Photoshop alternatives should separate photo editing, design and painting
Photoshop is a professional standard, but not every user needs the full Adobe workflow. Some want a free PSD editor, a browser tool, RAW development, painting, a lighter Mac app, mobile retouching or a one-time purchase instead of subscription software.
This guide groups alternatives by workflow so Photopea, GIMP, Affinity Photo, Krita, Pixlr, darktable and mobile editors are compared on the problems they actually solve.
Before switching, check PSD support, RAW support, layers, plugins, AI tools, export limits, platform support, pricing and current product details.
PSDRAWFreeBrowserPaintingAI editsOne-time purchaseMobile