Table of Contents


» What is Photoshop?

Photoshop is one of the best imaging and graphic design software used by millions of creative users for projects. Designers use it to create beautiful designs, digital paintings, animations, and graphical drawings.

Photoshop
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With an online photo editor like Photoshop, you can make professional photography edits, remove or replace objects, and combine photos with excellent finishing.

But there are other tools out there for designers.

People search for apps like Photoshop to save costs, simplify their workflow, or find tools better suited to specific needs like lightweight editing or digital painting. Others may prefer open-source options, ethical practices, or tools compatible with their devices.

For this reason, we’ll explore 20 free & paid photo editors like Photoshop.

But first, let’s understand why design professionals and designers alike prefer software like Photoshop!

» Why is Photoshop so Popular Among Designers?

Adobe Photoshop is a popular choice among designers because it offers a range of comprehensive features, is versatile, and is industry-standard.

Its market share speaks volumes—as of February 2024, it held 42% of the global graphics software market share.

Here are some of the main reasons why software like Adobe Photoshop is prevalent among designers.

  • Gives a comprehensive toolset: Photoshop equips designers with tools for everything—photo editing, graphic design, and digital art. This is why it remains a one-stop solution for creative professionals.

  • Driven by continuous innovation: Photoshop boasts cutting-edge, AI-powered tools that help the tool remain relevant and influential.

  • Offer easy integration options: There’s a smooth compatibility with other Adobe apps like Illustrator and InDesign, which simplifies workflows and boosts productivity.

  • Provide abundant learning resources: Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, Photoshop has a vast library of tutorials, forums, and guides that help designers whenever they feel stuck.

  • Act as a highly versatile platform: Photoshop is available on Windows, macOS, and iPad so that designers can match their preferred working style and device.

However, you can avoid paying a hefty price for such popular software; there are a few alternatives.

» Top 25 Photoshop Alternatives (Free and Paid)

Let us now explore some of the top free Photoshop alternatives to get the design work done.

1) Photopea

Useful for: Advanced photo editing and graphic design directly in your browser.

Photopea is a powerful browser-based tool designed to handle both basic and advanced editing tasks. It supports PSD files and mimics Photoshop’s interface, making it an ideal choice for those who want a free, lightweight alternative without compromising functionality.

  • Price: Free (ad-supported), Pro version available for $3.33/month.
  • Platforms: Web-based (compatible with any browser).
  • Import file format: PSD, JPG, PNG, SVG, XD, Sketch, RAW, etc.
  • Export file format: PSD, JPG, PNG, PDF, SVG, etc.
  • Color Space: RGB, CMYK.
Photopea
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Pros

  • Fully browser-based. No installation required
  • Supports PSD files and advanced editing tools
  • Works seamlessly on all devices with a browser
  • Free with access to most features

Cons

  • Ads in the free version can be distracting
  • Not as feature-rich as Photoshop for professionals
  • Requires an internet connection for optimal performance

2) Canva

Useful for: Creating social media content, presentations, and marketing materials effortlessly.

Canva offers an all-in-one design platform with a vast library of templates and assets. Its intuitive drag-and-drop editor makes it a favorite for beginners and marketers looking to create polished visuals quickly.

  • Price: Free (Pro version is $12.99/month).
  • Platforms: Web-based, iOS, and Android apps.
  • Import file format: JPG, PNG, SVG.
  • Export file format: JPG, PNG, PDF, MP4.
  • Color Space: RGB.
Canva
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Pros

  • Huge library of templates and design assets
  • Easy to use, even for non-designers
  • Collaboration features for team projects
  • Supports animated and video exports

Cons

  • Limited customization in free templates
  • Not ideal for detailed photo editing
  • Need for pro version to access premium assets

3) GIMP


Useful for: Advanced photo manipulation and graphic design are free.

GIMP is a free, open-source alternative to Photoshop with professional-level tools. It’s ideal for users who need powerful editing capabilities without the cost of premium software.

  • Price: Completely free.
  • Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • Import file format: PSD, JPG, PNG, TIFF, RAW, etc.
  • Export file format: JPG, PNG, TIFF, PDF, etc.
  • Color Space: RGB, CMYK.
GIMP
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Pros

  • Robust set of features for a free tool
  • Highly customizable with plugins
  • Open-source and community-driven
  • Works offline on most operating systems

Cons

  • A steep learning curve for beginners
  • Interface can feel outdated
  • Limited integration with other tools

4) Adobe Express


Width: 1322px, Height: 385px

Useful for: Quick and professional-looking social media graphics, flyers, and logos.

Adobe Express focuses on simplicity and efficiency, offering an intuitive interface and pre-made templates. It’s perfect for creating branded content quickly without diving into complex design tools.

  • Price: Free (Premium version is $9.99/month).
  • Platforms: Web-based and mobile apps (iOS, Android).
  • Import file format: JPG, PNG, SVG.
  • Export file format: JPG, PNG, PDF.
  • Color Space: RGB.
Adobe Express
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Width: 600px, Height: 387px

Pros

  • User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality
  • Excellent templates for social media and marketing
  • Integrated with Adobe Stock (premium version)
  • Cross-platform accessibility

Cons

  • Limited features in the free version
  • Not suitable for complex editing tasks
  • Export options can feel restrictive for advanced users

5) PicMonkey

Width: 1333px, Height: 615px

Width: 1333px, Height: 615px

Useful for: Social media graphics, photo editing, and branding.

PicMonkey is designed for marketers and small business owners who need quick yet polished visuals. It offers an intuitive interface with features focused on photo retouching and content creation.

  • Price: Free trial available; plans start at $7.99/month.
  • Platforms: Web-based and mobile apps (iOS, Android).
  • Import file format: JPG, PNG.
  • Export file format: JPG, PNG, PDF.
  • Color Space: RGB.
PicMonkey
Width: 610px, Height: 305px
Width: 610px, Height: 0px
Width: 610px, Height: 305px
Width: 610px, Height: 305px
Width: 610px, Height: 305px
Width: 0px, Height: 0px
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Width: 1211px, Height: 606px
Width: 1203px, Height: 602px
Width: 1192px, Height: 596px
Width: 1128px, Height: 564px
Width: 1123px, Height: 562px
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Width: 1110px, Height: 555px
Width: 1106px, Height: 553px
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Width: 792px, Height: 396px
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Width: 626px, Height: 313px
Width: 611px, Height: 306px
Width: 610px, Height: 305px


Pros

  • User-friendly interface with a minimal learning curve
  • Great for creating social media posts and ads
  • Built-in photo retouching tools
  • Supports team collaboration in paid plans

Cons

  • Limited features in the free version
  • Smaller asset library compared to Canva
  • Not ideal for advanced design tasks

6) Pixlr

Width: 1336px, Height: 569px

Width: 1336px, Height: 569px

Useful for: Quick and efficient online photo editing for beginners and professionals.

Pixlr is a browser-based editor that supports advanced editing tools and AI features. With its sleek interface, it caters to users looking for a Photoshop-like experience without the installation.

  • Price: Free (Premium starts at $4.99/month).
  • Platforms: Web-based, iOS, Android.
  • Import file format: JPG, PNG, PSD.
  • Export file format: JPG, PNG, WEBP.
  • Color Space: RGB.
pixlr
Width: 600px, Height: 275px
Width: 600px, Height: 275px
Width: 600px, Height: 275px
Width: 0px, Height: 0px

Pros

  • No installation required — browser-based
  • Intuitive interface with powerful AI tools
  • Supports layers and advanced photo editing
  • Lightweight and fast to load

Cons

  • Ads in the free version
  • Some advanced tools are locked behind the paywall
  • Limited offline capability

7) CorelDRAW Photo-Paint

Width: 1339px, Height: 609px

Width: 1339px, Height: 609px

Width: 1339px, Height: 609px

Width: 1339px, Height: 609px

Width: 1339px, Height: 609px

Width: 1339px, Height: 609px

Width: 1339px, Height: 609px

Width: 0px, Height: 0px

Useful for: Professional photo retouching and image composition.

CorelDRAW Photo-Paint is part of the CorelDRAW Graphics Suite and offers powerful editing capabilities for creative professionals. It integrates seamlessly with other tools in the suite for a complete design workflow.

  • Price: $429 one-time payment or $22.08/month (as part of the Graphics Suite).
  • Platforms: Windows, macOS.
  • Import file format: PSD, JPG, PNG, RAW, and more.
  • Export file format: JPG, PNG, TIFF, PDF.
  • Color Space: RGB, CMYK.

Pros

  • Professional-grade tools for detailed editing
  • Excellent integration with CorelDRAW Graphics Suite
  • Supports a wide range of formats
  • Customizable interface

Cons

  • Expensive compared to other alternatives
  • Only available as part of the CorelDRAW suite

8) Affinity Photo

Width: 1348px, Height: 580px

Width: 1348px, Height: 580px

Width: 1348px, Height: 580px

Width: 1348px, Height: 580px

Width: 1348px, Height: 580px

Width: 1348px, Height: 580px

Width: 1348px, Height: 580px

Width: 1348px, Height: 580px

Width: 1348px, Height: 580px

Useful for: Advanced photo editing and retouching with a one-time purchase.

Affinity Photo is a cost-effective, professional-grade alternative to Photoshop. It’s packed with features like HDR merging, RAW editing, and precision retouching, making it ideal for serious photographers and designers.

  • Price: $69.99 one-time purchase.
  • Platforms: Windows, macOS, iPad.
  • Import file format: PSD, JPG, PNG, RAW, and more.
  • Export file format: PSD, JPG, PNG, TIFF, PDF.
  • Color Space: RGB, CMYK.

Pros

  • No subscription required; one-time payment
  • Powerful tools for professionals.
  • PSD compatibility
  • Excellent performance on iPad

Cons

  • No built-in asset libraries or templates.
  • Limited community compared to Photoshop

9) Acorn

Useful for: Lightweight photo editing for macOS users.

Acorn is a simple yet powerful photo editor designed for macOS. It’s perfect for users who want advanced features like layer-based editing without the complexity of Photoshop.

  • Price: $39.99 one-time purchase.
  • Platforms: macOS.
  • Import file format: JPG, PNG, PSD, RAW.
  • Export file format: JPG, PNG, TIFF, PSD.
  • Color Space: RGB.

Pros

  • Lightweight and fast on macOS
  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Supports layer editing and vector tools
  • Affordable with a one-time payment

Cons

  • Only available for macOS
  • Lacks some advanced features for professionals
  • Limited support for CMYK

10) Polarr

Useful for: Quick and advanced photo enhancements with AI features.

Polarr is a cross-platform photo editor that excels in quick adjustments and AI-powered editing tools. It’s ideal for users who want fast results with minimal effort.

  • Price: Free (Pro version $3.99/month).
  • Platforms: Web-based, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.
  • Import file format: JPG, PNG, RAW.
  • Export file format: JPG, PNG.
  • Color Space: RGB.

Pros

  • AI-powered filters and effects
  • Available on multiple platforms
  • Intuitive and beginner-friendly
  • Fast processing, even for large files

Cons

  • Limited features in the free version
  • Not suitable for heavy editing tasks
  • Export options are restrictive

11) Fotor

Useful for: Quick photo editing and collage-making for social media.

Fotor is a straightforward tool with basic editing features, filters, and collage options, making it a great choice for social media users and beginners.

  • Price: Free (Pro version $8.99/month).
  • Platforms: Web-based, iOS, Android, Windows, macOS.
  • Import file format: JPG, PNG.
  • Export file format: JPG, PNG.
  • Color Space: RGB.

Pros

  • Easy-to-use interface with one-click filters
  • Great for quick edits and collages
  • Includes photo retouching tools
  • Free version covers basic needs

Cons

  • Limited features for advanced users
  • Ads in the free version
  • Export quality can be inconsistent

12) Paint.net

Useful for: Lightweight photo editing on Windows.

Paint.NET is a free photo editing tool offering a simple interface with essential editing features. It’s ideal for basic editing tasks and beginners who need something lightweight.

  • Price: Free.
  • Platforms: Windows.
  • Import file format: JPG, PNG, BMP, GIF.
  • Export file format: JPG, PNG, BMP, TIFF.
  • Color Space: RGB.

Pros

  • Completely free to use.
  • Lightweight and fast.
  • Plugins extend functionality.
  • Easy for beginners

Cons

  • Only available on Windows
  • Limited tools for professional editing
  • Outdated interface compared to modern tools

13) Krita

Useful for: Digital painting and illustration.

Krita is a free, open-source tool designed for digital artists and illustrators. It offers an impressive set of painting tools and brushes, making it a favorite among creatives.

  • Price: Free.
  • Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • Import file format: PSD, PNG, JPG, RAW.
  • Export file format: PSD, PNG, JPG, TIFF.
  • Color Space: RGB, CMYK.

Pros

  • Perfect for digital painting and concept art
  • Highly customizable brushes and tools
  • Free and open-source
  • Wide community support

Cons

  • Limited photo editing features.
  • Resource-intensive for older systems.

14) Desygner

Useful for: Simple graphic design and social media content creation.

Desygner is a beginner-friendly design tool focused on creating marketing materials and social media visuals. It’s perfect for non-designers who need quick results.

  • Price: Free (Premium plans start at $4.95/month).
  • Platforms: Web-based, iOS, Android.
  • Import file format: JPG, PNG.
  • Export file format: JPG, PNG, PDF.
  • Color Space: RGB.

Pros

  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Pre-made templates for various uses
  • Affordable pricing
  • Great for social media visuals

Cons

  • Limited customization in free templates
  • Not ideal for advanced designs
  • Some features are locked in the free version

15) Instasize

Useful for: Editing photos and videos for social media platforms.

Instasize is a mobile-first editing tool designed to create social media-ready content quickly. It offers filters, resizing tools, and text overlays, making it ideal for influencers and marketers.

  • Price: Free (Premium starts at $4.99/month).
  • Platforms: iOS, Android.
  • Import file format: JPG, PNG.
  • Export file format: JPG, PNG.
  • Color Space: RGB.

Pros

  • Designed for social media creators
  • User-friendly with one-tap editing
  • Filters and resizing tools
  • Mobile-first approach

Cons

  • Limited tools in the free version
  • No desktop support
  • Advanced edits require a subscription

16) Sumopaint

Useful for: Online image editing and digital art creation.

Sumopaint is a browser-based tool for lightweight editing and digital illustration. It’s a versatile alternative for users who want an easy-to-use tool with essential features.

  • Price: Free (Pro starts at $4/month).
  • Platforms: Web-based.
  • Import file format: JPG, PNG.
  • Export file format: JPG, PNG.
  • Color Space: RGB.

Pros

  • Lightweight and accessible.
  • Great for basic editing and illustrations.
  • Free version available.
  • Quick learning curve.

Cons

  • Limited advanced features.
  • Requires an internet connection

17) Photoscape X

Useful for: Basic photo editing and creative effects for casual users.

Photoscape X is an all-in-one editing tool offering features like batch editing, color adjustments, and creative filters. It’s ideal for those who want quick edits without diving into complex tools.

  • Price: Free (Pro version $39.99 one-time or $4.99/month).
  • Platforms: Windows, macOS.
  • Import file format: JPG, PNG, RAW, BMP, GIF.
  • Export file format: JPG, PNG, BMP, GIF.
  • Color Space: RGB.

Pros

  • Easy to use with a friendly interface
  • Offers batch editing for quick workflows
  • Built-in filters and effects for creative projects
  • Affordable Pro version with added features

Cons

  • Limited tools compared to professional-grade editors
  • Free version has fewer features
  • Not suitable for high-end photo retouching

18) Inkscape

Width: 1330px, Height: 631px

Width: 1330px, Height: 631px

Width: 1330px, Height: 631px

Width: 1330px, Height: 631px

Width: 1330px, Height: 631px

Width: 1330px, Height: 631px

Width: 1330px, Height: 631px

Width: 1330px, Height: 631px

Width: 1330px, Height: 631px

Width: 1330px, Height: 631px

Useful for: Vector-based graphic design and illustration.

Inkscape is a free, open-source tool for creating vector graphics. It allows designers to control shapes and designs precisely.

  • Price: Free
  • Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • Import file format: SVG, EPS, JPG, PNG, PDF.
  • Export file format: SVG, PNG, PDF.
  • Color Space: RGB.

Pros

  • Free and open-source with robust features
  • Perfect for vector illustration and scalable graphics
  • Regular updates and strong community support
  • Compatible with industry-standard formats

Cons

  • Slower performance on older systems
  • Limited tools for raster photo editing

19) CinePaint

Useful for: Advanced photo retouching and frame-by-frame editing for films.

CinePaint is a professional-grade tool designed for high-quality retouching, particularly in cinematic production. It’s popular among filmmakers for tasks like painting over individual movie frames.

  • Price: Free.
  • Platforms: Linux, macOS.
  • Import file format: OpenEXR, TIFF, DPX, JPG, PNG.
  • Export file format: OpenEXR, TIFF, DPX, JPG, PNG.
  • Color Space: RGB, CMYK.

Pros

  • Tailored for film and animation workflows
  • Supports high dynamic range (HDR) imaging
  • Powerful frame-by-frame editing tools
  • Free and open-source

Cons

  • Limited compatibility with Windows
  • Outdated interface compared to modern tools
  • Not ideal for standard photo editing

20) Photo Pos Pro

Useful for: Advanced photo editing with an intuitive interface.
Photo Pos Pro is a versatile tool that offers professional-level editing capabilities for free. Its two interface modes are designed to accommodate both beginners and advanced users.

  • Price: Free (Pro version $29.99 one-time).
  • Platforms: Windows.
  • Import file format: JPG, PNG, BMP, RAW.
  • Export file format: JPG, PNG, BMP, TIFF.
  • Color Space: RGB.

Pros

  • Beginner-friendly with easy mode
  • Advanced editing tools for professionals
  • Affordable Pro version with more features
  • Supports high-quality exports

Cons

  • Windows-only availability
  • Limited performance on large files
  • Fewer advanced tools compared to Photoshop

» Best Photoshop Alternatives - By Use Cases

Now that we’ve explored 25 software similar to Photoshop, let's break down the best Photoshop alternatives by specific use cases.

This table provides a breakdown of the best Photoshop alternatives by specific use cases, ensuring accuracy in categorizing whether a software supports the mentioned tasks. Each tool has been thoroughly checked for compatibility with the following use cases: photo manipulation, graphic designing, image color correction, minor image edits, mockups, logo design, and print design

Software
Photo
Manipulation
Graphic
Designing
Image Color
Correction
Minor Image
Edits
Mockups
Logo
Design
Print
Design
Photopea✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️
Canva✖️✔️✖️✔️✔️✔️✔️
GIMP✔️✔️✔️✔️✖️✔️✔️
Adobe
Express
✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️
PicMonkey✔️✔️✖️✔️✖️✔️✔️
Pixlr✔️✔️✔️✔️✖️✔️✖️
CorelDRAW
Photo-Paint
✖️✔️✔️✔️✖️✔️✔️
Affinity
Photo
✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️
Acorn✔️✔️✔️✔️✖️✔️✔️
Polarr✔️✖️✔️✔️✖️✖️✖️
Fotor✖️✔️✔️✔️✖️✖️✖️
Paint.net✔️✔️✔️✔️✖️✖️✖️
Krita✖️✔️✖️✔️✖️✔️✔️
Desygner✖️✔️✖️✔️✔️✔️✔️
Instasize✖️✔️✖️✔️✖️✖️✖️
Sumopaint✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️
Photoscape X✖️✔️✖️✔️✖️✔️✔️
Inkscape✖️✔️✖️✔️✔️✔️✔️
CinePaint✖️✔️✖️✔️✖️✔️✔️
Photo Pos Pro✔️✔️✔️✔️✖️✔️✔️


» Photoshop Alternatives with Generative AI Capabilities

There are plenty of Generative AI tools that act as free Photoshop alternatives, allowing designers. Such tools are helpful in automating repetitive tasks, creating unique effects, and accelerating workflows. 

AI features like smart object removal, text-to-image generation, auto-enhancements, and more make these more super-powerful for creative professionals seeking efficiency and innovation.

Below are some of those Photoshop equivalent tools.

1) Luminar Neo

Luminar Neo uses AI to simplify complex edits, such as replacing the sky, removing objects, and relighting images. It also offers advanced AI-powered tools for portrait retouching and enhancing photos with a single click.

2) Runway ML

Known for its generative AI capabilities, Runway ML enables text-to-image creation, video editing, and automated background replacement, making it ideal for designers and video editors exploring creative AI solutions.

3) DeepArt.io

This tool uses AI to transform photos into artwork by applying artistic styles, making it perfect for users who want to create visually unique images.

4) Artbreeder

Artbreeder uses generative AI to combine and remix images, helping users create unique portraits, landscapes, or abstract visuals by blending multiple inputs.

» Wrapping Up

When you are looking for the best tools as an app designer, the Photoshop is not the only option. We’ve checked each of those quick social Photoshop alternatives that are useful in creating mockups, creating designs, and performing edits as well.

Moreover, the rise of generative AI has further expanded the possibilities in design. Tools like Luminar Neo and Runway ML are paving the way with innovative AI-driven features, making complex tasks like object removal, sky replacement, and text-to-image generation simpler and more accessible.

Ultimately, choosing the suitable Photoshop alternative comes down to understanding your needs, workflow, and budget. With so many incredible options available—ranging from open-source programs to AI-powered platforms—creativity has never been more within reach.

» FAQs

1) Can I use Photoshop for free?

Adobe Photoshop isn’t free, but they do offer a 7-day free trial to try out all its features. Once the trial ends, you’ll need to sign up for a subscription, starting at $20.99/month. If paying isn’t an option, you can explore free alternatives like GIMP, Photopea, or Krita to get the job done.

2) Who is the closest competitor to Photoshop?

When it comes to competing with Photoshop, Affinity Photo stands out as the closest alternative. It’s packed with professional-level tools, works seamlessly with PSD files, and doesn’t tie you to a subscription, thanks to its affordable one-time purchase model.

3) Which is the best alternative to Photoshop?

The best alternative really depends on what you need it for. If you’re into serious photo editing, Affinity Photo, Luminar Neo, or Photopea are solid choices. For beginners, Canva and Pixlr make things easy, while GIMP and Krita are perfect if you’re looking for free tools that still deliver quality.

4) Which software are free Photoshop alternatives?

If you’re hunting for free options, GIMP is a popular choice that comes with advanced tools and a super-customizable interface. Photopea works right in your browser and supports PSD files. Krita is amazing for artists, while Paint.NET keeps it lightweight and simple for Windows users.

5) Which apps can I use for image editing other than Photoshop?

There are plenty of apps to explore for image editing. Pixlr is great if you want something browser-based and quick, while Fotor keeps it simple with one-tap enhancements. Affinity Photo delivers professional-grade results, and Polarr uses AI tools to make editing faster and more precise.

6) Which apps are better than Photoshop for designing?

If designing is your focus, tools like Canva and Adobe Express are perfect for creating eye-catching social media posts and branded content. Inkscape is excellent for vector-based work, and CorelDRAW is a go-to option for professionals handling print and large-scale designs.


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