GIMP Perhaps the most well known Photoshop alternative, GIMP has been around for ages and is one of the first programs that comes to mind for many people when they think 'free Photoshop.' It's an open-source program available for Windows, Mac, and Linux, and the official website offers a lot of helpful tutorials. These programs can not only develop at least single raw images, if not many, but also offer some degree of image layering, compositing, and masking like Photoshop. Affinity Photo is for sure one of the best Photoshop alternatives. It is ideal for professional designers and photographers as it is completely compatible with Photoshop as well as other file formats. What makes it such a great alternative is that it is not nearly as expensive as Photoshop. Photopea is a free alternative to Photoshop. When you arrive at their website, you can jump straight into a project, with many of the tools you're used to enjoying in premium photo editing tools. Photopea lets you add text, crop images, blur, change colors, and much more. Best Overall: Affinity Photo This is hands down the best alternative to Photoshop out there right now. It makes for an easy transition since it uses many of the same keystroke shortcuts.
Looking for a faster and better alternative to Adobe Photoshop? While Photoshop has been a standard for years, that's starting to change with plenty of new tools for Windows that make easy work of photo editing. Many of these new tools include smart functions that will speed up workflows.
The best Photoshop alternatives pack in just the features you need without a lot of fluff you won't use. Download beta app. Here's a list of the best Photoshop alternatives for Windows in 2021.
Take note of special features to find the one that's right for you.
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1. PhotoWorks
PhotoWorks is a robust alternative to Photoshop for Windows users. It's a powerful photo editor and includes automatic photo editing, so you can get a spectacular photo edit with just a couple clicks. The tool is so intuitive it can even fix photos that you think are no good because of lighting issues or subpar conditions.
Then there's Portrait Magic. This tool uses an intelligent module to make portraits look amazing. And you won't spend a ton of time tweaking tiny edits. It can make workflows easy and efficient for sure.
The algorithms for landscapes and portrait corrections are different so you'll get the best content-aware functionality around – and you don't have to do it all manually.
Sketchup web app. Other key features:
- Neat face sculpting tool to experiment with facial features
- Change the background with a couple of clicks
- 180+ effects and filters that you can use on any image
- Perspective and distortion correction
- 3D LUT color correction that comes with ready-to-use presets (or create your own)
- Plenty of professional tools that you'd expect from robust software such as curves, tone mapping, cropping, and more
Cost: Starting at $19.25
Try it: Download from PhotoWorks
2. GIMP
GIMP is a program like Photoshop for Windows with developers in mind. It is free and open-source, so you can change the source code and distribute changes. GIMP is designed for high-quality photo manipulation, including retouching images and photo restorations. Users can also use it to create original artwork.
Other key features:
- Offers plenty of customization options and plugins
- Create design elements and edit photos
- Extensive library of tutorials and learning resources
- Scripted image manipulation (C, C++, Perl, Python, Scheme, and more)
- Color management tools included with Scribus, Inkscape and SwatchBooker
Cost: Free, although you can make a donation toward future development
Try it: Download from GIMP
3. Paint.net
Paint.net is a free Photoshop equivalent. It features an intuitive and innovative user interface with support for layers, unlimited undo, special effects, and a wide variety of useful, and powerful tools, especially for free software.
Other key features:
- Replacement for the popular MS Paint
- Active online community of users
- Plugins available
Cost: Free, donations accepted
Try it: Download from Paint.net
4. Pixlr
Pixlr is a Photoshop replacement that offers plenty of options depending on how you use the tool. It includes a photo editor-only option or full-feature professional tools. What's different about Pixlr is that you don't have to download anything to use it. All the tools are right in your browser and includes tools you'd need for photo work including layer masks, multiple brush options, curve and level adjustments, color and blend modes, effects and filters, and transform and wrap tools.
Other key features:
- Ability to draw on photos
- Easy retouching
- Included photo filters
- Light or dark mode options for your workspace
- 10,000+ photo templates
Cost: Includes free and paid options (Pro is $5 per month)
Try it: See the Pixlr options
5. Affinity Photo
Affinity Photo is a newer option when it comes to finding an alternative to Photoshop for Windows because it was once Mac-based. The tool lets you edit and retouch images as well as create multi-layer pieces. The professional corrections and adjustments tools rival any other app out there, and it has a great noise-reduction filter. Retouching options include the usual dodge, burn, clone, patch, blemish, and red eye tools, but there's also an inpainting brush and liquify feature.
Other key features:
- HDR merge feature
- Batch processing
- Large brush library included
- Ability to import and export to and from other tools
- Frequent development and updates
Cost: $49.99
Try it: Download the Windows version from Affinity Photo
6. PicMonkey
PicMonkey is an Adobe photoshop alternative that's pretty well-known. While it has some free and lower-cost editing tools – everything you'd expect – more advanced tools (save and export, advanced retouching, effects and overlays, fonts) only unlock with upper-tier plans. Users like how straightforward this tool is.
Other key features:
- Ability to do photo editing and design
- Collaboration tools
- Templates to start projects from
- Tools and effects for photo editing
- Ability to create a photo collage
Cost: Starts at $7.99 per month
Try it: Get started at PicMonkey
7. Luminar
Luminar is a piece of software like Photoshop that you can use alone or integrate with Adobe tools. It works as a standalone photo editor and browser with plenty of cool algorithmic editing tools. The best feature may be the included image browser for finding photos fast.
Other key features:
- Add 'instant looks' to photos
- Easy to use creative tools
- Noise remover filter
- Smart contrast tools to help color look better
- Extensive video library of tutorials
Cost: Starts at $89
Try it: Get it from Skylum
8. DxO PhotoLab 3
DxO PhotoLab 3 is a Photoshop alternative for Windows that's made for working with raw images. The tools include the ability to editing using control points to work on just the parts of a photo you want to edit, there are plenty of brushes for precise work, a graduated filter makes landscape photos look great, and the auto repair mode can remove unwanted elements from images.
Other key features:
- Contrast optimization
- Denoising tools
- Repair tool with a clone mode
- Smart lighting tool
- Ability to load a large photo library
Cost: $129
Try it: Download it from DxO
- January 01, 2020
- 18 min to read
If you need to make a few tweaks to your images, but do not want to use Photoshop, you are in luck as there are several superb solutions. Here are the 15 best alternatives in no particular order:
1. Luminar 4 (Free Trial 7 days)
When time for editing your photos is a luxury, Luminar 4 can help. Luminar 4 lets you transform your photos in a flash and synchronizes all the edits that you have made effortlessly. What makes it so great is that you can easily browse all your photos as it automatically organizes your photos which makes navigation simple. Luminar Libraries also boast a very modern interface which optimizes the viewing experience.
Luminar 4 offers many great adjustable styles, features, and tools that you will fall in love with such as its AI Sky Enhancers, Advanced Contrast, and Dehaze to mention only a few.
2. Pixlr (Free Version Available)
Pixlr boasts an interface that is really not much different from Photoshop. It offers hundreds of overlays, borders and other effects. If you simply want to crop your image or whiten your teeth on your iOS or Android device, Pixlr is the right tool for the job. With Pixlr, you can complete all the editing tasks that a good basic photo editor will allow.
3. PicMonkey (Trial 7 days)
The beauty of PicMonkey is found in its easy-to-use interface. If you need to put together a collage, this is your tool to use. All you have to do is upload your images and drag them into the right spot.
4. Adobe Photoshop Elements (Free Trial 30 days)
Do not be fooled by the name, Adobe Photoshop Elements is not the actual Photoshop. However, countless users have experienced that the Adobe Photoshop Elements app offers all the tools that they require to enhance their images. In short, this app has been reduced to the essentials.
With the help of its Adjustment and Blend layers, you can turn any photo into the most amazing image in barely any time at all. Thanks to its guided mode, it is also geared towards beginners.
When it comes to finding a Photoshop alternative, your only challenge will be to identify the software solution that works the best for your unique needs. Why not give them all a try? You might just discover that the best course of action will be to use a couple of these tools instead of just one.
5. Sketch (Free Trial 30 days, MacOS only)
If you are working on a Mac and in need of a budget-friendly alternative to Photoshop, Sketch is the answer. Sketch is a vector graphics app that has the design field all excited, specifically website designers. As it is so popular, you will be able to access countless plug-ins that have been created by the community that will make this app even more functional.
Its user interface is easy to understand and boasts several features such as gradients and layers that are similar to Illustrator and Photoshop. What is more, it also offers a color picker and style presets. You can use one of the basic shapes to create your own graphic or start from scratch with the help of the pencil tool. This app is really so flexible!
6. GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP)
GNU is an open-source cross-platform image editor. As its interface is very similar to Photoshop, it will not take you too long to familiarize yourself with GIMP. Though, users who do not have any image editing experience will find the different GIMP tutorials very useful.
It offers color correction, enhancement as well as painting tools to mention only a couple of its features and is compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac.
7. Acorn (Trial 14 days)
Mac users who are searching for image editing software need to look no further than Acorn. It is a cost-effective solution if you do not have access to Photoshop. What makes it so great is that it is quick, enjoyable to use and offers useful features.
Some of its features include non-destructive filters, custom brushes and layer styles to mention only a few. The software is easy to use, but, you can rest assured, there are tutorials available for both beginners as well as image editing experts.
8. Affinity Photo (Trial)
Affinity Photo is for sure one of the best Photoshop alternatives. It is ideal for professional designers and photographers as it is completely compatible with Photoshop as well as other file formats. What makes it such a great alternative is that it is not nearly as expensive as Photoshop. Though, users can rest assured as it will still deliver the same performance (if not better).
It is compatible with Mac and Windows. If you are using an iPad, you will be happy to know that Affinity Photo for iPad is also available.
9. Pixelmator Pro (Trial 30 days)
Pixelmator is not a new Photoshop alternative, but recently the Pixelmator Pro version which uses a user-friendly single-window interface has been added to the mix. On top of that, the Pixelmator Pro version also boasts non-destructive image editing and offers features that include split view and a hidden interface that allows you to view your images without any distractions.
Free Alternative Programs To Photoshop
It is only available for Mac users.
10. SumoPaint (Online + Desktop)
The different standard features that you would expect in a Photoshop alternative, SumoPaint has to offer. There are shapes, brushes, gradients, text, and pencils that you can effortlessly access.
Though a word of warning to Photoshop users - a couple of its tools work differently and there are some limitations. Overall, this image editor remains very capable and can load in a flash.
11. Paint.net
Paint.net is a powerful and practical tool that Windows users can rely on instead of Photoshop. It is a capable and functional tool that concentrates less on artistic creation and more on photo editing.
It offers a decent variety of tools and special effects that include brightness/contrast and repeat selections. It might not boast all the serious editing tools, but that only means that it is not as difficult to master making it the ideal image editor tool for beginners.
12. Canva (Free Basic Plan + Trial 30 days)
Canva is where you will find countless layouts, stock photos, fonts and other great design elements. The best part is that several of these you can use at zero cost. You can use this app to design your business card or put together a birthday card.
13. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite (Trial 15 days or Full Paid or Monthly sub)
Windows users will love the tools that CorelDRAW has to offer. This Photoshop alternative boasts an interactive tool that will help you to straighten your image or adjust the perspective. Though, one of its most impressive features is its stylus control that reacts to a different pressure.
If you are working with Windows 10, this is the perfect fit. Best digital art apps for surface pro. Windows users will also be happy to know that it supports 4K displays and multi-monitor viewing.
14. Photolemur (Free Version with watermark available)
Alternatives For Photoshop Free
Best choice for beginners or people who have no time to edit photos. Enhancing your images has never been easier thanks to Photolemur. By using AI, this automatic photo enhancer app enhances your images without you having to lift a finger. You simply need to import your images to Photolemur and it will get the job done automatically. This means that you do not require any prior editing experience to complete tasks like getting rid of imperfections. It is oh-so easy and available for both Mac and Windows.
Alternative Programs To Photoshop
15. Serif PhotoPlus
Best Photoshop Alternative For Windows
Many people have already relied on this app for years. It is ideal for users who are only starting with image editing now as it offers great support for new users in the form of videos and tutorials. What is more, users can get great tips on their active forum for fellow users. Thanks to its latest release, Serif PhotoPlus users will be also able to work with their RAW image files much easier.