Top 10 Free Alternatives to Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop has long been the gold standard for image editing — but not everyone needs its expensive subscription or heavyweight software. In 2025, there are many free Photoshop alternatives that offer advanced tools for graphic design, photo retouching, and digital art — without costing a rupee.

Whether you're a photographer, content creator, designer, or hobbyist, here are the top 10 free alternatives to Adobe Photoshop you can download today.

🎨 1. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

Best Overall Free Photoshop Alternative

• ✔️ Layer support, masks, filters, and plugins

• ✔️ Cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux)

• ✔️ Fully open-source and customizable

• 🔧 Ideal for professionals and serious hobbyists

📥 Download GIMP

✏️ 2. Photopea

Best Browser-Based Photoshop Alternative

• ✔️ Works directly in your browser — no installation needed

• ✔️ Supports PSD, XCF, Sketch, and more

• ✔️ UI closely resembles Photoshop

• 🔧 Great for quick edits on any device

🌐 Use Photopea Online

🖌️ 3. Krita

Best for Digital Painting & Illustrations

• ✔️ Powerful brush engine for painting and sketching

• ✔️ Supports animation and comics workflows

• ✔️ Open-source and community-driven

• 🔧 Preferred by illustrators and concept artists

📥 Download Krita

🧩 4. Pixlr E & X

Lightweight Web Editors for Quick Edits

• ✔️ No downloads, works online

• ✔️ Modern, clean interface

• ✔️ Good for cropping, color correction, filters

• 🔧 Great for beginners or fast fixes

🌐 Use Pixlr

🖼️ 5. Paint.NET

Best for Simple Desktop Editing (Windows Only)

• ✔️ Familiar interface for Windows users

• ✔️ Layers, effects, and plugin support

• ✔️ Lightweight and fast on older PCs

• 🔧 Ideal for quick editing with basic Photoshop-like features

📥 Download Paint.NET

📸 6. Darktable

Best for RAW Photo Editing (Like Lightroom)

• ✔️ Non-destructive photo editor

• ✔️ Advanced RAW image processing

• ✔️ Cross-platform & open-source

• 🔧 Best for photographers working with DSLR/Mirrorless cameras

📥 Download Darktable

🧰 7. Inkscape

Best for Vector Design (Alternative to Illustrator + Photoshop)

• ✔️ SVG-based vector graphics editor

• ✔️ Advanced drawing tools and text editing

• ✔️ Useful for logo design, infographics, and UI

• 🔧 Works well with raster designs too

📥 Download Inkscape

🖼️ 8. Fotor

Best All-in-One Online Editor with Filters

• ✔️ Templates, filters, HDR effects

• ✔️ Collage maker, beauty tools

• ✔️ Free + Premium versions available

• 🔧 Excellent for social media content creators

🌐 Use Fotor Online

🎞️ 9. Canva (Free Tier)

Best for Beginners and Social Media Creators

• ✔️ Drag-and-drop editor with templates

• ✔️ Ideal for quick design projects

• ✔️ Works in browser, with offline app versions

• 🔧 Great for non-designers who need polished graphics

🌐 Use Canva

💻 10. Glimpse Image Editor

A Privacy-Friendly Fork of GIMP

• ✔️ Built on GIMP, but with a cleaner interface

• ✔️ Faster startup and better usability

• ✔️ Actively developed by open-source community

• 🔧 Good for users who want GIMP without complexity

📥 Download Glimpse (project currently under revamp)

✅ Final Verdict: Which One Is Best for You?

🔒 Safe Software Download Tips in 2025

• Download only from official websites or trusted mirrors

• Avoid cracked software – they often include malware

• Use antivirus to scan downloaded installers

• Prefer portable versions if available

If you’re looking to download Photoshop alternatives safely, platforms like kftz5k.com also list verified, free editing software.