Alternatives to Photoshop
The raster editing standard
Photoshop ranks #2 of 10 in Image editing, with an Alt Score of 96. It is proprietary, sold by subscription from $22.99/month and available on Windows, macOS, iOS and Web. 12 of 12 checklist rows are verified against a public source.
Photographers, designers, illustrators, and other creative professionals who need to edit photos or build complex layered images. Also used by hobbyists and students doing photo retouching or digital art.
A raster image editor built around layers, masks, and selection tools for compositing, retouching, and painting. Includes generative AI fill and expand tools, camera raw editing, and a large library of filters, brushes, and adjustment layers. Non-destructive editing via adjustment layers and smart objects. Available on desktop (Mac/Windows), iPad, and a browser-based web version, with files synced through Creative Cloud.
You open or import an image, then build up edits using layers, masks, and selection tools, applying adjustments, filters, or AI-generated content as needed. Work is saved in the PSD format and can be exported to standard image formats or synced across devices via Creative Cloud, which requires a paid subscription.
Where Photoshop stands out
Verified capabilities most alternatives don't have.
Why people leave Photoshop
Dashed reasons are sourced facts; the rest are opinions. Vendors can dispute.
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Ranked alternatives
Ordered by Alt Score. Click any score to see the breakdown.
Feature comparison
Rows come from the Image editing checklist (16 rows). Human-verified cells only. ? means the value has not been verified.
| Image editing checklist | Photoshop | Photopea | GIMP | Krita | Pixelmator Pro | Affinity Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | ||||||
| Starts at | ||||||
| License | ||||||
| Platforms | ||||||
| Layers | ||||||
| Non-destructive editing | ||||||
| RAW support | ||||||
| CMYK support | ||||||
| PSD compatibility (open / save) | ||||||
| Content-aware / AI fill | ||||||
| Vector tools included | ||||||
| Batch processing | ||||||
| Plugins ecosystem | ||||||
| Runs in browser | ||||||
| GPU acceleration | ||||||
| Scripting / macros |
Every fact and feature listed for Photoshop is verified against its own pages. Each alternative is sourced on its own page.
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Pricing model Subscription verified 2026-07-11
Photoshop can be purchased as a standalone app for US$22.99/month, and annual billing is available at US$263.88/yr.
https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/compare-plans.html -
Starts at $22.99/month verified 2026-07-11
Photoshop can be purchased as a standalone app for US$22.99/month, and annual billing is available at US$263.88/yr.
https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/compare-plans.html -
Platforms Windows, macOS, iOS, Web verified 2026-07-11
Adobe Photoshop brings everything that defines the iconic desktop photo editor to iOS and iPadOS, complete with customizable interfaces optimized for touch (and Apple Pencil).
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/adobe-photoshop-photo-editor/id1457771281 -
Status active verified 2026-07-11
UXP Scripting is a low-code initiative that lets a single JavaScript file use Photoshop and UXP APIs to accomplish simple tasks.
https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/scripting.html -
License Proprietary verified 2026-07-11
Free Trial and Online Photo & Design App
https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop.html -
Layers Yes verified 2026-07-11
Unlimited layers, precise editing tools, and cutting-edge AI features are included to transform your images and workflow.
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/adobe-photoshop-photo-editor/id1457771281 -
Non-destructive editing Yes verified 2026-07-11
Smart Objects are layers that contain image data from raster or vector images and preserve an image's source content with all its original characteristics, enabling you to perform nondestructive editi
https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/nondestructive-editing.html -
RAW support Yes verified 2026-07-11
Camera Raw software is included as a plug-in with Adobe Photoshop and adds functionality to Adobe Bridge.
https://helpx.adobe.com/camera-raw/using/introduction-camera-raw.html -
CMYK support Yes verified 2026-07-11
Use the CMYK mode when preparing an image to be printed using process colors.
https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/color-modes.html -
PSD compatibility (open / save) Yes verified 2026-07-11
PSD is the default format and the only one (besides PSB) that keeps all features intact.
https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/desktop/save-and-export/export-files-to-different-formats/photoshop-file-formats-overview.html -
Content-aware / AI fill Yes verified 2026-07-11
Generative Fill allows you to add, remove, or modify content in images using text prompts in Photoshop on desktop.
https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/desktop/create-open-import-images/create-images/edit-images-with-generative-fill.html -
Vector tools included Yes verified 2026-07-11
The Pen tool creates a line path which can be used to make a vector shape — a flexible, scalable object that maintains its sharp edges at any size, unlike pixel-based lines and shapes.
https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/desktop/draw-shapes-paths/draw-lines-curves/draw-paths-with-the-pen-tool.html -
Batch processing Yes verified 2026-07-11
To batch process files, select File > Automate > Batch and then select the action you want to use from the Set and Action dropdown menus.
https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/desktop/automate-tasks/process-a-batch-of-files/batch-process-files.html -
Plugins ecosystem Yes verified 2026-07-11
You can check out hand-picked plugins from Editor's choice and Essential Plugins Collections in the Plugins Marketplace in addition to thousands of plugins and integrations from developers in one conv
https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/photoshop-marketplace-plugins.html -
Runs in browser Partial verified 2026-07-11
Photoshop is available online on Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge version 102 and above (64-bit), and Firefox version 111 and above on desktop.
https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/web/get-set-up/learn-the-basics/adobe-photoshop-faq.html -
GPU acceleration Yes verified 2026-07-11
On macOS, a GPU with Metal Support and 1.5 GB of GPU memory is required.
https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/desktop/get-started/technical-requirements-installation/photoshop-and-graphics-processor-gpu-card-usage.html -
Scripting / macros Yes verified 2026-07-11
An action is a sequence of recorded tasks, such as menu commands, tool operations, and panel adjustments, that you can play back on a single file or across multiple files.
https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/actions-actions-panel.html
FAQ
Yes. Photopea, GIMP and Krita have a free tier or are fully free. Free-tier limits in the comparison table are verified and dated.
GIMP and Krita — every license claim links its source.