Top 10 Free Alternatives to Corel PaintShop Pro in 2025

As graphic design continues to evolve, there is an increasing demand for versatile and powerful image editing software that doesn't break the bank. If you're searching for reliable and free alternatives to Corel PaintShop Pro in 2025, look no further. This comprehensive guide explores the top 10 free graphic design tools, detailing their features, best use cases, and more.

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1. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

Type: Open-source, raster graphics editor.
Features: Supports layers, masks, filters, color management, and a wide array of editing tools. Highly customizable through plugins.
Best for: Professional-level image manipulation, graphic design, and photo retouching.
Learning Curve: Steeper learning curve due to its extensive feature set, but very powerful for experienced users.
Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, Linux. Learn more about GIMP

2. Krita

Type: Open-source, primarily for digital painting and animation.
Features: Robust brush engine, layer management, drawing aids, and vector tools. Good for concept art and illustrations.
Best for: Digital artists, illustrators, and comic book creators.
User Interface: User-friendly interface tailored for drawing tablets.
Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, Linux. Explore Krita

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3. Photopea

Type: Browser-based, online photo editor.
Features: Supports PSD files, layers, masks, and various editing tools, similar to Photoshop. Works directly in your web browser.
Best for: Quick edits and users who prefer not to install software.
Ease of use: Very similar to Photoshop, making it easy for those familiar with that interface.
Operating Systems: Any OS with a web browser. Check out Photopea

4. Paint.NET

Type: Free image and photo editing software for Windows.
Features: Layer support, special effects, user-friendly and intuitive interface.
Best for: General photo editing, quick edits, and those looking for something simple yet effective.
Learning Curve: Easy to learn and use. Good starting point for beginners.
Operating Systems: Windows only. Discover Paint.NET

5. Canva (Free Version)

Type: Online graphic design tool.
Features: Provides a wide array of templates, drag-and-drop interface, basic image editing tools, and collaborative features.
Best for: Social media graphics, presentations, and quick design projects.
Ease of use: Very user-friendly interface, great for non-designers.
Operating Systems: Any OS with a web browser. Learn more about Canva

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6. Pixlr

Type: Browser-based and Mobile App photo editor.
Features: Layer-based editing, drawing tools, retouching options, and AI tools.
Best for: Quick photo edits, social media content creation, and basic graphic design.
Accessibility: User-friendly with both a simple and advanced editor.
Operating Systems: Any OS with a web browser and Mobile. Discover Pixlr

7. FireAlpaca

Type: Free digital painting software.
Features: Simple interface, brush customization, layers, and a lightweight design.
Best for: Digital painting and illustrations, especially beginners.
Performance: Lightweight and runs smoothly on older computers.
Operating Systems: Windows, macOS. Explore FireAlpaca

8. Pinta

Type: Free, open-source drawing and image editing program inspired by Paint.NET.
Features: Layer support, drawing tools, color adjustments, and a simple interface.
Best for: Simple image editing, quick sketches and drawings, beginners.
Ease of Use: Easy to use with minimal learning curve.
Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, Linux. Check out Pinta

9. Inkscape

Type: Open-source vector graphics editor.
Features: Excellent for creating scalable vector graphics, illustrations, and logos.
Best for: Graphic designers and those needing scalable images.
Focus: Primary focus on vector images, but can be used for raster graphics.
Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, Linux. Learn more about Inkscape

10. Lunapic

Type: Free, online image editor.
Features: Variety of image editing options, including filters, adjustments, and basic tools, all within your browser.
Best for: Quick image edits without needing to install software.
Convenience: Simple and easy to access for everyday edits.
Operating Systems: Any OS with a web browser. Discover Lunapic

These alternatives cater to a wide range of needs, from simple quick edits to complex digital art creation. Whether you're a beginner or a professional, one of these tools will meet your requirements without costing a dime.

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FAQ

1. What is the best free photo editor alternative to Corel PaintShop Pro in 2025?

GIMP is the best free photo editor alternative due to its extensive features, including support for layers, masks, filters, and plugins. It's ideal for professional-level image manipulation. Learn more about GIMP

2. What is the best alternative for digital painting?

Krita stands out as the best alternative for digital painting and animation, thanks to its robust brush engine, layer management, and drawing aids. Discover Krita

3. Which alternative is ideal for quick edits without software installation?

Photopea, a browser-based online photo editor, is the ideal choice for quick edits without needing to install any software. It supports PSD files and various editing tools. Try Photopea

4. What is the best entry-level photo editing software for beginners?

Paint.NET is a free and user-friendly image editing software that is great for beginners. It offers layer support and special effects with an intuitive interface. Explore Paint.NET

5. Which tool is best for social media graphics and quick design projects?

Canva (Free Version) is perfect for social media graphics and quick design projects due to its drag-and-drop interface and wide array of templates. Learn more about Canva

6. What is a good alternative for quick photo edits and basic graphic design?

Pixlr is a browser-based and mobile app photo editor that is excellent for quick edits and basic graphic design, offering layer-based editing and retouching options. Discover Pixlr

7. Which free software is best for digital painting and illustrations for beginners?

FireAlpaca is an ideal choice for beginners in digital painting and illustrations due to its simple interface and lightweight design. Learn more about FireAlpaca

8. What is the best alternative for simple image editing and quick sketches?

Pinta, inspired by Paint.NET, is great for simple image editing and quick sketches with its easy-to-use interface. Explore Pinta

9. Which free tool is best for creating scalable vector graphics?

Inkscape is the best free tool for creating scalable vector graphics, making it excellent for graphic designers and those needing scalable images. Discover Inkscape

10. What is a convenient alternative for quick image edits online?

Lunapic is a free online image editor perfect for quick edits, providing a variety of tools and filters directly within your browser. Try Lunapic

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.