Let’s be real- Photoshop is awesome, but it’s not always easy(or cheap). However, there are a bunch of alternatives that you can use for image editing, retouching, creating designs, and removing backgrounds. These tools range from simple to advanced, and many are available for free.
To make your search easy, we’ve sorted out the 7 best Photoshop alternatives you can start using right away.
7 Photoshop Alternatives
1. Digifloat
Best For: Anyone who prefers a hands-free approach
Design tools like Photoshop can be overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling several other tasks. Digifloat makes things simple. We give you access to a full team of in-house designers. They handle everything from detailed edits, touch-ups, background removal, and much more. No apps or templates needed.
Whether you need social media graphics, website design, or even video editing, we’ve got it all covered. Just take a look at our scope of work below:
Key Features
- Custom edits
- High-quality designs
- Multiple design tasks at once
- Fast turnaround time
- Real editors
- No licensing restrictions
Drawbacks
- No free trial available
2. Photopea
Best For: Photoshop-style editing directly in your browser
If you are looking for something that works like Photoshop(but for free), Photopea is just the right option. It runs in a browser. The best part is that it supports up to 40+ file formats, including raw images(like Canon’s CR3 and Nikon’s NEF files). You can create something from scratch, upload and edit your files, or browse ready-to-use templates and customize them to fit your needs.
Key Features
- Free Access to Premium features
- Easy usability
- A variety of tools, brushes, and textures
Drawbacks
- Loss of work if the page is closed
- The presence of ads in free versions
3. Krita
Best For: Digital painting and illustration
Krita is one of the best free Photoshop alternative for illustrators and design artists. It is an open-source and multi-platform software, built with a strong focus on digital painting. This tool offers advanced customization and full support for tablets and digital inputs. While it isn’t focused on photo retouching, Krita is fantastic if you want to create original artwork.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Key Features
- Access to full creative toolkit
- Features Japanese-style templates
- Use of non-destructive editing
Drawbacks
- Low resource management
- Slow startup
- A large user interface for some screens
Note: A non-destructive editing is the process in which users edit images without losing the actual quality of the image. In Krita, you will see that in the image transformation layers-while slimming or expanding or adding surreal effects, your image won’t lose its originality.
4. Befunky
Best For: Quick online edits and creative filters
Befunky is a browser-based photo editor ideal for beginners who want fast results without dealing with complicated software. As one of the easier alternative programs to Photoshop, it offers a drag-and-drop option and one-click tools(like an advanced AI-driven photo enhancer). The free version includes basic editing like cropping, image resizing, with effects and filters.
Key Features
- Drag-and-Drop editor
- Extended font library
Drawbacks
- Some of its features might require a learning curve
- Many advanced editing features require a premium subscription
- Loss of quality when cross-platform sharing
Note: You can upgrade it for just $6.99 monthly to use more features(darkroom techniques, customized images, and AI-driven tools).
5. GIMP
Best For: Advanced image editing
GIMP has long been the go-to free alternative of Photoshop. It’s an open-sourced program consisting of features like layers, filters, and advanced image manipulation options, as the name suggests(GNU Image Manipulation Program). The display might feel outdated compared to paid tools. However, its functionality and versatility make it an ideal choice for advanced users.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Key Features
- High-end editing tools
- Customizable with a huge range of plugins
- Cross-platform, available for Windows, macOS, and Linux
Drawbacks
- Restriction to the RGB color mode
- Can’t support large file formats
6. LunaPic
Best For: Adding unique filters and animations
LunaPic can be a great pick if you are just getting started. This browser-based editor has unique filters, effects, and animation options. It might not be one of the most professional Photoshop alternatives on the list, but it shines when you’re after something quick and fun.
Key Features
- No sign-up, login, or download needed
- Easy export options
- No charges required
Drawbacks
- Photo size limitations
- Not a sleek interface
- Presence of ads
7. Fotor
Best For: All-in-one editing, collages, and HDR effects
Fotor is a versatile photo editor that caters to beginners and intermediate users. You get access to a combination of easy-to-use tools with advanced features like High Dynamic Range (HDR) editing and AI-powered one-click enhancements. The interface is also clean and intuitive, making it ideal for users who want professional-looking images without extensive editing.
Key Features
- Beginner-friendly layout
- One-click AI enhancements
- Advanced editing tool
- Ready-to-use templates
- Multiplatform access
Drawbacks
- Credit limits
Summing Up: Best Photoshop Alternatives
You don’t have to rely on just one option for your design needs. The above-mentioned Photoshop free alternatives work just as well without the high cost or complexity of work. You just need to pick what suits your design style.
Tired of working with tools? Sign up for our unlimited graphic design services and get a team of in-house designers who excel in creating stunning visuals. No hiring drama and useless scrolling for templates.
