Over the years, photoshop has helped photographers as it is a powerful tool for editing and improving the general quality of a picture. However, most people want a different application, which has led to the need to look for Adobe Photoshop alternatives, especially the ones with similar features and lower costs.
In this article, we have some Adobe Photoshop alternatives which we will share. But before we do, there are a handful of things you need to consider before picking a Photoshop alternative, which will also be discussed.
So, if you are curious and want to know more about Adobe Photoshop alternatives, we employ you to keep reading.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Adobe Photoshop Alternatives
- Affordability & Accessibility: When trying to choose Adobe Photoshop alternatives, it is important that the first thing to look for is whether it is affordable and accessible. There are a handful of Photoshop alternatives that are quite expensive to purchase. There are even some that have the right features to help you edit clearer pictures, but they are not really accessible. So, if you come across one that you wouldn’t have to pay over the top to purchase and has the right features, then you might want to act fast and choose that particular alternative.
- Support for multiple languages: Before choosing an Adobe Photoshop alternative, it is important to consider if the particular option you have chosen supports multiple languages. If you don’t, then there’s a high chance that you might find it difficult to enjoy that alternative.
- Support different formats: Another particular area you need to keep in mind when picking an Adobe Photoshop alternative is to go for the one that easily supports different formats. Always avoid an alternative that has only one format as this might affect your work in the long run.
- Easy to understand and available tutorial: When picking an Adobe Photoshop alternative, it is advisable to select an alternative that doesn’t just have an easy user interface, but also one that you can quickly understand. There are many individuals who have grown used to using Adobe Photoshop as they are familiar with not just the shortcuts but also the tool itself. Plus, the alternative which you intend to choose should have tutorials available to use.
Therefore, given some factors to keep in mind when choosing a Photoshop alternative, our next focus is to discuss some of the top Adobe Photoshop alternatives out there. What, then are these Alternatives?
Top 20 Adobe Photoshop Alternatives You Need to Know
Without wasting additional time, below are some of the best Adobe Photoshop alternatives with similar features and quality user interface to help you work better.
1. Photopea
This is a top Photoshop alternative that works perfectly with all platforms. Photopea supports different formats such as SVG, PSD, XD and a host more. This online photo editor has both a powerful brush tool and pen blend modes. This alternative has similar features to Photoshop, especially as it easily supports adjustments and brightness.
One of the good things about this platform is that there is a free version and also a premium edition which the user would have to pay a monthly subscription fee. Besides, if you are sceptical about using this tool, why not have a look at the reviews? It would interest you to know that this particular tool has lots of positive feedback from verified users.
Photopea also has a high rating and generates lots of traffic as most users are comfortable using this powerful tool to edit their work and make it more presentable.
2. Canva
Another powerful Adobe Photoshop alternative is Canva. This tool is quite popular and used all over the world by business owners and photographers. It would interest you to know that Canva has over 250,000 templates to help businesses, especially when it comes to branding.
This tool has lots of features attached to it to help you create logos, business cards, and brand images and also perform other exciting purposes.
This tool has a free version for users to enjoy, and it also has a pro version in place as well. With the pro version, users can gain access to more design tools and use additional templates, which may not be available for the free version.
So, if you fall under the category of individuals who aren’t convinced about this tool, why not look at the rating and reviews? Canva has lots of positive reviews and it also has a high rating as well. Moreover, according to some individuals, they feel more comfortable using this particular tool than Photoshop.
3. Darktable
This is a raw developer, an open-source editor, and a powerful tool supporting different camera brands. Darktable is a tool that would help you get the right picture quality as it has artistic effects, contrast sharpness and also lets you adjust the image tone.
This Photoshop alternative is suitable for beginners as the design is simple. There are 5 modules here: Darkroom, Tethering, map, lighttable and Slideshow.
The installation process is not in any way challenging as it is a relatively straightforward process to achieve. People feel comfortable using this tool because you can export images in any format, whether it’s JPG, EXR or even PNG.
The software is available in over 20 languages, and it is an open-source image editing tool. Thus, it is completely free. Moreover, it must be said that this tool has a high rating, a good number of positive feedback and lots of individuals trust it. So, you have nothing to be worried about when using this tool to edit your pictures.
4. Seashore
This is an image editing tool that has similar characteristics to Adobe Photoshop. It is one tool that beginners would appreciate using, especially as it supports JPG, GIF, PNG and all other formats. This software is fully licensed and safe to use.
Seashore is easy to download as it is completely free. However, the only blip here is that it is meant for Mac OS users. So, if you use other operating devices, this tool might not be available to enjoy.
Also, this image editing tool has a high rating, and most users have really nice words to say about the tool. Even though it isn’t all that popular like Photoshop and some other tools, it is still an efficient tool that gets the work done.
5. Gimp
Another powerful Adobe Photoshop alternative which we would like to discuss is Gimp. The GNU image manipulation program is open-source software with similar features and characteristics to Photoshop. This tool is responsible for producing graphical design elements, icons, and also original artwork creation.
Gimp is one of those tools that you certainly would enjoy using, especially as it gets the work done quickly in time.
It is free and open source, so you do not need to worry about a paid subscription before you can start enjoying this software. This Adobe Photoshop alternative is widely used worldwide and isn’t a difficult tool to understand.
In addition, it has the right tool to create high-quality photo manipulation. There are approximately 39 tools found in Gimp. What makes this tool exciting is that beginners can learn how to use this tool quickly as it has tutorials in place which are fully community written.
Moreover, it must be said that no matter what operating system you choose, you can use it as it works perfectly on Linux, Windows and more operating systems. Besides, there are lots of positive comments about this tool, as people who are either using it or have used it in the past have exciting words to say regarding it.
6. Colorcinch
If you are looking for Adobe Photoshop alternatives that would give you an artistic effect, then look no further than Colorcinch. At first, this tool was called Cartoonize but it didn’t take long before the name changed. Colorcinch is one of the best Adobe Photoshop alternatives, as you can easily add graphic layers, text, brightness and other photo editing sliders.
There are two ways an individual can use this tool. One is the free version, where you won’t have to pay a penny even though some features might be restricted. The second one is the premium, where you would be required to make a monthly payment in order to gain full access to all the tools and features.
Some of the advantages of this tool are that it is easy to use, it has lots of exciting filters, it has offline versions, and it is relatively inexpensive as well. It supports only compressed formats which aren’t too appealing to serious photographers. In spite of that, many users are comfortable using this tool and have positive comments about this software in general.
7. Luminar
Making it to the list of the top best Adobe Photoshop alternatives out there is this interesting software Luminar. This powerful tool can be used by professional photographers as well as beginners, especially as it uses an intuitive interface and AI tools.
There are lots of advantages a user can benefit from when they use this tool. For example, you can use this tool to edit raw photos and get an accurate end product. Besides, this tool has endless ways to edit photos of different genres.
There are three ways to enjoy this software. The first is the free trial version; the second is the subscription version. And finally, the last way is the lifetime version. If you are a professional and would want to elevate your editing game, then it is recommended that you use Extensions. This is a pro-level tool that is purchased separately to boost your Luminar Neo experience.
Many users understand this tool, and it gets a lot of downloads from time to time. Moreover, there are lots of positive comments about this tool, so you do not have to be sceptical when trying to look for an Adobe Photoshop alternative, as this tool is quite useful.
8. Apple photos
Android users look away as this Adobe Photoshop alternative is quite powerful. As you know, Apple photos are preinstalled on Mac computers or iOS devices. Beginners enjoy using this tool as you do not need experience before you can edit your photos to get the best look. Aside from that, it is a great place where you can preserve or rather store your photos.
It is used by millions of Mac users as they do not need to pay for a subscription or perform any additional action before they can get a hold of this tool. The only blip here with this Adobe Photoshop alternative is that there is no support for layers, it is a limited tool, and there are no advanced adjustments. Other than that, it is a nice tool to use and enjoy.
9. Microsoft Windows 10 Photos
This is one of the top Adobe Photoshop alternatives out there, and a popular one at that. This software comes preinstalled on any Windows 10 operating system. There are no paid versions for it, and it happens to be one of those tools that is easy to understand. Microsoft Windows 10 photos are similar to Apple photos since it works as a photo organisation system.
There are many ways to edit photos with this tool, such as the one-click-fix option and batch editing option. The thing about this tool is that you don’t need a tutorial before you can start enjoying this tool.
Also, users can import images stored in other folders with ease and edit. The intuitive interface helps beginners to edit photos with ease or rather makes them feel like professionals when they edit. The only blip here is that this tool is only for Windows 10 users, and the functionality here is limited and not suitable for professional photographers.
Nonetheless, it is still a great tool that is appreciated around the world and one of the most used Photoshop alternatives out there. Plus, it has a high rating and lots of customer reviews as well to back it up.
10. Pixlr
This is a web-based photo-editor and also an alternative to Adobe Photoshop. Pixlr is a tool that you can use to easily adjust your photo’s contrast, saturation and other basic adjustments. The interface is quite easy to understand as it is similar to Photoshop.
Also, it must be said that this tool works on the browser and can be used by Android and iOS devices. It is a tool that has the ability to give your work the artistic effect it needs. It has a high rating, excellent customer reviews and is one of the most used browser editing tools. The only blip here is that the features are limited. Nonetheless, this tool is quite useful and efficient.
11. Affinity photo
This is a powerful tool that is considered to be the best Adobe Photoshop alternative overall. The platforms to enjoy this tool are Mac OS 10.9+, iOS 12+, and Windows 10+. There are no free versions, as the user would have to subscribe monthly in order to enjoy this tool.
There are lots of reasons to buy, and one of them is that this tool has advanced features. Another reason is that it is a professional tool and can be enjoyed by professional photographers.
This Adobe Photoshop alternative has a high rating, many users enjoy purchasing this tool for their business, and it has grown rapidly over the years. The only blip here is that Affinity Photo has no Android version, and the iPad version is sold separately from the rest.
12. Rebelle
If you are searching for an Adobe Photoshop alternative that would help you emulate traditional painting, then look no further than Rebelle. The platform to get the right effect that you want are windows, 7, 8 and 10. Another platform is OS 10.11+.
There is no free version, but it has a demo version in place. This Adobe Photoshop alternative is recommended because it has a tilt option, mimics real paint, and has advanced features for this year.
The only issue with this tool is that it isn’t meant for mobile devices. Nonetheless, the features here on this Adobe Photoshop alternative help the user to achieve the right results.
13. Procreate
If you are looking for a tool that you can easily carry out digital painting on your iPad, this is one of the best options. Procreate is one popular Adobe Photoshop alternative that many users enjoy globally.
It works only on iOS only, so if you are an Android user, look away. This Adobe Photoshop alternative has a freehand book on the Procreate website for those who are looking to get started. Some of the reasons why Procreate is highly recommended are that it has Apple Pencil support, it is relatively inexpensive, and it regularly has an updated version.
However, this tool has no free version, nor does it have a trial version. Nonetheless, this tool has gone ahead to win a couple of Apple Design awards in the past.
14. PhotoScapeX
This is a photo editor and also an Adobe Photoshop alternative. PhotoScapeX supports screen captures, Raw image processing, batch editing and other exciting features. The user interface isn’t complicated and can be enjoyed by beginners.
The filters and tools are easy to use, and it helps the user to achieve the desired results as well. The only blip here is that this Adobe Photoshop alternative can become slow when the files received are large.
This would then make the image editing process a bit difficult, especially for some parts. Nonetheless, this is a useful tool and a recognised one at that.
15. InkScape
If you are a graphic designer and you are searching for an Adobe Photoshop alternative to get the best result, then look no further than InkScape. This is a powerful tool for graphic designers, and to a large extent, it is also considered an illustration alternative.
InkScape can be used to execute basic adjustments to photos, such as adjusting the size and carrying out the regular cutting and pasting. It isn’t a difficult tool to understand, and it helps to easily convert photographs into vector images.
The only blip or issue with this tool is that when working with it, the application could crash, especially if the files are large. Aside from that, it is still a powerful tool and one that most graphic designers enjoy using.
16. Polarr
Another interesting Adobe Photoshop alternative to discuss is Polarr. This tool has the right filters to enhance images. With just one click, users can perfect their images as this tool has lots of filters in place. This tool has a free version and a pro version. The pro version has some added features and tools in place to give the user a standout design.
However, the user might have to pay a monthly subscription to gain access to all the features. Also, it must be made known that this tool works perfectly on both Android and iOS devices.
The user interface isn’t difficult in any sense, and if you are a novice photographer, then you wouldn’t find it difficult to edit and make certain adjustments.
17. LightZone
This is a photo editor and also a useful Adobe Photoshop alternative. LightZone is basically a free tool and has an easy user interface. If you are a beginner, you won’t find it difficult to use. LightZone isn’t only available to Mac users, as both Windows and Linux users ¹can enjoy this tool. In addition, it also supports Raw files and other files as well.
However, the only minor issue with this tool is that when compared with other free editors, this tool doesn’t have the best colour correction. Aside from that, this tool is quite useful and has a high rating and lots of positive feedback from customers or individuals who have used this tool.
18. Krita
This is an open source and a good substitute for Adobe Photoshop. Krita is suitable for illustration, content creation, sketching, painting and lots more. This open-source tool works well on Windows, Linux and, most especially, Mac.
The features of this tool are endless and useful. Over the years, this app had grown in popularity, especially when it was offered the chance to be on the Epic Games store. This tool isn’t a complicated tool to understand and make use of.
If you are a bit sceptical about using this tool, then why not have a look at their customer reviews? There are hardly any complaints from existing or old users as they all have enjoyed this app and used it to edit many images.
19. Design Wizard
This is a top Adobe Photoshop alternative that can help you create high-quality images even if you aren’t a professional designer. The good thing about this powerful tool is that it saves time, especially for individuals who are into producing marketing materials, creating blogs or even Facebook pages.
It would interest you to know that they have their own stock photography database, which users can easily use to create their own templates.
There are many things to use this tool for, such as producing book covers, invitations, social media graphics and many more. Moreover, in order to gain access to their countless features and filters, it is expected that the users must be willing to choose from the pro version and the business version. And either of them goes with a subscription fee which the user must pay.
20. Fotor
The final Adobe Photoshop alternative we would like to discuss here is Fotor. This is a tool that can be used online or offline when you download into whatever device you are making use of. Fotor isn’t as popular as other Adobe Photoshop alternatives, but notwithstanding, it is an efficient tool that helps users get the job done.
If you are just beginning your journey into being a photographer, then this tool is highly recommended.
There are usually three options for first-timers to choose from. There is the option where you can edit your photos, create a simple design and make a collage. Also, before you can access Raw files on this tool, it is expected that you must have the tool offline or make use of the desktop version.
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Conclusion
To sum it up, making artistic designs and boosting your business isn’t as easy as it sounds. However, if you have the right tool in place, especially if you have become a professional photographer, you can achieve the desired results.
Over the course of this article, we have been able to not just give a breakdown of the Adobe Photoshop alternatives, but also we have given an insight on what to expect from those Photoshop alternatives. So, the next time you or someone close is considering using a different tool or app with similar characteristics to Photoshop, you can recommend or go through this article in order to choose the alternative you feel comfortable using.