15 Best FREE Photoshop Alternatives in 2021

Photoshop is a graphics editing tool developed by Adobe. It has many image editing features for pixel-based images and vector graphics.

However, Photoshop has some limitations, like some of the tools, do not show progress bars. It has a lack of providing input using touch or stylus pen. Moreover, this tool may be difficult to learn for new users.

Here is a curated list of Top tools and programs like photoshop that are capable of replacing Photoshop. The list contains both open source(free) and commercial(paid) software.

Best Alternatives to Photoshop: Free (Open Source) and Paid

Name Price Link
Canva Free + Paid Plan Learn More
PhotoDirector Free + Paid Plan Learn More
Luminar Paid Plan Learn More
Photopea Paid Plan Learn More
Pixlr Free Learn More

1) Canva

Canva is image editing software that helps you to create designs with your team. This tool contains numerous photos, illustrations, and icons. You can use it to add stickers to your picture.

Features:


2) PhotoDirector

PhotoDirector is a software that enables you to edit images without any hassle. It enables you to split and combine layers of color with Glitch Art effect. This tool allows you to distort and rearrange particles of your image.

Features:


3) Luminar

Luminar is a photo editing software that contains tools to create a unique image in landscape, travel, portrait, and other genres of photography. This application can be used without learning anything.

Features:

Link: https://www.photopea.com/


4) Photopea

It is an online photo editor that supports numerous file formats, including PSD, XCF, CDR, etc. It is one of the best photoshop alternatives that works for both vectors as well as raster graphics. You can use it to resize image, create illustrations, processing photographs, design webpages, etc.

Features:

Link: https://www.photopea.com/


5) Pixlr

Pixlr is online photo editor. This app has a range of easy to navigate photo editing tools. It is an open source photoshop alternative that helps you to resize, crop, and remove background from images.

Features:

Link: https://pixlr.com/editor/


6) Corel PHOTO-PAINT

Corel Photo paint is a strong Photoshop competitor. This tool supports more than 300 types of cameras. It is one of the best photoshop alternatives that allows you to balance color, adjust the temperature, saturation, and tint.

Features:

Link: https://www.coreldraw.com/en/pages/photo-paint/


7) Photolemur

Photolemur is an adobe photoshop alternative application that automatically improves photos by using AI (Artificial Intelligence). It allows you to improve more than one photo once. You can use this tool to smoothen your skin, enhances eyes, and remove imperfections.

Features:

Link: https://photolemur.com/


8) SUMO Paint

Sumo paint is a simple online flash-based image editing software. It is an open source photoshop alternative which has numerous tools that help you to manipulate images faster. This tool contains more than 300 high-quality brushes.

Features:

Link: https://www.sumopaint.com/


9) Affinity Photo

Affinity photo is an adobe photoshop alternative developed by Serif. You can use it for Windows, macOS, and iOS platforms. It enables you to merge HDR (High Dynamic Range) photos.

Features:

Link: https://affinity.serif.com/en-gb/


10) Sketch

Sketch is a vector graphics editor. You can use this application for mobile, web, icon, and UI design. It contains essential tools that help you to edit any image with ease.

Features:

Link: https://www.sketch.com/


11) Pixelmator

Pixelmator Pro is a graphics editor to develop a professional image. This application has a collection of tools that can be used for editing and retouching photos.

Features:

Link: https://www.pixelmator.com/pro/


12) PicMonkey

PicMonkey is a tool that helps you to create photos, social media graphics, Facebook covers, and more. This tool has a versatile text tool, effects, vector graphics, etc.

Features:

Link: https://www.picmonkey.com/


13) Fotor

Fotor is an application that is designed to edit any photo of your photography. You can use this tool online or download it as free. It has various stickers, icons, signs, and clip arts that suites your themes.

Features:

Link: https://www.fotor.com/


14) GIMP

GIMP is image editor that is available for Windows, Linux, etc. You can use this free and open-source tool that supports programming languages like C++, C, Python, Scheme, and C.

Features:

Link: https://www.gimp.org/


15) Krita

Krita is a free photoshop alternative and open-source graphics editor. This tool makes sketching and painting easier. It is one of the best alternative to photoshop which helps you to combine, flatten, or order layers to organize your artwork.

Features:

Link: https://krita.org/en/features/highlights/


16) Acorn

Acorn is a raster graphics editing program developed by Flying Meat company. It is one of the alternatives to Photoshop which enables you to combine images, remove backgrounds, perform color correction. You can also use this tool to place text on a circle to create logos.

Features:

Link: https://flyingmeat.com/acorn/


17) PhotoLine

Photoline is an app developed by pl32 company. This tool allows you to blend colors with ICC (International Color Consortium). You can use it to create HTML galleries. You can import PDF files.

Features:

Link: https://www.pl32.com/

FAQ

❓ What is Photoshop?

Photoshop is a photo editing and graphic design software. It is developed by Adobe Systems for macOS and Windows.

💻 What is an alternative to Adobe Photoshop?

Adobe Photoshop is one of the most popular graphics editing software. However, Photoshop has some limitations. Some of the best free and paid Photoshop alternative software are Luminar, Canva, Photopea, Pixlr, Photolemur, Affinity Photo, and Sketch that you can use instead of Adobe Photoshop.

⚡ Which factors should you consider while selecting Photoshop Alternatives?

You should consider the following factors before selecting Photoshop Alternatives

  • Compatibility with OS.
  • License Cost, if applicable.
  • Quality of Customer support.
  • The cost involved in training employees on the tool.
  • Hardware/Software requirements of the tool.
  • Support and Update the policy of the tool vendor.
  • Reviews of the company.

 

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