Do you wish to edit images like a Pro but take a step back due to the expensive pricing of Photoshop? Most of the designers are facing this issue. They require stunning tools without the higher pricing.
Photoshop is excellent, and plenty of options are available there. Some Photoshop alternatives are free and open source, and some are chargeable.
In this article, I am going to illustrate the best Photoshop alternatives, mentioning their stunning features, mode of setup, and pricing plans. The practical factors you have to remember while choosing the most suitable one for your editing needs will also be mentioned below.
Such software will help you edit and adjust your creative images effectively.
If you are a newbie wanting to begin your journey in the image editing or designing field, then the Graphic Design Course is highly recommended! This highly demanding course will boost your design skills and offer a more precise understanding of robust editing techniques to make a catchy and appealing image.
Let’s begin by gathering more information on the need for a Photoshop alternative first.
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Table of Contents
What is the Need for a Photoshop Alternative?
Image editing and designing have become extremely important in the modern design industry, with software like Photoshop taking the lead. Photoshop is an excellent tool for its advanced and easy-to-apply image editing features.
The challenges faced by graphic designers are addressed by the advanced features of Photoshop. But still, the majority of users are looking for alternatives.
Hence, I have shed some light on the need for a Photoshop alternative below.
Subscription Model: A monthly or annual subscription plan is required to use the advanced image editing features of Photoshop. To avoid unnecessary spending, most graphic designers pick free or affordable pricing software.
Higher Pricing: Photoshop can be expensive, especially for beginners and freelancers. Most of the editors search for free or pocket-friendly products that offer similar functionality without charging additional costs.
Specific Demands: Not everyone needs every feature in Photoshop. Some Photoshop alternatives are highly recommended for particular users as they focus on specific activities, like image editing, redesigning, web design, or illustration.
Complex User Interface: The vast number of advanced features in Photoshop can be confusing. In order to function faster and with greater effectiveness, some graphic designers prefer tools that are simpler to employ and have an easy interface.
Higher System Needs: For Photoshop to run effectively, a dynamic system is needed. More people can edit as lightweight options function better on low-spec or backdated systems.
A Complete List of 8 Best Photoshop Alternatives
Now, let’s delve more into the best paid and free Photoshop alternatives and what offerings they can bring to the table for a creative outcome.
1. Photopea
Photopea is the most demanding Photoshop alternative that designers are using for stunning image editing. With powerful and advanced editing features and support for PSD file formats, Photopea is the top pick for graphic designers. You don’t have to install the software as it runs in a web browser.
Key Features
- Multiple-language support
- Pre-sized and pre-built templates
- Transparent background support
- Pre-built template library
- One-click installation
- Support for multiple plugins
- Full PSD support
Ease of Setup: Moderate
Pricing
No free trial version is offered by Photopea, but it has Freemium options.
The photo editing plan starts at $7 a month with their Freemium model.
Why is Photopea an alternative to Photoshop?
A similar editing feature to Photoshop is offered by Photopea. It provides support in masks, layers, and various pre-built editing options. If you are a newbie or an expert designer, it should be your first choice due to its ease of use and free and open-source nature.
2. Pixlr
Pixlr is another simple online image editing software. Its AI-integrated features support quick edits. Two versions are available, and they are Pixlr E and Pixlr X for experts and beginners, respectively.
Key Features
- Easy and simple interface
- Drag and drop feature
- Extensive template library
- Custom effects
- Bulk and batch editing
- Cloud-based editing options
- Collage making
- Automated background removing
- Custom filter options
- Pre-built designs
- Advanced layer management
- AI-cutout tools
Ease of Setup: Moderate
Pricing
You can enjoy a free 7-day free trial version of Pixlr with ads. If you want to get more advanced features features without ads, you can opt for the following options;
- The Plus plan starts at $1.99 a month
- The Premium plan starts at $7.99 a month
- The Team plan starts at $12.99 a month
Why is Pixlr an alternative to Photoshop?
It is chosen as a Photoshop alternative due to its filters, layers, and image retouching. The simple interface makes it highly recommended for designers.
3. Canva
Another user-intuitive design tool for editing social media graphics, posts, and presentations is Canva. This Photoshop alternative offers built-in templates, drag-and-drop options, and more.
Key Features
- Easy setup
- Drag and drop feature
- Multiple language support
- A variety of pre-built templates
- Extensive library
- Image color editor
- Brand kit support
- Photo effects
- Curved text generator
- Video editing tools and options
- Video trimmer
- Magic Edit Pro
Ease of Setup: Moderate
Pricing
Canva comes up with a free trial plan so that users can experience some fundamental editing features. If you want to adjust your images creatively and make them more appealing and catchy, you can opt for Canvas paid pricing plans below;
- The Canva Pro plan starts at $15 a month.
- The Canva Teams plan starts at $10 a month, allowing a minimum of 3 people.
- The Canva Enterprise plan is custom, and pricing is according to usage.
You can also choose the free plan of Canva Pro to have more advanced features for 30 days only. Once the free plan is exceeded, you will be charged a monthly subscription of $15.
Why is Canva an alternative to Photoshop?
Canva is best for beginners, and you do not need any prior editing knowledge. This is best for social media content and image editing.
4. Fotor
Fotor is another excellent alternative to Photoshop with similar editing features like image retouch, image effects, and filters. This is best for high-quality image editing.
Key Features
- Cloud saving options
- Custom features
- Image Library
- Watermarking
- Pre-built design templates
- Real-time image editing
- Blockchain support
- Appealing design stickers
- Orientation
- Content sharing options
- Image syncing
- Portrait retouching
Ease of Setup: High
Pricing
A 30-day free trial plan is offered by Fotor. If you want to get more advanced features like catchy layouts, designs, object remover, and photo enhancers, you can opt for the ones below;
- The Fotor Pro plan starts at $299 a month
- The Fotor Pro+ plan starts at $499 a month
Why is Fotor an alternative to Photoshop?
Fotor provides dynamic editing features without a learning curve. This is ideal for beginners with fast editing needs. It also offers pre-built templates and an extensive image library.
5. Krita
Krita is another excellent Photoshop alternative that is highly used by graphic designers these days. Due to some practical tools like Adobe Illustrator, it is a top pick for Illustrators also. As it does not provide support for PSD files, designers with a Photoshop need will only consider it as an alternative tool.
Key Features
- Easy interface
- Different effects options
- Digital painting features
- Sketching options
- Great brush tool feature
- Multiple custom options
- Easy hotkeys
- 2D animation options and tools
- Wraparound tool
- Canvas rotation
- Better zooming speed features
- Multi-platform compatibility, such as Linux, Windows, and Mac
- Support for PSD formats
Ease of Setup: Moderate
Pricing
A free trial plan is offered with Krita with some exclusive features that I have mentioned above.
Why is Krita an alternative to Photoshop?
This is chosen as a stunning Photoshop alternative due to its digital art and sketching features. Multiple features and the PSD file format are also supported; hence, designers are picking this affordable option.
6. Affinity Photo
Another popular yet professional photo editing option is Affinity Photo. This provides features such as masks, layers, and image retouching.
Key Features
- Digital painting features
- Multi-platform support such as Windows, iPad, and Mac
- It is lightweight
- Non-destructive editing
- Open PSD files
- Regulation layers
- Color management options
- The RAW photo editing feature
- Photo effects options
- Support for layers
- Sub-pixel precision
- Support for Photoshop plugins
- Dark Mode support
Ease of Setup: High
Pricing
A free trial plan is offered with Affinity Photo. The three different types of pricing plans are;
- For macOS, the plan starts at $69.99 a month
- For iPad, the plan starts at $18.49 a month
- For Windows, the plan starts at $69.99 a month
Why is Affinity Photo an alternative to Photoshop?
Budget-friendly options, along with advanced features, are another prominent reason to choose over Photoshop. This Photoshop alternative has become the most popular choice for graphic designers these days.
7. GIMP
GIMP is considered as the most popular Photoshop alternative to edit images like a Pro! This software has been a popular choice for graphic designers since long and one of the excellent pick due to its free and open-source nature. It supports different file formats without facing any difficulties.
Key Features
- Image editing tools
- Free and Open-source software
- Custom options
- Multi-platform integration such as Windows, Mac, and Linux
- High support for layers
- Open PSD files
- Image processing features
- Photo retouch options
- Photo effects
- Dark mode editing options
- Offline working options
- Multiple extensions
Ease of Setup: Moderate
Pricing
This is a free and open-source image editing software used chiefly by editors as a free Photoshop alternative. There is no subscription fee to use the excellent features that I have mentioned above to get the best editing outcomes.
Why is GIMP an alternative to Photoshop?
GIMP is another popular alternative to Photoshop due to its free and open-source nature and higher availability of custom options. You are free to edit and modify your image accordingly.
8. Pixelmator
This Mac-based platform is excellent for photo editing. The AI-integrated features, such as non-destructive editing and fast edits, make it a popular choice.
Key Features
- Existing image editing
- Supports Mac
- Clean and simple interface and navigation
- Multiple filter options
- Digital painting features
- Redesign masking
- Vector masks
- AI background masks
- Quick selection tool
- Image cropping
- Background removal
Ease of Setup: High
Pricing
A 30-day free trial is offered with Pixelmator with some basic image editing features. If you are looking for more advanced features to edit your images as per your need and make them visually appealing, then you can opt for the following options;
- The Pixelmator Pro plan starts at $49.99 a month
- The Pixelmator Plan starts at $9.99 a month
Why is Pixelmator an alternative to Photoshop?
This lightweight yet dynamic software is another popular alternative to Photoshop. This provides AI updates and layer-based editing.
How to Choose the Best Photoshop Alternative for Editing?
While choosing the best Photoshop alternative for your design needs to be fulfilled, try to remember some significant factors that I have taken into consideration below.
Let’s get going.
AI Integration: Try to choose tools that offer AI features like smart upgrades and background removal. If you are a newcomer or an expert designer professional, AI helps you in saving your valuable time and makes editing simpler.
Open-Source Innovation: Try choosing free and open-source software that is community-led. Fresh updates and advanced features are included daily. It is great for users seeking flexible editing options with a tight budget.
Continuous Updates: Pick a specific software that delivers daily updates. The software stays dependable and updated with the latest design trends due to new and advanced features, bug fixes, and safety updates.
Cloud-based Collaboration: Real-time editing and hassle-free file sharing have been rendered by specific cloud-based services. They are excellent for teams and remote work, offering effective collaboration without the added expense of multiple file versions.
Final Thoughts,
In summary, Photoshop is a great choice, but some users will not be able to afford the expensive subscription plans. If you are looking for simple editing software or need more advanced features, there are a huge number of options available for free and paid Photoshop alternatives.
Hope I have elaborated and discussed the 8 best Photoshop alternatives along with their exclusive features, mode of setup, and pricing plans in the sections above. I have also included the need for Photoshop alternatives in the above section.
Picking the most suitable one is a significant decision for designers which can impact the appeal of your creative images.
If you need any professional assistance or Certifications in Graphic Design, visit W3 Web School and check their complete course curriculum today.
Happy reading.