Top 10 Free Alternatives to Adobe Photoshop in 2025: A Comprehensive Comparison

As Adobe Photoshop continues to set the bar high in the world of graphic editing, 2025 has introduced a variety of exceptional free alternatives. Whether you're a professional graphic designer or an amateur photo enthusiast, this list highlights top-notch free tools that rival Photoshop's capabilities.

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1. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

Key Features:
Advanced editing tools, including layers, masks, filters, and color correction.
Customizable interface tailored to user workflows.
Supports various file formats, including PSD (Photoshop files).
Open-source software with community-driven development.
Cross-platform support for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Why Choose It?: GIMP offers robust photo editing capabilities comparable to Photoshop at no cost.
Website: Learn more about GIMP

2. Photopea

Key Features:
Browser-based, eliminating the need for software installation.
Supports and can edit PSD files.
Layer-based editing enabling non-destructive adjustments.
A comprehensive range of tools, including selection tools, brushes, and filters.
Compatible across Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices via the web browser.
Why Choose It?: Ideal for users desiring a Photoshop-like experience without the need for downloads.
Website: Explore Photopea

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3. Krita

Key Features:
Over 100 professionally crafted brushes for digital painting.
Support for frame-by-frame animation.
Advanced layer management with vector templates and blending modes.
Powerful masking and selection tools for special effects.
Free and open-source, designed for commercial and personal projects.
Why Choose It?: Perfect for digital artists and illustrators needing both painting and photo editing functions.
Website: Discover Krita

4. Pixlr (Pixlr X and Pixlr E)

Key Features:
Web-based with no installation, available through any browser.
Pixlr X offers a simplified interface for quick edits.
Pixlr E provides advanced tools similar to Photoshop for detailed editing.
User-friendly interface suitable for all skill levels.
Free version with an option for paid advanced features.
Why Choose It?: Exceptional for users needing quick editing tools in an accessible, web-based platform.
Website: Learn more about Pixlr

5. Canva

Key Features:
Intuitive drag-and-drop interface.
Thousands of templates for diverse project requirements.
Access to a robust library of free stock photos and graphics.
Collaboration features allowing design sharing and teamwork.
Completely web-based.
Why Choose It?: Ideal for creating social media graphics, marketing materials, and presentations effortlessly.
Website: Explore Canva

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6. PhotoScape X

Key Features:
Extensive support for RAW and various file formats.
Batch editing capability for multiple images.
Diverse tools for retouching, color adjustments, and effects.
User-friendly interface suitable for beginners.
Available for Windows and Mac platforms.
Why Choose It?: Comprehensive yet simple photo editing with support for multiple file types.
Website: Discover PhotoScape X

7. Fotor

Key Features:
Web-based accessibility on any device with a browser.
AI-powered tools for object removal.
Enhanced touch-up tools for portraits.
Free version with optional paid features.
Easy-to-navigate interface.
Why Choose It?: Ideal for quick and powerful online photo editing with AI features.
Website: Learn more about Fotor

8. Paint.NET

Key Features:
Simple and intuitive interface.
Support for layer-based editing.
Variety of tools and effects, including selections, filters, and color adjustments.
Plugin support for extended functionalities.
Free and specifically for Windows.
Why Choose It?: Great for Windows users seeking straightforward, powerful photo editing software.
Website: Explore Paint.NET

9. Inkscape

Key Features:
Focused on vector graphics for illustrations and logos.
Comprehensive tools for creating advanced drawings and designs.
Support for SVG files and other formats.
Cross-platform compatibility with Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Open-source and free to use.
Why Choose It?: Best suited for vector graphic design tasks like creating logos and illustrations.
Website: Discover Inkscape

10. Adobe Photoshop Express

Key Features:
Mobile and Windows app available for iOS, Android, and Windows.
Simple tools for quick photo edits.
Various themes, effects, and filters for enhancing images.
Convenient for users needing quick and basic photo editing.
Free to download.
Why Choose It?: Perfect for users needing Adobe's trusted photo editing tools in a simpler, mobile-friendly app.
Website: Learn more about Adobe Photoshop Express

These top free alternatives to Adobe Photoshop in 2025 provide a diverse range of features and tools to suit various photo editing needs. Each has distinct strengths, making them valuable options for different workflows and projects.

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FAQ

1. What is GIMP and what are its key features?

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free, open-source raster graphics editor. Its features include advanced editing tools, a customizable interface, support for various file formats including PSD, and availability on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Learn more about GIMP

2. Can you describe Photopea and its primary benefits?

Photopea is a free, web-based image editor that closely mimics Adobe Photoshop. It supports PSD files, offers layer-based editing, and provides a wide range of tools without requiring software installation. Explore Photopea

3. What makes Krita a suitable alternative to Photoshop?

Krita is a free and open-source painting program with features for digital artists and illustrators, including a large collection of brushes, animation support, layer and blending modes, and masking tools. Learn more about Krita

4. How do Pixlr X and Pixlr E differ in their functionalities?

Pixlr offers two versions: Pixlr X for quick and simple edits with a simplified interface, and Pixlr E for more advanced editing similar to Photoshop. Both versions are web-based and user-friendly. Discover Pixlr

5. What are the key features of Canva's photo editor?

Canva's photo editor includes a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, pre-designed templates, access to free stock photos and graphics, and collaboration features, all accessible through a web browser. Explore Canva

6. What does PhotoScape X offer in terms of photo editing?

PhotoScape X provides robust photo editing tools, batch editing, various editing tools (retouching, color adjustment, effects), and a user-friendly interface. It is available on Windows and Mac. Visit PhotoScape X | Microsoft Store | Mac App Store

7. What are the key features of Fotor?

Fotor is known for its web-based platform, AI object removal, touch-up tools for portraits, and user-friendly interface. It offers a free version with many editing tools. Learn more about Fotor

8. Describe Paint.NET and its primary features.

Paint.NET is a free, user-friendly image editing software for Windows, featuring layer support, a variety of tools and effects, and plugin support for extended functionalities. Visit Paint.NET

9. What can Inkscape be used for in graphic design?

Inkscape is a free, open-source vector graphics editor suitable for creating illustrations and logos, with advanced drawing tools and support for SVG files. It is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Explore Inkscape

10. What are the capabilities of Adobe Photoshop Express?

Adobe Photoshop Express is a free app for iOS, Android, and Windows that offers basic photo editing tools, filters, and effects for quick and convenient edits. Visit Adobe Photoshop Express

References

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.

Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).

She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.

For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.

About the Publication

Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.

Mission and Purpose

Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.

Key Features

The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:

Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials

Impact and Growth

Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:

3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
100+ startup tools built
5,000+ pieces of articles and news written

Partnerships

Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.

Recognition

Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.