Top 13 free Photoshop alternatives to try in 2024

You're definitely not alone if you're seeking a high-quality, cost-effective alternative to Adobe Photoshop, which often carries a hefty price tag. As a creator, artist, or small business owner, investing in technologies that drive your creativity and potential earnings without draining your wallet is crucial.

Luckily for you, 2024 promises a collection of free, powerful Photoshop-like tools. These can help bring your visions to life and monetize your art.

• Discover free, high-quality Photoshop alternatives in 2024 for creative professionals, artists, and ecommerce business owners, offering essential photo editing capabilities without the premium cost.

• Essential for ecommerce success, photo editing software enhances product presentation, maintains brand consistency, offers cost efficiency, provides a competitive edge, and enables quick visual adjustments.

• Featured tools to edit photos include Adobe Express for simplicity and cloud storage, GIMP for advanced editing, Paint.NET for intuitive use and plugins, and Krita for illustrators, each catering to different creative needs.

• Additional options like Pixlr for easy navigation and dual versions, Photopea for web-based versatility, Sumopaint for artistic creation, and specialized tools like PhotoScape X, Canva, Inkscape, Fotor, CinePaint, and Seashore cover a wide range of editing requirements and platforms.

• Choosing the right tool involves understanding specific design needs, checking compatibility with your system, evaluating the user interface for ease of use, considering community and support availability, and experimenting with software features to ensure they meet your creative demands.

In today's visually-driven ecommerce landscape, basic photo editing software is essential. That's because a polished image can enhance product listings, impress customers, and ultimately boost sales.

Here are the top five reasons why you need photo editing software in ecommerce. 

• Product presentation: With photo editing software, sellers can enhance and edit product images, ensuring they are presented in the best light to attract and engage customers.

• Brand consistency: Sellers can use these tools to maintain brand consistency across all product images, which is key to building a memorable and trustworthy brand. With photo editing software, you can standardize colors, tone, and style across all your product photos.

• Cost efficiency: Hiring a graphic designer or a professional photographer may be costly for small businesses or individual sellers. With basic photo editing skills and the right software, business owners can save on these costs while still producing top-notch images.

• Competitive edge: The online marketplace is immensely competitive. Stunning visuals help a product stand out from the crowd. With the help of free, user-friendly photo editing tools, sellers can take their product visuals to the next level and gain a competitive edge.

• Quick adjustments: Ecommerce moves fast. With easy-to-use photo editing tools, minor adjustments like cropping, resizing, or adding filters to an image can be done swiftly, enabling efficient updates to product listings as needed.

Known for its user-friendly design, Adobe Express caters to the creative needs of every artist by providing fundamental editing capabilities. 

• Simple interface: Adobe Express is renowned for its sleek, user-centered interface that is quick to master, even for beginners.

• Editing tools: With features like cropping, straightening, rotating, and red-eye correction, Adobe Express covers all the basics.

• Built-in filters: A range of filter options are available for users to enhance their photos in just a few clicks.

• Cloud storage: You can save your edits and projects to the cloud, ensuring they're always accessible wherever you go.

If you're searching for a sophisticated yet free Photoshop alternative, GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is the platform to consider. Notable for its advanced features and customization options, it facilitates detailed image retouching and manipulation. 

• Remarkable editing capabilities: Offers a wide array of brushes, filters, and advanced photo enhancement tools.

• Layer management: Like Photoshop, GIMP makes combining multiple images easy.

• Flexible customization: GIMP allows extension with dozens of plug-ins.

• Multi-platform accessibility: It's compatible with Linux, Windows, and MacOS.

If you're looking for a user-friendly and feature-rich free Photoshop alternative, Paint.NET should be on your radar. Here's why: 

• Intuitive interface: Its compact and highly intuitive interface makes it accessible to amateurs and professionals alike.

• Elevated performance: With its support for layers, blending modes, and a host of special effects, your creativity won’t be hampered.

• Plug-ins: You can customize your experience with various community-created plugins and add-ons.

• Updates: Regular updates mean continuous improvement and access to new features.

Krita is a powerful free Photoshop alternative that comes with robust tools and functionalities designed for illustrative work, concept art, matte and texture painters, and the VFX industry. Let's look at some of its features.

• Brush stabilizers: Ensures smooth painting even with shaky hands.

• Wrap-around mode: An innovative feature that simplifies creating seamless textures and patterns.

• Mirror tools: Makes symmetric designing easy.

• Layer management: Provides impressive control over your artwork layers.

• Resource manager: Empowers artists to import, tag, and organize brushes and texture packs.

Pixlr is a web app created with non-professionals in mind, making it a fantastic tool for beginners or those who only need to edit images occasionally.

• Dual versions for all users: Pixlr offers Pixlr X for beginners with user-friendly features and Pixlr E for professionals seeking advanced editing tools.

• Advanced editing made easy: Supports layers and masks for intricate photo editing.

• Creative filters and effects: There is a wide range of filters and effects to enhance your images.

• Text and blend modes: Enables text overlay and various blending options for creative compositions.

• Color correction and photo enhancement: Equipped with tools to adjust colors and improve photo quality.

If you're seeking comprehensive, web-based design solutions, Photopea stands out among other free Photoshop alternatives. Its robust feature set includes:

• Universal compatibility: Photopea can be used on any device with an internet connection, making it an incredibly accessible tool.

• Support for multiple file formats: It can handle PSD, XD, Sketch, RAW files, and more, so you never worry about compatibility issues with your work.

• Advanced editing tools: Similar to Photoshop, it offers layers, masks, smart objects, and advanced selection tools.

• Interface familiarity: For users accustomed to Adobe's interface, you'll find Photopea's similar layout a breeze.

If your design needs primarily revolve around creating stunning artwork, illustrations, or simple web graphics, then Sumopaint might be your go-to Photoshop alternative. Here's a glimpse of Sumopaint's standout features: 

• Intuitive interface: Simplified design for quick adaptability.

• Solid effects palette: Range of effects for professional finishes.

• Layer support: Easier element manipulation within designs.

• Basic & advanced tools: Expansive suite for varied designs.

• Online community: Connect with like-minded artists for ideas and support.

PhotoScape X is a versatile, free Photoshop alternative that allows you to edit, enhance, and manage your digital photos. Its array of features includes: 

• Batch editing: You can edit multiple photos at once, saving you valuable time.

• Precise color adjustment: This tool facilitates the fine-tuning of hues and contrasts to create striking imagery.

• GIF creation: You can generate entertaining GIFs to spice up your online content.

• Collage and poster maker: Combine different images to create collages or design impactful posters for your ecommerce store.

This user-friendly tool makes it simpler for you to bring your creative visions to life.

What sets Canva apart is its accessibility and user-friendly interface, even for beginners. Here are some of its notable features: 

• Intuitive drag-and-drop: A user-friendly interface that simplifies design with drag-and-drop functionality.

• Expansive design library: Access a vast collection of templates and design elements for inspiration.

• Brand customization: Tailor your projects with customizable branding options to reflect your identity.

• Text and fonts simplified: Effortless text editing and a wide selection of fonts for every design need.

• Personal touch with images: Upload and edit your personal images for a unique design.

• Versatile saving options: Save your creations in multiple formats, including PDF, JPG, and PNG, for easy sharing and printing.

Setting itself apart as a free, open-source graphics editor, Inkscape is comparable to Adobe Illustrator more than Photoshop. However, it offers potent tools for creative enthusiasts who are more into vector graphics designing. It comes with extensively refined features: 

• Advanced text tools: Features like kerning, letter spacing, and line spacing adjustments for detailed typography.

• Vector editing capabilities: A comprehensive suite of tools for vector object creation and manipulation.

• Layering and path operations: Supports advanced layering techniques and complex path modifications.

• Enhanced with filters and extensions: Offers additional functionality and effects through filters and extensions.

With cross-platform availability, Inkscape specializes in Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) format but supports a wide array of graphic formats.

Emerging as a strong contender in the list of free Photoshop alternatives, Fotor is a user-friendly platform offering an array of useful features. With its intuitive interface and simpler editing tools, it's an excellent choice for beginners. 

• Instant photo enhancement: Offers a '1-Tap Enhance' feature for quick photo quality improvement.

• Wide range of effects: Fotor boasts a vast collection of effects and filters for a professional look.

• Portrait editing: Advanced tools for easy retouching of selfies and portraits.

• Collage and design tools: Includes features for collage-making and graphic design.

For those involved in the world of filmmaking and animation, CinePaint is an ideal Photoshop alternative. Initially framed as a tool for movie studios and animators, it's renowned for the high-fidelity image editing it offers. 

Here are some of its commendable features: 

• High-depth image editing: You can edit images up to 32-bit per channel, facilitating remarkably detailed works.

• Supports numerous file formats: Unlike other free photo editing software, CinePaint supports many file types, including JPEG, PNG, TIFF, and OpenEXR.

• Rotoscoping tools: If you're engaged in creating animations or special effects, the rotoscoping tools are invaluable.

• Frame-by-frame retouching: Excellent for those perfect edits in video files or animations.

Rounding off our list is Seashore, an open-source image editor for Mac users. It's specially designed for those who desire easy usability and streamlined design without the complexity often associated with image editing software. With an interface reminiscent of Mac OS, you'll feel right at home. 

• Built on Mac's framework: No additional software is needed, leveraging Mac's Cocoa for robust performance.

• Advanced editing features: Includes gradients, layers, alpha channel editing, and textures for comprehensive image manipulation.

• Precision tools: Offers brush strokes, variable transparency, and anti-aliasing for detailed editing.

• Versatile file compatibility: Supports various formats like JPEG, PNG, TIFF, and XCF, ensuring flexibility in your projects.

Here are five essential tips to help budding graphic designers select the free Photoshop alternative that best fits your needs: 

1. Identify your needs

The first step to selecting the right Photoshop alternative is to identify your design needs. Are you working on intricate graphic design projects, or do you need software for simple photo editing? Each program offers different features, so understanding your needs will help narrow your choices.

2. Check system compatibility

Not every software works well with every operating system. Before you settle on a photo editing tool, check to ensure it runs smoothly on your computer’s OS. Some platforms provide better support for Windows, Mac, or Linux, while others are universal. 

3. Investigate user experience

A tool with a user-friendly or customizable interface can save you plenty of time and frustration. Read through user reviews, demo the software, and evaluate its usability. The best Photoshop alternatives will provide an enjoyable and intuitive user experience. 

4. Evaluate technical support or community

Even with user-friendly software, queries and concerns may arise. Check what kind of support is available. Many free platforms have community forums where you can get tips and advice from other users. Others offer technical support via email or contact forms. 

5. Test out tools before committing

Many of these free alternatives to Photoshop allow you to use their software on a trial basis, which gives you a chance to try before you commit. Use this period to explore the software’s features, tools, and overall performance. Ensure the program truly suits your design needs before integrating it into your workflow.

Gelato's design editor is specifically tailored for entrepreneurs and creators who wish to translate their digital artwork into tangible products easily. Here's why incorporating Gelato's design editor into your workflow can be a game-changer for your ecommerce business:

• Seamless integration with ecommerce platforms: Gelato offers a straightforward setup that integrates smoothly with popular ecommerce platforms such as Shopify, Etsy, or your personalized website. This integration facilitates the direct transfer of your designs onto a wide range of products.

• High-quality product templates: With access to a variety of product templates, from apparel to home decor, Gelato's design editor ensures that your designs are perfectly aligned and optimized for print quality on any item you choose.

• User-friendly interface: Designed with ease of use in mind, Gelato's design editor allows both novices and seasoned designers to bring their visions to life with intuitive tools and features. You don't need to be a design expert to create eye-catching, professional-quality visuals.

• Cost-effective solution: By eliminating the need for expensive software subscriptions and design tools, Gelato provides a cost-effective solution for producing high-quality custom products. This accessibility opens up new opportunities for businesses of all sizes to explore creative merchandising options.

• Global print network: Once your designs are ready, Gelato's global print on demand network ensures efficient production and delivery of your custom products to customers worldwide. This global reach minimizes shipping times and costs, enhancing customer satisfaction.

Boost your ecommerce potential by integrating your creative output with Gelato's expansive selection of products, ranging from high-quality t-shirts and mugs to aesthetically pleasing wall art, stylish phone cases, and personalized photo books. Our global platform allows you to proliferate your art and design and expand your store’s offerings while maintaining the highest level of quality your customers will love.

Don't let the chance to develop your ecommerce store with a top-notch print on demand service pass you by. Sign up for Gelato today and bring your digital creations to life.

Is there anything like Photoshop but free?

Yes, there are plenty of Photoshop alternatives that offer similar features at no cost. Tools like GIMP, Paint.NET, and Photopea are renowned for their robust editing capabilities. They let you retouch images, create complex designs, and manipulate photos, similar to Photoshop, providing fantastic free platforms for artists and creators.

Is GIMP as good as Photoshop?

Though GIMP doesn't quite touch Photoshop's level of functionality, it's a robust tool cherished by many for its open-source nature and no-cost value. It covers most of Photoshop's basic features and houses some unique ones. For creators constrained by budget but need comprehensive photo editing tools, GIMP serves as a solid Photoshop substitute.

Is there a totally free photo editor?

Absolutely, there are completely free photo editors available. Many alternatives listed here offer robust editing capabilities without any cost. Examples include GIMP, Paint.NET, and PhotoScape X. These options provide rich customization, allowing for quality output that rivals Photoshop. You don’t need to break the bank to get your photos looking professional.

Is there a free version of Photoshop?

No, there isn't a free version of Photoshop. Adobe's acclaimed software is premium, offering a monthly subscription model. However, they do offer a 7-day free trial to test its comprehensive toolset. Nevertheless, the numerous free Photoshop alternatives discussed in this article serve as potent substitutes without the expense of a recurring subscription.