Photoshop is synonymous with image editing, but not everyone wants a subscription. Today, there are many free online programs that offer surprisingly good results. In this article, we present eight alternatives and explain their functions, their limits and for whom they are best suited.
1. Gimp: The classic open source
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GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) has long been the most famous Photoshop alternative. Its wide range of functions, its robust layer management and its large set of filters are very close to the original. Thanks to a large community, there are countless plug-ins and tutorials available.
Forces: Powerful functions, full for photo assembly and composition, great extensibility.
Weaknesses: The user interface is sometimes overloaded, the operation is more complex than with modern tools.
Suitable for: Anyone who wants a professional tool without subscription and is willing to familiarize themselves with this.
2. Photopaa: Photoshop in the browser
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Photopa is a versatile online editor that works directly in the browser. It supports layers, masks, paths, intelligent objects and many formats such as PSD, RAW and PDF. This makes it suitable for rapid changes on travel as well as more complex projects. The only real limitations concern certain AI functions, which require a paid plan.
Forces: No installation required (although optional), PSD management and the possibility of importing plug-ins and brushes.
Weaknesses: Advertising in the free version; AI features such as generative filling are only available with a subscription.
Suitable for: Users who want to work quickly and anywhere.
3. Krita: Perfect for artists and illustrators
Fell
Krita has existed for over 25 years and is mainly aimed at digital artists. Its brushes engine is excellent, offering hundreds of customizable brushes, masks and animation tools. Although the photos can also be modified, the workflow is less intuitive than in Gimp or Photoshop.
Strength: Huge library of brushes, vectors and raster graphics, very good for drawings.
Weaknesses: The optimizations of classic photos are somewhat hidden, less suitable for photographers.
Suitable for: Creative people who paint, sketch or create comics / illustrations.
4. Pixlr: A modern online application with AI
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Pixlr is now a complete suite of tools: Pixlr E for classic photo edition with layers and filters, Pixlr X as a simplified express version for quick corrections, and Pixlr designer with models and collage functions for social media. It also offers specialized tools such as the prize publisher for bulk publishing and deletes BG for the removal of background. Everything works directly in the browser – just download your image and start.
The free version covers many daily tasks, but is delivered with limits: the announcements are displayed, many AI features are limited or require credits, and only certain models and design elements are free. The quality of exports and batch editing are also limited.
Forces: Modern interface, many AI features, quick results without installation.
Weaknesses: Many premium functions available only as a subscription, the variety of tools can be confusing.
Suitable for: Social media managers, content creators and beginners who wish to quickly optimize images or prepare them for campaigns.
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Canva is less a traditional photo editor and more a platform to create all kinds of conceptions – social media graphics, presentations, leaflets or short videos. The free version includes thousands of models, basic elements, simple filters and backup options. However, if you want more, you quickly reach the limitations: many graphics, photos and fonts are limited to Pro, just like brand kits, transparent exports and AI features like Magic Erase.
Forces: Very simple, many models, ideal for content creation.
Weaknesses: Inspropriated for the editing of precise images, free version severely limited in assets and export options.
Suitable for: Marketing, social media, teachers and whoever needs attractive conceptions quickly.
6. Darktable: gross development for photographers
Apron
Darktable is the open source answer to Adobe Lightroom. Photographers can develop raw files, use colored profiles and create professional workflows. Unlike Photoshop, it is less composition and more photo editing retouching.
Forces: Powerful gross development, color management, lots of lots.
Weaknesses: No paint or design function focuses only on photos.
Suitable for: Photographers looking for Lightroom functions without subscription.
7. Paint sumo: Quick edition in the browser
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Sumo painting looks like a slipped version of Photoshop in the browser. Its interface is clearly presented, but always offers many tools that are rarely found in free software: including layers, filters, brushes, cloning, blurring or gradients – which is why it is ideal for creative drawings and pixels edition.
Forces: Tools based on a browser, living community.
Weaknesses: Many premium brushes and functions are only paid, partly focused on paint.
Suitable for: Occasional users and creative beginners who want to easily draw or modify photos in the browser.
8. Paint.net: Lean and exclusive of Windows
Painting.net
Paint.net is a classic choice for Windows users. It provides essential tools for image editing, including layers and effects, and it can be extended with plug-ins. It is much easier to use than Photoshop, it launches quickly, and it is ideal for daily tasks such as cropping, minor retouching or the addition of text.
Strength: Resource economy, intuitive, extensible with plug-ins.
Weaknesses: Only for Windows, no professional functionality such as raw support, color management (CMYK), smart objects.
Suitable for: Beginners, quick modification of every day.
This article originally appeared on our PC-Welt sister publication and was translated and located in German.
