Adobe Photoshop is a powerhouse for photo editing, graphic design, and digital art—but let’s face it, it’s also expensive. Whether you’re a beginner learning the ropes, a student on a budget, or a professional looking for lighter software, there are plenty of free Photoshop alternatives that pack serious punch.
We’ve rounded up the 10 best free tools like Photoshop that help you design, retouch, and create amazing visuals—without spending a single cent.
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1. Photopea
Photopea is the closest free alternative to Photoshop you’ll find online. It runs entirely in your browser and supports PSD, XCF, Sketch, and other file formats. Its interface mirrors Photoshop, so if you’re already familiar with Adobe’s tools, you’ll feel right at home.
📌 Best for: Quick online edits with PSD support and layer-based workflow.
🌐 photopea.com
2. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)
A long-standing open-source alternative, GIMP offers a powerful suite of tools for photo retouching, digital painting, and graphic design. With the right plugins, it can rival Photoshop for many tasks.
📌 Best for: Designers who want a full-featured offline editor with community support.
🌐 gimp.org
3. Pixlr X / Pixlr E
Pixlr offers two browser-based editors: Pixlr X (simple and user-friendly) and Pixlr E (more advanced). Both are free and ideal for quick graphic design work, including overlays, filters, and resizing.
📌 Best for: Fast, lightweight editing in your browser with a clean UI.
🌐 pixlr.com
4. Krita
Originally built for digital painting, Krita has evolved into a top-tier tool for illustrators, comic artists, and concept designers. It features brush stabilization, HDR painting, and animation support.
📌 Best for: Digital painting and concept art with a pro-grade toolset.
🌐 krita.org
5. Canva Free
While not a Photoshop replacement for detailed image manipulation, Canva offers powerful drag-and-drop design features and templates. Its free plan includes access to thousands of assets.
📌 Best for: Social media graphics, posters, and simple photo edits.
🌐 canva.com
6. Paint.NET
A lightweight image and photo editor for Windows, Paint.NET is a big step up from MS Paint. It supports layers, blending, and effects, and it’s incredibly fast and easy to learn.
📌 Best for: Windows users who need basic to intermediate image editing.
🌐 getpaint.net
7. PhotoScape X
This free app for Windows and Mac is great for quick edits, batch processing, and creative filters. It also has tools for creating GIFs, combining images, and basic retouching.
📌 Best for: Fast, all-in-one photo editing and enhancement.
🌐 photoscape.org
8. Fotor
Fotor is a browser-based editor and design platform with a sleek UI. It offers one-click enhancements, effects, collages, and design templates. While some features are premium, the free tools are solid.
📌 Best for: Beginners and casual users looking for quick results.
🌐 fotor.com
9. Sumopaint
Sumopaint offers a feature-rich interface with layers, filters, brushes, and tools familiar to Photoshop users. It’s cloud-based and also available as a desktop app.
📌 Best for: Web-based creative projects with a Photoshop-like layout.
🌐 sumo.app
10. Glorify (Free Plan)
Geared toward marketers and entrepreneurs, Glorify combines design features with e-commerce branding tools. Its free version includes background remover, mockup templates, and UI-friendly editing.
📌 Best for: Product images, social ads, and content creators building a brand.
🌐 glorify.com
Final Thoughts
You don’t need Adobe Photoshop to design like a pro. These free Photoshop alternatives offer everything from basic edits to advanced digital painting. Whether you’re an artist, photographer, or entrepreneur, there’s a tool on this list to suit your creative needs.
