Photoshop AlternativesOnly apps categorised as Digital Painting Tools

The best Digital Painting alternative to Adobe Photoshop 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 Photoshop and loads of them are Digital Painting Tools so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Digital Painting Tool alternatives to Adobe Photoshop are Krita, Paint.NET, Photopea and Pixlr.

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Adobe Photoshop alternatives are mainly Digital Painting Tools, but if you're looking for Image Editors or Photo Editors you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Open Source, Mac, Online, Windows, Free, Linux and Windows + Free. You can also filter by region, for example EU-based alternatives if you prefer software developed in the European Union. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to Adobe Photoshop.
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Alternatives list

  1. GIMP icon

    GIMP

     4737 likes

    Free open-source suite offering advanced photo retouching, image composition, original artwork creation, batch processing, plugin support, custom scripting, mass image format conversion, and integration with free publishing tools for comprehensive editing solutions.

    187 GIMP alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • Haiku
    • Flatpak
    • AmigaOS
    • AppImage
    GIMP screenshot 1
     
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    112
    GIMP vs Adobe Photoshop Comments
    Top Positive Comment
    Conner Vieira
    4

    If you're used to Photoshop, GIMP will feel very unusual, since it has very different ways of doing things. That being said, its more than capable of keeping up with Photoshop on a technical level, and well exceeds Photoshop's abilities (if at the cost of intuitiveness) in my opinion

    Top Negative Comment
    Marek
    25

    Irritating, totally unintuitive, completely unthought-out interface. It may have a lot of possibilities, but a lifetime is not enough to discover them and understand the twisted logic of this program.

    Rex2111
    Negative
    1

    Gimp is a great open source alternative for less complex tasks but it is FAR from a true photoshop alternative.

    3 of 112 comments
    • GIMP is Free and Open SourceAdobe Photoshop is Paid and Proprietary
    • GIMP is Customizable, Privacy focused and LightweightAdobe Photoshop is not according to our users
  2. Krita icon

    Krita

     1417 likes

    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.

    143 Krita alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android Tablet
    • KDE Plasma
    • Epic Games Store
    • PortableApps.com
    • F-Droid
    • Steam
    • AppImage
    Main Window
     
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    46
    Krita vs Adobe Photoshop Comments
    Top Positive Comment
    Atoshi
    18

    It's kinda more intuitive to use than GIMP (which is a briliant PS alternative too) interface-wise, and supports CMYK out of the box if one needs it. As of version 3.1 it has pretty advanced support for animation, including opacity curves (GIMP fails completely in that field, animathing anything is a major PITA in it)

    Top Negative Comment
    Soul Rain
    37

    photoshop is a photo editing software; krita is a painting and sketching app

    Tomás Barão
    Positive
    0

    I often use complex layer layouts. From my experience, Krita offers ways of combining and compositing layers much more powerful than Photoshop. Some things Krita can do non-destructively that Photoshop can't.

    Krita is often branded with an anime and cartoons focus, but I use it in my professional work for raster processing in general.

    3 of 46 comments
    • Krita is Free and Open SourceAdobe Photoshop is Paid and Proprietary
    • Krita is Lightweight, Customizable and Privacy focusedAdobe Photoshop is not according to our users
  4. Paint.NET icon

    Paint.NET

     1653 likes

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

    163 Paint.NET alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • .NET Framework
    Paint.NET screenshot 1
     
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    21
    Paint.NET vs Adobe Photoshop Comments
    Top Positive Comment
    Thatstinkyguy
    1

    While it doesn't beat GIMP in terms of features, open-source, or cross-platform accessibility, it's still a solid program that's lightweight, fairly easy to use, and with a plugin (among many other ones), it seems to have better compatibility with PSD files than GIMP.

    Guest
    Positive
    0

    Well, it as the first image editor I have used other than... paint, So I might be a little biased. But its great, I love it, it has stuff, and its good.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    1

    I was able to use it from day one and get better over time the more I worked in it.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    3 of 21 comments
    • Paint.NET is Free and ProprietaryAdobe Photoshop is Paid and Proprietary
    • Paint.NET is Lightweight and MinimalisticAdobe Photoshop is not according to our users
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    Xara Photo & Graphic Designer icon
    Xara Photo & Graphic Designer

    Xara Photo & Graphic Designer, formerly Xara Xtreme, is a fast graphics software with versatile illustration tools and advanced photo management. It streamlines creative tasks, allowing users to retouch images, create social ...

    https://www.xara.com
    Learn More
  6. Photopea icon

    Photopea

     337 likes

    Browser-based image editing supports PSD, XCF, Sketch formats, advanced layers, vector tools, RAW photo support, and exports in 40+ formats. Fully client-side with AI background removal, content-aware tools, and privacy as files never leave your device.

    110 Photopea alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    Photopea screenshot 1
     
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    31
    Photopea vs Adobe Photoshop Comments
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    16

    Fully supports PSD format with adjustment layers, layer effects, paths, layer masks etc.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    For me, who can't afford to pay for every subscription but still wants to use the tools, Photopea is the best alternative to Photoshop. Especially the free version. The structure, functions, and even the keyboard shortcuts are the same. Plus, you can work entirely with PSD files, and vectors are also supported.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Kris Regina
    Positive
    0

    An actual free alternative to Photoshop.

    3 of 31 comments
    • Photopea is Freemium and ProprietaryAdobe Photoshop is Paid and Proprietary
  7. Pixlr icon

    Pixlr

     390 likes

    Web-based editor with AI image generation, quick fixes, overlays, intricate lighting and texture adjustments, customizable templates, advanced filters, support for layers, high-res export, and ad-free premium features for accessible image and design editing.

    229 Pixlr alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Pixlr screenshot 1
     
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    10
    Pixlr vs Adobe Photoshop Comments
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    9

    The fact that Pixlr is browser based is cool at places like school where you can't just install GIMP.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Ilgazcl
    Positive
    0

    It was acquired by Apple so you should make sure multi-platform and even Web support continues. Apple doesn't have a good history of maintaining other platforms compatibility.

    Ömer Emin Onaran
    Positive
    3

    You do not need to download a program, you enter from the web.

    3 of 10 comments
    • Pixlr is Freemium and ProprietaryAdobe Photoshop is Paid and Proprietary
    • Pixlr is LightweightAdobe Photoshop is not according to our users
  8. Pixelmator icon

    Pixelmator

     422 likes

    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.

    152 Pixelmator alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    Pixelmator screenshot 1
     
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    5
    Pixelmator vs Adobe Photoshop Comments
    Top Positive Comment
    Dave Cortright
    3

    For the simple editing I do to get photos ready for email and web, Pixelmator is perfect. It can crop (including constrained cropping), resize, and do all the essential color/brightness/contrast/levels tweaks. And the best feature of all, it has a magical healing brush for removing blemishes.

    DalsPhotography
    Positive
    0

    A great program, just got it so I am still trying it, but you have some more tools or kind of different tools than within Photoshop, as you can work with paths without going to lets say , Illustrator.

    Guest
    Positive
    0

    Can accomplish nearly all of the functions of Photoshop, while still being cheaper, and more stable

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    3 of 5 comments
    • Pixelmator is Paid and ProprietaryAdobe Photoshop is also Paid and Proprietary
    • Pixelmator is CustomizableAdobe Photoshop is not according to our users
  10. Corel PaintShop Pro icon

    Corel PaintShop Pro

     107 likes

    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.

    156 Corel PaintShop Pro alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Corel PaintShop Pro screenshot 1
     
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    8
    Corel PaintShop Pro vs Adobe Photoshop Comments
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    9

    It does almost everything PhotoShop does, and easier. All toolbars easily customizable, can record scripts and add them as toolbar buttons, and is inexpensive to boot!

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Shaz Shah
    Positive
    0

    I do remember using PaintShop Pro before Corel bought it. Corel's no stranger to creative software with their staple Corel Draw. It may not be free, like The GIMP, but PaintShop Pro is a powerful piece of kit without a steep learning curve for those who come from a Photoshop background.

    Sebastian
    Positive
    0

    App/Software that is a classic.

    3 of 8 comments
    • Corel PaintShop Pro is Paid and ProprietaryAdobe Photoshop is also Paid and Proprietary
  11. MyPaint icon

    MyPaint

     388 likes

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

    128 MyPaint alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • PortableApps.com
    MyPaint screenshot 1
     
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    5
    MyPaint vs Adobe Photoshop Comments
    Top Positive Comment
    uhada
    2

    If you're looking for a painting app, MyPaint may be a good alternative to Photoshop. It has infinite canvas, good, natural brushes and overall good tools.

    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    21

    MyPaint is only a drawing program, but it can't edit images. Adobe Photoshop can do both.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    sedeti
    Negative
    0

    My paint is not a image editor

    3 of 5 comments
    • MyPaint is Free and Open SourceAdobe Photoshop is Paid and Proprietary
    • MyPaint is LightweightAdobe Photoshop is not according to our users
  12. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite icon

    CorelDRAW Graphics Suite

     216 likes

    Suite featuring tools for vector illustration, image editing, page layout, bitmap tracing to convert bitmaps to vectors, asset browsing, web page creation, screen capture, file compatibility, color management, and professional multi-page document design.

    88 CorelDRAW Graphics Suite alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    CorelDRAW Graphics Suite screenshot 1
     
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    1
    CorelDRAW Graphics Suite vs Adobe Photoshop Comments
    tobylennon
    Positive
    3

    Corel Photo-paint and CorelDraw work very well with Corel Painter and Paint-shop Pro. Pretty much everything is covered, there [High-end full-body textile design must be around the corner.] Everlasting licences also make CorelDraw the clear Winner.

    • CorelDRAW Graphics Suite is Paid and ProprietaryAdobe Photoshop is also Paid and Proprietary
    • CorelDRAW Graphics Suite is CustomizableAdobe Photoshop is not according to our users
  13. Clip Studio Paint icon

    Clip Studio Paint

     134 likes

    Professional software for comic and manga creation, optimized with panel layouts, perspective rulers, sketching, inking, toning, vector support, and 3D model import, suitable for artists seeking advanced drawing and coloring tools.

    102 Clip Studio Paint alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Samsung Galaxy Store
    Customizable workspace
     
    |
    3
    Clip Studio Paint vs Adobe Photoshop Comments
    James Hunt
    Positive
    0

    Far better than photoshop for digital painting

    Guest
    Positive
    1

    It has pretty similar tools and the results look just as good as in PS

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    1

    Clip Studio Paint has the best blending tools I've seen so far

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    • Clip Studio Paint is Paid and ProprietaryAdobe Photoshop is also Paid and Proprietary
    • Clip Studio Paint is Customizable and LightweightAdobe Photoshop is not according to our users
  14. PaintTool SAI icon

    PaintTool SAI

     141 likes

    PaintTool SAI is high quality and lightweight painting software, fully digitizer support, amazing anti-aliased paintings, provide easy and stable operation, this software make digital art more enjoyable and comfortable.

    91 PaintTool SAI alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    PaintTool SAI screenshot 1
     
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    1
    PaintTool SAI vs Adobe Photoshop Comments
    Peter Griffin
    Negative
    2

    PaintTool SAI is a great program for drawing and painting, but is definitely not a good alternative for robust photo editors like Photoshop. It is more like Krita and the likes.

    • PaintTool SAI is Paid and ProprietaryAdobe Photoshop is also Paid and Proprietary
    • PaintTool SAI is CustomizableAdobe Photoshop is not according to our users
  15. FireAlpaca icon

    FireAlpaca

     89 likes

    FireAlpaca is the image editor that can be used readily and easily. We made it possible to provide the completely free download, in order for our products to be experienced by more users from all over the world. It is available for both Mac and Windows users!

    123 FireAlpaca alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    FireAlpaca screenshot 1
     
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    1
    FireAlpaca vs Adobe Photoshop Comments
    Ryvaa
    Positive
    1

    I really like how smooth is to paint on Fire Alpaca, It's a wonderful software for painting. And faster then Krita.

    • FireAlpaca is Free and ProprietaryAdobe Photoshop is Paid and Proprietary
12 of 62 Adobe Photoshop alternatives