I need help finding a reliable free photo editing software similar to Photoshop. I can’t afford Photoshop right now but need something with comparable features for basic editing and design work. What are some good options?
If Photoshop’s price tag feels like a punch to the wallet (and it is), there are a few free options that might save some cash and sanity. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is probably the closest you’ll get for free. It’s like Photoshop’s slightly awkward cousin: doesn’t have the most user-friendly layout, but once you learn it, it’s powerful. You can do layering, masks, and even some advanced stuff. There’s also Photopea, which is basically Photoshop but runs in your browser. No downloads, just open your browser, cry about the ads, and go to work. It’s super similar if you’re just doing basic edits or graphic design.
Krita is another solid option, especially if you’re into digital painting. It’s less about photo editing and more about creating. Paint.NET is another lightweight editor that’s good for basic stuff but won’t replace Photoshop for hardcore projects.
Keep in mind, none of these are perfect Photoshop clones, so you might wanna brace for a learning curve or some frustration if you’re used to Adobe’s ecosystem. But hey, they’re free—can’t complain too much, right?
Have you tried Darktable? It’s more tailored for photographers than general design work, but if you’re handling photo edits specifically, it’s a gem. Think of it as Lightroom’s (not Photoshop’s) alt. However, for combining photo editing and basic design, Inkscape might actually come in handy too—it’s a vector graphic software like Illustrator. Combine that with GIMP, and you’re sort of building a Frankenstein Photoshop alternative. Honestly, though, Photopea might be your best bet for the cleanest experience if you’re transitioning outta Adobe products. @viajeroceleste mentioned it, and I hate to admit it, but in-browser Photoshop vibes? Hard to argue with that convenience.
That said, let me play devil’s advocate: none of these tools will ever fully match Photoshop’s caliber if you’re diving deep into serious design. The free options always get you to about 80% efficiency, and then you’re stuck googling workarounds for hours. If you’re super dedicated, you could always do the Adobe free trial and get your major work done all at once, then switch to free stuff for ongoing projects. Just food for thought.
GIMP and Photopea are solid suggestions, but let me toss in another contender you might not have considered: Canva. Yes, I know this one leans more design tool than straight-up photo editor, but hear me out. Canva’s free version is packed with templates, easy-to-use design tools, and some basic photo editing capability—great for quick projects or social media content. And unlike GIMP or Photopea, the interface is ridiculously intuitive, especially if you hate tutorials.
That said, Canva isn’t going to give you the full Photoshop-level power—layers and advanced brushwork? Forget it. But for fast, clean edits without the headache of learning a complex platform, it’s a gem. Combine it with Photopea for browser-based heavy lifting, and now you’ve got a nice little combo to tackle most tasks.
As for drawbacks, GIMP’s interface is clunky, and for Photopea, those darn ads can really kill your workflow vibe. Krita’s amazing for illustration, but you’ll be lost if you need photo-heavy projects. I guess it all comes down to what you’re really focusing on: design? Editing? Painting? Each tool has its niche. Canva excels in simplicity and design but will frustrate you if you dig deep into edit-level customization. GIMP and Photopea are more versatile but require patience.
You could actually try combining free tools strategically—use Darktable for RAW photo work, Inkscape for vector-specific tasks, then layer edits in GIMP. Franken-software for the win! Just be ready to play IT specialist for yourself when workflows overlap awkwardly. A few of these have mobile apps as well, so you might even piece together some on-the-go editing without breaking wallet or sanity.