8 Best Adobe Photoshop Alternatives For Windows in 2021 Updated on November 30, 2020 Prayas Chakma Software No matter whether you are a professional or someone like me that likes to mess around with images occasionally you will have heard of Adobe Photoshop. The stuff that makes PicMonkey one of the best alternatives for Adobe Photoshop is its platform independence. PicMonkey is an online application that also offers a mobile app for iOS and Android devices. PicMonkey is not a replacement for Photoshop's advanced functions, and you're not lucky enough with PSD files, but it is the best alternative to Photoshop when it comes to working with filters and creating collages right off your browser. This software has two versions; free and paid.
Adobe Photoshop is the most popular software for photo editing. It provides a host of tools, plugins and features that most other photo editing software cannot match. It is one of the best photo editing software for professionals and most popular with web and graphic designers. However, if you simply want to do minor edits to your images or graphics, there are many photo editing software options that you can try. Below is a list of 5 best alternatives to Adobe Photoshop in terms of features and usability.
1. Gimp:
GIMP is a powerful and flexible free Photoshop alternative. It is a very adaptable and customizable software for Photo editing. This Photoshop alternative possesses a range of excellent Photoshop features. You can use features like layers and masking, advanced level filters, color modifications, and transformation.
The best thing about GIMP is that the plugins and scripts are created by users. Most of them are already pre-installed and you can start using them right after installing the software. These plugins are the best alternatives for tools like ‘Liquify'. In addition, there is a whole pack of animation tools that allow you to make your photographs life-like with morphing and blending. If these tools are not what you are looking for, then you can always add Photoshop plugins to GIMP as well!
If you find GIMP a little bit intimidating at the start, then you have plenty of troubleshooting guides and tutorials you can use to get familiar with it. GIMP's new interface combines palettes, menus, and toolboxes in a single window to make user navigation easier. There is a bit of learning curve with this completely free and open-source image-editor but once you have a good understanding of all the tools, you can do just about anything with this software.
2. Paint.NET
The journey of Paint.NET started as a replacement for Microsoft Paint. With the passage of time, Paint.NET has become a powerful photo editing tool. Just like other alternates of Adobe Photoshop, it offers features like automatic filters and manual editing tools. It does not offer as many features as Gimp, but it also relatively easier to learn and use.
Paint.NET provides features for masking but you have to download a plugin for layers. This software comes with in-built batch editing feature and in addition, it has clone stamp to easily erase blotches and commotions.
Paint.NET is the best option to use as Adobe Photoshop's alternative in case of working with multiple photographs. It has quick access tabs that use thumbnails and allow you to view multiple images simultaneously. The software is light-weight and works well with low configuration computers. You can save images of any size but it does lack some customization options.
3. Affinity Photo:
Affinity Photo is perfectly suitable for image editing and photo retouching and works with a large number of file formats. It is mostly used by professional photographers and designers. The creators of this software claim that it is better than Adobe Photoshop. It is certainly a lot cheaper than Adobe Photoshop.
This Photoshop alternative comes with exceptional speed, fewer reported crashes by users, and unlimited number of undoes. This software is however, resource intensive. It is best compatible with the latest quad-core technology. It is compatible with both Mac and Windows. If you are searching for the closest alternative to Adobe Photoshop at a lower price, then Affinity Photo is the right fit for you.
4. Photo Pos Pro:
Photo Pos Pro is one of the best-designed alternatives for Adobe Photoshop but it has a few limitations. This Photoshop alternative is designed intuitively and offers two types of interface for newbies and experts. The interface for newbies includes one-click filters and automatic adjustments while the interface for experts completely resembles the interface of Adobe Photoshop.
It has features like layers, masking, clone and healing brushes. You also have access to color refining tools, batch-editing, and scripts to save time. In addition, you can also import the images from a camera or scanner. It also has plugins for extra frames and templates. One limitation of this software is the limited number of saved files available. Another limitation is that while there is a free version available, advanced features are only present in the paid version.
5. Pixlr Editor:
Pixlr Editor is a browser-based Photoshop alternative and it is more effective than some desktop applications. It is not a very popular alternative just yet. Pixlr Editor is created by Autodesk, a well-known name in CAD and three-dimensional modeling. There are different versions of Pixlr Editor, web version, desktop version, and mobile application version. However, the most effective of all the versions is the web-based version which offers the feature of layers.
There is a big ad on the right side of the screen in Pixlr Editor and it is one of the major drawbacks of this free Photoshop alternative. You will find tools like sharpening, unsharp mask, blur, noise, levels, and curves. These features are almost similar to the features of Adobe Photoshop. In addition, you get arty filters and automatic options. All features are available for free in the Pixlr Editor.
Just like GIMP, Pixlr Editor has a toolbox with fills, selection and clone stamps. You can have the advantage of both layers and masks here. One issue with this alternative is it doesn't have the feature of batch editing but you can see all the images in tabs at a glance.
There are a lot more image editing software available than the ones mentioned here. While each software provides different features for different purposes, most of them fail to provide multiple features under one roof, except for Gimp and Affinity Photo.
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Adobe Photoshop is a popular software utility to manipulate the image and enhance its appearance. No matter whether you are a professional or starting out, Adobe Photoshop offers several powerful features suitable for every user.
However, with several options available, you might notice a steep learning curve or complexity while using it. Especially, for beginners. Not just limited to that, Adobe's monthly subscription for its software cannot be considered as affordable for every user.
So, there's a need for Adobe Photoshop alternatives, no matter what. In this article, we shall take a look at some of the best Adobe photoshop alternatives!
Paint.NET provides features for masking but you have to download a plugin for layers. This software comes with in-built batch editing feature and in addition, it has clone stamp to easily erase blotches and commotions.
Paint.NET is the best option to use as Adobe Photoshop's alternative in case of working with multiple photographs. It has quick access tabs that use thumbnails and allow you to view multiple images simultaneously. The software is light-weight and works well with low configuration computers. You can save images of any size but it does lack some customization options.
3. Affinity Photo:
Affinity Photo is perfectly suitable for image editing and photo retouching and works with a large number of file formats. It is mostly used by professional photographers and designers. The creators of this software claim that it is better than Adobe Photoshop. It is certainly a lot cheaper than Adobe Photoshop.
This Photoshop alternative comes with exceptional speed, fewer reported crashes by users, and unlimited number of undoes. This software is however, resource intensive. It is best compatible with the latest quad-core technology. It is compatible with both Mac and Windows. If you are searching for the closest alternative to Adobe Photoshop at a lower price, then Affinity Photo is the right fit for you.
4. Photo Pos Pro:
Photo Pos Pro is one of the best-designed alternatives for Adobe Photoshop but it has a few limitations. This Photoshop alternative is designed intuitively and offers two types of interface for newbies and experts. The interface for newbies includes one-click filters and automatic adjustments while the interface for experts completely resembles the interface of Adobe Photoshop.
It has features like layers, masking, clone and healing brushes. You also have access to color refining tools, batch-editing, and scripts to save time. In addition, you can also import the images from a camera or scanner. It also has plugins for extra frames and templates. One limitation of this software is the limited number of saved files available. Another limitation is that while there is a free version available, advanced features are only present in the paid version.
5. Pixlr Editor:
Pixlr Editor is a browser-based Photoshop alternative and it is more effective than some desktop applications. It is not a very popular alternative just yet. Pixlr Editor is created by Autodesk, a well-known name in CAD and three-dimensional modeling. There are different versions of Pixlr Editor, web version, desktop version, and mobile application version. However, the most effective of all the versions is the web-based version which offers the feature of layers.
There is a big ad on the right side of the screen in Pixlr Editor and it is one of the major drawbacks of this free Photoshop alternative. You will find tools like sharpening, unsharp mask, blur, noise, levels, and curves. These features are almost similar to the features of Adobe Photoshop. In addition, you get arty filters and automatic options. All features are available for free in the Pixlr Editor.
Just like GIMP, Pixlr Editor has a toolbox with fills, selection and clone stamps. You can have the advantage of both layers and masks here. One issue with this alternative is it doesn't have the feature of batch editing but you can see all the images in tabs at a glance.
There are a lot more image editing software available than the ones mentioned here. While each software provides different features for different purposes, most of them fail to provide multiple features under one roof, except for Gimp and Affinity Photo.
You may also like:
Adobe Photoshop is a popular software utility to manipulate the image and enhance its appearance. No matter whether you are a professional or starting out, Adobe Photoshop offers several powerful features suitable for every user.
However, with several options available, you might notice a steep learning curve or complexity while using it. Especially, for beginners. Not just limited to that, Adobe's monthly subscription for its software cannot be considered as affordable for every user.
So, there's a need for Adobe Photoshop alternatives, no matter what. In this article, we shall take a look at some of the best Adobe photoshop alternatives!
Top Paid & Free Adobe Photoshop Alternatives
1. Affinity Photo (Paid)
Affinity Photo is unquestionably the best alternative to Adobe Photoshop. You do not need a subscription, just a one-time fee — which is impressive!
You can draw some amazing work using the brush tools, import/export PSD files, add live layers, re-size, and more. It offers many powerful features for a professional user.
Even if you are a newbie, Affinity Photo is relatively easy to use and the options are easily accessible. The user interface is carefully crafted to provide a great user experience. It is a must-try!
2. GIMP (Free)
If you are looking for free Adobe photoshop alternatives, GIMP is probably your best bet. It is an open-source application which is completely free to use.
However, GIMP may not be user-friendly for new users. The user interface is simple but may feel overwhelming to learn if you are a newbie. Ruling out the usability, it offers equally powerful features and you can do a great deal of professional-grade work without spending a penny on the software.
3. Paint.NET (Free)
This may not be a full-fledged Photoshop alternative. But, for the basic image editing like adding layers, adding texts, re-sizing, and more, can be easily done thanks to Paint.NET.
It is a Windows-only software but it is suitable for quick image edits without the hassle of launching a full-blown image editor like Photoshop. You will be impressed how good the tool is for essential image editing without needing a lot of system resources.
4. Pixlr (Free & Paid options)
Pixlr is a web-based photo editor that does more things than you would expect from a basic image editor. It is an impressive Adobe Photoshop alternative that you can use on your browser.
It offers both free and paid plans. The free plan obviously enforces some restrictions and is supported by advertisements. If you want to get rid of the advertisements and the limitations of the free plan, you will have to opt for the paid plans. Photoshop ios price.
You will also notice two editions of editors available – Pixlr X and E. With X edition, you get basic image editing support and the E version is an advanced image editor. As of writing this, they had plans to introduce apps for both Windows and macOS.
5. Canva (Free & Paid options)
Canva may not be a proper alternative to Photoshop but for beginners, it can prove to be one. If your work involves basic layer management, editing images, making a thumbnail, poster, infographics, and so on, Canva can be a great fit.
It is completely a web service that is free to get started. You can get a lot of work done without paying a penny but if you want all the premium icons, backgrounds, shapes, etc you can get a subscription. In addition to that, Canva also offers a team-based subscription that you can utilize for your organization.
Free Alternative To Adobe Photoshop
Overall, it is easy to use and perfect for beginners.
6. PicMonkey (Paid)
PicMonkey is yet another Adobe Photoshop alternative that is similar to the web-based Canva. PicMonkey is also a web-based service but it does not offer a free plan.
You can opt for a free trial but no free to use plans. You might find a few things better here compared to Canva, but that's just a personal preference. We would recommend you try both if you are looking for an easy alternative to Photoshop.
Wrapping Up
Even though not all the alternatives offer the same feature-set, you get a variety of options when considering a replacement for Adobe Photoshop for your specific requirement. Overall, Affinity Photo could be the best bet for professionals and web-based services like Canva can be an easy alternative for beginners.
Adobe Photoshop Substitute
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