We recently took a look at the Adobe Creative Suite, breaking down when to use Photoshop vs. Illustrator vs. InDesgin, but there’s one glaring fact we didn’t mention: not every designer has access to these programs.
For designers who are just starting out, still in school or operating on a tight budget, Adobe Photoshop might be a luxury that you just can’t afford. But if you find yourself in one of these categories, breathe easy; there are several free photo editing programs out there that can deliver close to the same results as Photoshop with none of the added cost.
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. It is a low cost, easy to learn alternative to Photoshop. Pixelmator 3 ($30) Pixelmator has, over time, filled in many of the missing elements to make it a true Photoshop alternative. This app is as close as you’re going to get to a Photoshop alternative on the Mac. Add in an iOS version as well for editing on the go, and it’s a must-own for Apple fans. Full of rich features and with a price tag that’s hard to pass up, Photoscape X is a. KRITA – MAC PHOTOSHOP ALTERNATIVE 2018. Krita is a professional program of digital painting, free and made entirely with free code, has been created by artists who want to make these tools accessible to all users passionate about design. The new Affinity Photo and Designer apps for Mac, both v. 1.7, appear to be mature, well-thought-out alternatives to Greedy Adobe products. Affinity has them discounted right now for $40 each.
You’ll probably end up upgrading to photo editing software with a little more power at some point in your career. However, if you need something to work with now and you can’t spend any money, using these free Photoshop alternatives as a substitute can be a lifesaver.
Cross-Platform, Open Source Alternatives to Photoshop
GIMP
You can’t have a list like this one without including GNU Image Manipulation Program, or GIMP to those who know it. There’s a lot to love about GIMP—it features Photoshop staples like layers, masks, gradients, text tools, plug-in support and more. Best of all, it’s open source software with a large community of users, so there are plenty of GIMP tutorials and add-ons out there to help you overcome any of the program’s limitations.
Be aware that GIMP cannot output CMYK files by default, so if you’re preparing a print-ready design in 4-color, you’ll need an additional GIMP plugin with CMYK support.
Gimphoto
If you really need to work in a Photoshop-like environment, Gimphoto is a version of GIMP that imitates Adobe’s layout while still keeping it open source. The menus, terminology, and basic interface have all been tweaked to give Photoshop veterans a more familiar working environment.
Unlike the similarly-interfaced Gimpshop, Gimphoto includes many extra features, such as new brush styles, layer styles, and support for standard Photoshop plug-ins.
CinePaint
CinePaint is deep image editing software that is primarily used in video editing, but it’s also a useful tool for retouching photos because it can work with images of higher color fidelity. A higher quality image produces better results in your print projects, so this might be a program worth looking into.
Inkscape
Inkscape uses a vector-based environment, so it’s a much better option for illustration than most other free alternatives to Photoshop; in fact, it’s almost more of an Illustrator alternative (though it can still be used for basic bitmap edits like photo retouching). The program’s native format is Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG), so you don’t have to worry about your project looking fuzzy if you try to resize it. Overall, Inkscape is a great choice for any designer who wants to learn vector illustration on a tight budget.
Photoshop Alternatives for Mac
Seashore
Seashore is open source Mac-only editing software based on GIMP, but with an interface designed to match the MAC OS X aesthetic. The result is a good-looking program that may not exactly be equivalent to Photoshop, but ultimately produces attractive results with ease.
ChocoFlop
The good news is that ChocoFlop is a formidable design tool made exclusively for the Mac OS, and there is a freeware beta version available. The bad news is, the designers decided not to continue forward with the project and will not be releasing any more versions or support for the program. However, it’s still a worthwhile tool, especially with its unique non-destructive image editing capabilities.
LiveQuartz
This simple photo editor for Mac offers multi-touch support and non-destructive filters as well as some essential drawing tools. The newest version of LiveQuartz does cost a few bucks on the App Store, but if you’re really strapped for cash, you can still download older freeware versions.
Photoshop Alternatives for Windows PCs
Paint.NET
Paint.NET might not be fancy, but it has an intuitive interface and plenty of the same features as Photoshop—though you might find yourself missing those features that it lacks. Despite the name, Paint.NET is really best used for photo editing since it doesn’t have many illustrative tools, though it’s also open source with an impressive support base.
Photo Pos Pro
Photo Pos Pro is a freeware program for Windows that’s great for beginners. The interface is easy-to-use, there’s a low learning curve and the software even provides helpful pop-up tips. These are the sort of things that might make a more experienced designer lose their mind, but can be a major boon for those who are just starting out.
Serif PhotoPlus
Many designers look at Serif PhotoPlus as a serious contender with Photoshop. Unfortunately, the advanced version does cost money (though not as much as the Adobe products will set you back.) However, there is a basic freeware version of PhotoPlus that might not have as many features, but still gives you the basics at a comparable quality to Photoshop, along with a simple, user-friendly interface.
PhotoFiltre
PhotoFiltre is an easy, intuitive program for photo editing and manipulation. True to its name, the program has a wide range of filters that make it easy for novices to jump right in and alter their images, but there’s plenty here for the seasoned pros to find appealing, too.
Pixia
Pixia is a Japanese program which has found popularity in the west and has since been translated into English. Pixia was created mainly for digital illustrations (specifically for manga and anime artists), but it has plenty of useful features for design and photo manipulation as well. The biggest downside to Pixia would be the outdated-looking interface, but if you don’t mind your editing software looking a bit “retro,” this may be the right tool for you.
Picasa
Google’s Picasa software might not have the full capacity of Photoshop, but it’s a good program for making last-minute edits. Picasa does have a few unique tricks up its sleeve such as batch editing and photo-management tools, not to mention easy integration and sharing on Google platforms.
Online Photoshop Alternatives
Pixlr
Pixlr is a great online Photoshop alternative, especially if you need to do work when you’re nowhere near your home computer. It has an impressive amount of clout for a program that works in your web browser, and it stands out for having three different levels of editing power to choose from: playful, efficient or advanced. There’s even a mobile app version for designers who are on the go and need to make quick fixes.
Splashup
Splashup is an online image editing program with a clean design interface that’s highly reminiscent of Photoshop. It doesn’t have a ton of features, but it does support layers and pixel-level control. Splashup is a good tool for beginners, especially since it allows for easy sharing on the web’s top photo sharing sites like Flickr and Facebook.
SumoPaint
SumoPaint is another web-based favorite of many professional designers, since it features an interface similar to Photoshop with plenty of the same features. There’s also an inexpensive desktop version available if you don’t want to use it in your browser, and a mobile app for illustration on the go.
Photoshop Express Editor
If you absolutely have to use Photoshop but don’t have access to it, there’s always the browser version, Photoshop Express Editor. Of course, it would be silly for Adobe to give away their product for free, so the online application has limited tools, but it’s a good option for editing essentials from a name that you trust.
Conclusion
They say a poor workman blames his tools, and the same must hold true for designers. Yes, we admit, no freeware program can serve as a complete replacement for a high-end program like Adobe Photoshop. But we truly believe that a creative, clever, budget-conscious designer can overcome the limitations of any program and create beautiful results.
Are there any free Photoshop alternatives out there that we missed? Do you have any advice for working with free photo editing software? Leave your comments below, we’re looking forward to hearing from you!
Here are three great alternatives to Photoshop for Mac.
Adobe Photoshop may have been the presiding force in photo-editing on Mac for the best part of 30 years, but it’s no longer the only show in town. In fact, a quick Google Safari based search shows that there are tons of options available for image editing on Mac.
From the humble novice who simply wants to crop a photo, to the talented amateur who wants to do more, to the full flung professional photographers, artists and graphic designers who want it all, there’s an alternative for everyone.
It can be challenging to find photo editors that stand out from the crowd these days, but we’ve found three distinct photo editors that are all worthy Photoshop alternatives. Each of the alternatives we’ve chosen focus on a particular aspect of Photoshop and take it to the next level.
CyberlinkPhoto Director Ultra
CyberLink PhotoDirector Ultra – best for simply clever photo editing
PhotoDirector Ultra is an all in one photo editor and manager package and a really good option for both automatic and manual editing tools. The interface is beautifully crafted while retaining a simplicity of use that will appeal to photographers of all levels and abilities.
At first glance, PhotoDirector can seem somewhat intimidating to the novice editor, but the editing tools are intuitive to use, and a brief 10-minute whizz through some of the helpful guides and tutorials should have you editing away quickly like a pro in no time. Frequent fliers of photo editing apps will feel right at home and perhaps be surprised by the sheer array of extensive editing options.
Essentially, editing tools are split between basic and advanced. Like Photoshop, PhotoDirector Ultra includes layer editing, so you can get clever and really transform your photos. It also includes some really incredible features for video-to-photo editing, and 360° photo editing.
Not only does PhotoDirector let you edit, correct and transform photos with an extensive set of editing tools it also comes with a fantastic photo management system, letting you plough through thousands of photos and easily find the one you need.
Purists may dislike or scoff the ‘for the masses,’ approach of PhotoDirector, but we don’t think that’s a bad thing. As well as the above, PhotoDirector Ultra also lets you upload directly to the likes of Facebook, YouTube and other social media platforms, which is nice.
We also thought the uniquely easy to use Face Swap tool is a real selling point, allowing as it does, the easy moving of people from one photo to another.
Overall, PhotoDirector Ultra is a powerful photo editor that makes editing and sharing photos relatively simple and straightforward, while managing your photo collection becomes a breeze.
Luminar
Luminar photo editor for Mac is another powerful, all-in-one photo suite that is positively overflowing with useful tools and versatile filters that rivals, and in someways betters parts of both Photoshop and Adobe’s other main dog in the fight, Lightroom.
Again, like Photo Director, a ten-minute sojourn playing with the interface should have you editing with ease. But for the power Luminar seems to have under its belt, the interface is incredibly easy to use, with several one-click ‘automatic’ enhancers.
Luminar is a great choice for both beginners and professional users. The app lets you choose from dozens of presets that do a great job of quickly enhancing pictures but also has the depth and advanced tools available for use by professionals. There’s a Clone tool, Stamp tool, Fast Object Removal, and noise reduction.
While Luminar perhaps it is not quite as advanced as Photoshop (mainly due to its lack of advanced painting capabilities), it does put Lightroom to shame, and costs a lot less.
The sheer number of filters that come with Luminar is also staggering, and is worth the purchase price alone. It’s worth noting that it can also be used as a plug-in to improve Lightroom if that’s what you use already.
Alternative To Adobe Photoshop For Mac
The Sun Rays filter though is something else. It is breathtaking at how well it works. Just move the sun wherever you want in your picture and the rays adjust magically around the trees or buildings foliage in your image. Breathtaking.
Corel Painter 2019
Corel Painter is the perfect photoshop alternative for digital artists who want to showcase their creativity. It is a fully equipped digital art studio that can help you turn your favorite images into amazing photo art.
Best Alternative To Photoshop For Mac Free
Corel Painter is squarely aimed at professionals, but is still a lot of fun, if a bit advanced. It comes with over 600 different brushes and can create just about every type of natural media in existence.
With an extensive array of tools, you can get really creative with your edits and create some masterpieces. Essentially, if you are looking for a real alternative to Photoshop, then Corel Painter is probably what you consider looking for.
The 2019 edition of Corel Painter is a step above its previous edition, introducing an all-around more enjoyable user experience. It has an updated, dark UI, significant speed and perfromance improvements, and 36 additional brushes to use.
If you’re an aspiring photo artist, Corel Painter can help you to more easily transform your photos into spectacular works of art. With auto-painting and cloning tools, and one-of-a-kind image painting features, it gives you everything you need for advanced creative photo editing.
Final thoughts
While there’s no denying that Adobe Photoshop is truly magnificent beast of software used by professional graphic designers and photographers the world over there are other options that are just as good, if not better.