elements: Access to free and premium photos, icons, and illustrations
• Photo Editing Tools: Crop, resize, adjust brightness, contrast, and apply effects
• Collaboration and Cloud Storage: Real-time team collaboration with cloud-based projects
• Branding Tools (Pro Version): Store logos, fonts, and color palettes
• Video Editing and Animations: Basic video editing with transitions and animated elements

Pros of Canva

• Easy-to-use interface, no design skills required
• Large library of templates and stock elements
• Free version available with essential features
• Supports real-time collaboration for teams
• Works across Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android
• Cloud storage for saving and accessing projects

Cons of Canva

• Lacks advanced editing and layer-based features
• Some templates and elements require a Pro subscription
• Limited photo editing tools compared to professional software
• Free users can’t download transparent PNGs or high-resolution files
• Requires an internet connection for most features

Photopea

Photopea is a web-based photo editor that serves as a powerful alternative to Adobe Photoshop. It supports layer-based editing, advanced retouching tools, and multiple file formats, including PSD, AI, XD, and RAW. With no installation required, it is ideal for users who need a Photoshop-like experience in a browser.

Features of Photopea

• Web-Based Editor: Runs directly in a browser, no installation is needed
• Layer Support: Advanced editing with masks, blending modes, and smart objects
• File Compatibility: Supports PSD, AI, XD, RAW, PNG, JPEG, and SVG formats
• Selection and Masking Tools: Enables precise cutouts and object removal
• Brushes and Filters: Offers customizable brushes and various artistic effects
• Text and Vector Editing: Allows designing logos, banners, and typography-based graphics
• Smart Object Support: Maintains non-destructive editing for flexibility
• Export Options: Saves files in multiple formats with custom resolution settings

Pros of Photopea

• Free to use with no installation required
• Supports multiple file formats, including PSD and AI
• Offers advanced features similar to Photoshop
• Works on any device with an internet connection
• Allows non-destructive editing with smart objects
• Great for quick edits and professional-level designs

Cons of Photopea

• Free version contains ads
• Requires an internet connection for full functionality
• Can be slower compared to offline software for large files
• Interface may feel overwhelming for beginners
• Lacks some AI-powered features available in premium software

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free, open-source photo editing software that offers professional-grade features for image retouching, graphic design, and digital art. It is widely used as an alternative to Adobe Photoshop, supporting layers, masks, and advanced selection tools.

Features of GIMP

• Free and Open-Source: Available for all users with no subscription fees
• Layer-Based Editing: Supports multiple layers, masks, and blending modes
• Customizable Interface: Users can adjust the layout and create custom toolsets
• Advanced Selection Tools: Includes paths, quick mask, and smart selection for precise edits
• Photo Retouching: Features like clone, heal, and perspective correction for detailed image fixes
• Brush and Paint Tools: Offers a variety of brushes, patterns, and textures for digital painting
• Plugin and Script Support: Extensible with third-party plugins and automation via Python scripting
• File Format Compatibility: Supports PSD, PNG, JPEG, TIFF, and various RAW formats

Pros of GIMP

• Completely free with no hidden costs
• Cross-platform support for Windows, macOS, and Linux
• Extensive customization options and plugin support
• Works well for photo editing, graphic design, and digital painting
• Lightweight compared to Photoshop, making it accessible on older hardware
• Strong community support with regular updates

Cons of GIMP

• Lacks some advanced features found in Photoshop, like AI-powered tools
• No built-in support for CMYK, making it less suitable for print professionals
• Can have a steep learning curve for beginners
• The interface is less intuitive compared to commercial alternatives
• Some PSD files may not open with full compatibility

Photoroom

PhotoRoom is an AI-powered photo editing app designed primarily for background removal, product photography, and social media content creation. It automates complex edits, making it a great tool for eCommerce sellers, marketers, and influencers who need professional images with minimal effort.

Features of PhotoRoom

• AI-Powered Background Removal: Instantly removes backgrounds with high accuracy
• One-Tap Object Cutout: Isolates subjects for easy placement on new backgrounds
• Pre-Made Templates: Offers ready-to-use layouts for social media, marketing, and product images
• Batch Editing: Allows processing multiple images at once for efficiency
• Instant Retouching: Enhances portraits with AI-driven touch-up tools
• Text and Logo Addition: Customizes images with branding elements
• High-Resolution Export: Saves images in HD quality for professional use
• Cross-Platform Availability: Works on iOS, Android, and Web

Pros of PhotoRoom

• AI-driven editing speeds up workflow
• Excellent background removal tool for eCommerce and social media
• Pre-made templates simplify content creation
• Supports batch editing to process multiple images quickly
• No technical skills required for high-quality edits
• Works on both mobile and desktop via web-based access

Cons of PhotoRoom

• Free version includes a watermark
• Limited advanced editing features compared to Photoshop
• Requires an internet connection for AI-powered tools
• Some cutouts may need manual refinement for complex backgrounds
• Premium subscription needed for full access to features

Fotor

Fotor is an AI-powered online photo editor designed for quick edits, graphic design, and collage-making. It offers one-click enhancements, professional filters, and retouching tools, making it a great choice for beginners, social media users, and marketers.

Features of Fotor

• AI-Powered Editing: One-click enhancements for brightness, contrast, and color adjustments
• Background Remover: Automatically removes backgrounds for product and portrait photos
• Photo Retouching: Includes skin smoothing, blemish removal, and beauty effects
• Filters and Effects: A vast collection of artistic filters and advanced effects
• Collage Maker: Customizable templates for creating collages
• Text and Stickers: Allows adding captions, icons, and decorative elements
• Batch Editing: Processes multiple images at once to save time
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Available on Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android

Pros of Fotor

• Simple interface, ideal for beginners
• AI-powered tools speed up editing
• Offers a variety of filters and effects
• Works on both desktop and mobile
• Includes a free version with essential features

Cons of Fotor

• Free version includes ads and watermarks
• Limited advanced editing tools compared to Photoshop
• Some high-end features require a premium subscription
• Background removal may need manual refinements
• Requires an internet connection for full functionality

Pixlr E and X

Pixlr offers two versions of its photo editing platform:

• Pixlr X is a beginner-friendly editor with quick, one-click enhancements.
• Pixlr E is an advanced editor with layer-based editing, making it a free alternative to Photoshop.

Both versions run directly in a web browser, requiring no downloads or installations.

Features of Pixlr E and Pixlr X

Pixlr X (Beginner-Friendly Editor)

• One-Click AI Enhancements: Automatically adjusts brightness, contrast, and colors
• Filters and Effects: Pre-set filters for quick styling
• Text and Stickers: Add captions, icons, and decorative elements
• Background Removal: AI-powered tool for fast cutouts
• Simple Interface: Clean layout for easy navigation

Pixlr E (Advanced Editor)

• Layer-Based Editing: Supports multiple layers and blending modes
• Advanced Selection Tools: Allows precise object cutouts
• Brush and Clone Stamp: Enables detailed retouching
• Masking and Transparency Support: For more complex edits
• Wide File Compatibility: Supports PSD, PNG, JPEG, and WebP

Pros of Pixlr E and Pixlr X

• Free to use with no installation required
• Pixlr X is ideal for quick edits, while Pixlr E offers advanced tools
• User-friendly interface with intuitive navigation
• AI-powered tools speed up editing
• Works on any device with an internet connection

Cons of Pixlr E and Pixlr X

• Free version contains ads
• Some premium features require a paid subscription
• Internet connection needed for full functionality
• Lacks advanced AI tools found in premium software
• May struggle with very high-resolution images

Krita

Krita is a free, open-source digital painting and photo editing software designed for illustrators, concept artists, and designers. It provides powerful brush engines, layer-based editing, and animation tools, making it a great alternative to Photoshop for digital artists.

Features of Krita

• Customizable Brush Engine: Over 100+ brushes, with texture and opacity controls
• Layer-Based Editing: Supports multiple layers, blending modes, and masks
• Vector Tools: Allows creating scalable artwork with shape layers
• Advanced Selection Tools: Includes freehand, magnetic, and color-based selection
• AI-Powered Assistants: Features for perspective grids, symmetry painting, and stabilization
• Animation Support: Frame-by-frame animation tools for 2D artists
• HDR Painting Support: Enables high-dynamic-range image creation
• Customizable Interface: Users can create personalized workspaces

Pros of Krita

• Completely free and open-source
• Highly customizable brush and tool settings
• Excellent for digital painting, concept art, and illustrations
• Supports layer-based editing similar to Photoshop
• Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux
• No subscription fees or hidden costs

Cons of Krita

• Not optimized for photo retouching and graphic design
• Lacks AI-powered tools and advanced photo effects
• Interface may feel overwhelming for beginners
• Limited text and typography tools
• Can be resource-heavy on older hardware

PhotoScape X

PhotoScape X is an all-in-one photo editing software that offers tools for basic edits, batch processing, collage making, and GIF creation. It is designed for beginners and casual users who need an easy-to-use yet feature-rich photo editor.

Features of PhotoScape X

• Photo Editing: Adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, and apply filters
• Batch Editing: Edit multiple images at once to save time
• Collage and Montage Maker: Combine multiple images into a single layout
• GIF Creation: Convert a series of images into an animated GIF
• Background Removal: AI-powered tool for cutting out subjects
• Sticker and Text Tools: Add customizable stickers, shapes, and text overlays
• RAW File Support: Edit RAW images with built-in processing tools
• Screen Capture Tool: Take screenshots and edit them directly in the app

Pros of PhotoScape X

• Simple and beginner-friendly interface
• Wide range of editing, collage, and GIF-making tools
• Supports batch processing for efficiency
• No subscription is required for the basic version
• Available on Windows and macOS

Cons of PhotoScape X

• Lacks layer-based editing, making it less suitable for advanced users
• Some tools and filters require a Pro version upgrade
• Not ideal for professional graphic design or detailed photo retouching
• Free version includes limited export options

MyEdit

MyEdit is a versatile, AI-powered photo editing tool designed for quick and easy image enhancements. It provides a range of features for basic edits, background removal, noise reduction, and audio editing, making it a great choice for casual users, content creators, and marketers.

Features of MyEdit

• AI-Powered Photo Editing: Adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation, and apply instant enhancements
• Background Removal: Smart AI tool for cutting out subjects seamlessly
• Noise Reduction: Removes image noise and graininess for sharper visuals
• One-Tap Filters & Effects: Apply artistic filters and instant effects for a polished look
• Object Removal Tool: Easily erase unwanted elements from photos
• Text and Stickers: Add customizable text, stickers, and overlays for creative designs
• Audio Editing Tools: Trim, merge, and enhance audio files for multimedia projects
• Online & Cross-Platform Access: Works directly in a browser, eliminating the need for installation

Pros of MyEdit

• User-friendly interface, perfect for beginners
• AI-powered tools simplify photo and audio editing
• Fast background and object removal for clean edits
• Works online, no installation required
• Free version available with essential features

Cons of MyEdit

• Lacks advanced layer-based editing for professional designers
• Some premium features require a paid upgrade
• Not ideal for high-end photo retouching
• Requires an internet connection for most tools

Paint.NET

Paint.NET is a lightweight yet powerful image editing software designed for Windows users. Originally developed as a free alternative to Microsoft Paint, it has evolved into a feature-rich editor that supports layers, special effects, and plugin extensions. It is ideal for beginners and casual users who need simple yet effective editing tools.

Features of Paint.NET

• Layer-Based Editing: Supports multiple layers for non-destructive editing
• Essential Editing Tools: Crop, resize, rotate, and adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation
• Selection and Retouching Tools: Includes lasso, magic wand, and clone stamp for precise editing
• Special Effects and Filters: Apply blur, sharpen, distortion, and artistic effects
• Plugin Support: Extend functionality with third-party plugins for additional tools and effects
• Unlimited Undo History: Step back multiple edits without losing progress
• Fast and Lightweight: Runs smoothly on most Windows devices without heavy system requirements

Pros of Paint.NET

• Free and easy to use, perfect for beginners
• Layer support for more advanced editing
• Fast performance with a lightweight design
• Active community providing plugins and tutorials
• No subscription or hidden costs

Cons of Paint.NET

• Windows-only, no macOS or Linux support
• Lacks advanced features like AI tools and professional retouching
• Limited text and typography tools
• Requires plugins to unlock more professional-grade features

Who Uses Photoshop Alternative?

Many people are moving away from Photoshop because of its high cost, system demands, and complexity. Luckily, there are plenty of free and budget-friendly alternatives that offer powerful editing tools without the hefty price tag.

• GIMP and Photopea are top choices for those who need pro-level editing without the cost.
• Canva and Fotor are perfect for marketers and casual users looking for quick, template-based designs.
• Affinity Photo is a favorite among professionals who want advanced features without a subscription.
• As more people look for affordable, user-friendly editing software, the demand for these alternatives keeps growing.

Conclusion

Finding the best Photoshop alternative depends on your needs and skill level. GIMP and Photopea are great free options for advanced editing, while Canva and Fotor offer beginner-friendly tools for quick designs. Affinity Photo provides professional features without a subscription, making it a strong competitor. Whether you need a free, web-based, or one-time purchase solution, there are plenty of powerful alternatives available. As demand for affordable and accessible editing tools grows, these options continue to improve, making high-quality image editing more accessible to everyone.