Use any free photo editor like Photoshop from this list if you can’t afford a monthly Adobe Photoshop’s subscription, but dream of having similar tools and features at your disposal.
Best Free Photo Editors Like Photoshop
While compiling this list, I tested many programs similar to Ps CC to satisfy the needs of users working on various platforms. If this selection isn’t enough for you, feel free to examine more free photo editors.
1. Affinity Photo
Platform: Mac, Windows, iPad
Affinity Photo has many similar features to Adobe product. For example, both image editors support non-destructive picture processing as well as RGB and CMYK color spaces.
Some people may claim that this photo editor is difficult to learn, but its features fully compensates the time and effort spent on mastering the software. Here you can find Photoshop-style exposure controls, set of paintbrushes, etc.
While editing pictures, it is also possible to alter saturation, WB, brightness, and achieve artistic results thanks to the collection of filters. If you are interested in batch photo post-production or creating panoramic images, this photo editor like Photoshop has all the necessary tools to satisfy your needs.
Thus, Affinity Photo is deservedly called one of the best Ps replacements.
2. GIMP
Platform: Linux, Windows, Mac
GIMP is a great sample of programs operating on an open source and giving users the possibility to upgrade them any time needed. Actually, this is what GIMP fans do all the time. As a result, you can find lots of add-ons that are aimed at boosting the software’s functionality.
Once you open this photo editor like Photoshop, you will be astonished by a set of tools typically inherent in top-shelf picture editing software. Moreover, new plug-ins are developed every single day.
GIMP ensures smooth work with masks and layers, levels and curves. You can use Healing and Clone Stamp tools to get rid of imperfections as well as take advantage of Smart Selection tools to change only particular areas of a shot. The truth is that not every free photo editor similar to Photoshop can boast of such capabilities.
3. PaintNet
Platform: Windows
At first glance, it may seem that this photo editor can’t meet modern image processing standards. Anyway, it is still very popular among many beginning photographers. The reason is its simplicity.
PaintNET is an ideal option if you have little experience in photo editing and are searching for a program to perform the range of basic tasks. Using the available toolset, you can adjust contrast/brightness, repeat selection, etc.
If you are after creative features, you’d better look for another photo editor like Photoshop. This program is very easy and quick to master, which makes it a win-win option for newbie photographers and retouchers.
4. Pixlr
Platform: iOS, Android, web app
Pixlr has a broad set of tools and features organized in the Ps-like manner. The interface contains many tabs but it poses no difficulties for a user to find a necessary one as everything is arranged very logically.
Here you can find lots of overlays, special effects and borders, which enable you to make your images mesmerizing. If you are accustomed to editing your pictures on the go, this is a wonderful photo editor app like Photoshop absolutely compatible with Android and iOS.
Either you need to remove yellowish tint from teeth or crop a shot, open Pixlr app on your phone and do it with ease.
5. Photopea
Platform: Web
Photopea is the ideal software if you need to open, edit ad save PSD files without resorting to third-party plug-ins. It is powerful enough to cope not only with basic tasks, e.g. photo resizing, but also complex ones like web design, creating animations, etc.
Once you are done with picture editing, you can save the result in JPG/PNG or PSD format. There are also masks, layer styles, brightness/contrast sliders, text layers, saturation, vibrance adjustments that help you give your projects artistic finishing.
Besides, Photopea free photo editor supports a variety of fonts. The only drawback is advertising, but you can remove it by upgrading to the paid version.
6. PhotoScape
Platform: Windows, Mac
PhotoScape free photo editor is often referred to as a simple program, but once you delve into all the variety of its features, you understand how cool this software is. Here you can find tools to convert RAW files, split and merge pictures, create GIFs, level, sharpen and add nice filters to your images in a matter of seconds.
These features can please not only beginner, but also advanced users. The most pleasing advantage is the possibility to edit several photos at once, thus keeping the color gamut consistent in all of them.
7. Canva
Platform: Web
Canva is a web-based alternative to Photoshop with all the necessary functions to give a special touch to your shots. If you frequently post images on social networks and want to have an easy-to-use program to polish them in a snap – this photo editor like Photoshop can absolutely satisfy your demands.
Though it can’t boast advanced tools like smart selection or brushes, there are many sliders to regulate vignetting, contrast and tint, make shots brighter or saturated, increase/reduce sharper and more.
If you need to add or customize inscriptions – use the Text tools, as well as a broad collection of graphics to complement your work. Canva is available in two variants – paid and free, with the latter being absolutely perfect for aspiring users.
8. Fotor
Platform: Web, Android, iOS
If image editing makes you depressed because you lack experience or the whole process seems too confusing, you can try using this free photo editor similar to Photoshop. It has an absolutely customizable UI, so you can easily remove needless tools and arrange everything the way you personally like.
Being full of various features, Fotor ensures trouble-free photo processing, which can’t but please novices or those trying to keep the original quality of their photos intact. Looking through the toolset, you will find different borders, effects and frames as well as many other sliders to fine-tune your projects.
9. Ashampoo Photo Optimizer 2019
Platform: Windows
If you are pressed for time and need to edit a pack of shots, Ashampoo Photo Optimizer 2019 is your option. This photo editor like Photoshop has a user-oriented interface without annoying and distracting ads.
Many users admire how accurately this software detects muted colors, improper color temperatures and poor exposure. Moreover, all these defects are fixed in an automated manner.
For those focused on advanced manipulations with images, Ashampoo has a profound analysis of white exposure and contrast spreads.
All in all, this photo editor like Photoshop will take care of all serious issues related to your picture and provide you with a detailed preview for you to see how a photo looks after editing.
10. BeFunky
Platform: Web, Android, iOS
Another simple and user-friendly photo editor similar to Photoshop on this list. BeFunky contains many elements for image editing as well as a wonderful collage function.
You can use this program to enhance pictures for social media posts with minimum time spent. Though it can’t boast such a large set of features as many other Ps analog software can, BeFunky is an ideal tool if you are interested in effortless and fast photo editing.
If you haven’t decided on what photo editor to download, read more about several legal ways of downloading Photoshop CC for free.
