15 Best Free Photoshop Alternatives in 2025

Adobe Photoshop has long held the crown as the go-to photo editing software, but its monthly subscription can feel like an expensive burden. At $9.99 per month — and even more if you want access to the entire Creative Cloud suite — the cost isn’t exactly friendly for hobbyists, freelancers, or small businesses on a budget.

The good news? You don’t need to sacrifice professional tools just to save money. Whether you’re editing product shots for your online shop or creating eye-catching visuals for social media campaigns, there are plenty of powerful free Photoshop alternatives available.

After spending countless hours testing different programs, I’ve put together this guide to the best options in 2025. From advanced desktop software to quick and easy browser-based tools, there’s something here for every level of experience and every type of project.

What Makes a Strong Photoshop Alternative?

Before we dive into the list, here are a few things that set a great Photoshop replacement apart:

Versatility – Tools that cover a wide range of needs, from precise retouching to simple design tasks.
Cross-platform support – Availability across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android for a smooth workflow.
Affordable or free – Options that won’t break the bank, with free plans or low-cost upgrades.
Community and resources – Strong user communities and plugin support that make learning and customization easier.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the top 15 free Photoshop alternatives for 2025.

Best Desktop Photo Editors

1. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

GIMP is the closest you can get to Photoshop without paying a cent. This open-source raster editor provides a full range of tools for retouching, restoring images, and building creative composites. Its layout resembles Photoshop, which makes the switch easier for users already familiar with Adobe’s software.

While most RAW editors cover the basics, GIMP goes further with advanced options such as selections, masks, dust and spot removal, and even focus stacking. It’s powerful enough for many professional workflows, though not a perfect one-to-one Photoshop replacement. For example, certain printing features aren’t supported, and while GIMP can run Photoshop plugins, compatibility isn’t always guaranteed.

For many photographers, GIMP handles nearly everything they need. But high-end graphic designers may still prefer Photoshop for specific tools. Still, its biggest strength is simple: it’s completely free and open source. That means you get professional-grade editing without paying hundreds of dollars, plus the option to tweak or extend it if you’re into customization.

2. Affinity Photo

Affinity Photo is one of the strongest competitors to Photoshop, offering many of the same features — and in some cases, going even further. If you’ve ever used Photoshop, you’ll feel comfortable right away, which makes it a great choice for people leaving Adobe’s subscription model behind.

The software includes all the essentials like layers, adjustment layers, masks, and filters. On top of that, it brings some standout tools of its own: a brush system with live previews, built-in frequency separation for skin retouching, HDR tone mapping, and an impressive collection of non-destructive Live Filter effects.

Where Affinity Photo really shines is in advanced editing tasks such as composites, cut-outs, exposure blending, and special effects — jobs that were once exclusive to Photoshop. It also supports real-time adjustment layers, letting you see changes instantly while keeping edits fully reversible.

Unlike Adobe, Affinity uses a one-time purchase model, so there’s no ongoing subscription fee. That makes it especially appealing to anyone looking for professional tools without a monthly bill.

3. PhotoDirector Essential

PhotoDirector Essential is one of the most beginner-friendly yet powerful free alternatives to Photoshop. Its clean interface, AI-driven tools, and guided editing features make it accessible for newcomers while still offering enough depth for more advanced users.

Among its highlights are automatic sky and background replacement, portrait retouching, fun animation effects, and precise color adjustments. The balance between simplicity and advanced options is what makes PhotoDirector stand out — you can achieve polished, professional-looking results without a steep learning curve.

It’s especially well-suited for photographers who want to enhance portraits or create eye-catching visuals quickly. While the free version covers plenty of ground, some advanced capabilities (such as broader file format support or certain AI effects) require upgrading to the premium plan.

4. Darktable

Darktable is often described as the free alternative to Adobe Lightroom, but it also works as a capable Photoshop replacement for certain tasks. While it doesn’t match Adobe’s suite feature-for-feature, it provides a strong set of tools for image enhancement and RAW processing — and it’s completely open source.

Darktable lets you create and save your own presets, making one-click editing fast and efficient. Its interface closely resembles Lightroom, giving you modules for managing and processing images. For example, the Lighttable module handles imports, exports, and photo management; the Darkroom module acts as the editing workspace for color correction and enhancements; and the Map module allows geotagged images to be displayed on Google Maps.

Although Photoshop is a more complete image manipulation tool, it’s also heavy and resource-intensive. Darktable, by contrast, is lighter and well-suited for photographers who need organized editing without slowing down their workflow.

5. Krita

Krita is primarily known as a digital painting and illustration program, but it also offers solid photo editing capabilities. Unlike Photoshop, its main strength lies in drawing tools — so while it may not include every advanced photo filter or healing option, it’s an excellent choice for artists who want both painting and editing in a single platform.

The interface is intuitive, with the most important tools always within easy reach rather than hidden behind complex menus. Krita also has outstanding tablet and stylus support, with customizable sensitivity settings that make it a favorite among digital painters.

One of the biggest advantages of Krita is its fast development cycle — updates and bug fixes are released frequently, often introducing new features at a pace that outstrips other free editors. It’s open source and community-supported, with funding from donations and past Kickstarter campaigns.

6. Paint.NET

Paint.NET started as a simple upgrade to Microsoft Paint but has since grown into a capable, lightweight photo editor. It’s designed with beginners in mind, offering an easy-to-use interface while still providing enough functionality for more advanced edits.

The program supports essentials like layers, curves, and levels. While its built-in tools are somewhat limited compared to full-featured editors, Paint.NET has a strong community that creates free plugins to expand its capabilities. This makes it flexible for users who want something more powerful than basic paint software but without the complexity of Photoshop.

It’s also very lightweight, which means it runs smoothly even on older computers — making it a good option for users with limited hardware resources.

Best Online Photo Editors

7. Pixlr

Pixlr is one of the most popular online photo editors and a strong free alternative to Photoshop. Because it runs entirely in your browser, you don’t need to install any software, which makes it perfect for quick edits on the go.

The interface is clean and minimal compared to Photoshop or GIMP, but that actually makes it easier for beginners. You can drag and drop an image, or upload it via URL, and start editing right away with one-click filters, sliders, and adjustment tools. Despite being browser-based, Pixlr even supports working with layers — a rare feature among online editors.

It also integrates well with cloud storage, and its AI-powered tools can automate repetitive editing steps. Pixlr is particularly handy if you don’t want to fill your computer with heavy software but still need reliable editing features.

8. Photopea

Photopea is often called the “Photoshop in your browser” — and for good reason. Its layout and tools look almost identical to Adobe Photoshop, making it a seamless switch for anyone already familiar with Adobe’s interface.

Unlike many online editors, Photopea is powerful enough to handle professional file formats. You can open and edit PSD, XCF, Sketch, SVG, and more without leaving your browser. It even supports advanced features like scripts, with action support coming soon.

Because of its depth, Photopea isn’t the most beginner-friendly tool on this list. However, for experienced users who want a free, browser-based replacement for Photoshop, it’s unmatched. The editor is supported by ads, though you can upgrade to a low-cost premium plan to remove them.

9. Canva

Canva is one of the easiest design platforms available online, and while it isn’t a full replacement for Photoshop, it’s perfect for creating graphics quickly. It’s especially popular among small business owners, marketers, teachers, and anyone who needs to produce professional-looking visuals without advanced design skills.

Canva comes with thousands of ready-made templates for social media posts, presentations, posters, flyers, resumes, and more. You can drag and drop elements, use built-in stock photos and fonts, and collaborate with others in real time through Canva Teams. The platform also includes features like whiteboards for brainstorming, video editing, and even the ability to design simple websites.

Its AI assistant, Magic Write, helps generate text for your projects, and the premium version unlocks advanced features like background removal, resizing, brand kits, and animation tools.

10. Adobe Express (formerly Adobe Spark)

Adobe Express is Adobe’s lightweight, web-based editor designed for quick and simple projects. While it doesn’t aim to replace Photoshop, it provides a convenient way to make fast edits and create graphics without installing heavy software.

You can upload your photos and enhance them with easy-to-use tools: adjust brightness, sharpen, increase contrast, or apply one-click filters. It also includes options for cropping, rotating, scaling, and flipping images, plus a wide selection of fonts from the Adobe library to add text and captions. For social media and marketing, Adobe Express offers ready-made templates that simplify content creation.

The free plan covers basic features, while premium options unlock advanced templates and additional design elements.

11. Fotor

Fotor is a simple, beginner-friendly editor that focuses on accessibility. It’s not as advanced as Photoshop or GIMP, but it provides a wide range of creative tools for casual users who want fast results without diving into complex software.

Fotor includes one-click enhancements, filters, collage templates, stickers, and text effects — making it especially useful for social media content. While it shares some similarities with PhotoDirector, it doesn’t support advanced functions like full layer editing, and its AI-based features aren’t as precise as those in more professional programs.

It’s available across multiple platforms, so you can use it on desktop, mobile, or online. However, some users have reported less-than-stellar customer service, and many of the more powerful features require a paid upgrade.

Best Mobile Photo Editors

12. Snapseed

Snapseed is Google’s free mobile photo editor, and it’s one of the most powerful apps you can get without paying a dime. Designed for iOS and Android, it combines professional-grade editing tools with an intuitive interface that makes it accessible for both beginners and experienced photographers.

Snapseed supports RAW editing and offers non-destructive workflows, so your original files remain untouched. Standout features include selective adjustments, customizable filters, and precise tools for exposure, color correction, and sharpening. It’s also completely free, with no ads — a rarity among mobile apps.

The main limitation is that Snapseed is mobile-only, so it can’t replace a full desktop editor. Still, for photographers who need a portable editing solution, it’s an excellent option.

13. PicsArt

PicsArt is one of the most popular mobile photo editing apps, offering a mix of editing tools, creative effects, and social features. Available for both iOS and Android, it’s designed to be fun and versatile, appealing to everyone from casual users to digital artists.

The app includes a huge library of filters, stickers, frames, and text effects, plus drawing tools and collage templates. Users can also remix photos, experiment with creative overlays, and share their edits within PicsArt’s built-in social community. This makes it both an editor and a platform for discovering inspiration.

While many features are free, PicsArt also offers a premium subscription that removes ads and unlocks exclusive content. Beginners will appreciate its simple tools, while more advanced users can take advantage of its wide creative toolkit.

14. Polarr

Polarr is a sleek and easy-to-use mobile photo editor that focuses on filters, portrait enhancements, and quick adjustments. It’s designed for users who want to achieve professional-looking results fast, without diving into overly complex tools.

One of Polarr’s standout features is its large library of customizable filters. You can adjust them or create your own, giving photos a unique and consistent style. It also includes facial recognition tools for retouching portraits, as well as batch editing, which is helpful when you need to apply the same look to multiple images at once.

While the free version covers the basics, many of the more advanced features are locked behind a subscription plan. Additionally, Polarr doesn’t offer support for layers, so it’s better suited for lightweight edits rather than complex projects.

15. Luminar Neo

Skylum Luminar Neo isn’t completely free, but its trial version deserves a spot on this list because of how powerful it is. Built specifically with photographers in mind, Luminar Neo uses AI to make complex editing tasks much faster and easier.

The software comes with a wide range of smart tools, such as automatic sky replacement, portrait retouching, background removal, and object cleanup. It also includes over 20 creative effects and editing functions that help fine-tune exposure, color, and mood. All edits are non-destructive, so you can always go back to the original file.

Its interface is simple and modern, which makes it beginner-friendly while still offering advanced options for professionals. However, once the trial ends, you’ll need to purchase the full version — and it can be demanding on older machines.

How to Choose the Best Photoshop Alternative

With so many options available, the right choice depends on your needs and workflow. Here are the main factors to consider before deciding which tool to use:

Skill level – If you’re just starting out, beginner-friendly tools like Canva, Fotor, or PhotoDirector Essential will help you achieve results quickly. More advanced users may prefer GIMP, Affinity Photo, or Photopea for their professional capabilities.

Features you need – Make a checklist of essentials. Do you need RAW processing? Advanced masking? Layer-based editing? Animation or AI-powered tools? Different editors specialize in different areas.

Platform compatibility – Choose software that works on your devices, whether that’s Windows, macOS, Linux, or mobile platforms like iOS and Android.

Budget – Many of the options are completely free, but some offer premium tiers with more features. Decide whether the free version is enough or if it’s worth investing in an affordable upgrade.

Purpose of use – Think about your end goal. Are you creating content for social media, producing high-quality prints, or handling professional client work? The answer will guide you toward the right editor.

Using Photo Editors for Business Growth

High-quality visuals are one of the fastest ways to capture attention and build trust in any business. Whether you’re running an e-commerce store, a marketing agency, or growing your freelance brand, the right photo editor can make your content look professional without a big budget.

For example, Canva is perfect for producing branded graphics for email campaigns, social posts, or presentations in just a few minutes. Pixlr allows you to quickly clean up and enhance product shots before uploading them to your website or sending them to clients. Tools like Photopea and Affinity Photo give you Photoshop-level precision for more advanced projects, without the high subscription cost.

If you’re using outreach platforms such as Emelia.io, pairing strong visuals with your messaging can dramatically improve engagement. Eye-catching images in your emails, LinkedIn campaigns, or sales presentations create a more polished impression — helping you stand out and convert more leads.

Conclusion

There’s no shortage of excellent free (and affordable) Photoshop alternatives in 2025. From feature-rich desktop editors like GIMP, Affinity Photo, and Darktable to fast and accessible online tools like Photopea and Canva, there’s a solution for every type of user. Mobile apps such as Snapseed and PicsArt also prove that you don’t need a computer to create high-quality edits.

The key is to match the tool to your specific needs. If you’re a beginner, simple platforms with templates and one-click adjustments may be best. If you’re a professional photographer or designer, advanced editors with RAW support and layer-based workflows will serve you better.

Remember — the “best” photo editor is the one that fits seamlessly into your workflow and helps you achieve your goals without unnecessary complexity or cost.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there a completely free alternative to Photoshop?
Yes — GIMP is the most complete free option. It’s open-source, packed with advanced features, and doesn’t require any subscriptions or hidden payments.

2. Which Photoshop alternative is best for beginners?
If you’re just starting, Canva, Fotor, or PhotoDirector Essential are the easiest to use. They have simple interfaces and guided tools that don’t overwhelm new users.

3. Can I work with PSD files without Photoshop?
Absolutely. Editors like GIMP, Affinity Photo, and Photopea all support PSD files, so you can open, edit, and even export in that format without using Adobe software.

4. Which free alternative has the strongest mobile app?
Snapseed and PicsArt are excellent mobile editors. They provide professional-quality features right on your phone and are perfect for editing on the go.

5. Are free editors good enough for professional projects?
Yes. Tools such as GIMP, Affinity Photo, and Darktable offer advanced functions suitable for commercial work. The right choice depends on the kind of projects you handle.

6. Do any free Photoshop alternatives include AI tools?
Yes. Editors like PhotoDirector, Pixlr, and the trial version of Luminar Neo include AI-powered features such as background removal, object cleanup, and portrait enhancement.

7. Can I use these editors for business purposes?
Most free and open-source programs (like GIMP and Darktable) allow commercial use. Still, it’s always smart to double-check license terms, especially for tools that offer both free and premium versions.