Last updated:
March 3, 2023

9 Best Adobe Photoshop Alternatives in 2023

If you’re looking for other great photo editing software to use instead of Photoshop —check out my list of 9 best Photoshop alternatives for 2023.

Adobe Photoshop is the most popular professional photo editing software since it is the overall favorite image editor of many graphic artists.

But I know that we all have different preferences, and some of you may be looking for low-cost and subscription-free options.

What are the best alternatives to Adobe Photoshop?

Many brands have attempted to emulate the functions and advantages of Photoshop in order to present artists with a suitable alternative.

As a result, I've compiled a list of the best Photoshop substitute that are readily available today and briefly explain each of them for you.

What are the best alternatives to Adobe Photoshop?

Whether you're a novice or a seasoned pro, I've included something that will undoubtedly benefit you—here are my top 9 Photoshop alternatives for graphic artists.

9 Best Photoshop Alternatives

  1. Pixlr—Best free overall
  2. Affinity Photo—Best paid overall
  3. GIMP—Best for Linux
  4. Procreate—Best for iPad
  5. Pixelmator Pro—Best for MacOS
  6. Snapseed—Best for smartphones
  7. Photopea—Best for browser
  8. Canva—Best online alternative
  9. Sketch—Best for UI and UX design

How to get a Photoshop discount?

There are many Photoshop alternatives that are readily available online, but note that you can also avail some Photoshop discounts.

How to get a Photoshop discount?

Check out this YouTube video to learn more about  Adobe discounts in general.

How to get a Photoshop discount?

Almost everyone can now afford Adobe Photoshop software and you can start with a 7-day free trial.

But if you want a free and cheaper version of editing software, here’s my compilation.

Let's get started with my top 10 best Photoshop alternatives to avail in 2023.

1. Pixlr

Pixlr is undoubtedly the most powerful free Photoshop alternative and is perfect for quick edits.

Pixlr is the best free overall Photoshop alternative.

This photo editing program is capable of competing with native apps.


Many people believe Pixlr editor to be the best free online alternative to Photoshop.

It is a free, versatile graphics design and photo editing tool that can help you with both simple adjustments and professional-level graphics design and photo editing.

This software is compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux.

This alternative to Photoshop also features user-friendly mobile apps for iOS and Android smartphones, providing a lightweight platform for mobile editing.

Check out Pixlr, the ultimate free Photoshop alternative that most designers prefer to use.

Download Pixlr now for free.

2. Affinity Photo

Affinity Photo is one of the top-rated photo editing programs available and is perfect for image editing.

Affinity Photo is the best paid overall Photoshop alternative.

Just like Photoshop, it is geared for pros, featuring tools that help photographers, designers, and artists work more efficiently.

Affinity Photo is the best paid overall Photoshop alternative.

This program runs on Windows, Mac OS X, and iPad.

Users may use this software to produce HDR photos, assemble panoramas, and import RAW photographs.

Many of the tools and functionality found in Photoshop are available in Affinity Photo, including the ability to work with unlimited layers, numerous blend modes, and smart object compatibility.

Anyone who has used Photoshop before will recognize the interface, but it is far faster.

Check out Affinity Photo, best for creatives looking for a cheaper alternative to Photoshop.

Download Affinity Photo now for free.

3. GIMP

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a powerful and free photo editor perfect for budget-conscious creatives.

GIMP is the best Photoshop alternative for Linux.

It is one of the best free photo-editing software for general photo manipulation.

GIMP is the best Photoshop alternative for Linux.


GIMP is a free online tool that may be used for image alteration (retouching) and picture editing.

This program runs on macOS, Windows, Linux, Sun OpenSolaris, and FreeBSD.

The interface is very flexible, you can reduce the number of windows and toolbars as desired.

Curves, Levels, Dodge and Burn, and a range of image transform tools are all included, just like in Photoshop.

Check out GIMP, one of the best free Photoshop alternatives perfect for any creatives.

Download GIMP now for free.

4. Procreate

Procreate is the best photo editing software specially made for digital illustrations using an iPad.

Procreate is the best Photoshop alternative for iPad.

Despite the fact that it's only available for the iPad, it's jam-packed with features that any artist will enjoy.

Procreate is the best Photoshop alternative for iPad.

It is packed with capabilities that artists will appreciate, from true-to-life pencils and inks to powerful layer compositing.

This software also offers an easy-to-use layout.

Not as complete as Photoshop, but you'll get the majority of what you need for digital painting.

To get you started, visit the Procreate website, which includes an overview of all the app's features and functions.

Check out Procreate, the most intuitive alternative to Photoshop for iPad users.

Download Procreate now for free.

5. Pixelmator Pro

Pixelmator Pro might be the program for you if you've created a large collection of Photoshop brushes or actions over the years.

Pixelmator Pro is the best Photoshop alternative for Mac.

It is one of the most feature-rich programs on this list, despite being one of the newest tools on the market.

Pixelmator Pro is the best Photoshop alternative for Mac.

This editing tool is meant to work perfectly with macOS and the Photos app, and it now supports Apple M1 devices as well.

Although Pixelmator does not have all the features of Photoshop, this app is a viable option particularly for beginning and intermediate users.

This software is still in its early phases of development, but it already appears to be a competent program.

It also introduces a new hidden interface option that allows users to see the image they're working on without having to look at the editor's worktable.

Check out Pixelmator, a first-class Mac app exclusively made for MacOS users looking for Photoshop alternatives.

Download Pixelmator now for free.

6. Snapseed

Snapseed is the best Photoshop alternative for Android, iOS, and iPad that can be found online.

Snapseed is the best Photoshop alternative for smartphone users.

It is a comprehensive and sophisticated photo editor developed and owned by Google.

Snapseed is the best Photoshop alternative for smartphone users.

This free mobile app is user-friendly for beginners.

An iOS and Android photo-editing tool that allows users to enhance photographs and apply digital filters.

Snapseed filters allow you to easily alter the appearance of your shot.

You may modify the tone of your photograph or add an artistic touch with a simple swipe.

Check out Snapseed, the Photoshop alternative for professionals who want to edit their smartphone images on the go.

Download Snapseed now for free.

7. Photopea

Photopea is a good option for individuals who want rapid access to more in-depth manual editing.

Photopea is the best browser-based Photoshop alternative.

Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and Edge are all compatible with this editing tool.

The software’s UI is quite similar to Photoshop's, and it's best described as a stripped-down web version of it.

Photopea allows you to edit photographs, add effects, filters, and text, as well as crop and resize them.

It works with PSD files from Photoshop, as well as JPEG, PNG, DNG, GIF, SVG, and PDF files, among others.

Users may use this software offline even after they disconnect from the internet.

Checkout Photopea, a Photoshop alternative for advanced photo editing.

Download Photopea now for free.

8. Canva

You've probably heard of Canva if you've done any kind of creative work.

Canva is the best online Photoshop alternative.

This is the best Photoshop option if you are looking for software you can use in creating content for your Instagram and other social media sites.

Canva is the best online Photoshop alternative.


A fantastic program for reproducing painting techniques.

You can easily merge images with text using this free software with accessible and ready-to-use templates.

Canva is a free version available to everyone, but if you want access to all of Canva's features and visual assets, they have a $13/month subscription.

Check out Canva, the Photoshop alternative that offers the easiest way to design and edit your creative works.

Download Canva now for free.

9. Sketch

If you are looking for a Photoshop alternative for designing layouts, Sketch is the perfect software for you.

Sketch is the best Photoshop alternative for Ui and UX.

It is the most well-known and original rival to Photoshop and is perfect for UI designers.

Sketch is the best Photoshop alternative for Ui and UX.

Sketch is designed for vector designers, but if you can limit your editing to basic operations like changing colors, saturation, brightness, or size, it could be a suitable fit.

This tool is a vector-based design tool for prototyping, mobile UI designs, and mockups.

It is ideal for brand designers and photo editors.

Creatives will like the app's wide capabilities for creating outstanding visual works and lifelike reconstructions.

Check out Sketch, the ultimate Photoshop alternative for professionals and has a user-friendly UI.

Download Sketch now for free.

Conclusions

On any list of free Photoshop alternatives, Pixlr is always at the top.

What is the most effective Photoshop alternative?

Canva and Affinity Photo are two excellent Photoshop substitutes as well.

However, if you're searching for a program with a user interface that's quite similar to Photoshop, GIMP is a good choice.

Some of these Photoshop alternatives are completely free, while others require a reasonable fee.

This list of 9 Best Photoshop Alternatives will help you choose the best editing tool alternative for your creative needs.

You have the option of employing these alternatives as a graphic designer, but I recommend sticking with Photoshop.

Adobe Photoshop has practically all of the features that a photographer requires in a photo editing program.

Other Relates Articles:

Did I miss something?—Leave a comment below.

Best Adobe Discounts 2022
Best Adobe Deals 2022
Branding Guide

Build a brand your customers will love.

Learn branding

Top Branding Resources

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.