Top 10 Open Source Alternatives to Adobe Photoshop in 2025

As of 2025, Adobe Photoshop continues to be the leading tool for image editing, but several open-source alternatives provide powerful features and functionalities that make them great choices for digital artists, photographers, and graphic designers. Here are the top 10 open-source alternatives to Adobe Photoshop in 2025, each evaluated on key attributes such as cost, platform, file support, customization, and primary use.

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1. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

Description: GIMP is a free and open-source raster graphics editor used for image retouching, composition, and authoring. It's often considered the closest free alternative to Photoshop.
Key Features:
Full suite of tools for image manipulation, including layers, masks, color correction, and brushes.
Supports a wide variety of file formats including PSD (Photoshop's native format).
Highly customizable interface.
Extensible with plugins for added functionality.
Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Data Points:
Cost: Free and open-source.
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux.
File Support: Extensive, including PSD, JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, and more.
Customization: Highly customizable interface, plugins, and scripting.
Primary Use: Photo editing, graphic design, digital art.
Learn more about GIMP

2. Krita

Description: Krita is a free and open-source painting program designed for digital artists, illustrators, and concept artists with robust photo editing features.
Key Features:
Excellent brush engine with a wide variety of customizable brushes.
Layer support, masks, and filters.
Vector tools for drawing shapes and text.
AI Diffusion plugin for generative AI features.
Wrap-around mode for seamless patterns.
Data Points:
Cost: Free and open-source.
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux.
Brush Engine: Advanced with extensive customization.
File Support: Supports PSD, JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, and more.
Primary Use: Digital painting, illustration, photo editing.
Explore Krita

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3. Photopea

Description: Photopea is a free, browser-based online image editor that closely mimics the interface and functionality of Photoshop.
Key Features:
Layer support, masks, filters, and blending modes, similar to Photoshop.
Supports PSD files, making it a great option for working with Photoshop projects.
Access to brushes and plugins.
Free users get one free AI background removal per day.
Template library with mockups.
Data Points:
Cost: Free (with optional premium plans).
Platform: Web-based (runs in any browser).
File Support: Supports PSD, JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, and more.
Interface: Very similar to Adobe Photoshop.
Primary Use: Photo editing, graphic design.
Check out Photopea

4. Inkscape

Description: Inkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics editor, primarily used for creating and editing vector images.
Key Features:
Tools for creating and editing vector graphics such as logos, illustrations, and diagrams.
Support for SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) file format.
Layer support.
Text tools for adding and editing text elements.
Cross-platform compatibility.
Data Points:
Cost: Free and open-source.
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux.
File Support: Primarily SVG, but also supports other vector formats and raster formats for import.
Primary Use: Vector graphic design, logo creation, illustrations.
Type of Editor: Vector Graphics.
Discover Inkscape

5. Pixlr

Description: Pixlr offers a suite of web-based photo editing tools. Pixlr E is the advanced editor, and Pixlr X is for quick edits.
Key Features:
Pixlr X is geared towards beginners with a simplified interface and AI tools.
Pixlr E is more advanced, closely mimicking Photoshop's interface.
AI-powered tools, including text-to-image.
Layer support and editing tools.
Available as a web app and as mobile apps.
Data Points:
Cost: Free (with premium plans available).
Platform: Web-based, Android and iOS apps.
File Support: Supports JPEG, PNG, and more.
AI Features: Uses AI for various functions.
Primary Use: Photo editing, graphic design.
Learn more about Pixlr

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6. Darktable

Description: Darktable is an open-source photography workflow application and raw developer.
Key Features:
Specifically designed for non-destructive raw photo editing.
Offers a wide range of image processing modules.
Color management and control.
Focuses on professional-grade photography workflows.
Supports tethered shooting for specific cameras.
Data Points:
Cost: Free and open-source.
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux.
File Support: Supports RAW image files from most cameras.
Primary Use: Raw photo processing, image management.
Target Audience: Professional and experienced photographers.
Explore Darktable

7. RawTherapee

Description: RawTherapee is another open-source, cross-platform raw image processing software.
Key Features:
Non-destructive editing workflow.
Advanced color management and processing capabilities.
Supports a wide range of camera raw formats.
Highly customizable interface and tools.
Detailed control over noise reduction, sharpening, and color correction.
Data Points:
Cost: Free and open-source.
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux.
File Support: Supports RAW image files from most cameras.
Primary Use: Raw photo processing, image enhancement.
Target Audience: Photographers seeking advanced raw processing capabilities.
Check out RawTherapee

8. Paint.NET

Description: Paint.NET is a free image and photo editing software for Windows. While less complex than GIMP or Photoshop, it offers a good balance between simplicity and functionality.
Key Features:
User-friendly interface.
Layer support.
Variety of tools for image manipulation.
Plugin support for added features.
Simple and intuitive to use.
Data Points:
Cost: Free.
Platform: Windows.
File Support: Supports PNG, JPEG, GIF, TIFF, and more.
User Interface: Straightforward and easy to learn.
Primary Use: Basic photo editing, image adjustments, and simple graphic design.
Discover Paint.NET

9. PhotoScape X

Description: PhotoScape X is a free photo editing software with a variety of tools, including image viewing, editing, batch processing, and collage creation.
Key Features:
Supports RAW photo editing.
A large number of filters and effects.
Batch editing features.
Collage and GIF creation capabilities.
Available on both Windows and Mac.
Data Points:
Cost: Free (with a pro version available for purchase).
Platform: Windows, macOS.
File Support: Supports various image formats, including RAW files.
Primary Use: Photo editing, batch processing, and creative design.
User Interface: User-friendly with a variety of tools.
Explore PhotoScape X

10. MyEdit

Description: MyEdit is a free online photo editing tool focusing on AI-powered editing and effects.
Key Features:
AI-powered tools for image enhancement, object removal, and more.
A wide array of filters and effects.
User-friendly interface, suitable for beginners.
Browser-based, no need for installation.
Multiple import/export options.
Data Points:
Cost: Free.
Platform: Web-based.
Primary Use: AI-enhanced photo editing.
AI Features: Focuses on utilizing AI for editing tasks.
User Interface: Simple and easy to use.

These 10 open-source alternatives offer a range of features and capabilities, suitable for different user needs and preferences. Each of them provides a free and viable option for various image editing tasks that would usually require a subscription to paid software.

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FAQ

1. What is GIMP and why is it considered a strong Photoshop alternative?

GIMP is a free, open-source raster graphics editor with a full suite of tools for image manipulation. It supports a wide variety of file formats, including PSD, and is highly customizable. Learn more about GIMP

2. Can Krita be used for photo editing or is it only for digital painting?

Krita is primarily designed for digital painting and illustration but also offers robust photo editing features including layers, masks, and filters. Discover Krita

3. Is Photopea a good alternative for browser-based image editing?

Yes, Photopea is a free, browser-based online image editor that mimics the interface and functionality of Photoshop, making it ideal for working with PSD files and other graphic design tasks. Explore Photopea

4. How does Inkscape differ from Adobe Photoshop?

Inkscape is a free vector graphics editor, making it excellent for creating and editing scalable graphics, logos, and illustrations, which are different from the raster graphics Photoshop handles. Learn more about Inkscape

5. What are the differences between Pixlr E and Pixlr X?

Pixlr E is an advanced photo editor similar to Photoshop, while Pixlr X offers a simplified interface with AI tools for beginners. Both are web-based and include layers support. Check out Pixlr

6. Who would benefit most from using Darktable?

Darktable is ideal for professional and experienced photographers looking for a free, open-source application focused on non-destructive raw photo editing and professional-grade workflow management. Discover Darktable

7. Why is RawTherapee popular among photographers?

RawTherapee offers non-destructive raw photo editing with advanced color management and processing capabilities, making it highly customizable for photographers seeking detailed image enhancement. Learn more about RawTherapee

8. What makes Paint.NET a good choice for basic photo editing?

Paint.NET is user-friendly and offers a variety of image manipulation tools, layer support, and plugin features, making it a great free option for basic photo editing and graphic design on Windows. Explore Paint.NET

9. How versatile is PhotoScape X in terms of photo editing capabilities?

PhotoScape X provides a comprehensive suite of photo editing tools, including support for RAW edits, batch processing, collage creation, and a wide array of filters and effects. Check out PhotoScape X

10. How does MyEdit utilize AI in photo editing?

MyEdit leverages AI-powered tools for image enhancement, object removal, and various editing tasks, making it user-friendly and suitable for beginners who need a simple, browser-based solution.

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.