Years ago, if you wanted to create high-quality designs or professional graphics, there was really only one option: Adobe Photoshop. It was the preferred software among designers, photographers, and creatives alike. While Photoshop remains a powerful tool, it can feel like you need specialised training just to navigate its many features. But the times have changed, and so have your options.
Today, there are a variety of alternatives available—some free, some paid—that can get you or your team up and running without the need for an Adobe subscription or a long learning curve. We’ve spent time researching the best Photoshop alternatives, based on recommendations from both our marketing and talented design enthusiast engineer Kunle, to help you make the right decision.
Free Photoshop Alternatives
1. GIMP
Let’s start with GIMP, an open-source gem that many creative individuals rely on. The flexibility of GIMP is what makes it such a strong alternative. It comes equipped with professional-grade features such as layers, masks, and advanced filters, making it ideal for complex editing. You can even add plugins to expand its capabilities, which is a huge advantage if you’re willing to invest time to customising it. GIMP is available for macOS, Windows, and Linux, so you can use it on multiple operating systems.
GIMP is free, which is a huge plus, but there’s a catch: it’s not particularly beginner-friendly. That said, if you’re someone who doesn’t mind putting in a little extra effort to master a tool, GIMP could be your ideal free alternative to Photoshop.
2. Photopea
Another popular option is Photopea, which is entirely browser-based. There are no downloads or installations required; simply open it in Chrome, Firefox, or your preferred browser. Photopea is remarkable because it appears and feels very similar to Photoshop. It even supports PSD files, so if you’re switching from Adobe, you won’t feel like you’re starting over. What is its biggest selling point? You can use it on any device with a web browser, including Windows, macOS, and Chromebooks.
While Photopea is free, it does have a paid version that removes ads. The downside is that it can become sluggish with large files or heavy edits, but for the majority of users, it’s a highly capable and simple tool, particularly for quick design tasks or light editing.
3. Canva
Canva is a well-known and relatively new addition to the free design community. While Canva is not a direct replacement for advanced photo editing software, it is ideal for quick designs, social media graphics, and marketing materials. Its drag-and-drop interface is extremely user-friendly, making it ideal for beginners or anyone looking to create polished designs in minutes without worrying about layers and masks.
Canva runs entirely in your browser, and while the basic version is free and includes a large library of templates, fonts, and images, there is also a premium version that unlocks additional design elements. Canva is available on both desktop and mobile platforms, making it ideal for designing while on the go. It’s ideal for those who require simple, quick solutions for their design work without the complexities of software such as Photoshop.
4. Krita
Krita is an excellent choice for those who prefer digital illustration but require extensive photo editing capabilities. Originally designed for artists, Krita excels at drawing and painting while also providing a decent set of image editing tools. The software is free for macOS, Windows, and Linux, making it a versatile option for budget-conscious creatives. Krita’s interface is user-friendly, especially if you’re primarily interested in art, but if you want to perform more advanced photo manipulations, it may lack the depth found in GIMP. Having said that, it’s a great choice for those who want to experiment with both digital art and photo editing without spending a penny.
Paid Photoshop Alternatives
1. Affinity Photo
If you’re open to paid alternatives, Affinity Photo is frequently mentioned as a top alternative. Affinity Photo is widely regarded as a professional-grade photo editing tool that rivals Photoshop but costs just a small portion of the price. With a one-time payment of £48.99, you receive a powerful piece of software without the hassle of recurring subscription fees. It’s compatible with both macOS and Windows, and there’s even an iPad version if you want to do your editing on the go.
Affinity Photo supports PSD files and provides nearly all of Photoshop’s advanced editing tools, including raw editing, professional retouching, and even HDR merging. The interface is slick and simple, making it suitable for both beginner and advanced users. It’s the type of software that can grow with you, whether you’re a beginner or have years of design experience.
2. Corel PaintShop Pro
Another paid option worth mentioning is Corel PaintShop Pro. It costs £79.99 for a single purchase, which is slightly more than Affinity Photo but less than a Photoshop subscription. PaintShop Pro is a Windows-only program, so Mac users will need to look elsewhere, but it’s a good choice for those who use Microsoft products. The software has a wide range of features that can handle both basic and advanced edits, but its interface may appear outdated when compared to more modern tools. It is, however, beginner-friendly, so if you aren’t looking for anything too complicated, this could be an easy choice.
3. Adobe Photoshop Elements
Adobe Photoshop Elements is available for those who are familiar with Adobe’s ecosystem but do not require all of Photoshop’s features. This scaled-back version costs £86.56 as a one-time purchase, making it less expensive than the full Creative Cloud version while still providing a variety of useful features. Photoshop Elements is ideal for beginners or those who are new to photo editing because it is designed for ease of use. You’ll get a good mix of automatic tools and manual controls, but not the vast array of options found in the full Photoshop suite. It’s compatible with both macOS and Windows, making it an excellent all-rounder for beginners.
So, what’s the best overall free and paid alternative?
If we had to pick a free option, Canva stands out for quick, simple design work that anyone can do, while Photopea provides a more Photoshop-like experience without the price tag. Both tools are simple and easy to use. Affinity Photo is the clear winner among paid alternatives. Its one-time fee, combined with professional-level tools, makes it an affordable option for individuals or businesses seeking serious photo editing software without a subscription lock-in.
With so many options now available, you’re no longer limited to Photoshop. We recommend exploring these tools to find the one that works best for you. You might be surprised by how much creative power is available at your fingertips, even without Adobe.
