Whether you’re editing high-resolution images, designing social media graphics, or creating digital art on your Mac, these tools offer layer support, filters, brushes, and image manipulation—many with native Mac versions or browser-based access.
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1. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)
GIMP is the most advanced free Photoshop alternative and runs natively on macOS. It supports layers, masks, custom brushes, advanced selection tools, and plug-ins.
It may have a learning curve, but it’s fully open-source and extremely powerful for everything from retouching to design.
Best for: Professionals and serious hobbyists needing full Photoshop-style features.
2. Photopea (Web-Based)
Photopea is a browser-based image editor that mimics Photoshop’s layout and tools. It works with PSD, XCF, Sketch, and RAW files and includes layers, smart objects, and blending modes.
No installation required—just open it in Safari or Chrome.
Best for: Mac users who want Photoshop functionality without installing software.
3. Krita
Krita is a free, open-source painting and image editing app made for digital artists. It runs smoothly on macOS and includes brushes, layers, animation tools, and color management.
While it’s more focused on illustration and painting, it also supports photo editing tasks.
Best for: Illustrators and concept artists who also need image editing features.
4. Pixlr E (Web-Based)
Pixlr E is a free online photo editor with a slick interface, layer support, filters, and adjustment tools. It’s lighter than Photoshop but still powerful enough for general editing.
Since it’s browser-based, it runs well on any Mac without installation.
Best for: Fast, accessible editing from any Mac with internet access.
5. Paint.NET Alternatives for Mac – Seashore
Seashore is a lightweight, open-source image editor built specifically for macOS. It supports layers, gradients, and basic filters, making it a great alternative to Paint.NET for Mac users.
It’s ideal for light editing and educational use.
Best for: Simple layer-based editing with a native Mac interface.
6. Darktable
Darktable is a free, open-source photo editor aimed at photographers working with RAW files. It’s often compared to Lightroom, but also includes image correction, color grading, and transformation tools.
It’s perfect for Mac-based photo professionals who shoot in RAW.
Best for: Photographers focused on high-quality, non-destructive editing.
7. Inkscape (for vector editing)
While Inkscape is primarily a vector graphics editor (like Illustrator), it also handles image manipulation, path tracing, and layering.
It’s free and open-source, with native Mac support, and ideal for creating logos, icons, and SVGs.
Best for: Designers working with vectors or combining raster + vector art.
8. Lunacy by Icons8
Lunacy is a powerful design app that supports Sketch files and includes vector editing, image effects, and UI design tools. It’s available for macOS and totally free.
It has fewer photo-editing tools than Photoshop but is great for interface and design work.
Best for: UI/UX designers or those working with Sketch on Mac.
9. Fotor (Web + App)
Fotor is a beginner-friendly image editor with a web version and a free Mac app. It includes one-click enhancements, filters, beauty tools, and templates—ideal for quick edits and social media content.
Best for: Casual users creating simple graphics or edits.
10. Photos (Built-in App on macOS)
Don’t overlook Apple’s built-in Photos app, which includes non-destructive editing, color correction, filters, and cropping. It syncs with iCloud and works great for organizing and editing everyday images.
While it’s not a Photoshop clone, it handles basic photo enhancements very well.
Best for: Everyday users needing simple edits and organization.
Choosing the Best Photoshop Alternative for Mac
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Need Photoshop-level tools? → Go for GIMP or Photopea.
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Want painting or illustration tools? → Try Krita or Lunacy.
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Prefer browser-based editing? → Use Pixlr E or Photopea.
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Focused on photography and RAW files? → Choose Darktable or Fotor.
All of these tools work great on macOS and offer unique strengths—without Adobe’s price tag.
Let me know if you’d like help comparing features for a specific use case like social media, eCommerce, or digital art.
