Old laptop owners, you know the drill. *And… freeze!*
While Adobe Photoshop is the industry standard for graphic designers, visual artists, and photo editors—it is not for the light-of-RAM. Even on newer computers, users often report having to use a separate drive for scratch disk space just to prevent frequent crashes.
Krita is another free open source Photoshop alternative for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is primarily a painting software through which you can draw characters, cartoons, and designs. However, it also offers a lot of photo editing tools that make it a good Photoshop alternative. In it, you can also load and edit Photoshop (PSD) images. This best free Photoshop alternative has the best of both worlds, adaptive interfaces for both novice and professional editors. For the beginners, there are one-click filters and automatic adjustments, while the rest somewhat resembles Photoshop; both are far better than the endless menus and lists offer by GIMP. Platforms available for: Linux, Windows and macOS. Krita is an impressive open source tool for digital painting. The layer management support and the presence of transformation tools help makes it one of the Photoshop alternatives for basic editing tasks. If you're into sketching/drawing, this will help you a lot. If you're looking for comprehensive free Photoshop alternatives, the free trial of Luminar 4 is a fantastic option. Luminar combines photo management and advanced RAW editing. Luminar is perfect for professional photographers and designers. Pros: Aside from photo management, Luminar 4 also offers amazing photo editing capabilities.
Plus, Photoshop can be clunky and expensive for beginners, making it an investment of both time AND money in order to enjoy the value it promises.
Top Paid and Free Adobe Photoshop Alternatives
So if you're searching for easier, cheaper, alternatives to Photoshop or Lightroom CC, we've got a list of 16 free and paid photoshop alternative tools for you to consider.
Rev your rasters, baby. Let's go.
Paid Alternatives to Photoshop
1. Pixlr
AppSumo Deal: Pixlr
One-click editing for professional quality images without the learning curve.
$49.00 | $144.00
With Pixlr, editing photos has never been easier, faster, or smarter. Its AI Cutout features lets you remove backgrounds with just one click. Give your images a makeover with a simple drag-and-drop of Pixlr's dazzling selection of overlays. Add accents or textures, like light streaks, dust flecks, and glitter to your photos. Plus, you can use layers to create captivating photo edits, image composites, and more!
Trial version: Free plan available for limited features
OS: Web-based app available across browsers What does photoshop extended mean.
Pricing model: Premium plan starts at $4.99 and Creative Pack starts at $14.99, billed annually. Or you can grab Pixlr's AppSumo deal at a one-time payment of $49
Potential downsides: Limited touch up capabilities which mean you need high-quality photos to begin with
2. Pixelied
AppSumo Deal: Pixelied
Create scroll-stopping graphics with a full-featured design suite that's easy for anyone to use.
$59.00 | $480.00
Pixelied is just like Pixlr (they sounds similar too), but with thousands of ready-made templates and icons, millions of stock images, and a suit of photo-editing capabilities like removing background in one click.
Two unique features set Pixelied apart from many graphic design tools as an alternative to Photoshop. First, its mockup editor lets you get to create powerful product mockups for your brand. And with Pixelied's workspace, you can switch between workspaces, each with its own separate assets, designs and team members.
Trial version: Free plan available for limited features
OS: Web-based app available across browsers
Pricing model: Starts free and with Pro plan at $7.95 per month. For a limited time, you can get Pixelied Pro starting at $59 for life at AppSumo.
Potential downsides: Many features focus on graphic design instead of photo-editing
3. Affinity Photo
As a photo editing tool, Affinity Photo is more lightweight than PS, promising fewer crashes and fast, real-time rendering of all your edits. Enjoy unlimited layers, healing brush, over 1,000,000% zoom, a full set of 16-bit filters, and RAW file editing. Apply effects like blurs, lighting, and distortions as non-destructive live filter layers. Plus undo/redo up to 8K steps—with autosave that always has your back. Users will be happy that most standard PS keyboards commands will work for Affinity too.
Trial version: Yes
OS: Mac, Windows, and iPad
Pricing model: One-time price of $49.99, free and frequent updates (only $19.99 on iPad)
Potential downsides: Still comes with a learning curve similar to PS
4. Acorn
Acorn 6 is a Mac-only photo editor known for its circle text/text on a path tool, making it especially friendly to designers looking to create expert-level graphics, ads, and logos. In addition to photo-editing tools like the brush designer, layer masks, and filters that allow you to mute or unmute by later, it does have vector-editing tools as well. While it may be simpler than PS, it does pack a punch under the hood.
Trial version: Yes
OS: MacOS
Pricing model: One-time $29.99
Potential downsides: Not compatible with PC; some users report slowness
5. Colorcinch
AppSumo Marketplace Deal: Colorcinch
Colorcinch helps hobbyists and professional designers beautifully transform photos and create stunning designs fast. With over 50,000+ vector icons and graphics available for instant use and dozens of top-notch filters/effects, Colorcinch provides users with all the tools they'd need to make advanced edits inside an intuitive, beginner-friendly workspace. Amongst other features, Colorcinch's cartoonizer tool makes it a perfect alternative to Photoshop. Unlike PS, designers can easily apply artistic effects to their photos and transform them into cartoons and digital sketches with just a click and without having to watch long video tutorials.
Trial version: Free plan available for limited features
OS: Web-based app available across browsers
Pricing model: Starts at $5.99/month (annual plan $47.88/year). Check out Colorcinch for $33.49 for one year on AppSumo Marketplace.
Potential downsides: Most catchy effects/filters are only available to premium users. So those on the free plan might complain of limited customization options.
6. PicMonkey
PicMonkey is a Canva-like photo editing and design tool that is chock-full of design assets and templates. Again, if you use PS to create graphics for business use cases, PicMonkey may be a faster way to get designs out the door. Plus with touchup, layer, and mask features, as well as effects and features, you might be surprised by the photo enhancement you can do with this tool. Plus, you can use their real-time team collaboration feature to work in tandem with teammates or clients.
Trial version: Yes
OS: web-based app available across browsers with apps for iPhone, android, and tablet
Pricing model: Starts at $7.99 per month
Potential downsides: Some users say the features offered in the app and in the web version differ from one another
💡Also check out our top 10 PicMonkey alternatives.
7. Corel PaintShop Pro
PaintShop Pro has released a new feature-packed 2020 version. With RAW and HDR editing, advanced brushes, layers, and masking, and flexible workspaces depending on your editing needs, Corel's Paintshop is a one-time purchase that will keep on delivering for your photography or graphic design needs. Note it is Windows-only, so that may be limiting for some in creative fields.
Trial version: Yes
OS: Windows only
Pricing model: One-time $63.99 (Get Paintshop Pro Ultimate for $79.99)
Potential downsides: Some users report it is not a lightweight program; Windows-only
8. Fotor
Fotor describes itself as 'fundamentally Photoshop online.' With advanced editing, effects, and retouching, you can also make use of some fun features like the GoArt AI photo effect that makes photos look like classic pieces of art. Fotor is also available in 7+ languages.
Trial version: Yes
OS: web-based app available across browsers and mobile
Pricing model: Starts at $8.99/month (annual Plan $39.99/year)
Potential downsides: No template or photo libraries, few advanced photo editing capabilities
9. Pixelmator Pro
Pixelmator Pro is a Mac-only image editing tool that uses emerging tech like machine learning to give users highly functional and exciting capabilities like layer management, nondestructive resizing, layouts, retouching, selections, painting, and image repair. Its sleek UI and fast functionality make this tool pleasant to use. Pixelmator Pro is perfect for skilled hobbyists or creatives who don't need super-advanced PS capabilities.
Free Drawing Software Like Photoshop
Trial version: Yes
OS: MacOS (with Pixelmator for iOS for iPhone and iPad)
Pricing model: One-time $39.99 (iOS app for $4.99)
Potential downsides: Missing some more advanced PS features like tone mapping or source and target layer ranges for blending
Free Alternatives to Photoshop
10. Photopea
Photopea is a free alternative to Photoshop. When you arrive at their website, you can jump straight into a project, with many of the tools you're used to enjoying in premium photo editing tools. Photopea lets you add text, crop images, blur, change colors, and much more. Plus, you can export the final product in most of your favorite formats: PNG, JPEG, SVG, and more. Among the free products showcased in this article, this one is probably the most similar to Photoshop.
OS: Web-based
Pricing model: Free
Potential downsides: Many people use free tools for their simplicity. In this case, since it's so much like Photoshop, Photopea can come with a bit of a learning curve for new designers.
11. GIMP
GIMP empowers designers with the tools to edit photos and create graphics. It also provides different code support for developers who want to use their designs across websites and have more customization options. GIMP offers many top photo editing features to help you touch up your favorite photos, add filters, and even customize your working interface.
OS: GNU/Linux, OS X, Windows, and more operating systems
Pricing model: Free
Potential downsides: While the tool offers great features, it may require downloading other design tools (like Scribus and Inkscape) to get the most out of it; outdated UI
12. PhotoScape X
As another free alternative to Photoshop, PhotoScape X helps you design and edit photos using a variety of powerful tools. You have all the normal editing tools like cropping, filters, brushes, and color and background changes. It also includes bulk-editing features: batch resize, batch format change, and more for streamlined organization and editing. Whether you're cleaning up an image or creating a graphic from scratch, PhotoScape X is a strong free Photoshop alternative.
OS: Windows and Mac
Pricing model: Free
Potential downsides: Some regular users complain aboutlimited free tools, particularly regarding paint options.
13. FireAlpaca
First of all, the Alpaca's bowtie is on point. (#classy)
FireAlpaca is a free paint tool with simple functionality for creating graphics. You can use templates or start completely from scratch. FireAlpaca gives you different viewing options as well, including 3D view. Use the Pencil, Airbrush, or Blur tools to edit graphics with artistic precision. If you're leaving Photoshop because it's too complex, FireAlpaca is founded on simplicity.
OS: Windows and Mac
Pricing model: Free
Potential downsides: This tool is intentionally lean. If you're looking for a tool to keep up with Photoshop's optionality, FireAlpaca might not have the features you're looking for.
14. Photoshop Express
Adobe has also gotten into the free image editing and collage app game with Photoshop Express. The difference here boils down to interface and functionality—plus the fact that Photoshop Express is 'built for mobile device photography.' You can think of it as Photoshop lite for mobile. With intelligent edits, spot healing, auto-fix, and robust filters and effects, you can edit photos for social posting to your heart's content in this little app.
OS: mobile app for Android, iOS, and Windows
Pricing model: Free (Premium version for $9.99/month)
Potential downsides: Very simple, social-focused functionality—but that's it
15. Polarr
A simple, intuitive image editing app, Polarr gives you Lightroom-like image manipulation capabilities like editing exposure, temperature, denoise, diffuse, dehaze, and more. It does have advanced HSL and RGB curve tools, as well as filter blending, mixing, and toning tools. Plus, you get persistent edit history and infinite undo and redo—making it super user-friendly.
OS: web, Windows, Mac, Chromebook, iOS, Android
Pricing model: free
Potential downsides: It seems there have been some recent bugs and now users must upgrade to Pro in order to save edited photos
16. Krita
Krita is a free, flexible, open-source painting program that won TechRadar's #1 best free painting software for 2019. With over 100 brush types, 9 brush engines, and brush stabilizer, there's plenty to play around with in Krita. A more intuitive and lightweight alternative to GIMP, Krita is one of the best alternatives to Photoshop in terms of brush performance.
OS: Mac, Windows, Linux
Pricing model: free
Potential downsides: Since Krita is focused on digital painting, it doesn't have the photo editing features some users might need from an alternative to Photoshop.
Pick Your Favorite Photoshop Alternative
And that's a (text) wrap on our list of alternatives to Photoshop! If you're looking for some good and affordable options, check out some of AppSumo's best deals:
- Pixlr. Remove backgrounds with just one click and add overlays from the library of icons, stickers, text, and more.
- Pixelied. Create scroll-stopping graphics with a full-featured design suite that's easy for anyone to use.
Happy editing!
Prefer a video over a blog post? Here's our YouTube video on the top alternatives to Photoshop:
If you liked this blog, take a look at even more of our graphic design and editing tool comparison posts:
- January 01, 2020
- 18 min to read
If you need to make a few tweaks to your images, but do not want to use Photoshop, you are in luck as there are several superb solutions. Here are the 15 best alternatives in no particular order:
1. Luminar 4 (Free Trial 7 days)
When time for editing your photos is a luxury, Luminar 4 can help. Luminar 4 lets you transform your photos in a flash and synchronizes all the edits that you have made effortlessly. What makes it so great is that you can easily browse all your photos as it automatically organizes your photos which makes navigation simple. Luminar Libraries also boast a very modern interface which optimizes the viewing experience.
Luminar 4 offers many great adjustable styles, features, and tools that you will fall in love with such as its AI Sky Enhancers, Advanced Contrast, and Dehaze to mention only a few.
2. Pixlr (Free Version Available)
Pixlr boasts an interface that is really not much different from Photoshop. It offers hundreds of overlays, borders and other effects. If you simply want to crop your image or whiten your teeth on your iOS or Android device, Pixlr is the right tool for the job. With Pixlr, you can complete all the editing tasks that a good basic photo editor will allow.
3. PicMonkey (Trial 7 days)
The beauty of PicMonkey is found in its easy-to-use interface. If you need to put together a collage, this is your tool to use. All you have to do is upload your images and drag them into the right spot.
16. Krita
Krita is a free, flexible, open-source painting program that won TechRadar's #1 best free painting software for 2019. With over 100 brush types, 9 brush engines, and brush stabilizer, there's plenty to play around with in Krita. A more intuitive and lightweight alternative to GIMP, Krita is one of the best alternatives to Photoshop in terms of brush performance.
OS: Mac, Windows, Linux
Pricing model: free
Potential downsides: Since Krita is focused on digital painting, it doesn't have the photo editing features some users might need from an alternative to Photoshop.
Pick Your Favorite Photoshop Alternative
And that's a (text) wrap on our list of alternatives to Photoshop! If you're looking for some good and affordable options, check out some of AppSumo's best deals:
- Pixlr. Remove backgrounds with just one click and add overlays from the library of icons, stickers, text, and more.
- Pixelied. Create scroll-stopping graphics with a full-featured design suite that's easy for anyone to use.
Happy editing!
Prefer a video over a blog post? Here's our YouTube video on the top alternatives to Photoshop:
If you liked this blog, take a look at even more of our graphic design and editing tool comparison posts:
- January 01, 2020
- 18 min to read
If you need to make a few tweaks to your images, but do not want to use Photoshop, you are in luck as there are several superb solutions. Here are the 15 best alternatives in no particular order:
1. Luminar 4 (Free Trial 7 days)
When time for editing your photos is a luxury, Luminar 4 can help. Luminar 4 lets you transform your photos in a flash and synchronizes all the edits that you have made effortlessly. What makes it so great is that you can easily browse all your photos as it automatically organizes your photos which makes navigation simple. Luminar Libraries also boast a very modern interface which optimizes the viewing experience.
Luminar 4 offers many great adjustable styles, features, and tools that you will fall in love with such as its AI Sky Enhancers, Advanced Contrast, and Dehaze to mention only a few.
2. Pixlr (Free Version Available)
Pixlr boasts an interface that is really not much different from Photoshop. It offers hundreds of overlays, borders and other effects. If you simply want to crop your image or whiten your teeth on your iOS or Android device, Pixlr is the right tool for the job. With Pixlr, you can complete all the editing tasks that a good basic photo editor will allow.
3. PicMonkey (Trial 7 days)
The beauty of PicMonkey is found in its easy-to-use interface. If you need to put together a collage, this is your tool to use. All you have to do is upload your images and drag them into the right spot.
4. Adobe Photoshop Elements (Free Trial 30 days)
Do not be fooled by the name, Adobe Photoshop Elements is not the actual Photoshop. However, countless users have experienced that the Adobe Photoshop Elements app offers all the tools that they require to enhance their images. In short, this app has been reduced to the essentials.
With the help of its Adjustment and Blend layers, you can turn any photo into the most amazing image in barely any time at all. Thanks to its guided mode, it is also geared towards beginners.
When it comes to finding a Photoshop alternative, your only challenge will be to identify the software solution that works the best for your unique needs. Why not give them all a try? You might just discover that the best course of action will be to use a couple of these tools instead of just one.
5. Sketch (Free Trial 30 days, MacOS only)
If you are working on a Mac and in need of a budget-friendly alternative to Photoshop, Sketch is the answer. Sketch is a vector graphics app that has the design field all excited, specifically website designers. As it is so popular, you will be able to access countless plug-ins that have been created by the community that will make this app even more functional.
Its user interface is easy to understand and boasts several features such as gradients and layers that are similar to Illustrator and Photoshop. What is more, it also offers a color picker and style presets. You can use one of the basic shapes to create your own graphic or start from scratch with the help of the pencil tool. This app is really so flexible!
6. GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP)
GNU is an open-source cross-platform image editor. As its interface is very similar to Photoshop, it will not take you too long to familiarize yourself with GIMP. Though, users who do not have any image editing experience will find the different GIMP tutorials very useful.
It offers color correction, enhancement as well as painting tools to mention only a couple of its features and is compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac.
7. Acorn (Trial 14 days)
Mac users who are searching for image editing software need to look no further than Acorn. It is a cost-effective solution if you do not have access to Photoshop. What makes it so great is that it is quick, enjoyable to use and offers useful features.
Some of its features include non-destructive filters, custom brushes and layer styles to mention only a few. The software is easy to use, but, you can rest assured, there are tutorials available for both beginners as well as image editing experts.
8. Affinity Photo (Trial)
Affinity Photo is for sure one of the best Photoshop alternatives. It is ideal for professional designers and photographers as it is completely compatible with Photoshop as well as other file formats. What makes it such a great alternative is that it is not nearly as expensive as Photoshop. Though, users can rest assured as it will still deliver the same performance (if not better).
It is compatible with Mac and Windows. If you are using an iPad, you will be happy to know that Affinity Photo for iPad is also available.
9. Pixelmator Pro (Trial 30 days)
Pixelmator is not a new Photoshop alternative, but recently the Pixelmator Pro version which uses a user-friendly single-window interface has been added to the mix. On top of that, the Pixelmator Pro version also boasts non-destructive image editing and offers features that include split view and a hidden interface that allows you to view your images without any distractions.
It is only available for Mac users.
10. SumoPaint (Online + Desktop)
The different standard features that you would expect in a Photoshop alternative, SumoPaint has to offer. There are shapes, brushes, gradients, text, and pencils that you can effortlessly access.
Though a word of warning to Photoshop users - a couple of its tools work differently and there are some limitations. Soft key app download uptodown. Overall, this image editor remains very capable and can load in a flash.
11. Paint.net
Paint.net is a powerful and practical tool that Windows users can rely on instead of Photoshop. It is a capable and functional tool that concentrates less on artistic creation and more on photo editing.
It offers a decent variety of tools and special effects that include brightness/contrast and repeat selections. It might not boast all the serious editing tools, but that only means that it is not as difficult to master making it the ideal image editor tool for beginners.
12. Canva (Free Basic Plan + Trial 30 days)
Canva is where you will find countless layouts, stock photos, fonts and other great design elements. The best part is that several of these you can use at zero cost. You can use this app to design your business card or put together a birthday card.
13. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite (Trial 15 days or Full Paid or Monthly sub)
Windows users will love the tools that CorelDRAW has to offer. This Photoshop alternative boasts an interactive tool that will help you to straighten your image or adjust the perspective. Though, one of its most impressive features is its stylus control that reacts to a different pressure.
If you are working with Windows 10, this is the perfect fit. Windows users will also be happy to know that it supports 4K displays and multi-monitor viewing.
Free Program Like Photoshop
14. Photolemur (Free Version with watermark available)
Good Photoshop Alternatives Free
Best choice for beginners or people who have no time to edit photos. Enhancing your images has never been easier thanks to Photolemur. By using AI, this automatic photo enhancer app enhances your images without you having to lift a finger. You simply need to import your images to Photolemur and it will get the job done automatically. This means that you do not require any prior editing experience to complete tasks like getting rid of imperfections. It is oh-so easy and available for both Mac and Windows.
15. Serif PhotoPlus
Many people have already relied on this app for years. It is ideal for users who are only starting with image editing now as it offers great support for new users in the form of videos and tutorials. What is more, users can get great tips on their active forum for fellow users. Thanks to its latest release, Serif PhotoPlus users will be also able to work with their RAW image files much easier.
