Adobe Elements AlternativesOnly apps categorised as Digital Painting Tools

The best Digital Painting alternative to Adobe Elements is GIMP, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Adobe Elements and many of them are Digital Painting Tools so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Digital Painting Tool alternatives to Adobe Elements are Krita, Adobe Photoshop, Paint.NET and Affinity Photo.

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Adobe Elements alternatives are mainly Digital Painting Tools but may also be Image Editors or Photo Editors.  Filter by these or use the filter bar below if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Adobe Elements.
Adobe Elements iconAdobe Elements
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  • ...

Photo editing with AI and automation in a simple, non-subscription package. Includes fun creation tools, an organizer, and layer support.

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Adobe Elements alternatives page was last updated Feb 17, 2025
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Alternatives
  1. GIMP icon

    GIMP

     4633 likes
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    GIMP delivers powerful functionalities for photo retouching, image composition, and format conversion. As a versatile tool, it serves as both a simple paint program and a high-end retouching suite, and offers batch processing for mass image tasks in an accessible open-source platform.

    189 GIMP alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • Haiku
    • Flatpak
    • AmigaOS
    yes

    Properties

    1.  Customizable

    Features

    1.  Support for Layers
    2.  Photo effects
    3.  DRM Free
    4.  Ad-free
    5.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    6.  High-resolution images
    7.  Retouch photos
    8.  Open PSD files
    9.  Image Processing
    10.  Dark Mode
    11.  Color to Alpha
    12.  Works Offline

    GIMP VS Adobe Elements

     
    Comments about GIMP as an Alternative to Adobe Elements
    Guest
    Positive •Sep 5, 2019
    0

    Can do exactly everything that Photoshop elements can, actually even more than what ps elements can do

    Guest
    Positive •Apr 15, 2020
    0

    In times your wallet is empty we need programs like this to be able to share and who knows, to sell our knowledge. In other words; to get you back on the track again. ;)

    Adobe Elements Icon
    GIMP icon

    • Most users think GIMP is a great Adobe Elements alternative.

    • GIMP is the most popular Windows, Mac & Linux alternative to Adobe Elements.

    • GIMP is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Adobe Elements.

    • GIMP is Free and Open SourceAdobe Elements is Paid and Proprietary
    • GIMP is CustomizableAdobe Elements is not according to our users
  2. Krita icon

    Krita

     1346 likes
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    Free, open-source painting software designed by artists for artists. Offers customizable UI, 9 brush engines, color management, tablet support, non-destructive editing, and privacy features. Portable and available on major platforms, supporting seamless texture creation.

    142 Krita alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • NL flagNetherlands
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android Tablet
    • Epic Games Store
    • PortableApps.com
    • Steam
    Main Window

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Customizable

    Features

    1.  Digital Drawing
    2.  Blending brushes
    3.  Keyframe Animation
    4.  Drawing 2D
    5.  Advanced brush settings
    6.  Drawing Tablet Support
    7.  Digital-painting focused
    8.  Sketching
    9.  Color blending
    10.  Support for Layers
    11.  Texture painting
    12.  Custom Brushes

    Krita VS Adobe Elements

     

    • Krita is the most popular Android Tablet alternative to Adobe Elements.

    • Krita is Free and Open SourceAdobe Elements is Paid and Proprietary
    • Krita is LightweightAdobe Elements is not according to our users
  4. Adobe Photoshop icon

    Adobe Photoshop

     2399 likes
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    Comprehensive raster graphics editor offering advanced photo and image editing features. Supports multiple layers, masks, alpha compositing, various color models, and has limited vector graphics, 3D, and video capabilities. Extensible via plug-ins.

    223 Adobe Photoshop alternatives

    License model

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Wine
    • ReactOS
    Adobe Photoshop screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Intuitive Interface

    Features

    1.  RAW Photo Editors
    2.  Color correction
    3.  Photo effects
    4.  Advanced brush settings
    5.  Image Processing
    6.  Raster graphics
    7.  Support for Layers
    8.  Color Picker
    9.  Resizing dpi
    10.  Hardware Accelerated
    11.  Support for CMYK Mode
    12.  Non Destructive Editing

    Adobe Photoshop VS Adobe Elements

     

    • Some users think Adobe Photoshop is a great Adobe Elements alternative, some don't.

    • Adobe Photoshop is the most popular Web-based, iPhone & iPad alternative to Adobe Elements.

    • Adobe Photoshop is the most popular commercial alternative to Adobe Elements.

    • Adobe Photoshop is Paid and ProprietaryAdobe Elements is also Paid and Proprietary
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    Adobe Photoshop icon
    Adobe Photoshop

    Comprehensive raster graphics editor offering advanced photo and image editing features. Supports multiple layers, masks, alpha compositing, various color models, and has limited vector graphics, 3D, and video capabilities. Exten...

    https://www.adobe.com
    Learn More
  6. Paint.NET icon

    Paint.NET

     1633 likes
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    Free Windows image editor with support for layers, plugins, and special effects. Offers intuitive interface, works offline, ad-free, and portable, consuming fewer resources.

    166 Paint.NET alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • .NET Framework
    Paint.NET screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  User friendly
    3.  Minimalistic

    Features

    1.  Support for Layers
    2.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    3.  Dark Mode
    4.  Support for image plugins
    5.  Export to PNG
    6.  Community-based
    7.  Transparency
    8.  Ad-free
    9.  Portable
    10.  Built-in Color Picker
    11.  Works Offline
    12.  No registration required

    Paint.NET VS Adobe Elements

     
  7. Affinity Photo icon

    Affinity Photo

     540 likes
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    Real-time image editing software supporting extensive colour spaces, unlimited layers, non-destructive edits, and a streamlined workspace for complex tasks on Windows, Mac, and iPad.

    92 Affinity Photo alternatives

    License model

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • GB flagUnited Kingdom

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • iPad
    Affinity Photo screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Optimal performance
    2.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  No Subscription
    2.  RAW Photo Editors
    3.  Non Destructive Editing
    4.  Open PSD files
    5.  Support for Layers
    6.  Color management
    7.  Photo effects
    8.  Regulation layers
    9.  Photoshop Plugins Support
    10.  No Coding Required
    11.  Dark Mode
    12.  Ad-free

    Affinity Photo VS Adobe Elements

     
  8. Photopea icon

    Photopea

     309 likes
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    Online photo editor, which can work with PSD, XCF and Sketch files (Photoshop, Gimp and Sketch App). Convert between PSD, XCF, JPG, PNG and many other formats.

    104 Photopea alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • CZ flagCzechia
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Online
    Photopea screenshot 1

    Top Photopea Features

    1.  Web-Based
    2.  Open PSD files
    3.  Support for Layers
    4.  Vectorize raster images
    5.  Photoshop-like
    6.  Sketch to PSD
    7.  RAW Photo Editors
    8.  Text tool
    9.  Dark Mode
    10.  Ad-free
    11.  Colorize Photo
    12.  No registration required

    Photopea VS Adobe Elements

     
  10. Pixlr icon

    Pixlr

     383 likes
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    Explore this platform for free, web-based photo editing; it provides tools like overlays, double exposure, and color splash for detailed modifications plus Pro features like Influence Masks and advanced blending.

    217 Pixlr alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Pixlr screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Web-Based
    2.  Retouch photos
    3.  Support for Layers
    4.  Gradients
    5.  Dark Mode
    6.  Correct Red Eyes
    7.  Photo effects
    8.  Multiple languages
    9.  Open PSD files
    10.  Custom overlays
    11.  AI-Powered

    Pixlr VS Adobe Elements

     
  11. MyPaint icon

    MyPaint

     378 likes
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    MyPaint is a fast, distraction-free, and easy painting tool for digital artists. It supports graphics tablets made by Wacom, and many similar devices.

    122 MyPaint alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • CH flagSwitzerland

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • PortableApps.com
    MyPaint screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Distraction-free

    Features

    1.  Sketching
    2.  Support for Layers
    3.  Infinite canvas
    4.  Portable
    5.  Drawing Tablet Support
    6.  Fullscreen support
    7.  Ad-free
    8.  No registration required
    9.  Custom Brushes
    10.  Color blending

    MyPaint VS Adobe Elements

     
  12. Pixelmator icon

    Pixelmator

     419 likes
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    Image editing software for macOS and iOS, offering nondestructive, GPU-powered editing with machine learning features, RAW support, custom brushes, and seamless macOS integration for touch-ups, painting, and creative compositions.

    148 Pixelmator alternatives

    License model

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • LT flagLithuania
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    Pixelmator screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Customizable

    Features

    1.  Open PSD files
    2.  RAW Photo Editors
    3.  Retouch photos
    4.  Healing brush
    5.  Stickers
    6.  Tablet support
    7.  Multiple Font Colors
    8.  Asset Pipeline
    9.  Support for 64 bit

    Pixelmator VS Adobe Elements

     
  13. Microsoft Paint icon

    Microsoft Paint

     176 likes
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    Windows-bundled image editor for basic painting and raster editing tasks, supporting bitmap, JPEG, GIF, PNG, and TIFF. Offers layer support, offline access, no registration, and dark mode. Lightweight and ad-free, ensuring minimal resource use.

    126 Microsoft Paint alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Microsoft Paint screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Minimalistic

    Features

    1.  Ad-free
    2.  Dark Mode
    3.  Remove Image Background
    4.  Support for Layers
    5.  No registration required
    6.  Text to Image Generation
    7.  Works Offline
    8.  Bundled with Windows
    9.  AI-Powered
    10.  Pixel Art

    Microsoft Paint VS Adobe Elements

     
  14. Adobe Photoshop Express icon

    Adobe Photoshop Express

     117 likes
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    Adobe's mobile photo-editing app lets you edit, share, and upload photos across devices. With features like free 2 GB storage, original size backup, and extra tools for advanced editing, it enhances your images for social media without reducing file quality.

    170 Adobe Photoshop Express alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • Windows Phone
    • iPad
    Adobe Photoshop Express screenshot 1

    Adobe Photoshop Express Features

    1.  Dark Mode
    2.  Custom Brushes
    3.  RAW Photo Editors
    4.  Works Offline
    5.  Ad-free
    6. Android icon  Android Sync
    7.  Business Simulator
    8.  Support for Android Things
    9.  Sync with Simplenote

    Adobe Photoshop Express VS Adobe Elements

     
  15. Corel PaintShop Pro icon

    Corel PaintShop Pro

     106 likes
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    Corel's tool provides comprehensive photo editing and design features including enhanced layers, precise tools, RAW editing, and organization capabilities such as keyword tags, auto sorting, and facial recognition, making it ideal for both novices and professionals in various projects.

    153 Corel PaintShop Pro alternatives

    License model

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • CA flagCanada

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Corel PaintShop Pro screenshot 1

    Corel PaintShop Pro Features

    1.  RAW Photo Editors
    2.  Facial Recognition
    3.  Retouch photos
    4.  Straighten images
    5.  Image sorting

    Corel PaintShop Pro VS Adobe Elements

     
12 of 34 Adobe Elements alternatives