Best Free Alternatives to Photoshop
5 programs compared
Photoshop is the industry standard, but it is only available as a paid subscription. If you need to retouch photos, work with layers or open the occasional PSD file, these free programs cover most of the same ground. We picked five, each suited to a different kind of user.
Quick answer
Comparison at a glance
| Software | Price | Runs on | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Affinity | Free (Canva account required) | Windows, macOS | Professional photo editing and design |
| GIMP | Free · open source | Windows, macOS, Linux | Photo editing and retouching |
| Krita | Free · open source | Windows, macOS, Linux | Digital painting and illustration |
| Photopea | Free with ads | Web browser | Quick edits and PSD files |
| Paint.NET | Free | Windows | Simple everyday edits |
Affinity
Affinity was a paid Photoshop rival for years. Since Canva bought it, photo editing, vector design and page layout come together in one app that is free to use with a free Canva account. It is the closest free option to a professional Adobe workflow.
Good
- Professional photo tools: non-destructive adjustments, RAW development, batch processing
- Photo editing, vector design and layout in one app
- Opens PSD files
Keep in mind
- Needs a free Canva account to download and use
- Generative AI tools require a paid Canva plan
- No Linux version
GIMP
The best-known open-source image editor. Version 3 brought a modernised interface, non-destructive filters and better colour management, and it still covers the classic jobs: layers, masks, curves, selections and retouching.
Good
- Full set of photo tools: layers, masks, curves, levels, selections
- Non-destructive filters since version 3
- Extendable with plug-ins and scripts
Keep in mind
- Works differently from Photoshop, so expect a learning period
- PSD files open, but some Photoshop-only effects may not carry over
Krita
Krita is built for artists rather than photographers. It has a large collection of brushes, good support for drawing tablets and tools for simple frame-by-frame animation.
Good
- Many brushes, easy to customise
- Works well with drawing tablets
- Includes animation tools
Keep in mind
- Less suited to photo retouching than Affinity or GIMP
Photopea
Photopea runs in your web browser, with a layout that will feel familiar to anyone who knows Photoshop. It opens and saves PSD files, which makes it handy when someone sends you a Photoshop file.
Good
- Nothing to install – works on any computer with a browser
- Opens and saves PSD files
- Photoshop-like layout
Keep in mind
- Shows ads; a paid plan removes them
- Can be slow with very large files
Paint.NET
A light, fast editor for Windows that handles everyday jobs – cropping, resizing, colour fixes and text – with layers and a good set of effects.
Good
- Quick to start and easy to learn
- Layers, effects and many free plug-ins
Keep in mind
- Windows only
- Not meant for advanced retouching