What is Adobe Photoshop?
Adobe Photoshop is a raster graphic editor that was developed originally in 1988 by John and Thomas Knoll who later sold the licensing for the software to Adobe. Since then Photoshop has become an industry standard in the realm of photo editing, graphic design and digital art. Even the word ‘photoshop’ has entered into the cultural lexicon as the common term for photo editing and manipulation. With the rise of Photoshop’s popularity the demand for Photoshop alternatives has also boomed. But why do you need alternatives to Photoshop at all?
Photoshop can be an expensive tool at $20/month. Additionally since it is a subscription based service, the costs of using Photoshop is a recurring one and not a one time expense. Many photographers, designers and artists prefer to avoid having to incur such an expense and would rather look for Photoshop alternatives free or paid, to get similar features at a more affordable price point. Additionally, if you are a beginner then Photoshop can be a bit overwhelming. It is not the easiest to use or intuitive editing software and there is definitely a bit of a learning curve for someone who is new to photo editing or graphic design.
If Photoshop’s steep pricing is intimidating for you and you have been wondering what are some free alternatives to Photoshop or if you are a beginner to image editing who needs easy to learn Photoshop alternatives, then you are in the right place. Let us look at some of the best Photoshop alternatives free and paid for 2023 to help you find your perfect image editor!
Here are the Best Photoshop alternatives for 2023:
Check out our top list of the Best Free Photoshop Alternatives
Canva
Canva is an easy to use graphic design platform that can be used to create a variety of graphics including logos, banners, posters, social media graphics, presentations and other visual content. Canvas utilizes a variety of templates that can be edited according to the user’s requirements to create custom visual graphics easily and without any professional graphic design training. Canva offers both free and paid plans. The free version is not as extensive and feature-rich as the premium versions but still offers a good deal of functionality and templates if you are looking for a quick and easy to use Photoshop alternative.
Features
Photo editing tools including resizing, cropping, image adjusting and enhancement tools.
Video editing tools including video trimming, cropping, video transitions and merging tools. You can also check out our article on the top video editing apps for iphone and android.
Graphic design tools for logos, flyers, social media visual content, banners and more.
Pre-made templates make it easy for non-professionals to create graphics quickly and easily.
Freemium model with both free and paid plans.
| PROS | CONS |
| User-friendly Photoshop alternative, no training required | Not suitable for advanced image retouching and photo manipulation |
| Pre-designed templates facilitate graphic creation for beginners | Offers a freemium model with limited free tools |
| Freemium pricing enables wide affordability and accessibility | Limited visual output formats, no PSD export |
| Ideal for beginners, basic image and video editing tools suffice | Range of apps and integrations provided is fairly limited |
GIMP
GIMP is a free and open source raster graphic editing platform similar to Photoshop. GIMP has long been one of the most popular alternatives to Photoshop mainly due to its open source nature and extensive community. GIMP is not one of the most beginner-friendly Photoshop alternatives because the interface can be just as complicated as Photoshop. However, this also makes GIMP an alternative to Photoshop that is as close as possible to the real thing. If you are looking for Photoshop alternatives that offer the same level of advanced features and customizability as Photoshop, GIMP is the way to go.
Features
Full-featured raster graphics editor with advanced functionality. It can be used for graphic design, digital art, photo editing and more.
Completely free and open source.
Full suite of digital painting tools including professionally designed brushes.
Options for extending the platform's capabilities through external scripts as well as over 100+ plugins
Supports multiple file formats including but not limited to bmp, gif, jpeg, mng, pcx, pdf, png, ps, psd, svg etc.
| PROS | CONS |
| Full open source, free to use and modify platform | Challenging learning curve; unintuitive interface for beginners |
| Powerful raster graphic editor with extensive capabilities | Advanced platform, not suitable for basic image editing |
| Multi-format support enables editing various image types | Not as powerful as Photoshop |
| Active community of users and volunteers | Lack of customer support, as it's an open-source software |
Darktable
Darktable is a free and open source image editing and raw processing platform. Unlike Photoshop or GIMP, Darktable is not a raster graphic editor and therefore does not offer a full range of graphic development and editing capabilities. Instead it is focused more on
on photo editing, raw processing and simplifying the post production workflow for photographers. The platform is free and can be used on Mac, Windows, Linux, Solaris and a variety of other operating systems.
Features
Non-destructive image editing and raw processing.
GPU accelerated image processing.
Cross platform support for Mac, Linux, Windows, Solaris and more.
Built-in, professional color management.
Support for multiple file formats including but not limited to JPEG, CR2, NEF, HDR, PFM and more.
| PROS | CONS |
| Image editing preserves raster data until export | Geared towards photographers, not ideal for painting |
| Streamlined workflow for photographers' raw processing | No online or mobile versions available |
| Darktable is available in over 21 languages | Steep learning curve. Not very beginner-friendly |
| Completely free and open source | Could be stronger in managing shadow details |
Photo Pos Pro
Photos Pos Pro is a free image editor that works well as a Photoshop alternative for beginners and experts alike. The editor comes with the option of different interfaces for different levels of users. Beginners to photo editing can use the Novice mode which offers more limited functionality but is easier to use and understand. A downside of Photos Pos Pro is that it is only available on Windows. If you want to use it on an Apple device you would need to have a Windows Apps emulator installed. However, if you are looking for Photoshop alternatives for Windows devices, Photos Pos Pro is perfect for you.
Features
Image editing and retouching tools including photo enhancements, background removal, removing unwanted objects, advanced photo effects and more.
Support for advanced professional features including filters, layers, masks, scripts, brushes etc.
Simple, easy to understand interspace and customizable workspace.
Graphics and text enhancements.
Support for a large number of file types including raw and gif file formats.
| PROS | CONS |
| Flexible workspace for beginners and experts | Interface can be challenging due to clunkiness |
| Advanced photo editing and graphic editing features | The platform can be slow to load at times |
| Multiple file formats supported, including raw files | Limited to Windows, lacks cross-platform compatibility |
| Excellent help and many educational tutorials | Customer service can be slow to respond |
Pixlr X
Pixlr X is a cloud based image editing software that allows users to perform basic edits, color correction and basic graphic designing and drawing. The platform is free and can be used on Mac, Windows or online through a browser application. Pixlr also offers a mobile based app for Android and iOS users. Pixlr X is a very intuitive platform which makes it an ideal alternative to Photoshop for beginners, however, it also offers advanced photo editing features including layers making it a wonderfully versatile Photoshop alternative.
Features
Cross platform support including browser based photo editor.
Pre-built templates for quick and easy graphic design.
Photo editing, enhancing and retouching tools.
Support for advanced photo editing tools and features including layers.
| PROS | CONS |
| Pre-made templates make it ideal for beginners and everyday users | Less versatile and powerful than Photoshop or GIMP |
| Clean, icon-based interface makes it look modern, uncluttered and intuitive | Not recommended for professional photographers or designers |
| Multi-language support | Limited layers and blending options |
| Cross platform support including browser based app | Could Offer more template |
Photopea
Photopea is a web based image and graphics editor that has been gaining positive acclaim as an alternative to Photoshop because of the similarity in design and workflow. Photopea can work with both raster and vector graphics and supports PSD, XCF, AI and Sketch files. Since it is a free, web based application, Photopea is supported by online advertisements. Being a web-based application, you do not need to download it onto your computer but can simply work with it as a browser app. This makes Photopea compatible with a large number of operating systems since no native app needs to be downloaded.
Features
Advanced image editor that can work with both raster and vector graphics
Web browser-based application supported by advertisements.
Cloning and heal tools for photo retouching.
Image readjustment, resizing and cropping tools.
Can create images from scratch or work with existing PSD files.
| PROS | CONS |
| Cross-platform web app without native dependencies | Web-based app - increases risk of work loss |
| Photoshop-like interface ideal for experienced users | Not as powerful as Photoshop and can be slower |
| Supports both raster and vector graphics | Cannot be used offline |
| Support for raw file formats | Only works with 8-bit color channels |
Fotor
Fotor is a powerful, user-friendly photo editor tool that can be used online, on Windows or Mac or downloaded as an Android or iOS mobile application. Fotor is mainly a photo editing app and includes basic editing tools such as cropping, red eye removal,background removal, photo retouching and more. Fotor can also be used for collage making and graphic design. The platform offers a variety of templates for blog posts, banners, posters, social media content and more. If you are looking for user-friendly alternatives to Photoshop, Fotor can be a good choice.
Features
Photo editing and enhancement tools with AI integration for one tap photo enhancements and automatic background removal.
Retouching tools for fine tuning portraits.
Collage maker and graphic design tools.
Pre-designed templates for easy graphic designing for social media content, banners, posters and more
| PROS | CONS |
| Easy to use and accessible photo editor with AI integration | Offers basic editing, have no advanced features |
| Multi-language support | Lack of digital art creation tools |
| Social media integrations make it easy to share images | Premium profile necessary for important program features |
| NFT creator allows you to turn your images into NFTs easily | Great for photos but not the best for drawing/design |
Raw Therapee
Raw Therapee is a raw image processing, non-destructive image editor designed for photographers who need to perform post-processing for photographs taken from their digital cameras. Raw Therapee is similar to Darktable as a Photoshop alternative. They are both free and open source alternatives to Photoshop and mainly designed to be used by photographers. The user interface can be a bit clunky and not as easy to use but if you are on the lookout for an alternative to Photoshop and Lightroom, then you should definitely give Raw Therapee a try.
Features
Free, open-source and cross-platform application compatible with Windows, Linux and MacOS.
Non-destructive raw editing and post processing tools.
Color management using the LittleCMS color management system.
Supports DCP and ICC color profiles.
Support for film negatives and monochrome cameras.
Before/After view lets you compare your latest change to any previous one
| PROS | CONS |
| Free and open source | Clunky interface is not very user-friendly |
| Wide format support: raw, HDR, JPEG, TIFF, PNG | Not a full-fledged graphics editor |
| Available in 15 different languages | Slow and not as smooth as Photoshop |
| Extensive resources to help new users acclimate | Slightly advanced tools for those new to editing |
Krita
Krita is a free and open source raster graphics editor that has mainly been designed as a digital painting and 2D animation tool but offers a wide variety of features and functionality for graphic design and editing. Overall Krita is a great Photoshop alternative if you are mainly looking for a digital painting tool. However, if you want photo-editing, post-processing and other photography tools, you would be much better off with a platform like Darktable, Raw Therapee or GIMP.
Features
Full-featured, free and open source raster graphic editor.
Clean and intuitive interface.
2D animation features and tools.
Complete set of tools for digital painting and illustration.
Enhanced canvas rotation and zooming speed through OpenGL.
| PROS | CONS |
| Easy to use, clean and intuitive interface | No dedicated customer support |
| Compatible with Mac, Windows and Linux | Only available on desktop. No mobile app or browser |
| Active community of users, developers and volunteers | Not as feature-rich or powerful as paid alternatives |
| Support for PSD file formats | The Text Tool is lacking in capabilities |
Do check out these articles
Here is our top list of the Best Paid Photoshop Alternatives
Luminar
Luminar is a universal photo editing software that can be used as a standalone application or integrated with Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom as a plugin for added features and functionality. As a standalone application Luminar can be used as an excellent, beginner-friendly alternative to Photoshop with AI enabled tools for masking, light adjustment, background removal and more. Luminar is easy to use and can help users address and edit basic and common issues in photography without having to become an expert.
Features
Can be used standalone or as a Photoshop plugin.
Non-destructive image editing to protect the image’s raster data till the export stage
Noise reduction, custom textures and editing brushes for best in class photo retouching.
Raw converter and processor.
Layers with blend mode
Batch processing of images.
Social sharing features.
One-click presets for quick enhancements and touch ups.
| PROS | CONS |
| Versatile features for basic and advanced editing | Software occupies a lot of disk space |
| AI-driven tools: Masking, light adjustment, background removal | No metadata management |
| Effortlessly edit and enhance photos with canvas tools | Bounded Export Option |
| Supports sharing and exporting of images in various formats | High system requirements makes it less suited for older device |
Affinity Photo
Affinity Photo is a raster graphic editor that has been designed mainly for photo editing. Affinity Photo can handle delicate editing and quick corrections as well as multi-layered digital painting and raster compositions. The best part about Affinity Photo as a paid Photoshop alternative is that it does not have a subscription model. You only need to pay once to own your copy of Affinity Photo outright and get access to the application’s full toolset and functionality.
Features
Complete and comprehensive raster graphics editor with a versatile toolset.
Support for pro file formats including PSD
Support for modern camera RAW formats
Full set of 16-bit filters
Sub-pixel precision and pixel-perfect snapping
Customisable toolbars, keyboard shortcuts and panels (for desktop only)
Document presets and ability to set up custom document setups
| PROS | CONS |
| External GPU support and GPU accelerated image processing | Nonstandard interfaces can be confusing for new users |
| Can work in pixels, points, picas and physical document units | Lacks import and photo management tools |
| Clean UI and workspace | Cannot create custom workspaces |
| Multi-language support | Not very beginner-friendly |
Corel Aftershot
Corel Aftershot is a proprietary software owned by Corel designed for raw image processing and photo editing for photographers. Corel Aftershot helps simplify a photographer's post-processing workflow and can be used as an alternative to Photoshop and Lightroom both. Corel also claims that their platform is up to 4 times faster than Lightroom. Unlike Adobe’s Lightroom and Photoshop, Aftershot is not a subscription software and you only have to pay once to get access to the platform’s full power.
Features
Raw image processing and photo editing tools.
Can be used as a standalone tool or integrated with Photoshop
Simplified and flexible file management
Non-destructive image editing.
Cross platform compatibility with Linux, Windows and Mac devices.
| PROS | CONS |
| Ultra fast batch processing simplifies post-processing workflow | Not a very versatile or powerful photo editor |
| Flexible asset management and fast importing features | No online sharing features |
| Powerful correction and retouching tools | Does not support png files |
| Complicated and difficult to handle for beginner |
PicMonkey
PicMonkey is a browser based graphic design and photo editing tool that can be used to edit and retouch photos, create social media graphics, branded logos and banners and more. PicMoneky comes with a wide range of templates which can be used to create custom graphics for invitations, announcements, business cards and more easily and without professional training or advanced graphic design knowledge. PicMonkey is a fairly basic tool but it is one of the best Photoshop alternatives for users looking for a quick and easy platform for creating simple custom graphics.
Features
Browser based graphic design and photo editing tool.
Overlays, photo frames and clipart features.
Thousands of templates, fonts, vector graphics and stock photos.
Captioning and watermarking tools
Quick and easy graphic design capabilities.
Collaboration and sharing tools.
| PROS | CONS |
| Simplifies photo editing and graphic design for non experts | Basic application not suited for advanced editing |
| Ensures design consistency through template sets and brand kits | Fairly expensive, especially considering the basic features |
| Cross-platform browser app compatible with multiple devices | Not suited for raw processing, post production or digital art. |
| Social sharing and collaboration features |
Capture One Pro
Capture One Pro is a raw image processing application that can be an excellent Photoshop alternative for photographers. Capture One Pro supports a multi-device workflow which makes it an excellent choice for collaborative and team projects. Tethered shooting features allow you to shoot, transfer, share and edit your photographs on the go and not only simplifies workflow but also saves time. Capture One Pro is one of the best alternatives to Photoshop for photographers, particularly those working in fashion, editorial, product or commercial photography.
Features
Powerful raw processing and photography post production workflow application.
Supports multi-device workflow and collaborative project management.
Tethered shooting support.
Advanced color and image editing
Layers and masking features.
Merge and stitch photographs.
File organization and simplified image management tools.
| PROS | CONS |
| Efficient file tool enhances workflow and organization | Lack of third party plugins |
| Capture, transfer, share, and edit instantly with tethered shooting | Complicated and cluttered interface |
| Excellent raw file conversion and processing features | Social sharing features aren’t that great |
| Fairly expensive as an alternative to Photoshop |
Photoworks
If you are looking for a Photoshop alternative primarily for photo-editing then PhotoWorks is one app that you should definitely check out. PhotoWorks is a photo editing and post processing tool that has been designed mainly for beginners and people new to image editing. PhotoWorks integrates AI technology to simplify editing for people new to it but also includes a good length and breadth of tools for manual editing to ensure control.
Features
Extensive photo retouching and one click image enhancing tools.
Background removal and replacement as well as object removal tools
Restore old photographs.
Layers and effects.
| PROS | CONS |
| Quick and easy photo retouching and editing | Basic features and no advanced tools |
| Automated tools are useful for beginners | Not very versatile |
| Excellent range of filters and effects | Not suitable for professionals |
BeFunky
BeFunky is an easy to use photo editing and graphic design platform that can be the perfect Photoshop or trello alternative for everyday users who are looking for quick and easy retouching or basic editing solutions. BeFunky operates on a freemium model which means that you can use the free version which allows for basic editing and retouching tools, intelligent smart editing tools and more. Upgrading to the premium version allows you to access a much more advanced and diverse toolset including AI tools and advanced overlays. For the purpose of some simple, uncomplicated photo editing, however, the free version of BeFunky can be an amazing alternative to Photoshop for most users.
Features
Beginner-friendly photo editing and graphic design platform for quick and easy photo retouching and custom graphic creation.
Extensive photo editing features for cropping, resizing, blurring, background removal and touch-ups.
Effects and filters include custom textures, photo frames, and artistic effects.
Add text or watermarks to images.
Collage maker and social media ready tools like Pinterest Pin maker.
Graphic design features with pre-designed templates.
| PROS | CONS |
| Easy to use and uncomplicated tool for non-experts | Fairly basic platform is not suitable for more advanced editing |
| Good range of pre-made templates | Limited tools for fine-tuning pictures |
| Extensive library of stock images for use in custom graphics | Collage function is difficult to use |
| AI enabled tools for automated photo enhancements | Many features are premium-only |
Pixelmator
Pixelmator is a professional image editing and raw processing tool that aims to make powerful professional image editing tools available and accessible to everyone. It ofers advanced functionality combined with AI driven tools to make advanced image editing easy and accessible. Pixelmator also offers vector based design tools which are not offered by Photoshop. If you are looking for a professional image editor as an alternative to Photoshop, Pixelmator might be worth checking out.
Features
Powerful professional image editing and raw processing tools.
Non-destructive color editing features.
Vector based design tools.
Extensive and powerful graphic design tools.
Comprehensive toolset for digital art and paintings.
| PROS | CONS |
| Powerful and versatile image editing | Cannot import or rasterize vector files |
| Ability to create custom workspaces as per your needs | No native way of adding highlighted text |
| Compatible with graphics tablets | It is incompatible and hard to use with other applications |
| Layer based editing tools | Doesn't support other operating systems except MacOS, iOS and iPadOS |
Conclusion
These were our picks for the best Photoshop alternatives free and paid in 2023. Photoshop definitely is the industry standard but it is not the only available tool on the market. For beginners to graphics development and image editing or for users looking for more affordable platforms, there are a plethora of tools available from completely free and open source to paid Photoshop alternatives. If this article was useful for you, you might also like to check out our article on the best graphic design software and the best 3D modeling software for 2023. If you are on the lookout for some inspiration for your next creative adventure then check out these amazing designer portfolios and get inspired!
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