You’ve done your market research, decided on the perfect theme for your brand, and made plans to take the world by storm! But suddenly you realize you have to create banners, product photos, and promotional materials to launch and grow your store—you’ve found yourself in need of a photo editing software.
If you’ve heard of Photoshop, you’re probably aware that it’s quite an investment. Don’t worry, there are plenty of free alternatives to Photoshop. Together with Printful’s graphic team, we’ve come up with a list of options suited for both graphic editing newcomers and seasoned Photoshop users.
But, before diving in, let’s explore Photoshop.
Photoshop and Creative Cloud
Source: Adobe Blogs
Adobe Photoshop is an industry-leading raster (pixel-based) image editor used to create unique graphics and edit photos. It’s packed with many useful tools for resizing, color adjusting, and retouching images. Photoshop used to be a program you could buy from Adobe and use to your heart’s content. But since 2013, it’s a part of a monthly subscription-based service—Creative Cloud. Photoshop is included in multiple subscription plans.
Creative Cloud is a marvelous collection of apps for experienced designers and a great investment if you’re planning on expanding your business or employing designers. Creative Cloud offers many useful features like storing and sharing your projects and even working on them at the same time. It’s the perfect graphic design environment.
Creative Cloud could seem overwhelming or impractical. That’s because even the slightest change to an image—like a decoration on a sales banner—or even just opening software-specific files like PSD (Photoshop Data file) requires a subscription to access the editing software.
If you’re testing the waters and don’t want to invest in Photoshop, or just want to try something a little different, you might be interested in these free alternatives.
1. Photopea
Use it for: DTG, all-over print, poster & canvas printing, sublimation, UV printing, photo editing, social media graphics
This might be the Swiss army knife of free alternatives to Photoshop. Not only does it look similar to Photoshop, it also has many of its features. Photopea offers pre-made sizes and templates for posters and social media graphics. All in all, it’s the perfect software for both experienced Photoshop users and graphic design rookies.
Price: Free
Platforms: Windows, Browser
File format: PSD, PNG, JPEG, PDF, SVG, GIF
Color space: RGB
PROS
CONS
Multifunctional Multiple languages Pre-sized templates Online and downloadable Same hotkeys as Photoshop Similar to Photoshop in layout and tools provided (transparent background, measuring tool, adjustment layers etc.) Exports files in vector formats Suitable for fixing most common issues with print files
Small delay on the Brush tool Ruler provided only in .px Doesn’t include common fonts like Arial, Verdana, and Georgia Online version requires an internet connection – files won’t save if the browser crashes
2. Gimp
Use it for: DTG, all-over print, poster & canvas printing, sublimation, UV printing, photo editing
No list of free Photoshop alternatives would be complete without Gimp. This software has established a strong presence in the graphics editing world and has built a strong community. It’s the perfect software for editing small files and creating simple designs.
Price: Free
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
File format: PSD, JPEG, PNG, GIF, PDF, EPS
Color space: RGB, CMYK (only with a plugin)
PROS
CONS
Multifunctional Multiple languages Pre-sized templates Document history Text filters and effects (e.g. Warp) A large community that offers support Many tutorials online
A little slow Different UI than Photoshop Different hotkeys than Photoshop White residue around designs with transparent background The Brush tool isn’t very smooth Isn’t suited for professional designers
3. Krita
Use it for: DTG, all-over print, poster & canvas printing, sublimation, UV printing, photo editing
Krita is the only raster graphic software on the list suited for creating seamless all-over print patterns. It’s also great for basic photo editing. It does, however, need some getting used to it as it might seem a little complex and hard to understand at the beginning. Since it’s made with artists in mind, it has a highly customizable Brush tool and can be linked to graphics tablets.
Price: Free
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
File format: PNG, PSD, JPEG
Color space: RGB, CMYK (see Color Managed Workflow for Print)
PROS
CONS
Multifunctional Multiple languages Wraparound tool (perfect for creating seamless patterns) Great Brush tool with multiple customization options (works with graphics tablets) Easy hotkeys that can be changed Very thorough manual
Lags when working with very large files Lags when opening RAW photo files Text tool that needs getting used to Different UI than Photoshop
4. InkScape
Use it for: DTG, all-over print, embroidery, poster & canvas printing, sublimation, UV printing
If you want to take your designs to new heights, try vector editing software. As such, InkScape is a handy program for creating print files of any size. That’s because vectors are made of objects such as lines, curves, and polygons, and designs created on vector editors can be resized without damaging their quality. InkScape’s Measure tools also make it a handy program for creating embroidery designs. But, similar to a few other entries on this list, InkScape has a learning curve.
Price: Free
Platforms: Windows, macOS (using XQuartz), Linux
File format: PDF, EPS, SVG, PNG, PNG
Color space: RGB
PROS
CONS
Multiple languages
Trace Bitmap tool (transforms pixel-based images to vector designs) Great Measure tool (useful when making embroidery designs) Great Brush tool Text effects (Warp, Bend, Distort, Convert to a path) Custom DPI when savin
Possible difficulties editing raster files Different hotkeys than Photoshop
5. Canva
Use it for: Social media graphics, poster & canvas printing
Canva might not be the most obvious choice of Photoshop alternatives, yet it’s a useful platform for any designer. Their free toolkit is quite extensive and their paid plans offer even more editing possibilities, but they cost more than Photoshop itself. It’s great for designing posters. It also lets you post your creations straight to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Tumblr, and other social media platforms. Canva Pro also offers a feature named Brand Kit, which makes branding each graphic exceptionally easy.
Price: Free (Canva Pro is $12.95/month)
Platforms: Online Browser, Also available for iOS and Android
File format: JPEG, PDF, PNG (transparent background only available with paid plan)
Color space: RGB
PROS
CONS
Easy to use Multifunctional Multiple languages A wide selection of templates, from prints to social media Library for storing designs and photos Canva Pro has a 30-day free trial
Useful tools (e.g. Brand kit, Resizing, Transparent background) locked behind a paywall Limited choice of fonts
6. Desygner
Use it for: Social media graphics, poster & canvas printing
Desygner is an online platform, which is great for creating poster designs and social media graphics—you can post designs straight to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. It has a desktop app as well as separate mobile apps (iOS and Android) for more specific design needs. The Desygner premium version offers the Brand Kit feature—a great tool for establishing a uniform style for each created graphic.
Price: Free (Desygner Premium is $9.99/month)
Platforms: Online Browser, Also available for iOS and Android
File format: JPEG, PNG, PDF
Color space: RGB, CMYK (only available in .PDF)
PROS
CONS
Easy to use Multifunctional Multiple languages Wide choice of templates Library for storing designs Wide selection of images and graphics Free Resize tool Free Design apps with Desygner Premium
Useful tools (e.g. Brand kit, PDF editing) locked behind a paywall Limited choice of fonts No warning about decrease in file quality Few social media integrations
7. Pablo
Use it for: Social media graphics
Pablo by Buffer is a great starting point for a social media and graphic design newbie—it’s completely free! The program lets you post your creations straight to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. Feel free to play around with Pablo’s design options, but remember that it’s not meant for making print designs!
Price: Free
Platforms: Online Browser, also available as Google Chrome extension
File format: PNG
PROS
CONS
Easy to use A wide selection of images (provided by Unsplash) Linkable to Buffer account for faster social media scheduling
Suited only for social media graphics Limited template selection Limited choice of fonts Few social media integrations Only 72 DPI
8. Instasize
Use it for: Social media and marketing content, photo editing, basic video editing
For creatives who want a Photoshop alternative that caters directly to social media lovers and, even better, fits right in your pocket, Instasize is a popular choice. It has all the basic features you need to polish raw photos, and a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to scroll through and apply every option.
Price: Free
Platforms: Android, iOS
File format: PNG, JPEG, MOV, MP4, HEVC, HEIF
Color space: RGB, Display P3
PROS
CONS
Free to download Color filters Text options Basic video editing (filters and clipping) Cropping and resizing
Additional content packs require a paid subscription No beauty tools and video editing on Android
9. Photo Pos Pro
Use it for: Social media and marketing content, photo editing
From simple tasks and editing images to creating artwork from scratch and even designing your own business cards—Photo Pos Pro is the ultimate tool for your marketing campaigns and beautiful social media posts. And all photographers out there will be glad to hear that the editor supports RAW files as well.
Price: Free
Platforms: Windows XP / Vista / 7 / 8 / 10, MAC with Windows Apps emulator installed
File format: JPG, BMP, PSD, GIF, RAW
Color space: RGB
PROS
CONS
Customizable interface for experts or beginners Editable layers Supports various file formats Can create projects from scratch Many educational tutorials
Limited text designing options Difficult to start photo editing Slow work with complex manipulations
10. Paint.NET
Use it for: Poster & canvas printing, photo editing, social media campaigns
Paint.NET is very easy to learn, so it’s a safe choice for beginners. The tool’s performance is incredible—it’s one of the fastest free image editors out there. The editor also supports plugins, which provide additional image adjustments, effects, and support for additional file types.
Price: Free
Platforms: Windows
File format: PNG, JPEG, GIF, TGA, TIFF, HEIC
Color space: RGB
PROS
CONS
Plugins allow extra functionality User-friendly interface
Only available on Windows No project-based interface
11. PIXLR
Use it for: Social media and marketing content, photo editing
PIXLR was created to make design easy and accessible to everyone regardless of experience. The tool provides a variety of ways for users to edit images. You can dive into deep photo editing sessions or just quickly add some simple filters or stickers to spice up your designs. Discover more opportunities with PIXLR by creating marketing banners, posters, or greeting cards for your business partners.
Price: Free
Platforms: Browser
File format: JPEG, PNG, BMP, TIFF
Color space: RGB
PROS
CONS
Great multi-purpose templates for graphics and ads Versatile and Lightweight Has most Photoshop filters Works with Google Drive Good amount of features
Lacks drag and drop support Ads Not possible to upload raw files Other tools provide better quality graphics
12. Sumo Paint
Use it for: Poster & canvas printing, photo editing, social media images and graphics
Sumo Paint is a completely free online image editing and drawing tool. Perfect for everyone who wants to strengthen and improve their artistic skills and draw their own designs. It’s basically a community for sharing artwork and finding people interested in art.
Price: Free
Platforms: Desktop, Chrome extension
File format: JPG, BMP, PSD, GIF
Color space: RGB
PROS
CONS
Has a pixel editing feature A wide selection of tools Each tool has a thorough explanation Allows high-level photo editing Well-developed tools for digital drawing Desktop version
Imperfect text management Some tools can lag
13. FireAlpaca
Use it for: Illustrations
This free digital painting software is a great tool for everyone who loves to create illustrations. Change brushes, create your own patterns, and even use comic templates in your illustration designs. The 3D Perspective tool allows you to create realistic-looking objects. And the best part about FireAlpaca—it’s extremely easy to use.
Price: Free
Platforms: Mac, Windows
File format: JPG, PNG, MDP
PROS
CONS
Available in 10 languages A simple interface and straightforward navigations Has a brush stabilizer, for smooth lines Layer folders for easy organizing Has all the same shortcuts as photoshop Easily make your own brushes and adjust brush settings
Canvas limit of 10000×10000 No hardness/softness adjust for the brush Brushes and palettes must all be loaded in one at a time No liquify tool
Which option is the best for me?
Photopea
Gimp
Krita
InkScape
Canva
Desygner
Pablo
Instasize
PhotoPos
Paint.NET
PIXLR
SumoPaint
FireAlpaca
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Creating print files
If you’re looking for a software for creating print designs, look no further than Photopea, Gimp, Krita, and InkScape. Check out Canva and Desygner for making poster and canva designs.
For more info on print requirements, be sure to check out our blog on preparing the perfect print file. If you have a hard time figuring out color spaces, what they mean, and what’s best for your designs, read our guide to color systems.
Photo editing
For editing pictures for your online store and blog, use Krita, Photopea, or Gimp.
Social Media Graphics
To create engaging social media content, it’s best to use Canva, Desygner, Photopea, or Pablo.
Final Thoughts
The first step is to determine what you want the software to do. When that’s done, choose the programs you want to try out and play around. If you wish to see the software in action, check out our video on the top 5 free graphic design apps, and find the best fit for you!
If, however, you want a well rounded free Photoshop alternative, I’d suggest Photopea—it can be used as a design tool, has a set of social media templates, and has the same adjustment layer and photo editing tool options as Adobe Photoshop.
By now you’re probably either ready to dive into the vast world of photo editing or more confused than ever. If it’s the latter, don’t worry, I’ll be happy to answer any of your questions. And, if you want to be sure about design quality, you can always hire a professional—our designers know what’s best for Printful fulfillment. I wish you the best of luck with your creative adventures!
This article was originally published in April 2019; it has since been updated.
The post 13 Free Photoshop Alternatives To Discover This Year appeared first on Blog – Printful.
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