Adobe Photoshop is a powerful tool for photo editing and graphic design, but its cost can be prohibitive for many users especially when you are a home user and do not have any commercial intention from editing your photos. Fortunately, there are several free photoshop alternatives that offer robust features and capabilities. Here are the top 5 free software like photoshop you can use in 2025 :
GIMP
GIMP is widely regarded as the best free alternative to Photoshop. It offers a comprehensive set of tools for photo retouching, image composition, and image authoring. GIMP supports various file formats and provides advanced features like layers, masks, and filters. Its open-source nature means it is constantly being updated and improved by a community of developers.
Krita Krita is a free, open-source painting program designed for artists. It is particularly popular among illustrators and concept artists due to its extensive brush engine, customizable interface, and support for various file formats. Krita also offers features like layers, masks, and advanced selection tools, making it a powerful alternative to Photoshop.
Pixlr is a web-based photo editing tool that provides a wide range of features for image editing and graphic design. It is a popular alternative to Adobe Photoshop, especially for those looking for a free or more affordable option. Pixlr is available as a browser-based editor and mobile app, making it accessible on multiple platforms without the need for software installation. Features of Pixlr :
User-Friendly Interface: Designed for beginners and professionals alike.
Advanced Tools: Offers layers, masks, blending modes, and various adjustment tools.
AI-Powered Features: Includes AI Cutout, background removal, and quick edits.
Templates: Provides pre-designed templates for social media posts, banners, and other graphics.
File Compatibility: Supports common file formats like PNG, JPEG, and PSD (limited support for Photoshop files).
Accessibility: Works on most web browsers and does not require a high-end computer.
Fotor Fotor is an online photo editing platform that provides tools for photo enhancement, design, and collage creation. It’s user-friendly and caters to casual users and small businesses seeking a quick way to edit images and create graphics without requiring extensive photo editing knowledge.
Key Features of Fotor
AI Tools:
Background removal. One-tap enhancement. Skin retouching and blemish fixes.
Graphic Design:
Templates for social media posts, banners, flyers, and business cards. Drag-and-drop design interface.
Collage Maker:
Pre-made templates and customizable layouts. Allows adding multiple images for creative collages.
Platform Accessibility:
Available on browsers, desktop apps (Windows/macOS), and mobile apps (iOS/Android).
Pricing:
Free Plan: Basic tools and templates. Pro Plan: Advanced features, more templates, and ad-free experience.
Photo Pea a Software like Photoshop
PhotPea
Key Features of Photopea
Unlike Photoshop, which requires installation on a specific operating system, Photopea runs in any modern web browser, on any device. Photopea offers a free version with essential features, though users can pay for an ad-free experience. The interface is similar to Photoshop, making it familiar to Adobe users. Supports layers, masks, blending modes, filters, and other professional-grade tools. Photoshop requires a subscription (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud), which can be costly, whereas Photopea offers a free tier and an inexpensive paid option.Since it runs in a browser, it doesn’t require powerful hardware, making it ideal for users with less capable devices.
These free Photoshop alternatives offer a range of features and capabilities that can meet the needs of both amateur and professional users. Whether you’re looking for a tool for basic photo editing or advanced graphic design, these options provide powerful solutions without the cost. Have you tried any of these tools? Share your experiences and any other recommendations in the comments below.
