Top 10 Free Alternatives to Adobe Photoshop in 2025

Adobe Photoshop continues to be a popular choice for photo editing and graphic design. However, not everyone wants to invest in a paid subscription. Fortunately, there are several free alternatives available that provide a wide range of features, making them suitable for both beginners and professionals. Here are the top 10 free alternatives to Adobe Photoshop in 2025:

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1. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

Description: A powerful, open-source image editor suitable for professional-level photo retouching and graphic design.
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux.
Key Features:
Comprehensive suite of tools comparable to Photoshop (layers, masks, filters, etc.).
Supports a wide variety of file formats, including PSD.
Highly customizable interface.
Large community support with tutorials available.
Best For: Users seeking a free, robust, and feature-rich alternative for professional image editing and graphic design.
Link: Learn more about GIMP

2. Pixlr (Pixlr E & Pixlr X)

Description: A web-based photo editor with two main versions: Pixlr E for advanced editing and Pixlr X for quick edits.
Platforms: Web-based (accessible via any browser).
Key Features:
Pixlr E offers more advanced tools, including layers, masks, and a variety of editing functions.
Pixlr X provides a more streamlined interface with fewer, but still powerful, basic editing tools.
Mobile version available.
Intuitive and easy to use.
Best For: Users who prefer a browser-based option for both basic and advanced photo editing. Great for quick edits and those with a need for mobile access.
Link: Explore Pixlr

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3. Photopea

Description: An advanced, web-based image editor with a user interface that closely resembles Photoshop.
Platforms: Web-based (accessible via any browser).
Key Features:
Supports PSD files, layers, masks, and other advanced features.
Compatible with custom Photoshop brushes (ABR format).
Includes smart objects and vector-based tools.
Offers a comprehensive set of editing tools in the free version.
Best For: Intermediate users who need a free, Photoshop-like experience directly in their browser, without the need for software installation. Great for those who rely on Photoshop brushes.
Link: Check out Photopea

4. Krita

Description: A free, open-source painting program designed for digital artists, illustrators, and animators, also with many photo editing tools.
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux.
Key Features:
Over 100 pre-set brushes that mimic traditional art media.
Customizable brush engine with multiple stabilizers.
Supports layers, masks, and special effects.
Includes tools for masking and vector templates.
Best For: Digital artists and illustrators looking for a free tool with powerful painting capabilities, though it is also suitable for photo editing.
Link: Discover Krita

5. Canva

Description: A user-friendly online graphic design tool with a free plan that includes photo editing features.
Platforms: Web-based (accessible via any browser).
Key Features:
Pre-designed templates for various purposes (social media, marketing materials, etc.).
Drag-and-drop interface.
Free stock images and graphics available.
Good for creating marketing and social media content.
Best For: Beginners and non-designers who need an easy-to-use tool for simple graphic design and photo editing tasks.
Link: Learn more about Canva

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6. PhotoScape X

Description: A feature-rich desktop photo editor, offering robust editing capabilities and batch editing.
Platforms: Windows, macOS.
Key Features:
Supports RAW photo editing.
Excellent and fast batch editing capabilities.
Various editing tools for different types of adjustments.
User friendly interface.
Best For: Users needing a robust photo editing software for all formats, including RAW, with excellent batch editing capabilities.
Link: Explore PhotoScape X

7. Paint.NET

Description: A free image and photo editing software with a user-friendly interface.
Platforms: Windows.
Key Features:
Fully featured editing software.
Simple user interface that is easy to learn.
Best For: Users who prefer a fully featured, yet free photo editing software on windows.
Link: Discover Paint.NET

8. Fotor

Description: A web-based photo editor with AI-powered features for quick and easy image enhancements.
Platforms: Web-based (accessible via any browser).
Key Features:
AI-powered object removal tools.
Easy one-click photo enhancements.
Good selection of basic editing tools.
Best For: Users who need a basic photo editing tool with AI-powered features for quick and easy enhancements.
Link: Learn more about Fotor

9. Photo Pos Pro

Description: Free photo editing software with tools for creating marketing assets and documents.
Platforms: Windows.
Key Features:
Offers advanced photo editing tools within a simple interface.
Best For: Users who need advanced photo editing capabilities with an easy to use interface.

10. Darktable

Description: An open-source photography workflow application and raw developer.
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux.
Key Features:
Specifically designed for raw image processing.
Offers extensive tools for managing and editing photos.
Non-destructive editing workflow.
Best For: Users working with raw image files who need a free, open source editing tool.

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FAQ

1. What is the best free alternative to Adobe Photoshop for professional image editing?

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is highly recommended for professional-level photo retouching and graphic design. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools comparable to Photoshop and supports a wide variety of file formats. Learn more about GIMP

2. Is there a good web-based photo editor similar to Photoshop?

Photopea is a highly advanced, web-based image editor with a user interface that closely resembles Photoshop. It supports PSD files, layers, masks, and other advanced features. Explore Photopea

3. Which free alternative is best for digital artists?

Krita is an excellent option for digital artists, illustrators, and animators. It offers over 100 pre-set brushes and customizable brush engines, making it suitable for detailed artwork and painting. Discover Krita

4. What is an easy-to-use graphic design tool with photo editing features?

Canva is a user-friendly online graphic design tool with a drag-and-drop interface, pre-designed templates, and free stock images and graphics. It is great for beginners and non-designers. Learn more about Canva

5. Which alternative offers excellent batch editing capabilities?

PhotoScape X provides robust desktop photo editing capabilities, including excellent and fast batch editing for a variety of photo adjustments. Check out PhotoScape X

6. Is there a simple, user-friendly photo editor for Windows?

Paint.NET is a free image and photo editing software with a straightforward interface, suitable for users who prefer a fully featured, yet easy-to-learn photo editing software on Windows. Explore Paint.NET

7. Which web-based photo editor offers AI-powered features?

Fotor is a web-based photo editor that includes AI-powered object removal tools and easy one-click photo enhancements for quick and effective image editing. Discover Fotor

8. What is the best option for quick and easy online photo edits?

Pixlr offers two main versions: Pixlr E for advanced editing and Pixlr X for quick edits, both accessible via any browser. It is intuitive and easy to use. Learn more about Pixlr

9. Is there a powerful, free photo editing tool for managing RAW files?

Darktable is an open-source photography workflow application specifically designed for raw image processing, offering extensive tools for managing and editing photos with a non-destructive workflow.

10. What free alternative offers a simple interface combined with advanced editing tools?

Photo Pos Pro provides advanced photo editing tools within a simple and easy-to-use interface, making it suitable for users who need both comprehensive editing capabilities and user-friendliness.

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.