Photoshop Alternatives (2026): 10 Tools Compared

Photoshop is the editor most people picture when they think of image editing, but it isn't the only way to crop a product shot, tidy a headshot or build a social graphic. Plenty of small business owners find it more program than they need, or simply prefer to pick something that suits how they work.

This page gathers ten Photoshop alternatives in no particular order, listed alphabetically. I've deliberately included smaller, independent tools next to the better-known names, because a lighter editor is often the one you'll open and use. The descriptions come from each tool's own website and directory listings. For design-first options, my guide to Canva alternatives is a good companion.

Photoshop alternatives compared at a glance

In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site says it has a permanent free version or is free to use according to its own site. Trial only means a free trial but no ongoing free plan. You'll want to check the current plans before you rely on a tool, as they're free to change.

Tool	Type	Good for	Free plan
Acorn	Mac image editor	Layered photo editing on a Mac, bought once	Trial only
Affinity	Photo, vector and layout app	Photos, logos and print layouts in one app	Yes
Canva	Online design tool	Quick social graphics and branded templates	Yes
Fotor	Online photo editor	Fast touch-ups, collages and AI enhancements	Yes
GIMP	Open source image editor	Detailed retouching with no licence to manage	Yes
Krita	Digital painting program	Illustration, concept art and hand-drawn work	Yes
Paint.NET	Windows image editor	Everyday photo fixes on a Windows PC	Yes
Photopea	Browser-based editor	Opening and editing layered files online	Yes
Pixelmator Pro	Mac and iPad image editor	Polished photo editing on Apple devices	Trial only
Pixlr	Online photo editor	Browser editing with AI-assisted tools	Yes

Ten Photoshop replacements, alphabetically

Acorn

Best for: Mac users who want a light, layer-based editor they can own outright instead of subscribing.

Affinity

Best for: Designers and small business owners who want photo editing, vector work and page layout without juggling several programs.

Canva

Best for: Non-designers who need on-brand social posts, flyers and presentations made quickly from templates.

Fotor

Best for: Anyone who wants quick photo fixes and simple collages in the browser, with no steep learning curve.

GIMP

Best for: Hands-on users who want a long-standing, free editor with layers, masks and plenty of plug-ins.

Krita

Best for: Illustrators and artists who care more about brushes and drawing feel than about photo retouching.

Paint.NET

Best for: Windows users who want something quicker and simpler than a full editor for everyday image jobs.

Photopea

Best for: People who need to open and tweak layered design files from any computer without installing anything.

Pixelmator Pro

Best for: Apple users who want a modern, tidy editor with layers and machine-learning tools built for Mac and iPad.

Pixlr

Best for: Quick edits and cut-outs in the browser, for people who want something familiar and easy to learn.

Questions that narrow down your Photoshop replacement

Start with the job you do most often, not the longest feature list. Then work through these questions, because they'll save you hours later.

• What will you edit: photos, logos, social graphics, illustrations or a mix?
• Do you need layers and masks, or would simple crop, resize and colour tools be enough?
• Which computer do you use? Some tools are Mac-only, some Windows-only, and some run in a browser.
• Do you receive layered design files from other people that you need to open?
• How patient are you with learning new software? Template-based tools are quick, while detailed editors take practice.
• Do you want to own the software outright, use a free version, or try before you commit?
• Will other people on your team need to open and change the same files?

Matching a Photoshop alternative to your kind of business

• Template-led design tools suit owners who make a lot of social posts and flyers and want a branded look with little effort.
• Browser editors suit people who work across several computers and want to open a file anywhere.
• Full desktop editors suit anyone retouching product photos or building detailed artwork.
• Drawing programs suit illustrators and makers who create their own artwork from scratch.

If you design collaboratively, my comparison of Figma alternatives covers tools built for shared design work, and the best AI photo editors is useful if speed matters most.

Moving away from Photoshop without losing files

• Keep your existing files and a working copy of the old program until you're sure the new tool handles them well.
• Open a few real projects in the new tool before you commit, rather than judging it on a blank canvas.
• Check which file formats it can save, especially if clients or printers expect a particular one.
• Expect a short learning dip. Keyboard shortcuts and menus won't feel familiar at first.
• Write down the three or four tasks you do every week and make sure each one works smoothly.

The case for a lighter, smaller Photoshop alternative

Smaller tools tend to do fewer things, and they'll often do them in a tidier way. That can make everyday edits quicker, and many open-source or independent editors have friendly communities and plenty of tutorials.

The trade-off is polish and support. Before you commit, check that the tool is still being updated, read what other users say about it, and make sure it exports the file types your work needs.

Do you make an image editor or design tool? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.

Last checks before you replace Photoshop

Choose two tools that fit your computer and the jobs you do most. Give each a short, real task, such as resizing a product photo and exporting it for your website. Keep whichever one feels natural to use, and don't delete your old files while you settle in.

Frequently asked questions

What is the closest thing to Photoshop?

It depends on what you do. For layered photo editing, look at desktop editors with layers, masks and adjustment tools. For quick graphics, template-led design tools are closer to how many small businesses work day to day.

Are there Photoshop alternatives that run in a browser?

Yes. Several editors run entirely in the browser, so there's nothing to install, and some can open layered files. They're handy if you switch between computers.

Can I open Photoshop files in another editor?

Many editors can open layered files, though results vary with complex effects and fonts. Test your own files before relying on a tool for client work.

Is there a free alternative to Photoshop?

Yes, several tools on this list have a permanent free version or are free to use. Check each tool's own site for current limits.

Which Photoshop alternative is best for beginners?

Look for a simple layout, built-in templates and a good set of tutorials. Browser-based and template-led tools usually have the gentlest learning curve.