Adobe Photoshop is widely regarded as the standard for photo editing. But for many users—especially beginners, students, or hobbyists—the monthly subscription fee and high system requirements can be deal-breakers. Fortunately, there are several free tools that now offer comparable features, user-friendly interfaces, and even AI tools that make editing easier than ever.
Whether you’re touching up selfies, designing social media graphics, or working on complex illustrations, there’s a free Photoshop alternative out there that fits the bill.
Table of Contents
Top Free Photoshop Alternatives for Windows and Mac
1. PhotoDirector Essential
Best for: Beginners to pros
Platforms: Windows, Mac
What Makes It Stand Out:
PhotoDirector Essential blends ease-of-use with powerful features like AI sky replacement, guided edits, and animation tools. It supports layers, which is a huge plus for those used to Photoshop.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- AI-powered tools
- Rich stock library
Cons:
- Some advanced features are locked behind a paywall
- Can lag on older PCs
Personal Note: For quick touch-ups and slideshows, PhotoDirector has always delivered fast, great-looking results.
2. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)
Best for: Advanced users and open-source fans
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
What Makes It Stand Out:
With GIMP, you’re getting a robust editing platform that can go toe-to-toe with Photoshop. It supports layers, masks, plugins, and more.
Pros:
- 100% free and open-source
- Highly customizable
- No watermarks or limitations
Cons:
- The interface can be intimidating
- Not as intuitive as other tools
3. Pixlr
Best for: On-the-go, browser-based editing
Platforms: Web, Windows, Mac
What Makes It Stand Out:
Pixlr requires no installation. You get support for layers, blending modes, and essential filters right in your browser.
Pros:
- Accessible from any device
- Slick, modern UI
Cons:
- Requires an internet connection
- Some tools are behind a paywall
4. Photopea
Best for: Those who want Photoshop in a browser
Platforms: Web
What Makes It Stand Out:
Photopea is probably the closest thing to Photoshop on this list. It supports PSD files, has familiar keyboard shortcuts, and offers solid layer support.
Pros:
- Works with PSD files
- No installation needed
- Free to use
Cons:
- Ads can be distracting
- Performance may vary by browser
5. Darktable
Best for: Photographers handling RAW files
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
What Makes It Stand Out:
This one’s all about photography. Darktable offers non-destructive editing and excellent RAW support.
Pros:
- Ideal for serious photography
- Great color correction tools
Cons:
- Not built for graphic design
- Has a steeper learning curve
6. Krita
Best for: Illustrators and digital artists
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
What Makes It Stand Out:
Krita isn’t trying to be Photoshop. It’s tailored for digital painting, with some of the best brush engines in the game.
Pros:
- Free and open-source
- Great for animation and illustration
Cons:
- Less suitable for photo editing
7. PhotoScape X
Best for: Batch editing and basic tweaks
Platforms: Windows, Mac
What Makes It Stand Out:
Need to resize 50 photos? PhotoScape X makes it easy with batch processing, collage tools, and quick filters.
Pros:
- Great for beginners
- Fun filters and GIF tools
Cons:
- Lacks deeper editing tools like layer masks
Feature Comparison Table
| Software | Platforms | Best For | Layer Support | AI Tools | RAW Support | Free Version Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhotoDirector | Win, Mac | All skill levels | Yes | Yes | Yes | Some features paid |
| GIMP | Win, Mac, Lin | Advanced editing | Yes | No | Yes | Steep learning curve |
| Pixlr | Web, Win, Mac | Quick, browser editing | Yes | Some | No | Some tools paid |
| Photopea | Web | PSD editing in browser | Yes | No | No | Ads, browser-based |
| Darktable | Win, Mac, Lin | RAW photo editing | No | No | Yes | Not for graphic design |
| Krita | Win, Mac, Lin | Digital painting | Yes | No | Yes | Not for photo editing |
| PhotoScape X | Win, Mac | Batch editing, quick fixes | Limited | No | Yes | Lacks advanced features like masks |
Conclusion:
There’s no single best free Photoshop alternative—just the best one for your needs. Whether it’s the beginner-friendly tools in PhotoDirector, the robust flexibility of GIMP, or the convenience of Photopea, users have more powerful, free options than ever before.
Explore a few of these tools and see which one fits your editing style. You may find that you don’t need Photoshop at all.
FAQ: People Also Ask
What is the best free Photoshop alternative for beginners?
PhotoDirector Essential stands out for beginners thanks to its helpful guided edits and clean layout.
Is GIMP as good as Photoshop?
GIMP has many of Photoshop’s features but falls short in polish and ease of use.
Can I use Photoshop alternatives in my browser?
Absolutely. Pixlr and Photopea are both solid browser-based editors.
Which tool is best for editing RAW images?
Darktable is the go-to choice for photographers needing robust RAW support.
Can I edit PSD files without using Photoshop?
Yes. Photopea can open and edit PSDs directly from your browser.
➡️ Looking to create social media graphics or blog banners? Try out Canva for free.
➡️ Want something closer to Lightroom for photo organizing? Darktable is worth checking out.
Related Reads:
