Top 10 Free Alternatives to Photoshop in 2025 [Best Photo Editing Software]

Introduction

 

Adobe Photoshop is one of the most powerful image editing tools in the world, but it comes with a heavy price tag. Not everyone can afford the subscription cost, especially students, freelancers, or beginners. Luckily, there are many free alternatives to Photoshop in 2025 that offer powerful photo editing features without costing a single penny.

 

In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 best free Photoshop alternatives in 2025 for Windows, Mac, Linux, and even online use.

 

 

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1. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

 

Platform: Windows, Mac, Linux

 

Why Use It: The most popular free Photoshop alternative.

 

Features:

 

Advanced editing tools (layers, masks, filters)

 

Supports PSD files

 

Free and open-source

 

 

Best For: Professional-level photo editing without subscription fees.

 

 

 

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2. Photopea (Online Editor)

 

Platform: Browser-based (online)

 

Why Use It: No installation needed, works like Photoshop.

 

Features:

 

Open & edit PSD, XCF, Sketch files

 

Layer support, text editing, filters

 

Cloud-based, works on any device

 

 

Best For: Quick editing directly from the browser.

 

 

 

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3. Krita

 

Platform: Windows, Mac, Linux

 

Why Use It: Popular among digital artists & illustrators.

 

Features:

 

Advanced brush engine

 

Layer management

 

Drawing tablets support

 

 

Best For: Digital painting & illustration.

 

 

 

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4. Paint.NET

 

Platform: Windows only

 

Why Use It: Lightweight & easy for beginners.

 

Features:

 

Layer-based editing

 

Plugins support

 

User-friendly interface

 

 

Best For: Simple photo editing & basic design tasks.

 

 

 

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5. Pixlr

 

Platform: Browser (Online) + Mobile App

 

Why Use It: Modern online photo editor with AI tools.

 

Features:

 

AI background remover

 

Filters & effects

 

Templates for social media posts

 

 

Best For: Quick online edits, social media graphics.

 

 

 

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6. Darktable

 

Platform: Windows, Mac, Linux

 

Why Use It: Best for photographers.

 

Features:

 

RAW photo editing

 

Non-destructive editing

 

Color correction tools

 

 

Best For: Professional photo editing like Lightroom alternative.

 

 

 

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7. Canva (Free Version)

 

Platform: Online + Mobile App

 

Why Use It: Simple design tool with free photo editing.

 

Features:

 

Templates for posters, banners, social media

 

Background remover (limited in free plan)

 

Text + photo editing features

 

 

Best For: Beginners & quick design work.

 

 

 

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8. Fotor

 

Platform: Online + Windows + Mac

 

Why Use It: AI-powered photo editor.

 

Features:

 

One-click enhancement

 

Collage maker

 

Filters and effects

 

 

Best For: Beginners who want easy editing.

 

 

 

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9. Inkscape

 

Platform: Windows, Mac, Linux

 

Why Use It: Free vector graphics editor.

 

Features:

 

Create & edit vector graphics

 

Works like Adobe Illustrator

 

Open-source

 

 

Best For: Designers who need vector editing + illustration.

 

 

 

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10. Polarr

 

Platform: Online + Mobile App

 

Why Use It: AI-powered editing filters.

 

Features:

 

Custom filters & effects

 

Easy interface

 

Works well on mobile

 

 

Best For: Social media creators.

 

 

 

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Comparison Table: Free Photoshop Alternatives in 2025

 

Software Platform Best For Key Feature

 

GIMP Win/Mac/Linux Pro Editing PSD support

Photopea Online Browser editing PSD support

Krita Win/Mac/Linux Digital Art Brush engine

Paint.NET Windows Beginners Lightweight

Pixlr Online/Mobile Social Media AI tools

Darktable Win/Mac/Linux Photography RAW editing

Canva Online/Mobile Design Templates

Fotor Online/PC Beginners One-click edit

Inkscape Win/Mac/Linux Vector design Free Illustrator alt

Polarr Online/Mobile Social creators AI filters

 

 

 

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FAQs

 

Q1: Which is the best free Photoshop alternative in 2025?

➡ GIMP is the closest free software to Photoshop.

 

Q2: Can I edit PSD files without Photoshop?

➡ Yes, Photopea and GIMP support PSD editing.

 

Q3: Which free photo editor is best for digital art?

➡ Krita is highly recommended for illustrators and painters.

 

Q4: Is Canva a good Photoshop alternative?

➡ Canva is good for beginners and quick designs, but limited for pro editing.

 

Q5: Which one works on mobile phones?

➡ Pixlr, Canva, Fotor, and Polarr have mobile apps.

 

 

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Conclusion

 

If Photoshop’s price is holding you back, these 10 best free Photoshop alternatives in 2025 are perfect solutions. Whether you are a professional designer, a student, or just someone who needs basic photo editing, tools like GIMP, Photopea, Krita, and Pixlr provide all the essential features.

 

👉 The best part? They are completely free and safe to use.

 

So, download your favorite Photoshop alternative today and start editing like a pro without spending a single rupee! 🚀