Free Online Photo Editor Like Photoshop. These are the web-based best online photo editor which can be accessed via a web browser. These web-based tools don't need any minimum system requirements, and it will help you to fix your photographs in no-time. So, let's have a look at some of the best free Online Photo Editor Like Photoshop. Adobe Photoshop Express The most basic of Photoshop features, free of charge. You can use Photoshop Express in your browser, or pick up the app for Android or iOS. The app lets you crop, rotate.
© Screenshot: AdobePhotoshop has become so dominant that you can use its name as a verb, but if you want to get your hands on it you need to shell out at least $10 a month. Don't worry! There are plenty of completely free alternatives to Photoshop; here are a few of the best.
For those of you who'd rather spend that cash on a Netflix or Spotify subscription (or groceries), then there are a stack of free Photoshop-replacement apps to consider. We've cast our eye over the very best of what you can use without paying a penny.
Adobe Photoshop Express
The most basic of Photoshop features, free of charge. You can use Photoshop Express in your browser, or pick up the app for Android or iOS. The app lets you crop, rotate and resize pictures, adjust the usual variables like brightness and contrast, and remove backgrounds with a couple of clicks. There's also a useful heal spot tool on mobile that lets you correct minor blemishes in your pictures.
© Screenshot: Adobe Photoshop ExpressYou're not going to get the same pixel-by-pixel control as you do in the full Creative Cloud package but then this does cost an awful lot less—nothing at all, in fact. It's worth giving it a test run and seeing if it's capable enough to meet your image editing needs before committing to a monthly fee.
The available options in the Android and iOS apps don't match up exactly with what you can do on the web, and the cut-down Photoshop spin-off app scene has only gotten more complicated over time—take a look at Adobe Photoshop Mix (iOS, Android) and Adobe Photoshop Fix (iOS, Android) for example, which are also free to use.
GIMP
GIMP (Gnu Image Manipulation Program) is usually the default go-to alternative for anyone looking for Photoshop-level capabilities in a freeware desktop program. It's not quite as feature-rich as Adobe's powerhouse, but it comes with an impressive stack of tools nevertheless—and while it can be bewildering for first-timers, it shouldn't take you too long to learn the ropes.
© Screenshot: GIMPMany of the higher-level tasks people look to Photoshop for—advanced image filtering, stitching multiple pictures together, and so on—can be achieved with aplomb in GIMP. Versions are available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and you'll find a ton of tutorials and resources on the Web to help you dig deeper into the software. Best free photoshop alternative.
GIMP's development history stretches back more than 20 years, and the more time you spend with the program the more it shows. From the wide selection of brushes available to the tweaks you can apply to the filters, there's enough functionality here to take on almost any image editing task. You might also want to check out the recent GIMP fork Glimpse.
Pixlr
If you find desktop software all a little bit 2010, then Pixlr is here to meet your browser-based editing needs. It looks and feels a lot like Photoshop, but it's free and runs online from anywhere—you can load in an image from your computer, or point it directly to a URL elsewhere on the web. You can use the software for free, but a monthly fee gets you more features, filters, effects, and other resources.
© Screenshot: Pixlr EThere are actually two versions to try: The simple, intuitive Pixlr X, or the more advanced and complex Pixlr E, which if you squint your eyes enough looks almost like Photoshop running inside a web browser. With the likes of Dodge, Burn, Blur, and Clone stamps available, as well as numerous selection tools, the toolbox is a close match to the Adobe original. Text overlays and layers are supported, and if you open up the Filter menu you'll find all kinds of weird and wonderful effects to play around with.
From the advanced color picker to the plethora of image adjustment options, there's a lot to like about Pixlr E (and Pixlr X), and the fact that you can tweak many of the tool options adds to the appeal for advanced users. Not just one of the best online image editors, but one of the best web-based applications period.
Paint.NET
Paint.NET was originally conceived as a more feature-rich version of the default Paint tool that shipped with the Windows operating system but has evolved over time to become a favorite of Windows users for several years now. It's less powerful but easier to use than GIMP and comes with a more familiar interface.
© Screenshot: Paint.NETYou have full control over the translucent interface, so you can drag around windows and dialogs to suit your own preferences. As for its capabilities, Paint.NET takes care of all the basics and then some: it features layer support, and a small but useful list of effects, while plug-ins developed by the community extend its capabilities even further (adding support for extra file types, for example).
It's certainly one of the most human-friendly Photoshop alternatives around, and though it doesn't have too many top-end features, there are plenty of users who'll be glad for a less cluttered toolbox and list of menu options. With text, shape, and brush tools available it's a decent option for creating artwork too. If you find Paint.NET useful, you can buy it for $7 from the Microsoft Store, though it's also available for free directly from Paint.NET.
Polarr
Like Pixlr, Polarr is freemium rather than free, but the free tier still gives you plenty of photo editing tools and effects to play around with. If you choose to pay a monthly subscription fee, then you can access advanced features such as image masks, as well as a load of extra filters and export options.
© Screenshot: PolarrWe've linked to the web version of the app above so you can start trying it out in your browser, but Polarr is also available for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android as well. While the software is best at general edits and corrections to brightness, contrast, color, and so on, you can get into some more detailed pixel-by-pixel edits if needed.
You can crop, sharpen, and distort your pictures, adjust curves and add borders, remove spots, and apply automatic enhancements too. Polarr doesn't try and copy absolutely everything that Photoshop has on offer, but it's a more slimmed down and polished product that might suit your photo-editing needs better.
This guide was originally posted on 6/11/14 and was updated 8/3/20 to reflect new, and better, alternatives to Photoshop.
Old laptop owners, you know the drill. *And… freeze!*
While Adobe Photoshop is the industry standard for graphic designers, visual artists, and photo editors—it is not for the light-of-RAM. Even on newer computers, users often report having to use a separate drive for scratch disk space just to prevent frequent crashes.
Plus, Photoshop can be clunky and expensive for beginners, making it an investment of both time AND money in order to enjoy the value it promises.
Top Paid and Free Adobe Photoshop Alternatives
So if you're searching for easier, cheaper, alternatives to Photoshop or Lightroom CC, we've got a list of 16 free and paid photoshop alternative tools for you to consider.
Rev your rasters, baby. Let's go.
Paid Alternatives to Photoshop
1. Pixlr
AppSumo Deal: Pixlr
One-click editing for professional quality images without the learning curve.
$49.00 | $144.00
With Pixlr, editing photos has never been easier, faster, or smarter. Its AI Cutout features lets you remove backgrounds with just one click. Give your images a makeover with a simple drag-and-drop of Pixlr's dazzling selection of overlays. Add accents or textures, like light streaks, dust flecks, and glitter to your photos. Plus, you can use layers to create captivating photo edits, image composites, and more!
Trial version: Free plan available for limited features
OS: Web-based app available across browsers
Pricing model: Premium plan starts at $4.99 and Creative Pack starts at $14.99, billed annually. Or you can grab Pixlr's AppSumo deal at a one-time payment of $49
Potential downsides: Limited touch up capabilities which mean you need high-quality photos to begin with
2. Pixelied
AppSumo Deal: Pixelied
Create scroll-stopping graphics with a full-featured design suite that's easy for anyone to use.
$59.00 | $480.00
Pixelied is just like Pixlr (they sounds similar too), but with thousands of ready-made templates and icons, millions of stock images, and a suit of photo-editing capabilities like removing background in one click.
Two unique features set Pixelied apart from many graphic design tools as an alternative to Photoshop. First, its mockup editor lets you get to create powerful product mockups for your brand. And with Pixelied's workspace, you can switch between workspaces, each with its own separate assets, designs and team members.
Trial version: Free plan available for limited features
OS: Web-based app available across browsers
Pricing model: Starts free and with Pro plan at $7.95 per month. For a limited time, you can get Pixelied Pro starting at $59 for life at AppSumo.
Potential downsides: Many features focus on graphic design instead of photo-editing
3. Affinity Photo
As a photo editing tool, Affinity Photo is more lightweight than PS, promising fewer crashes and fast, real-time rendering of all your edits. Enjoy unlimited layers, healing brush, over 1,000,000% zoom, a full set of 16-bit filters, and RAW file editing. Apply effects like blurs, lighting, and distortions as non-destructive live filter layers. Plus undo/redo up to 8K steps—with autosave that always has your back. Users will be happy that most standard PS keyboards commands will work for Affinity too.
Trial version: Yes
OS: Mac, Windows, and iPad
Pricing model: One-time price of $49.99, free and frequent updates (only $19.99 on iPad)
Potential downsides: Still comes with a learning curve similar to PS
4. Acorn
Acorn 6 is a Mac-only photo editor known for its circle text/text on a path tool, making it especially friendly to designers looking to create expert-level graphics, ads, and logos. In addition to photo-editing tools like the brush designer, layer masks, and filters that allow you to mute or unmute by later, it does have vector-editing tools as well. While it may be simpler than PS, it does pack a punch under the hood.
Trial version: Yes
OS: MacOS
Pricing model: One-time $29.99
Potential downsides: Not compatible with PC; some users report slowness
5. Colorcinch
AppSumo Marketplace Deal: Colorcinch
Colorcinch helps hobbyists and professional designers beautifully transform photos and create stunning designs fast. With over 50,000+ vector icons and graphics available for instant use and dozens of top-notch filters/effects, Colorcinch provides users with all the tools they'd need to make advanced edits inside an intuitive, beginner-friendly workspace. Amongst other features, Colorcinch's cartoonizer tool makes it a perfect alternative to Photoshop. Unlike PS, designers can easily apply artistic effects to their photos and transform them into cartoons and digital sketches with just a click and without having to watch long video tutorials.
Google play app emulator pc. Trial version: Free plan available for limited features
OS: Web-based app available across browsers
Pricing model: Starts at $5.99/month (annual plan $47.88/year). Check out Colorcinch for $33.49 for one year on AppSumo Marketplace.
Potential downsides: Most catchy effects/filters are only available to premium users. So those on the free plan might complain of limited customization options.
6. PicMonkey
PicMonkey is a Canva-like photo editing and design tool that is chock-full of design assets and templates. Again, if you use PS to create graphics for business use cases, PicMonkey may be a faster way to get designs out the door. Plus with touchup, layer, and mask features, as well as effects and features, you might be surprised by the photo enhancement you can do with this tool. Plus, you can use their real-time team collaboration feature to work in tandem with teammates or clients.
Trial version: Yes
OS: web-based app available across browsers with apps for iPhone, android, and tablet
Pricing model: Starts at $7.99 per month
Potential downsides: Some users say the features offered in the app and in the web version differ from one another
💡Also check out our top 10 PicMonkey alternatives.
7. Corel PaintShop Pro
PaintShop Pro has released a new feature-packed 2020 version. With RAW and HDR editing, advanced brushes, layers, and masking, and flexible workspaces depending on your editing needs, Corel's Paintshop is a one-time purchase that will keep on delivering for your photography or graphic design needs. Note it is Windows-only, so that may be limiting for some in creative fields.
Trial version: Yes
OS: Windows only
Pricing model: One-time $63.99 (Get Paintshop Pro Ultimate for $79.99)
Potential downsides: Some users report it is not a lightweight program; Windows-only
8. Fotor
Fotor describes itself as 'fundamentally Photoshop online.' With advanced editing, effects, and retouching, you can also make use of some fun features like the GoArt AI photo effect that makes photos look like classic pieces of art. Fotor is also available in 7+ languages.
Trial version: Yes
OS: web-based app available across browsers and mobile
Pricing model: Starts at $8.99/month (annual Plan $39.99/year)
Potential downsides: No template or photo libraries, few advanced photo editing capabilities
9. Pixelmator Pro
Pixelmator Pro is a Mac-only image editing tool that uses emerging tech like machine learning to give users highly functional and exciting capabilities like layer management, nondestructive resizing, layouts, retouching, selections, painting, and image repair. Its sleek UI and fast functionality make this tool pleasant to use. Pixelmator Pro is perfect for skilled hobbyists or creatives who don't need super-advanced PS capabilities.
Trial version: Yes
OS: MacOS (with Pixelmator for iOS for iPhone and iPad)
Pricing model: One-time $39.99 (iOS app for $4.99)
Potential downsides: Missing some more advanced PS features like tone mapping or source and target layer ranges for blending
Free Alternatives to Photoshop
10. Photopea
Photopea is a free alternative to Photoshop. When you arrive at their website, you can jump straight into a project, with many of the tools you're used to enjoying in premium photo editing tools. Photopea lets you add text, crop images, blur, change colors, and much more. Plus, you can export the final product in most of your favorite formats: PNG, JPEG, SVG, and more. Among the free products showcased in this article, this one is probably the most similar to Photoshop.
OS: Web-based
Pricing model: Free
Potential downsides: Many people use free tools for their simplicity. In this case, since it's so much like Photoshop, Photopea can come with a bit of a learning curve for new designers.
11. GIMP
GIMP empowers designers with the tools to edit photos and create graphics. It also provides different code support for developers who want to use their designs across websites and have more customization options. GIMP offers many top photo editing features to help you touch up your favorite photos, add filters, and even customize your working interface.
OS: GNU/Linux, OS X, Windows, and more operating systems
Pricing model: Free
Potential downsides: While the tool offers great features, it may require downloading other design tools (like Scribus and Inkscape) to get the most out of it; outdated UI
12. PhotoScape X
As another free alternative to Photoshop, PhotoScape X helps you design and edit photos using a variety of powerful tools. You have all the normal editing tools like cropping, filters, brushes, and color and background changes. It also includes bulk-editing features: batch resize, batch format change, and more for streamlined organization and editing. Whether you're cleaning up an image or creating a graphic from scratch, PhotoScape X is a strong free Photoshop alternative.
OS: Windows and Mac
Pricing model: Free
Potential downsides: Some regular users complain aboutlimited free tools, particularly regarding paint options.
13. FireAlpaca
Like Photoshop Free Online
First of all, the Alpaca's bowtie is on point. (#classy)
FireAlpaca is a free paint tool with simple functionality for creating graphics. You can use templates or start completely from scratch. FireAlpaca gives you different viewing options as well, including 3D view. Use the Pencil, Airbrush, or Blur tools to edit graphics with artistic precision. If you're leaving Photoshop because it's too complex, FireAlpaca is founded on simplicity.
OS: Windows and Mac
Pricing model: Free
Potential downsides: This tool is intentionally lean. If you're looking for a tool to keep up with Photoshop's optionality, FireAlpaca might not have the features you're looking for.
Potential downsides: Some users say the features offered in the app and in the web version differ from one another
💡Also check out our top 10 PicMonkey alternatives.
7. Corel PaintShop Pro
PaintShop Pro has released a new feature-packed 2020 version. With RAW and HDR editing, advanced brushes, layers, and masking, and flexible workspaces depending on your editing needs, Corel's Paintshop is a one-time purchase that will keep on delivering for your photography or graphic design needs. Note it is Windows-only, so that may be limiting for some in creative fields.
Trial version: Yes
OS: Windows only
Pricing model: One-time $63.99 (Get Paintshop Pro Ultimate for $79.99)
Potential downsides: Some users report it is not a lightweight program; Windows-only
8. Fotor
Fotor describes itself as 'fundamentally Photoshop online.' With advanced editing, effects, and retouching, you can also make use of some fun features like the GoArt AI photo effect that makes photos look like classic pieces of art. Fotor is also available in 7+ languages.
Trial version: Yes
OS: web-based app available across browsers and mobile
Pricing model: Starts at $8.99/month (annual Plan $39.99/year)
Potential downsides: No template or photo libraries, few advanced photo editing capabilities
9. Pixelmator Pro
Pixelmator Pro is a Mac-only image editing tool that uses emerging tech like machine learning to give users highly functional and exciting capabilities like layer management, nondestructive resizing, layouts, retouching, selections, painting, and image repair. Its sleek UI and fast functionality make this tool pleasant to use. Pixelmator Pro is perfect for skilled hobbyists or creatives who don't need super-advanced PS capabilities.
Trial version: Yes
OS: MacOS (with Pixelmator for iOS for iPhone and iPad)
Pricing model: One-time $39.99 (iOS app for $4.99)
Potential downsides: Missing some more advanced PS features like tone mapping or source and target layer ranges for blending
Free Alternatives to Photoshop
10. Photopea
Photopea is a free alternative to Photoshop. When you arrive at their website, you can jump straight into a project, with many of the tools you're used to enjoying in premium photo editing tools. Photopea lets you add text, crop images, blur, change colors, and much more. Plus, you can export the final product in most of your favorite formats: PNG, JPEG, SVG, and more. Among the free products showcased in this article, this one is probably the most similar to Photoshop.
OS: Web-based
Pricing model: Free
Potential downsides: Many people use free tools for their simplicity. In this case, since it's so much like Photoshop, Photopea can come with a bit of a learning curve for new designers.
11. GIMP
GIMP empowers designers with the tools to edit photos and create graphics. It also provides different code support for developers who want to use their designs across websites and have more customization options. GIMP offers many top photo editing features to help you touch up your favorite photos, add filters, and even customize your working interface.
OS: GNU/Linux, OS X, Windows, and more operating systems
Pricing model: Free
Potential downsides: While the tool offers great features, it may require downloading other design tools (like Scribus and Inkscape) to get the most out of it; outdated UI
12. PhotoScape X
As another free alternative to Photoshop, PhotoScape X helps you design and edit photos using a variety of powerful tools. You have all the normal editing tools like cropping, filters, brushes, and color and background changes. It also includes bulk-editing features: batch resize, batch format change, and more for streamlined organization and editing. Whether you're cleaning up an image or creating a graphic from scratch, PhotoScape X is a strong free Photoshop alternative.
OS: Windows and Mac
Pricing model: Free
Potential downsides: Some regular users complain aboutlimited free tools, particularly regarding paint options.
13. FireAlpaca
Like Photoshop Free Online
First of all, the Alpaca's bowtie is on point. (#classy)
FireAlpaca is a free paint tool with simple functionality for creating graphics. You can use templates or start completely from scratch. FireAlpaca gives you different viewing options as well, including 3D view. Use the Pencil, Airbrush, or Blur tools to edit graphics with artistic precision. If you're leaving Photoshop because it's too complex, FireAlpaca is founded on simplicity.
OS: Windows and Mac
Pricing model: Free
Potential downsides: This tool is intentionally lean. If you're looking for a tool to keep up with Photoshop's optionality, FireAlpaca might not have the features you're looking for.
14. Photoshop Express
Adobe has also gotten into the free image editing and collage app game with Photoshop Express. The difference here boils down to interface and functionality—plus the fact that Photoshop Express is 'built for mobile device photography.' You can think of it as Photoshop lite for mobile. With intelligent edits, spot healing, auto-fix, and robust filters and effects, you can edit photos for social posting to your heart's content in this little app.
OS: mobile app for Android, iOS, and Windows
Pricing model: Free (Premium version for $9.99/month)
Potential downsides: Very simple, social-focused functionality—but that's it
15. Polarr
A simple, intuitive image editing app, Polarr gives you Lightroom-like image manipulation capabilities like editing exposure, temperature, denoise, diffuse, dehaze, and more. It does have advanced HSL and RGB curve tools, as well as filter blending, mixing, and toning tools. Plus, you get persistent edit history and infinite undo and redo—making it super user-friendly.
OS: web, Windows, Mac, Chromebook, iOS, Android
Pricing model: free
Apps Like Photoshop But Free
Potential downsides: It seems there have been some recent bugs and now users must upgrade to Pro in order to save edited photos
16. Krita
Krita is a free, flexible, open-source painting program that won TechRadar's #1 best free painting software for 2019. With over 100 brush types, 9 brush engines, and brush stabilizer, there's plenty to play around with in Krita. A more intuitive and lightweight alternative to GIMP, Krita is one of the best alternatives to Photoshop in terms of brush performance.
OS: Mac, Windows, Linux
Pricing model: free
Potential downsides: Since Krita is focused on digital painting, it doesn't have the photo editing features some users might need from an alternative to Photoshop.
Pick Your Favorite Photoshop Alternative
And that's a (text) wrap on our list of alternatives to Photoshop! If you're looking for some good and affordable options, check out some of AppSumo's best deals:
- Pixlr. Remove backgrounds with just one click and add overlays from the library of icons, stickers, text, and more.
- Pixelied. Create scroll-stopping graphics with a full-featured design suite that's easy for anyone to use.
Happy editing!
Prefer a video over a blog post? Here's our YouTube video on the top alternatives to Photoshop:
If you liked this blog, take a look at even more of our graphic design and editing tool comparison posts:
