You need to remove a background, retouch a photo or design a thumbnail, and every tutorial assumes you have Photoshop. A monthly Adobe subscription is hard to justify for occasional edits. The good news: several free programs cover most of what everyday users do in Photoshop, legally and without watermarks. Here are the best free alternatives to Photoshop and which one fits your kind of work.
A quick word on “free Photoshop” downloads
Sites offering cracked Photoshop are one of the most common ways people end up with malware. Every option below is free from the developer’s official website. If you need security tips for your PC, see our guide to the best free antivirus for Windows.
The best free alternatives to Photoshop
1. GIMP
Best full desktop replacement.
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is free and open source, and it’s been around for decades. It supports layers, masks, curves, levels, selections, filters and plugins. Version 3 brought a refreshed interface and non-destructive filters.
- Pros: powerful, completely free, runs on Windows, Mac and Linux.
- Cons: menus and shortcuts differ from Photoshop, so expect a learning period.
2. Photopea
Best for people who already know Photoshop.
Photopea runs in your web browser and looks a lot like Photoshop. It opens PSD files with layers, plus many other formats, and has familiar tools and shortcuts. The free version shows ads; a paid option removes them.
- Pros: no installation, opens PSDs, very familiar layout.
- Cons: ads in the free version; big files depend on your browser and RAM.
3. Affinity (by Canva)
Best professional-grade option.
Affinity was long known as the main paid rival to Adobe’s creative apps. After Canva acquired it, Affinity’s tools became free to use with a Canva account, combining photo editing, vector design and layout. Some AI-powered extras are tied to Canva’s paid plans. Check the official Affinity website for current terms.
- Pros: professional features, fast performance, polished interface.
- Cons: requires a Canva account; workflows differ from Adobe’s.
4. Krita
Best for digital painting and illustration.
Krita is a free, open-source program built by artists for drawing and painting. It has excellent brushes, stabilizers and support for drawing tablets.
- Pros: superb brush engine, free, great with pen tablets.
- Cons: not designed mainly for photo retouching.
5. Paint.NET
Best for quick, simple edits on Windows.
Paint.NET is a free Windows program that’s far more capable than Microsoft Paint: layers, effects, adjustments and plugins, in a light and simple interface. A paid version on the Microsoft Store supports the developer, but the website version is free.
- Pros: light, fast, easy to learn.
- Cons: Windows only; fewer advanced tools than GIMP.
Which one should you choose?
- You know Photoshop and need to open PSDs: Photopea.
- You want the most complete free desktop editor: GIMP or Affinity.
- You draw or paint: Krita.
- You crop, resize and make small fixes: Paint.NET.
- You make social posts and simple graphics: Canva might be all you need. See our guide on how to make a logo in Canva for free.
How to do common Photoshop tasks in free tools
Remove a background
Photopea has a Remove BG option in its Select menu. In GIMP, use the Foreground Select tool, then add a layer mask. Paint.NET users can use the Magic Wand and delete the selection.
Resize an image for the web
In GIMP, use Image > Scale Image, then File > Export As and choose JPG or WebP. In Paint.NET, use Image > Resize. Keep the aspect ratio locked so the picture doesn’t stretch.
Fix brightness and color
Look for Levels and Curves. They exist in GIMP, Photopea, Affinity and Paint.NET and work much like Photoshop’s.
Work with layers
All five tools support layers. Keep text, photos and shapes on separate layers so you can edit them later without starting over.
Need vector graphics instead of photo editing? See our list of free alternatives to Adobe Illustrator.
FAQ
What is the closest free alternative to Photoshop?
Photopea feels the most like Photoshop and opens PSD files in your browser. For a full desktop program, GIMP and Affinity are the strongest free choices.
Can GIMP open Photoshop PSD files?
Yes, GIMP can open PSD files with layers, though some advanced Photoshop features like certain adjustment layers or effects may not carry over perfectly.
Is Photopea safe to use?
Photopea is a well-established web app. It processes images in your browser, and you access it from its official website. As with any site, avoid look-alike domains.
Is there a free Photoshop from Adobe?
Adobe offers free trials and some limited free web and mobile tools, but full Photoshop requires a subscription. Free programs like GIMP and Photopea are better long-term options if you don’t want to pay.
