As a designer, you know that Adobe Photoshop is the industry standard for image editing and design. But what if you can't afford the expensive subscription, or you're on a Mac and don't have access to Photoshop?
In this post, we want to give you 5 great Adobe Photoshop alternatives that you should check out.
We note that many new Photoshop alternatives are gaining popularity among designers, whether due to low price and high level of customization, or for being completely free to use.
So, if you're looking for an alternative to Photoshop, there are plenty of options available. Choose the one that best suits your needs and budget, and get started creating stunning designs today!
First, what is Photoshop?
Adobe Photoshop is a graphics editor software developed and published by Adobe Inc. It's available on various platforms including Windows and macOS.
Photoshop was originally created by Thomas and John Knoll in 1988. Since then, it has become the industry standard in raster graphics editing, and digital art as a whole.
If you're a designer, chances are you're well aware of Adobe Photoshop's dominance in image editing and design. Photoshop is a powerhouse program that has been the industry standard for years (since 1988), and for good reason - it's packed with features and provides unparalleled control over your images.
But, Photoshop can be prohibitively expensive for many people, especially those just starting in the field. And if you're a Mac user, you might not even have access to Photoshop, as some versions are only available on Windows.
How much does Photoshop cost?
Adobe Photoshop has multiple plans to choose from. There’s an annual plan billed either monthly at US$20.99/mo or upfront at US$239.88/yr. Wow, that’s massive. There’s also an opporutnity for Creative Cloud All Apps or Photography plan coming with Photoshop plus additional apps, Photoshop features and updates, on iPad, cloud, and more. Not so many people can afford that.
So, unless you need to edit photos or graphics professionally with the many features Photooshop offers, it may not even be the best option for you.
So what do you do in this case?
Many designers try to find best Photoshop alernatives. The only problem is that as many apps and softare are developed, it’s becoming difficult to choose a great alterntive with the same gist as Photoshop.
Best Adobe Photoshop Alternatives in 2022
There are many excellent alternatives to Adobe Photoshop that can provide similar features and capabilities, without the hefty price tag.
Here are 5 of the best Photoshop alternatives.
1. GIMP
Often hailed as the "free Photoshop," GIMP is an open-source image editor that offers a wide range of features and tools. It's available for Windows, Mac, and Linux, making it a great option for anyone who doesn't want to be tied to a specific operating system.
The software offers a comprehensive set of tools for creating and manipulating images, and it can be extended with plugins to add even more functionality. One of the main benefits of GIMP for designers is its flexibility. Unlike some other image editors, GIMP is not limited to a specific workflow or set of features. This means that designers can use GIMP to create images in whichever way they see fit, making it a versatile tool that can be adapted to suit any project.
Another benefit of GIMP is its affordability. The software is available for free, which makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious designers. In addition, GIMP is open source, so there is a large community of users who are constantly developing new plugins and extensions. This makes GIMP an ever-evolving tool that continues to improve with each new release and a perfect alternative for Photoshop.
2. Inkscape
Inkscape is another great open-source option, but it specializes in vector graphics rather than raster images. If you're looking to create logos or other graphics that need to be resized without losing quality, Inkscape is a good choice.
Inkscape is a powerful vector graphic design program that can be used for a variety of design projects. While it is often used for print design, it can also be used for web and interface design, icon design, and more. Inkscape provides a wide range of features and tools that allow designers to create high-quality vector illustrations, logos, and other graphics. It also offers a variety of export options, making it easy to save designs for use in other programs or on the web.
For these reasons, Inkscape has become a popular choice for both professional and amateur designers alike. It's a great choice for budget-conscious designers who are looking for an alternative to Photoshop that can handle vector graphics.
3. Photopea
Photopea is a free image editor that can be used to create and edit graphic designs. The editor supports layer editing, image filters, and has a wide range of tools that can be used to create professional-looking designs. Photopea can be used to create designs for posters, flyers, logos, website layouts, and much more.
The editor is also compatible with PSD files, making it a great option for designers who are looking for an alternative to Photoshop. One of the main benefits of Photopea is that it is free to use. There are no subscription fees or hidden costs, making it an affordable option for budget-conscious designers.
Photopea can be accessed from any computer with an internet connection, making it a convenient tool for those who work remotely or on the go. Photopea is constantly being updated with new features and improvements, making it an essential tool for any designer's toolkit.
4. Pixlr Photo Editor
Pixlr Photo Editor is a free online photo editor that offers a wide range of tools for both beginner and experienced users. The editor provides everything from basic editing features like cropping and resizing to more advanced functions like layers and masking. Pixlr Photo Editor is especially popular among graphic designers, as it offers an easy way to create high-quality graphics for use in print or online
The editor’s wide range of export options makes it easy to save projects in a variety of file formats, making it a versatile tool for any designer’s workflow. Whether you’re looking for a simple way to touch up photos or a powerful tool for creating complex graphics, Pixlr Photo Editor is an excellent option if you don't have access to Photoshop.
5. ibisPaint
IbisPaint is a digital painting and drawing app that was developed specifically for use on mobile devices. It offers a wide range of features and tools that can be used to create detailed and complex designs. One of the biggest benefits of ibisPaint is that it is extremely user-friendly and anyone can easily pick it up, regardless of their skill level. It is also very affordable, making it a great option for designers and illustrators on a budget.
Overall, ibisPaint is an excellent tool for any artist who wants to create high-quality results without spending a lot of money. It's a great substitute for Photoshop, as it includes tools like paintbrushes, layers, and masking. If you're looking for a mobile-friendly option that is easy to use and doesn't break the bank, ibisPaint is a great choice.
Conclusion
Designers who are looking for a Photoshop alternative will find that there are several programs available that can handle everything from basic editing to complex graphics design. While some of these programs may not offer the same level of features and tools as Photoshop, they are still powerful enough to get the job done.
We hope you enjoyed this article! If you're interested in learning more about graphic design, be sure to check out our other articles. Thanks for reading!
One More Thing
Looking for more tips? Check out our other guides in the SoftwareKeep Blog and our Help Center! You’ll find a wealth of information on how to troubleshoot various issues and find solutions to your tech problems.
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