Top 10 Open Source Alternatives to Affinity Photo in 2025

In the ever-evolving world of photo editing, 2025 presents a myriad of robust open-source software options that rival and, in some cases, surpass the capabilities offered by Affinity Photo. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, these tools are designed to cater to a variety of editing and graphic design needs. Let’s dive into the top 10 open-source alternatives to Affinity Photo, highlighting their features and benefits.

Boost Your SEO by Getting Featured in Our Blogs and get a backlink.

We publish content about startups, education, tech, funding, etc. that ranks well not only in Google but also in Perplexity, ChatGPT, Grok and other AI tools.

👉 Get featured now!

1. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

Description: GIMP is a powerful, free, and open-source raster graphics editor often cited as the top free alternative to Photoshop. It is a feature-rich program suitable for photo editing, retouching, and creating original artwork.
Key Features:
Professional-grade tools for image manipulation.
Support for layers, masks, and filters.
Highly customizable interface.
Extensive plugin support.
Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Data Points:
Open Source: Yes
Cost: Free
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Primary Use: Photo editing, graphic design, digital art
User Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Website: GIMP

2. Krita

Description: Krita is a free and open-source raster graphics editor primarily designed for digital painting and illustration. It's also a capable photo editor, particularly for users with artistic inclinations.
Key Features:
Advanced brush engine.
Layer support, blending modes, and masking.
Customizable UI.
Color management tools.
PSD import and export.
Data Points:
Open Source: Yes
Cost: Free
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
Primary Use: Digital painting, illustration, photo editing
User Skill Level: Intermediate
Website: Krita

Get your FREE Landing Page Analysis!

Insert your landing page link and get a super useful analysis and easy fixes to get more clicks!

👉 Get Your Analysis Here!

3. Inkscape

Description: While primarily a vector graphics editor, Inkscape can be used for some photo editing tasks, especially when combined with other tools. It excels in creating and manipulating vector-based artwork and designs, including logos, illustrations, and diagrams.
Key Features:
Object creation and manipulation.
Text support.
Fill and Stroke functionality.
Good SVG support.
Cross-platform compatibility.
Data Points:
Open Source: Yes
Cost: Free
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Primary Use: Vector graphics, logo design, illustration
User Skill Level: Intermediate
Website: Inkscape

4. Photopea

Description: Photopea is a free online image editor that runs in your browser, providing a surprisingly robust set of features similar to Photoshop. It supports various file formats and is a great option for quick edits without installing software.
Key Features:
Web-based (no installation required).
Supports PSD, XCF, and other formats.
Layers, masks, filters, and adjustment tools.
Good compatibility with Photoshop shortcuts.
Free version available with ads.
Data Points:
Open Source: No (Freemium)
Cost: Free (with ads) or Paid subscription for ad-free use.
Platforms: Web Browser
Primary Use: Photo editing, graphic design, quick image edits
User Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
Website: Photopea

5. RawTherapee

Description: RawTherapee is a free and open-source raw image processing software. It's designed specifically for developing and editing raw photos from digital cameras, making it a good option if you shoot in RAW format.
Key Features:
Non-destructive raw processing.
Advanced color correction and noise reduction.
Batch processing capabilities.
Customizable user interface.
Support for a wide range of cameras.
Data Points:
Open Source: Yes
Cost: Free
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Primary Use: Raw photo processing and editing
User Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Website: RawTherapee

Validate your startup idea with the unique borrowed authority approach: we publish articles about your product in our blog and you get traffic and testers for your MVP

Prove Market Demand: See real organic traffic and waitlist conversions

Unlock High-Potential Keywords: Receive a curated list of top-performing keywords directly from Google Search Console data.

Estimate Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC): Gain financial foresight with an estimated CAC based on real keyword performance data.

🔗 Start validating your startup now

6. Darktable

Description: Darktable is another open-source photography workflow application and raw developer. Like RawTherapee, it excels at handling raw images and managing a photography workflow.
Key Features:
Non-destructive editing of raw images.
Powerful color management system.
Extensive module system for various editing tasks.
Batch processing capabilities.
Built-in tethering option.
Data Points:
Open Source: Yes
Cost: Free
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Primary Use: Raw photo processing, photography workflow management
User Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Website: Darktable

7. Paint.NET

Description: Paint.NET is a free image and photo editing software for Windows. It is a simpler alternative to some of the more complex editors, but still powerful and capable of handling most photo editing tasks.
Key Features:
Intuitive user interface.
Support for layers, effects, and plugins.
Active community with lots of user-created plugins.
Good performance, lightweight software.
Free and easy to use.
Data Points:
Open Source: No (Freeware)
Cost: Free
Platforms: Windows
Primary Use: Photo editing, simple graphic design
User Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Website: Paint.NET

8. Pixelorama

Description: Pixelorama is a free and open-source pixel art editor, useful for creating and editing pixel-based images. It's a niche tool, but a good option if you are working with pixel art.
Key Features:
Specifically for pixel art creation.
Animation support.
Multiple tools for pixel-perfect editing.
Cross-platform compatibility.
Free and open source.
Data Points:
Open Source: Yes
Cost: Free
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Primary Use: Pixel art creation and editing
User Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Website: Pixelorama

9. MyPaint

Description: MyPaint is a free and open-source painting program geared towards digital artists. It focuses on brushwork and painting, offering an extensive collection of brushes and a flexible canvas.
Key Features:
Unlimited canvas.
Focus on painting and drawing.
Customizable brush engine.
Simple and easy to use interface.
Free and open source.
Data Points:
Open Source: Yes
Cost: Free
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Primary Use: Digital painting and drawing
User Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
Website: MyPaint

10. Pixlr

Description: Pixlr is a web-based photo editing suite, offering both a simplified editor (Pixlr X) and a more advanced one (Pixlr E). It provides a range of editing features directly in your browser and on mobile devices.
Key Features:
Web-based and mobile apps available.
Layer support.
Filters and effects.
AI-powered tools.
Free and premium options available.
Data Points:
Open Source: No (Freemium)
Cost: Free (with ads) and subscription options.
Platforms: Web browser, iOS, Android
Primary Use: Photo editing, graphic design
User Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Website: Pixlr

These 10 open-source alternatives provide a range of features and capabilities, catering to different needs and skill levels. Whether you're a photographer, digital artist, or graphic designer, there's likely a free and open-source tool here that can meet your requirements.

Join ElonaHunt (like ProductHunt but for women) and explore the coolest women-focused startups out there!

Discover your next big inspiration and connect with like-minded female entrepreneurs!

👉 Join the Hunt Here

FAQ

1. What is the best open-source alternative to Affinity Photo for advanced photo editing?

GIMP is often cited as the top free alternative, offering professional-grade tools, layer support, and extensive plugin capabilities. Learn more about GIMP

2. Which open-source software is best for digital painting and illustration?

Krita is specifically designed for digital painting and illustration, featuring an advanced brush engine, layer support, and a customizable UI. Discover Krita

3. Can I use vector graphics software as an alternative for photo and image editing?

Yes, Inkscape, though primarily a vector graphics editor, can handle some photo editing tasks and is great for creating vector-based artwork. Explore Inkscape

4. What is the best online photo editor similar to Affinity Photo?

Photopea is a free online image editor with features similar to Photoshop, supporting various file formats and offering robust editing tools. Check out Photopea

5. What is a good open-source option for RAW photo processing?

RawTherapee offers advanced color correction, noise reduction, and batch processing capabilities for developing and editing RAW photos. Learn more about RawTherapee

6. Which open-source software is ideal for managing a photography workflow with RAW images?

Darktable excels in handling RAW images and managing a photography workflow, providing powerful color management and extensive editing modules. Discover Darktable

7. What is a simpler, free photo editing alternative for Windows users?

Paint.NET is a user-friendly image and photo editing software for Windows, offering support for layers, effects, and plugins. Explore Paint.NET

8. Which software is best for creating and editing pixel art?

Pixelorama is a free and open-source pixel art editor, ideal for creating detailed pixel-based images and animations. Check out Pixelorama

9. What is a good free painting program for digital artists?

MyPaint is an open-source painting program with a focus on brushwork and painting, featuring an unlimited canvas and a customizable brush engine. Explore MyPaint

10. Is there a web-based photo editing suite suitable for both simple and advanced edits?

Pixlr offers both Pixlr X for simplified editing and Pixlr E for more advanced photo editing, available on web and mobile platforms. Learn more about Pixlr

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.