Everyone should be able to take advantage of high-quality pictures and creative software without breaking the bank. Adobe Photoshop is one of the most popular photo editing programs available, used by both professionals to create and modify magnificent Photoshop Alternatives and by yours truly, who only needs it for basic image manipulation. Whatever your stance on Photoshop Alternatives I’m sure you’ve given it a go at least once. However, due to Adobe’s Creative Cloud membership (whopping $20.99/month), Photoshop Alternatives might prove to be extremely pricey for some. In addition, Photoshop’s extensive toolset might make it difficult to learn.
Top 20 Best Free Photoshop Alternatives Must Try In 2022
Given that Adobe is always raising the price of its Creative Cloud subscription plan, we wanted to round up our favorite Photoshop alternatives—including some free Photoshop alternatives—that will allow you to produce gorgeous work for your online photography portfolio or online design portfolio at a fraction of the cost.
We’ve compiled a list of the 20 best Photoshop alternatives that can be used on a Windows, Mac, Linux, or even an Android or iOS device. For your convenience, I’ve divided this post into four categories, each of which has a list of Photoshop alternatives. To jump to the area that most closely matches your requirements, simply click on the link provided.
1. GIMP
GIMP is frequently cited as one of the best Photoshop Alternatives to photo editing software like Photoshop. Known as the GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP), GIMP is a powerful picture editing and creative application that can do nearly all of the functions of Adobe Photoshop for free and open-source software.
There are several drawbacks to using GIMP as a Photoshop replacement, though, including the fact that numerous preset brushes share the same parameters, which might be inconvenient if you’re moving between brushes frequently. That said, many of its faults can be remedied with GIMP plugins. Also, it’s free, and it’s definitely worth a look-see if you’re in the market for a free Photoshop alternative.
2. Paint.NET
Paint.NET was initially created to be a more capable version of MS Paint, and as such, it provides a lot of the functionality of MS Paint. While Paint.NET is nowhere near as powerful as Photoshop, it includes a number of features that make it a viable choice for anyone searching for a free Photoshop replacement for Windows.
Paint.NET offers layers with blending modes, which is one of the most used features in Photoshop. It also offers a history function that might come in handy to rapidly undo many modifications in a project. Basically, it’s a fairly well-rounded tool for picture editing, even if it’s not as strong as Photoshop can be when used properly.
3. Krita
Krita is a free application like Photoshop that is virtually as feature-rich in the possibilities it gives as Photoshop is. Users in photo-editing and creative-editing communities frequently cite PicMonkey as a tool they find particularly useful. Another thing I really enjoy about Krita is the fact that it looks and feels very similar to Photoshop – the toolbars are placed in a very similar way, and it has a dark theme by default (although you can alter that if you want any other color scheme in the program) (although you can configure that if you want some other color scheme in the app).
There’s support for tools like the Slice Tool that a lot of Photoshop fans swear by, and you can even open numerous photos in tabs exactly like in Photoshop. It’s absolutely free, although there’s a premium version accessible for anyone who wants to support the developers and show some love.
4. Photo Pos Pro
For those seeking a free Photoshop alternative for generating outstanding artwork and graphics without becoming entangled in the intricacy of high-end tools, “Photo Pos Pro” looks to be one of the best possibilities. The picture editing program comes with a tonne of easy-to-use tools so that you can create, edit, and change your photographs.
If you want to remove distracting elements from an image, improve the lighting, or just change the backdrop of a photo, this software has plenty of options to let you do just that.
Though Photo Pos Pro’s capabilities can’t rival those of Photoshop in terms of precision, they can prove to be more than helpful. It also comes with a nice selection of frames for customizing your collages.
If you find that the default editing tools aren’t meeting your needs, you can always fine-tune them to increase your productivity. With an ever-growing collection of extension packs and plugins at your disposal, you also have the ability to add some wings to your creativity. Everything considered Photo Pos Pro is not only a top-notch Photoshop replacement but also one of the finest free photo editors on the market.
5. Photoscape X
If a large selection of effects, filters, and improvements is what you are searching for in a free Photoshop alternative, Photoscape X might turn out to be the appropriate answer to your demands. With over 1,000 filters, effects, frames, and other editing tools at your disposal, it’s easy to make your photographs seem better or completely change their appearance in an instant.
Another category where it works quite well as compared to other online picture editors is efficient batch editing. As a result, if you find that other photo editing programs fall short of your expectations when it comes to batch processing, keep Photoscape X in mind.
One of my favorite aspects of this online picture editor is collage making, thanks partly to the multitude of frames. Not only that but I was impressed by its capacity to produce GIFs that were full of joy. Overall, Photoscape X is what you should select as a Photoshop alternative if you intend to make photo-editing easy-going and exciting.
6. Seashore
Seashore is another Photoshop alternative that’s geared only for Mac users. It incorporates some significant features from Photoshop, like support for layers. The program also supports pressure sensitivity, so if you’re using a pressure-sensitive drawing pad, you’ll be able to make full use of its pressure levels.
Personally, I found Seashore to be more accessible in terms of beginner-usability, and it’s also absolutely free, which is wonderful.
7. AutoDesk Sketchbook
AutoDesk Sketchbook is a pretty capable Photoshop replacement that you can test for free. The program includes a tonne of capabilities that may enable you to perform practically everything you need to. Like in Photoshop, you gain access to a plethora of sophisticated tools, including a lot of brushes, drawing tools, and more.
You also gain access to tools like the Symmetry Mirror, which may enable you to build truly beautiful designs very rapidly. Plus, with features like steady stroke and predictive stroke, you don’t even need a graphics tablet to produce smooth and steady strokes on your canvas. That said, Sketchbook does accept graphics tablets like the ones from Wacom, so if that’s something you want to use, Sketchbook has you covered.
8. FireAlpaca
You may also try out FireAlpaca to perform virtually everything you would be doing in Photoshop. With FireAlpaca, you gain access to practically all the same Photoshop features, including brushes, the magic wand tool, and more. It’s not as strong as Photoshop or Sketchbook, but it’s probably good enough for most use-cases.
You do get support for layers, as well as layer effects. Plus, you get a variety of extra parameters for snapping, as well as Photoshop-like effects such as Gaussian blur, mosaic, and more with this programme. Unlike Photoshop, though, FireAlpaca’s layer effects aren’t particularly strong, and there aren’t a lot of alternatives to pick from.
9. Medibang Paint
Yet another free program like Photoshop that you may want to check out is Medibang Paint. This tool provides a UI that’s fairly close to Photoshop’s UI, so if you’re searching for something that looks and feels like Adobe’s software, this may be ideal for you. Aside from that, you can use the program to sketch on your computer using some sophisticated tools.
Similar to Autodesk Sketchbook, you have a symmetry tool here as well. Additional features include Photoshop-like brush tools such as a magic wand and various selection tools. Layer support is also provided in this case. Plus, you get some layer effects here as well. Medibang has blending modes, too, so you can be creative with your layers, much like in Photoshop.
10. Photopea
In the current market, Photopea is one of the greatest free and online alternatives to Adobe Photoshop. Ivan Kutsir, the app’s sole creator, has amassed more than 7 million users throughout the world. One of the nicest things about Photopea is that its UI is evocative of Adobe Photoshop.
That means, if you have used Photoshop in the past, you will feel perfectly at home and won’t have to learn the software from scratch. Another excellent feature of the program is that it supports numerous file types. In addition to PSD, it works with XD, Sketch, XCF (Gimp), RAW, and other major file types.
If you’re working with someone on a project together, this software makes it easy to communicate and collaborate. Most of Adobe Photoshop’s functions are also available in Photopea. In addition, Photopea’s online documentation is well-written and will be of great assistance to those who are new to the programme.
The fundamentals of picture editing, including the use of masks, layers, selects, and brushes, are all available here. If you are seeking a free online Photoshop alternative, you should check out Photopea. It will not disappoint you.
11. Pixlr Editor
Pixlr editor, a top-notch online Photoshop replacement, does a wonderful job when it comes to picture editing. As an online Photoshop alternative, it offers a wide range of useful and powerful features.
Layers and blending modes are included, as are many effects and filters in Pixlr Editor, as is a history tool and the healing tool that many Photoshop users like. It’s great for fast on-the-go adjustments, but it also has some more complex capabilities that let you do more. Online tools are great since you can use them on any computer, regardless of the operating system.
12. Sumopaint
Another online Photoshop competitor, Sumopaint, may be used for tasks that don’t necessitate Photoshop’s degree of intricacy. Being an online program, Sumopaint can be used on whatever PC you have and it does offer a variety of fantastic Photoshop similar capabilities. The tool offers support for layers and blending modes which is a very handy feature for tasks that are more than just scaling and cropping.
There are also quite a number of effects and filters that Sumopaint offers to the table; these should prove suitable for most picture editing requirements. Although I find rulers and guidelines to be really helpful in Photoshop, the software does not have any support for them, and the interface itself appears antiquated in comparison to other modern apps. In any case, you can try it out for free and only pay if you want access to the pro features.
13. PicMonkey
With PicMonkey, you don’t have to choose between Pixlr and Sumo. The program operates totally online, so it’s easy to access without worrying about OS compatibility and stuff. Layers are supported, and the text tool supports a wide variety of fonts. However, don’t anticipate a text tool as feature-rich as Photoshop’s, or you’ll be disappointed.
There are also a bunch of filters and effects that you might find useful. PicMonkey, on the other hand, lacks the feature set of Photoshop and might be sluggish at times. However, the major issue with PicMonkey is that you cannot export your photographs unless you pay for a premium membership.
14. Fotor
If you’re a photographer, digital marketer, or full-time influencer on social media, Fotor may be your go-to online Photoshop replacement. This photo editor has a distinct advantage over many of its competitors in that it has an incredibly basic user interface, which means you can get started creating beautiful photographs right away.
When it comes to filters and effects, Fotor can compete with Photoshop. So, you get the needed freedom to enhance the complete appearance of photographs without spending a lot of time. For those moments when you want to go all-out on social media, this is ideal.
Another significant characteristic of this lightweight picture editing is the ability to handle RAW files more effectively than many other competitors. As someone who loves to make nice photographs for posting on social networking sites like Instagram, I have found it more user-friendly than Photoshop in this respect, thanks partly to the range of collage-building features.
15. Multi Layer (Android)
If you’re searching for an app that will enable you to modify photographs on the go on your Android smartphone or tablet, Multi-Layer is a terrific choice to go with. While there’s no scarcity of photo editing applications on Android, Multi-Layer tops them with features like support for layers and blending modes, a broad array of options to edit photographs, and even grid support.
The programme is accessible and fully free to use, but some features (such as blending modes) are only available in the Pro version, which you may buy as an in-app purchase.
16. PhotoWizard (iOS)
PhotoWizard is one of the most capable free picture editing apps available for iOS devices. The software doesn’t come with support for layers, but it delivers a lot of sophisticated capabilities you definitely won’t find in other Photoshop alternatives for iOS. There’s a histogram, motion blur, gaussian blur, curve editing, masking, and a lot more. The software is obviously a really strong program for iOS devices, and the masking feature works extremely well.
17. Affinity Photo
Affinity Photo is a highly popular image editing tool that’s every bit as strong as Photoshop and is probably one of the best paid Photoshop alternatives out there. The software includes a tonne of fascinating and essential features, including tools like the pen tool, rulers, guidelines, and grids. It also features the healing tool, the clone tool, and most of the other tools you’d find in Photoshop. It also offers support for layers with blending modes and a lot more. However, the software isn’t cheap, and you’ll have to pay a one-time charge of $49.99 to access it.
18. Pixelmator
Pixelmator is a popular alternative to Adobe Photoshop. Pixelmator is a macOS-exclusive picture editing program that carries with it a tonne of Photoshop-like features and capabilities, and it also supports some of the latest features that Apple has added to macOS, such as editing and exporting photos saved in the High-Efficiency Image File format. There are standard features like support for layers and blending modes, a multitude of tools to utilize for modifying the photos, and support for live previews and SVG files. In my opinion, Pixelmator’s user interface is far superior to Photoshop’s. However, it’s a pretty Mac-oriented design, so you might not appreciate it as much as I do.
19. Acorn
If you’re on a Mac, you should check out Acorn, which is an excellent Photoshop replacement for macOS. The program completely supports macOS Big Sur, but regrettably, there’s no information on M1 support for the app. While it lacks the strength of the full Photoshop software for Mac, Acorn still contains the capabilities necessary to do most tasks.
You also get access to layers, as well as other nice-to-have tools like non-destructive editing, smart layer export, vector tools, and more. Acorn’s UI isn’t the finest out there, and solutions like Pixelmator easily top it in both UI and functionality, but Acorn is fairly powerful and is perfect for anybody seeking a program that has the technological chops to handle most things, if not all.
20. Paintstorm Studio
Paintstorm Studio is a professional software for digital painting and a relatively decent Photoshop replacement for Windows. You get a tonne of features here, including a lot of flexibility over brushes, hotkeys, and more. The program also provides symmetry tools, which make it extremely easy to rapidly generate fascinating designs in your projects.
The UI here is highly evocative of Photoshop, which is perfect for those searching for an app to replace Photoshop in their workflows. Text tools, a slew of brush tools, cropping, and more are all included as well. There’s layer support too, complete with layer effects and blending settings, just like in Photoshop.
Final Words
So those were the 20 greatest free (and premium) Photoshop alternatives that you may try out if you’re seeking to leave Photoshop, or are hesitant to pay a monthly fee for a picture editing program.
I’ve included Photoshop Alternatives software that is free, premium, mobile applications, and even dedicated Windows and macOS software with varying degrees of sophisticated functionality, so no matter what you’re looking for in your Photoshop Alternatives I think you’ll find it here. That said, if you believe I missed out on terrific Photoshop alternatives that deserve to be on this list, let me know in the comments down below.
