Alternatives To Adobe Photoshop For Mac

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Old laptop owners, you know the drill. *And… freeze!*

Oct 08, 2020 GIMP is a free program for such photo retouching, image composition and image authoring. Essentially it's the closest thing to Photoshop you can get for free. It is probably the closest alternative to Adobe Photoshop, at least from those I know. Darktable is another free Photoshop alternative, available for Mac and Windows. It's a great alternative to Adobe Lightroom as it has all functionalities of Adobe Lightroom and offers quick sliders to manipulate contrast, highlights, curves, etc. Darktable is user-friendly and easy to use even for beginners. Inkscape uses a vector-based environment, so it's a much better option for illustration than most other free alternatives to Photoshop; in fact, it's almost more of an Illustrator alternative (though it can still be used for basic bitmap edits like photo retouching).

GIMP is a raster-based photo editing software, very similar to Adobe Photoshop in types of features. It is a great jumping off point for users who are new to photo editing and aren't quite ready to. Dec 11, 2019 Let's cover a few of the major options for three of the biggest Adobe applications: Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. What can replace Illustrator? Illustrator is a vector-intensive application.

While Adobe Photoshop is the industry standard for graphic designers, visual artists, and photo editors—it is not for the light-of-RAM. Even on newer computers, users often report having to use a separate drive for scratch disk space just to prevent frequent crashes.

Plus, Photoshop can be clunky and expensive for beginners, making it an investment of both time AND money in order to enjoy the value it promises.

So if you're searching for easier, cheaper, alternatives to Photoshop or Lightroom CC, we've got a list of 15 free and paid photoshop alternative tools for you to consider.

Rev your rasters, baby. Let's go.

Top Free and Paid Adobe Photoshop Alternatives

Paid Alternatives to Photoshop

1. Pixlr

With Pixlr, editing photos has never been easier, faster, or smarter. Its AI Cutout features lets you remove backgrounds with just one click. Give your images a makeover with a simple drag-and-drop of Pixlr's dazzling selection of overlays. Add accents or textures, like light streaks, dust flecks, and glitter to your photos. Plus, you can use layers to create captivating photo edits, image composites, and more!

Trial version: Free plan available for limited features

OS: Web-based app available across browsers

Pricing model: Premium plan starts at $4.99 and Creative Pack starts at $14.99, billed annually. Or you can grab Pixlr's AppSumo deal at a one-time payment of $49

Potential downsides: Limited touch up capabilities which mean you need high-quality photos to begin with

2. RelayThat

RelayThatis a unique program that not even Photoshop can match right now. Simply upload your brand assets (colors, logos, images, fonts, etc.), and watch as RelayThat auto-generates multiple designs for you at once in several sizes and for various use cases without having to manually create them one-by-one. This is an incredibly powerful time-saving tool—particularly if you need to focus on practicals like quickly creating social media and website graphics.

Trial version: No

OS: Web-based app available across browsers

Pricing model: Pro plan starts at $25 per month.

Potential downsides: Focus on digital social media graphic creation, limited image editing features

3. Affinity Photo

As a photo editing tool, Affinity Photo is more lightweight than PS, promising fewer crashes and fast, real-time rendering of all your edits. Enjoy unlimited layers, healing brush, over 1,000,000% zoom, a full set of 16-bit filters, and RAW file editing. Apply effects like blurs, lighting, and distortions as non-destructive live filter layers. Plus undo/redo up to 8K steps—with autosave that always has your back. Users will be happy that most standard PS keyboards commands will work for Affinity too.

Trial version: Yes

OS: Mac, Windows, and iPad

Pricing model: One-time price of $49.99, free and frequent updates (only $19.99 on iPad)

Potential downsides: Still comes with a learning curve similar to PS

4. Acorn

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Acorn 6 is a Mac-only photo editor known for its circle text/text on a path tool, making it especially friendly to designers looking to create expert-level graphics, ads, and logos. Clean old files mac. In addition to photo-editing tools like the brush designer, layer masks, and filters that allow you to mute or unmute by later, it does have vector-editing tools as well. While it may be simpler than PS, it does pack a punch under the hood.

Trial version: Yes

OS: MacOS

Pricing model: One-time $29.99

Potential downsides: Not compatible with PC; some users report slowness

5. PicMonkey

PicMonkey is a Canva-like photo editing and design tool that is chock-full of design assets and templates. Again, if you use PS to create graphics for business use cases, PicMonkey may be a faster way to get designs out the door. Plus with touchup, layer, and mask features, as well as effects and features, you might be surprised by the photo enhancement you can do with this tool. Plus, you can use their real-time team collaboration feature to work in tandem with teammates or clients.

Trial version: Yes

OS: web-based app available across browsers with apps for iPhone, android, and tablet

Pricing model: Starts at $7.99 per month

Potential downsides: Some users say the features offered in the app and in the web version differ from one another

💡 Also check out ourtop 10 PicMonkey alternatives.

6. Corel PaintShop Pro

PaintShop Pro has released a new feature-packed 2020 version. With RAW and HDR editing, advanced brushes, layers, and masking, and flexible workspaces depending on your editing needs, Corel's Paintshop is a one-time purchase that will keep on delivering for your photography or graphic design needs. Note it is Windows-only, so that may be limiting for some in creative fields.

Trial version: Yes

OS: Windows only

Pricing model: One-time $63.99 (Get Paintshop Pro Ultimate for $79.99)

Potential downsides: Some users report it is not a lightweight program; Windows-only

7. Fotor

Fotor describes itself as 'fundamentally Photoshop online.' With advanced editing, effects, and retouching, you can also make use of some fun features like the GoArt AI photo effect that makes photos look like classic pieces of art. Fotor is also available in 7+ languages.

Trial version: Yes

OS: web-based app available across browsers and mobile

Pricing model: Starts at $8.99/month (annual Plan $39.99/year)

Potential downsides: No template or photo libraries, few advanced photo editing capabilities

8. Pixelmator Pro

Pixelmator Pro is a Mac-only image editing tool that uses emerging tech like machine learning to give users highly functional and exciting capabilities like layer management, nondestructive resizing, layouts, retouching, selections, painting, and image repair. Its sleek UI and fast functionality make this tool pleasant to use. Pixelmator Pro is perfect for skilled hobbyists or creatives who don't need super-advanced PS capabilities.

Trial version: Yes

OS: MacOS (with Pixelmator for iOS for iPhone and iPad)

Pricing model: One-time $39.99 (iOS app for $4.99)

Potential downsides: Missing some more advanced PS features like tone mapping or source and target layer ranges for blending

Free Alternatives to Photoshop

9. Photopea

Photopea is a free alternative to Photoshop. When you arrive at their website, you can jump straight into a project, with many of the tools you're used to enjoying in premium photo editing tools. Photopea lets you add text, crop images, blur, change colors, and much more. Plus, you can export the final product in most of your favorite formats: PNG, JPEG, SVG, and more. Among the free products showcased in this article, this one is probably the most similar to Photoshop.

OS: Web-based

Pricing model: Free

Potential downsides: Many people use free tools for their simplicity. In this case, since it's so much like Photoshop, Photopea can come with a bit of a learning curve for new designers.

10. GIMP

GIMP empowers designers with the tools to edit photos and create graphics. It also provides different code support for developers who want to use their designs across websites and have more customization options. GIMP offers many top photo editing features to help you touch up your favorite photos, add filters, and even customize your working interface.

OS: GNU/Linux, OS X, Windows, and more operating systems

Pricing model: Free

Potential downsides: While the tool offers great features, it may require downloading other design tools (like Scribus and Inkscape) to get the most out of it; outdated UI

11. PhotoScape X

As another free alternative to Photoshop, PhotoScape X helps you design and edit photos using a variety of powerful tools. You have all the normal editing tools like cropping, filters, brushes, and color and background changes. It also includes bulk-editing features: batch resize, batch format change, and more for streamlined organization and editing. Whether you're cleaning up an image or creating a graphic from scratch, PhotoScape X is a strong free Photoshop alternative.

OS: Windows and Mac

Pricing model: Free

Potential downsides: Some regular users complain aboutlimited free tools, particularly regarding paint options.

12. FireAlpaca

First of all, the Alpaca's bowtie is on point. (#classy)

FireAlpaca is a free paint tool with simple functionality for creating graphics. You can use templates or start completely from scratch. FireAlpaca gives you different viewing options as well, including 3D view. Use the Pencil, Airbrush, or Blur tools to edit graphics with artistic precision. If you're leaving Photoshop because it's too complex, FireAlpaca is founded on simplicity.

Alternatives

OS: Windows and Mac

Pricing model: Free

Potential downsides: This tool is intentionally lean. If you're looking for a tool to keep up with Photoshop's optionality, FireAlpaca might not have the features you're looking for.

13. Photoshop Express

Adobe has also gotten into the free image editing and collage app game with Photoshop Express. The difference here boils down to interface and functionality—plus the fact that Photoshop Express is 'built for mobile device photography.' You can think of it as Photoshop lite for mobile. With intelligent edits, spot healing, auto-fix, and robust filters and effects, you can edit photos for social posting to your heart's content in this little app.

OS: mobile app for Android, iOS, and Windows

Pricing model: Free (Premium version for $9.99/month)

Potential downsides: Very simple, social-focused functionality—but that's it

Photoshop

OS: Windows and Mac

Pricing model: Free

Potential downsides: This tool is intentionally lean. If you're looking for a tool to keep up with Photoshop's optionality, FireAlpaca might not have the features you're looking for.

13. Photoshop Express

Adobe has also gotten into the free image editing and collage app game with Photoshop Express. The difference here boils down to interface and functionality—plus the fact that Photoshop Express is 'built for mobile device photography.' You can think of it as Photoshop lite for mobile. With intelligent edits, spot healing, auto-fix, and robust filters and effects, you can edit photos for social posting to your heart's content in this little app.

OS: mobile app for Android, iOS, and Windows

Pricing model: Free (Premium version for $9.99/month)

Potential downsides: Very simple, social-focused functionality—but that's it

14. Polarr

A simple, intuitive image editing app, Polarr gives you Lightroom-like image manipulation capabilities like editing exposure, temperature, denoise, diffuse, dehaze, and more. It does have advanced HSL and RGB curve tools, as well as filter blending, mixing, and toning tools. Plus, you get persistent edit history and infinite undo and redo—making it super user-friendly.

OS: web, Windows, Mac, Chromebook, iOS, Android

Convert m4v to wmv on mac free. Pricing model: free

Potential downsides: It seems there have been some recent bugs and now users must upgrade to Pro in order to save edited photos

15. Krita

Krita is a free, flexible, open-source painting program that won TechRadar's #1 best free painting software for 2019. With over 100 brush types, 9 brush engines, and brush stabilizer, there's plenty to play around with in Krita. A more intuitive and lightweight alternative to GIMP, Krita is one of the best alternatives to Photoshop in terms of brush performance.

OS: Mac, Windows, Linux

Pricing model: free

Potential downsides: Since Krita is focused on digital painting, it doesn't have the photo editing features some users might need from an alternative to Photoshop.

Pick Your Favorite Photoshop Alternative

And that's a (text) wrap on our list of alternatives to Photoshop! If you're looking for some good and affordable options, check out some of AppSumo's best deals:

  • Pixlr. Remove backgrounds with just one click and add overlays from the library of icons, stickers, text, and more.
  • Crello. Speed up the design process with thousands of ready-made templates and easy editing features.

Happy editing!

Prefer a video over a blog post? Here's our YouTube video on the top alternatives to Photoshop:

If you liked this blog, take a look at even more of our graphic design and editing tool comparison posts:

By Sarabeth Lewis

Here are three great alternatives to Photoshop for Mac.

Alternatives To Adobe Photoshop For Mac

Adobe Photoshop may have been the presiding force in photo-editing on Mac for the best part of 30 years, but it's no longer the only show in town. In fact, a quick Google Safari based search shows that there are tons of options available for image editing on Mac.

From the humble novice who simply wants to crop a photo, to the talented amateur who wants to do more, to the full flung professional photographers, artists and graphic designers who want it all, there's an alternative for everyone.

It can be challenging to find photo editors that stand out from the crowd these days, but we've found three distinct photo editors that are all worthy Photoshop alternatives. Each of the alternatives we've chosen focus on a particular aspect of Photoshop and take it to the next level.

CyberlinkPhoto Director Ultra

CyberLink PhotoDirector Ultra – best for simply clever photo editing

PhotoDirector Ultra is an all in one photo editor and manager package and a really good option for both automatic and manual editing tools. The interface is beautifully crafted while retaining a simplicity of use that will appeal to photographers of all levels and abilities.

At first glance, PhotoDirector can seem somewhat intimidating to the novice editor, but the editing tools are intuitive to use, and a brief 10-minute whizz through some of the helpful guides and tutorials should have you editing away quickly like a pro in no time. Frequent fliers of photo editing apps will feel right at home and perhaps be surprised by the sheer array of extensive editing options.

Essentially, editing tools are split between basic and advanced. Like Photoshop, PhotoDirector Ultra includes layer editing, so you can get clever and really transform your photos. It also includes some really incredible features for video-to-photo editing, and 360° photo editing.

Not only does PhotoDirector let you edit, correct and transform photos with an extensive set of editing tools it also comes with a fantastic photo management system, letting you plough through thousands of photos and easily find the one you need.

Purists may dislike or scoff the ‘for the masses,' approach of PhotoDirector, but we don't think that's a bad thing. As well as the above, PhotoDirector Ultra also lets you upload directly to the likes of Facebook, YouTube and other social media platforms, which is nice.

We also thought the uniquely easy to use Face Swap tool is a real selling point, allowing as it does, the easy moving of people from one photo to another.

Overall, PhotoDirector Ultra is a powerful photo editor that makes editing and sharing photos relatively simple and straightforward, while managing your photo collection becomes a breeze.

Luminar

Luminar photo editor for Mac is another powerful, all-in-one photo suite that is positively overflowing with useful tools and versatile filters that rivals, and in someways betters parts of both Photoshop and Adobe's other main dog in the fight, Lightroom.

Again, like Photo Director, a ten-minute sojourn playing with the interface should have you editing with ease. But for the power Luminar seems to have under its belt, the interface is incredibly easy to use, with several one-click ‘automatic' enhancers.

Luminar is a great choice for both beginners and professional users. The app lets you choose from dozens of presets that do a great job of quickly enhancing pictures but also has the depth and advanced tools available for use by professionals. There's a Clone tool, Stamp tool, Fast Object Removal, and noise reduction.

Alternatives To Adobe Photoshop For Mac Cracked

While Luminar perhaps it is not quite as advanced as Photoshop (mainly due to its lack of advanced painting capabilities), it does put Lightroom to shame, and costs a lot less.

Download Adobe Photoshop For Mac

The sheer number of filters that come with Luminar is also staggering, and is worth the purchase price alone. It's worth noting that it can also be used as a plug-in to improve Lightroom if that's what you use already.

The Sun Rays filter though is something else. It is breathtaking at how well it works. Just move the sun wherever you want in your picture and the rays adjust magically around the trees or buildings foliage in your image. Breathtaking.

Corel Painter 2019

Corel Painter is the perfect photoshop alternative for digital artists who want to showcase their creativity. It is a fully equipped digital art studio that can help you turn your favorite images into amazing photo art.

Corel Painter is squarely aimed at professionals, but is still a lot of fun, if a bit advanced. It comes with over 600 different brushes and can create just about every type of natural media in existence.

With an extensive array of tools, you can get really creative with your edits and create some masterpieces. Essentially, if you are looking for a real alternative to Photoshop, then Corel Painter is probably what you consider looking for.

The 2019 edition of Corel Painter is a step above its previous edition, introducing an all-around more enjoyable user experience. It has an updated, dark UI, significant speed and perfromance improvements, and 36 additional brushes to use.

If you're an aspiring photo artist, Corel Painter can help you to more easily transform your photos into spectacular works of art. With auto-painting and cloning tools, and one-of-a-kind image painting features, it gives you everything you need for advanced creative photo editing.

Final thoughts

While there's no denying that Adobe Photoshop is truly magnificent beast of software used by professional graphic designers and photographers the world over there are other options that are just as good, if not better.





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