Photoshop and other professional design software are widely used but are also pricey and require a subscription. How would you proceed if you’re a designer on a limited budget?
Photoshop was formerly universally seen as necessary for design work. Still, with the emergence of open-source alternatives, designers discovered that high-quality work created using free tools is identical to that created with costly proprietary ones.
However, with the rise of Photoshop alternatives, professionals are now presented with various choices to suit their needs.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 5 Photoshop alternatives for photographers and designers. These are tools similar to Photoshop that provide sophisticated features and plugins to help you optimize your workflows.
Things to Consider When Selecting a Photoshop Alternative
Before choosing a software alternative to Photoshop, it’s essential to consider several key features that can significantly impact your workflow and the quality of your work. Here are some crucial features to look for:
Editing Tools
Look for software that offers a comprehensive set of editing tools comparable to Photoshop. It includes tools for basic adjustments (such as cropping, resizing, and rotating), advanced editing (like layers, masks, and blending modes), retouching (such as clone stamp and healing brush), and special effects (like filters and brushes).
File Format Support
Ensure that the alternative software supports various file formats, including standard formats like JPEG, PNG, TIFF, and RAW from various camera manufacturers. Compatibility with PSD (Photoshop) files is also important if you need to work with files created in Photoshop.
Performance and Stability
Consider the software’s performance and stability, especially when working with large files or complex projects. Look for optimized software that runs smoothly on your computer’s hardware and operating system with minimal lag or crashes.
Non-Destructive Editing
Non-destructive editing allows you to change your images without altering the original data. Look for software that offers non-destructive editing capabilities, such as adjustment layers, smart objects, or history states, allowing you to revert to earlier edits if needed.
Workflow Integration
Consider how the alternative software integrates with your existing workflow and other tools. Look for software that supports integration with other software and services, such as Adobe Creative Cloud, cloud storage providers, and third-party plugins and extensions.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Evaluate the software’s user interface and ease of use, especially if you’re transitioning from Photoshop. Look for software with an intuitive interface, customizable workspace, and helpful tutorials or documentation to help you get started quickly.
Community and Support
Consider the size and activity of the software’s community and the availability of support resources. Look for software with a large and active user community, official support channels (forums or help desks), and regular updates and bug fixes.
Cost and Licensing
Finally, consider the cost and licensing model of the alternative software. Look for software that fits your budget and offers a licensing model (one-time purchase, subscription, or free/open-source) that aligns with your preferences and needs.
By carefully evaluating these features, you can choose an alternative to Photoshop that meets your specific requirements and enables you to achieve your creative goals effectively and efficiently.
Best Free Photoshop Alternative
Photoshop is undoubtedly the most complete picture editing application, and its well-known branding makes it the first choice for anybody trying to improve their photos and images. In fact, ‘to photoshop’ has become a widespread verb used to denote any digital picture modification, regardless of whether the ‘photoshopping’ was done with Photoshop.
So, if you want to edit your photographs with an excellent edit alternative, here are some of the top rivals who nevertheless have the features you can’t do without.
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)
GIMP is a free and open-source image editing software that offers a comprehensive set of tools similar to Photoshop. With features like layers, masks, filters, and customizable brushes, GIMP provides photographers and designers with powerful editing capabilities without the hefty price tag.
Being open-source, GIMP is free to use and has a supportive community of users and developers. It runs on multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible to many users.
Affinity Photo
Affinity Photo is a professional-grade photo editing software that rivals Photoshop regarding features and performance. From advanced retouching and compositing to non-destructive editing and HDR processing, Affinity Photo offers a seamless workflow for photographers and designers looking for a robust alternative to Photoshop.
Affinity Photo provides a one-time purchase model with no subscription required, making it a cost-effective option for professionals. Its performance is optimized for modern hardware, ensuring smooth operation even with large files.
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite is a versatile software package that includes CorelDRAW for vector illustration and layout, Corel PHOTO-PAINT for photo editing, and other tools for design and layout. With its intuitive interface and extensive feature set, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite is popular among photographers and designers seeking a comprehensive solution for their creative projects.
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite provides a comprehensive solution for graphic designers. It allows seamless integration between different design tasks and offers a perpetual license with regular updates and support, ensuring long-term usability.
PaintShop Pro
PaintShop Pro, developed by Corel, is a versatile photo editing software offering various advanced features for photographers and designers. With tools for photo editing, graphic design, and creative projects, PaintShop Pro provides a comprehensive solution for professionals looking to elevate their work. From retouching and color correction to vector illustration and text editing, PaintShop Pro offers a wide range of tools and functionalities to bring your creative vision to Finka.
PaintShop Pro provides a user-friendly interface with intuitive controls and customizable workspaces. It offers a range of creative options, from photo editing to graphic design, making it suitable for various projects and workflows. That’s why it is also considered one of the best graphic design software alternatives for Photoshop.
Pixlr
Pixlr is a cloud-based photo editing software tool that offers a range of features similar to Photoshop. With its easy-to-use interface and intuitive controls, Pixlr is ideal for quick edits and enhancements on the go. Whether editing photos for social media or creating graphics for your website, Pixlr provides a convenient and accessible solution for photographers and designers.
Pixlr is accessible via a web browser or mobile app, making it convenient for users to edit photos on the go. It offers both free and premium versions, with the premium version unlocking additional features and capabilities.
Final Thoughts
While Photoshop remains a powerhouse in image editing and graphic design, several alternatives offer comparable features and performance. Whether you’re looking for a free and open-source option like GIMP or professional-grade software like Affinity Photo, there’s no shortage of choices to suit your needs. And with tools like PaintShop Pro offering robust features for photographers and designers, you can explore new creative possibilities and take your work to the next level.
