If you’re looking for an image editor similar to Photoshop that doesn’t require a subscription, here are some great options that offer powerful features without a recurring fee:
1. Affinity Photo
- Platform: Windows, macOS, iPad
- Cost: One-time purchase (around $50, with occasional discounts)
- Features: Affinity Photo is probably the closest alternative to Photoshop in terms of functionality and interface. It supports advanced editing tools, layer management, RAW processing, and professional-level features like HDR merging, panorama stitching, and retouching tools.
- Pros: High-performance software with robust features, excellent for professional use.
- Cons: May have a learning curve similar to Photoshop if you’re new to image editing.
2. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)
- Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
- Cost: Free (open-source)
- Features: GIMP offers a wide range of image editing features, including layers, masks, advanced photo retouching, and custom plugins. It’s highly customizable, and there are themes and extensions that can make its interface more similar to Photoshop.
- Pros: Completely free, open-source, with a large user community and plugins for added functionality.
- Cons: User interface can be a bit clunky, and some Photoshop features are missing or handled differently.
3. Photopea
- Platform: Web-based
- Cost: Free (with ads), or ad-free for a small one-time or monthly fee (optional)
- Features: Photopea is a web-based editor that closely mimics Photoshop’s interface and features. It supports PSD files, layers, filters, and advanced editing tools. It’s accessible from any browser, which is great for portability.
- Pros: Very similar to Photoshop in layout and functionality, accessible from anywhere, supports PSD files.
- Cons: Web-based, so performance depends on internet connection and browser limitations; some advanced features are limited compared to desktop applications.
4. Krita
- Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
- Cost: Free (open-source), with an option to donate
- Features: Krita is primarily aimed at digital painting but has grown to include photo editing and image manipulation features. It supports layers, masks, blending modes, and various brushes. It’s especially popular among artists and illustrators.
- Pros: Free, with a polished interface and advanced brush engine; highly customizable.
- Cons: Not as feature-rich for photo editing as Affinity Photo or GIMP; geared more towards digital painting than traditional photo editing.
5. Corel PaintShop Pro
- Platform: Windows
- Cost: One-time purchase (around $80–$100, with frequent discounts)
- Features: PaintShop Pro offers a broad range of photo-editing tools, including layers, masks, RAW editing, and advanced retouching. It also includes AI-powered tools, like background removal and content-aware features.
- Pros: Comprehensive toolset, similar to Photoshop, one-time purchase, frequent updates.
- Cons: Only available for Windows; interface can be dated compared to Photoshop.
6. Pixlr X and Pixlr E
- Platform: Web-based (Pixlr E for advanced, Pixlr X for simpler edits)
- Cost: Free (with ads) or premium (around $5/month, but no annual contract required)
- Features: Pixlr offers both basic (Pixlr X) and advanced (Pixlr E) editing tools. It includes layers, blend modes, basic retouching, and filter effects. It’s less powerful than Photoshop but excellent for lightweight editing.
- Pros: Accessible, easy to use, and no subscription commitment for premium.
- Cons: Limited in-depth editing features compared to Photoshop or Affinity Photo.
Each of these tools offers a unique set of features, and the best choice depends on your specific needs, whether it’s advanced photo editing, digital art, or occasional tweaks. For those looking for a one-time purchase option, Affinity Photo is usually the top choice due to its similarity to Photoshop in both design and functionality. For a free option, GIMP is a powerful alternative, and Photopea provides excellent Photoshop compatibility directly in your browser.