Adobe Photoshop is one of the most popular photo editing software out there used by both professionals to create and edit masterful images, and yours truly who just need it for basic image manipulation. No matter which side of the fence you’re on, I’m sure you’ve at least tried Photoshop. However, due to Adobe’s Creative Cloud subscription, Photoshop can prove to be quite expensive for people just getting into photo editing. Plus, with the plethora of tools on offer in Photoshop, it can be quite tough to use. So, if you are looking for Photoshop alternatives that are easier to use or a free Photoshop alternative for your Windows PC, Mac, Linux machine or even your Android or iOS device, well we have you covered.
Best Photoshop Alternatives: Sections
To make it easier for you to find a Photoshop alternative that best fits your needs, I’m breaking this article down into four sections, and you can click on the links below to head over to the section best suited for your needs.
Free and Open-Source Photoshop Alternatives
Online Photoshop Alternatives
Photoshop Alternatives for Android and iOS
Paid Photoshop Alternatives
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Free Photoshop Alternatives (Windows, macOS and Linux)
1. Krita
Krita is a free tool like Photoshop that is almost as feature rich in the options it offers as Photoshop is. It also happens to be one of the tools that are highly recommended by people in online forums about photo editing and creative editing. Another thing I really like about Krita is the fact that it looks and feels very similar to Photoshop — the toolbars are arranged in a very similar way, it has a dark theme by default (but 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 users swear by, and you can also open multiple images in tabs just like Photoshop. It’s completely free, however there’s a paid version available for anyone who wants to support the developers and show some love.
Pros:
- Support for drawing tablets and pens.
- Templates for different types of projects.
- Supports Rulers and Guides.
- Lot of effects.
Cons:
- No history tool.
- Patch tool lags on larger images (I tried 1200×1600)
- Text tool isn’t as feature rich as Photoshop’s.
- No Camera RAW filter.
File Support: PNG, BMP, GIMP, TIF, TGA, JPEG, WEBP and more
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Price: Free; optional paid version available to support developers
2. GIMP
One of the topmost recommendations you’d read for a tool like Photoshop is GIMP, and for good reason. GIMP, or GNU Image Manipulation Program is a very feature rich photo editing and creative tool that can do almost everything that Photoshop can, and brings in everything from the popular Adobe software to a free and open-source software. However, GIMP isn’t my top choice for a Photoshop alternative because it has a bunch of issues as well, most annoying of which is the fact that multiple preset brushes share the same settings, which gets annoying if you’re constantly switching between brushes. Also, GIMP doesn’t have the drawing capabilities of Photoshop. It’s free though, and is definitely worth a look-see if you’re in the market for a free Photoshop alternative.
Pros:
- Comprehensive layer support with blending modes.
- Supports Rulers and Guides.
- Supports image slicing.
- History toolbar.
Cons:
- UI looks dated and takes getting used to.
- Text tool is weird and not intuitive at all.
- no Camera RAW filter.
- Finding tools can be difficult.
File Support: PNG, JPEG, BMP, TIF, and more.
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Price: Free
3. Paint.NET
Paint.NET was originally developed to be a more powerful version of MS Paint and as such it brings a lot of the features from MS Paint. While Paint.NET is nowhere near as powerful as Photoshop, it brings a lot of features that make it a viable alternative for people looking for a free Photoshop alternative for Windows. Paint.NET supports layers with blending modes which is one of the most used features in Photoshop. It also has a history tool that can come in handy to quickly undo multiple edits in a project. Basically, it’s a very well rounded tool for image editing even though it’s not as powerful as Photoshop can be when used properly.
Pros:
- Layer support with blending modes.
- History tool.
- Pretty well rounded for basic editing.
- Supports rulers.
- Supports a ton of file types.
Cons:
- UI looks dated.
- No support for Guides.
- No Camera RAW option.
- No slice tool, patch tool, or spot healing tool.
- Doesn’t support auto-snapping.
File Support: PDN, BMP, GIF, JPG, PNG, TIFF, TGA, DDS (directdraw surface)
Platforms: Windows
Price: Free; optional paid version available to support developers
4. Seashore
Seashore is another Photoshop alternative that’s aimed solely at Mac users. It brings some important features from Photoshop including support for layers. The app also supports pressure sensitivity, so if you’re using a pressure sensitive drawing tablet, you’ll be able to make full use of its pressure levels. Personally, I found Seashore to be more easy in terms of beginner-usability, and it’s also completely free which is awesome.
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Pros:
- Supports layers.
- Completely free.
- Pressure sensitivity support.
- Easy to use.
Cons:
- UI looks very outdated.
- No effects
- Grid isn’t customisable.
- Doesn’t support PSD files.
File Support: JPG, PNG, GIMP, TIFF, GIF
Platforms: macOS
Price:Free
Check out Seashore
Online Photoshop Alternatives
5. Pixlr Editor
One of the best online Photoshop alternatives out there, Pixlr editor does a remarkable job for editing photos. It brings a bunch of great and powerful tools that make it one of the best online Photoshop like software out there. Pixlr Editor comes with support for layers and blending modes, a lot of effects and filters, a history tool and even has the healing tool that a lot of Photoshop users love using. It’s basically perfect for a quick on-the-go edit and with some of the advanced features it can be used for more advanced edits as well. Since it’s online, you can use it no matter what operating system you’re on and that’s one of the best things about online tools.
Pros:
- Online, so it works on every platform.
- Supports layers and blending modes.
- History tool.
- Healing tool.
Cons:
- No pen tool.
- Not as versatile as Photoshop.
- Doesn’t support as many file types as Photoshop.
- No Rulers and Guides.
- Support for PDF, PSD, and Sketch formats is behind a paywall.
File Support: JPG, PNG, BMP, TIFF, and PXD (layered pixlr image)
Platforms: Web
Price: Free; Pro version at $5/month
6. Sumopaint
Sumopaint is yet another online Photoshop alternative that you can consider using for projects that don’t necessarily need the level of complexity that Photoshop offers. Being an online tool, Sumopaint can be used on any machine you have and it does offer a bunch of great Photoshop like features. The tool brings support for layers and blending modes which is a very useful feature for projects that are more than just resizing and cropping. There are also quite a lot of effects and filters that Sumopaint brings to the table — these should prove enough for most photo editing needs. Unfortunately the app doesn’t bring support for rulers and guides, which I personally find very useful in Photoshop, and the interface does look dated by today’s standards. However, you can use it for free, and only pay if you need the tools that are locked for pro users.
Pros:
- Support for layers and blending modes.
- Quite a lot of effects and filters.
- Enough tools in for basic to slightly advanced photo editing.
Cons:
- Some tools are locked behind a paywall. Including Text tool, line tool, and more.
- Interface is dated.
- No Pen tool, Camera RAW filter, and auto-snapping.
- Limited file support.
File Support: PNG, JPG, SUMO
Platforms: Web
Price: Free; pro-version starts at $4/month
7. PicMonkey
If Pixlr and Sumo didn’t suit your needs, PicMonkey might just be what you’re looking for. The tool works completely online so it’s easy to access without worrying about OS compatibility and what not. Plus, it brings support for layers, and also has a very font-rich text tool. However, don’t expect 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. However, PicMonkey isn’t nearly as feature rich as Photoshop is, and it tends to respond a little slow at times. That said, the biggest problem in PicMonkey is that unless you subscribe to a pro subscription, you’ll not be able to export your images.
Pros:
- Support for layers.
- Text tool has a lot of fonts.
- Bunch of filters and effects.
Cons:
- Gets slow at times.
- Can’t export images in free version.
File Support: JPG, PNG
Platform: Online, mobile app available
Price:Free; Pro version starts at $5.99/month (7 day free trial available)
Photoshop Alternatives for Android and iOS
8. Multi Layer (Android)
If you’re looking for an app that will let you edit images on the go on your Android smartphone or tablet, Multi Layer is a great app to go with. While there’s no dearth of photo editing apps on Android, Multi Layer beats them with features like support for layers and blending modes, a wide variety of features to edit photos, and even grid support. The app is available completely free to use, however, some features (like blending modes) are only available in the Pro version which you can buy as an in-app purchase for Rs. 200.
Pros:
- Supports layers and blending modes.
- Feature rich.
- Supports grids.
Cons:
- UI can be confusing.
- Only supports JPG and PNG files.
- Contains ads in free version.
File Support: JPG, PNG
Platforms: Android
Price: Free; Pro version for Rs. 200
Download Multi Layer from the Play Store (Free)
9. PhotoWizard (iOS)
If you’re using an iOS device, PhotoWizard is definitely one of the most powerful free apps you can use to edit photos. The app doesn’t come with support for layers, but it brings a lot of powerful features you probably won’t find on other Photoshop alternatives for iOS. There’s historgram, motion blur, gaussian blur, curve editing, masking and a lot more. The app is definitely a pretty powerful app for iOS devices, plus the masking feature works really well.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Supports curve editing and histogram
- Feature packed
Cons:
- UI looks dated
- No layer support
File Support: All iPhone supported formats.
Platforms: iOS
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Price: Free
Download PhotoWizard from the App Store (Free)
Paid Photoshop Alternatives
10. Affinity Photo
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Affinity Photo is a very popular image editing application that’s every bit as powerful as Photoshop is and is definitely one of the best paid Photoshop alternatives out there. The app brings a ton of cool and useful features including tools like the Pen tool, rulers, guides, and grids. It also has the healing tool, the clone tool, and most other tools you’d find in Photoshop. It also has support for layers with blending modes and a lot more. However, the app isn’t cheap and you’ll have to pay a one-time price of Rs. 3,999 to get it.
Pros:
- Powerful Photoshop substitute.
- Pen tool, healing tool, clone tool and more.
- Supports layers and blending modes.
- Supports rulers and grids.
Cons:
- UI can be a little confusing at first.
- Not as many file types are supported as Photoshop.
- No Camera RAW tool
File Support: PNG, JPEG, GIF, TIFF, PSD, PDF, SVG, EPS and more.
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Price: Rs. 3,999
11. Pixelmator
Pixelmator is a macOS only photo editing tool that brings with it a ton of Photoshop like features and tools, and it also supports some of the latest features that Apple has brought to macOS such as editing and exporting images stored in the High Efficiency Image File format. There are the usual features like support for layers and blending modes, a plethora of tools to use for editing the images, support for live previews and SVG files. I also love the interface of Pixelmator and find it to be quite a lot better than Photoshop’s UI. However, it’s a very Mac-oriented interface so you might not like it as much as I do.
Pros:
- Feature packed.
- Supports layers and blending modes.
- Supports slice tool.
- Excellent UI in line with Apple’s guidelines.
Cons:
- Hugely different UI as compared to most photo editors.
- Might not seem intuitive to Photoshop users.
- Not for beginners.
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File Support: HEIF, JPG, PNG, TIFF, Pixelmator Pro, PSD, PDF, GIF, and more.
Platforms: macOS
Price: 30 day free trial available; $60
12. PhotoLine
PhotoLine is an image editing software that brings quite a bit of great features to Windows and macOS systems. The overall UI of the software is decent but not great, however, it brings support for layers and blending modes, rulers and guides, along with a bunch of great effects and filters. The app also supports drawing vector images so if that’s something you need, this is definitely the app for you. PhotoLine is available to try for free for 30 days, however, you’ll have to pay to continue using it past that time.
Pros:
- Support for layers and blending modes.
- Support for rulers and guides
- Supports vector drawing
Cons:
- No pen tool, slice tool, or patch tool.
- Toolbox looks confusing.
File Support: PDF, SVG, BMP, GIF, WEBP, JPG, PNG, and more.
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Price: 30 day free trial; ~$67 after that
SEE ALSO: 10 Best TeamViewer Alternatives
Check Out these Photoshop Alternatives
So those were the 12 best free (and paid) Photoshop alternatives that you can try out if you’re looking to ditch Photoshop, or are unwilling to pay a subscription pricing for a image editing software. I’ve included software that are free, paid, mobile apps, and even dedicated Windows and macOS software with varying degrees of advanced features, so no matter what you’re looking for in your Photoshop alternative, I think you’ll find it here. That said, if you think I missed out on a great Photoshop alternative that deserves to be on this list, let me know in the comments down below.
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A few touch-ups made on a photo can change its meaning and looks for the better. But the question is; what is the best photo editing software for Mac 2019? This is an app that will help you edit your photos and make them better.
Whether you are a professional photo editor or would like to give family photos better looks and feel, you need reliable software. The software that you can choose will depend on many factors among which are the features the editor offers, the price and personal preferences. Bearing the above in mind, the best photo editor for Mac will depend on who is asking. What may be perfect for you may not be what another person perceives as best.
With all photo editing needs in mind, we have come up with a list of the top five editors. Whether you want something paid or free you will find a great choice here.
Best Photo Editing Software for Mac 2019
This is an advanced photo editing software that is meant to bring out the creativity of an artist and photographer. The Adobe Photoshop CC interface will take the new user a while to learn how to use but those moving from other Photoshop products will find it easier to adjust.
With this program, you can be able to create a magnificent painting, draw great drawings and design logos, icons, banners and so on. Whether you want to make 2D or 3D images, you can create them with this program. There are many tools to help put that eye-catching effect every artist wants. There are many brushes you can use to paint but they are better categorized and give more intuitive strokes.
Photoshop CC: This is the most advanced tool from Photoshop that allows artists and photographers to create masterpieces. There are many features that graphic designers and photographers will find useful. However, it is not easy to use and takes some time to get used to the interface.
Elements: This is based on the same code as the Photoshop CC but has fewer features that are more accessible. This makes it ideal for amateur photo editors.
Lightroom: This is a professional tool that experts use to refine digital images with quick output options. These range from printing to creating slide shows to web page publication. In a sense, the Adobe Lightroom is like the darkroom that was previously used to edit photos professionally.
The new release of the Photoshop Elements has all the good of the old and some new features you will love. It comes with a simple interface that makes editing photos very easy. With guided edits, editing is easy and so is using all the other features of the program.
Adobe Photoshop Elements Editor on macOS High Sierra
What edits can you make with this Mac photo editor? You can replace backgrounds, add artistic overlay effects, add watercolors, create a double exposure, paint effects over photos, create a visual text photo, add a motion blur, add custom frames and create a collage of effects. All these done with guided edits! That is not all! You can make group photos perfect by using other photos to make the affected subject smile, open their eyes and so on. Get rid of haze and shake in images. Fix tilted photos and customize the looks of any photo to your liking.
This is the best photo editing software for Mac for all the professionals out there. It is a fast, smooth and powerful app that has a huge toolset to allow editors to create masterpieces. The interface has a dedicated workspace where editing can be done easily.
With Affinity Photo, you will get the opportunity to correct images white balance, shadows, highlights and others. Among the many retouches you can do to an image you will be able to clone, patch, dodge, blemish and remove red-eye issues. Use the in-painting brush and liquefy features to create a blemish-free image.
Merge different exposure brackets to come up with the perfect photo. Making changes to certain parts of an image is very easy with the precise selections one can make. As for those who want to create complex images they can do so with the many layers and filters there are.
Affinity fully supports Photoshop files. You can move files between the two apps seamlessly and the images will remain intact. As for multi-tasking, you can edit images as a batch in the background as you do other things on your Mac. There are many other features that you get with this best photo editing software for Mac. Only pay once and edit images all your life!
Free Graphic Design Software For Mac 2018
This is for those who love the freedom to work on their photos no matter where they are. Adobe Lightroom is a cloud-based photo service. You can edit images from any browser. All you need to do is log in and start making awesome images.
When you sign up for the Lightroom service, you will be given 1TB cloud storage and powerful editing features. The massive storage will have a backup of all your original images and their edits so you can retrieve them at any given time. Finding photos is very easy with the use of searchable keywords when organizing the photos.
The intuitive interface of the Adobe Lightroom has quick adjustment tools you can use to make images look just the way you want them to. You can work on any photo including HD ones.
Other than editing photos, users can create graphics, web pages and videos with the Adobe Spark that is included in the Lightroom subscription. There are tutorials that will explain all you can do with this photo editing program which will help you better your skills.
This is among the best photo editors Mac that allows its users to create JPEG and RAW images that are the best quality. Correct any lighting issues in your image, create great contrast without haze in images and automatically correct any measurement and calibration issues.
You can make corrections to only a part of an image by manually selecting the area then use filters, brushes and automatic repair to make it perfect. To make easy corrections to many images, simply copy and paste settings from one image to the other.
When you need to share your work, you can do so in batches. Share as many photos as you want to online and to other platforms at one go.
With many similarities with Photoshop, many people find GIMP easy to use. It is equally as capable and stands out as the best photo editing software for Mac. With it, you will be able to do many edits to your photos. These will range from the basic functions like cropping pictures and resizing them. More advanced features like removing, blurring and making the background transparent can be done using this free photo editor. Color management is also eased with the use of this software.
GIMP is one photo editor that is ideal for use by many people of different professions. From graphic designers to scientist to photographers they will all find GIMP useful. With this high quality photo manipulation tool, you will be able to make as many changes as you wish. Graphic designers will be able to make use of the many elements that are present and artists can be able to transform simple photos into amazing works of art.
GIMP is modular software that can be expanded and extended. Different extensions and plug-ins can be added to the software so it can do whatever the user wishes, from simple tasks to complicated ones.
Gimp Graphic Design Software
This is an open-source digital program that can be used to edit photos. It is mainly designed for digital painting and making art workflows though it can still do the basic feature of cropping and adjusting images. Here are some of the cool features that make this the best free photo editor.
The line tool is similar to the one in Corel Painter and makes it very easy to draw straight lines. The perspective tools make it easy for you to draw. When you draw points on the canvas a perspective grid appears and you can then use to arrange. The color picker and brushes can be easily accessed as they are displayed right on the screen. A really cool and unique feature is the kaleidoscope tool which applies effects like those of a kaleidoscope on the image. There are many more features in this app. If you are into digital painting, you will surely love Krita.
This is not like PhotoShop but will surely prove to be a good choice for the Mac users looking for basic photo editing tools. The program has seven features. These are Animated GIF, Page, Batch Editor, Editor, Merge, Print and Viewer.
There are many different filters you will find in Photoscape including some great film filters. The cropping ratio is brilliant and allows users to determine the final print ratio. On the downside, there are no layers in Photoscape but generally, it is a good photo editor for basic needs.
Regardless of what you intend to use the best photo editor for Mac to do, you can be able to find one that will suit your needs. From the leisure photographers to professionals in the field of web design and digital drawing, all can find an ideal app they can use in their Mac. Choose from the above and you will be happy with the results.
If you prefer online photo editors then this is the right option. With this, you will be able to create a new image or upload one. The editor works just like PhotoShop so it should be easy to use if you are familiar with image editing tools. You will be able to smudge, crop, fill, blur and do many other changes to images.
Pixlr Express enables users one-click manipulation for different attributes like size, rotation, inversion, changing saturation and hue among others. With the Pixlr Grabber for Firefox add-on adding pictures to the photo editor is much easier. All you have to do is right click on the image.
This is one of the easiest photo editors to use. It will only take a few minutes of learning and you will be able to use it like a pro. The downside associated with Pixlr is that there is not much support but their blog is a good source of information on its features.
With the best photo editing software for Mac 2019, it is actually possible to create perfect photos. Choose one of the photo editors above and you will not be disappointed. All of them come with free trial periods whose lengths differ from one to the other. Be sure to try them free of charge before committing financially. The trial will help you determine if a particular video editor is best for your needs.