2 Open Source Alternatives to Photoshop

A list of 2 carefully selected open-source alternatives to Photoshop.

Created by

Adrian

Mar 9, 2025Updated•3 min read

The open-source alternatives are ranked based on our custom ranking system and score. This system takes into account various factors to determine the best alternatives.

If you’re looking for alternative features or workflows, here is a prepared detailed list of Photoshop open-source alternatives — each with its own distinctive strengths and key features.

Krita

7,892

621

Krita is a free and open source digital painting application that delivers a comprehensive solution for creating digital art from the ground up. Built on the robust KDE and Qt frameworks, it offers professional-grade tools designed by artists for artists.

Key Features

Free and open source software
Cross-platform compatibility
Extensive brush and tool variety
Advanced layer management and drawing assistants
Animation and plugin support
Robust community and resource ecosystem

Krita serves as a full-featured painting program, ideal for both beginners and seasoned professionals. It provides an extensive range of brush types, layers, drawing assistants, and animation tools, making it versatile for various art styles. The platform also supports additional assets like texture packs, vector libraries, and plugins while fostering a vibrant community for feedback and collaboration.

Learn more about Krita

GIMP

5,186

715

GIMP is a free and open source image editor designed for professional-quality photo manipulation, graphic design, and digital artwork creation. Available on multiple platforms including GNU/Linux, Windows, and macOS, GIMP offers a robust suite of tools for creative professionals and hobbyists alike.

Key Features

Customizable user interface with dockable panels
Advanced photo retouching and digital manipulation tools
Extensive file format support and remote file access
Multi-language scripting and plugin integration
Enhanced hardware support including tablets and MIDI controllers

GIMP provides a comprehensive set of features for image retouching, composition, and creation. It supports a customizable interface, multi-language scripting, and a wide range of file formats. The tool is extensible through numerous plug-ins and supports advanced hardware like pressure-sensitive tablets for enhanced productivity.

Learn more about GIMP

About Photoshop

Colin Smith is the visionary behind PhotoshopCAFE, a brand that has revolutionized the world of digital design. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Colin's journey began when he moved to New Zealand at a young age. Fueled by dreams and a passion for design, he made the bold decision to relocate to Los Angeles in pursuit of his purpose. Drawing inspiration from his experiences as a designer, Colin sought to create a community where knowledge and techniques could be freely shared. This vision gave birth to PhotoshopCAFE, a platform dedicated to providing the ultimate Photoshop resource. At PhotoshopCAFE, you'll find an extensive range of products and services tailored to meet the needs of both beginners and professionals. From free tutorials covering Photoshop basics, photo editing, and special effects, to premium training courses on Photoshop, Lightroom, photography, and digital art, Colin offers a wealth of knowledge in an easy-to-follow and inspiring format. With numerous accolades under his belt, Colin's expertise is recognized globally. His bestselling books and collaborations with renowned publishers have cemented his status as a trusted authority in the industry. Join Colin Smith on his journey and unlock your creative potential with PhotoshopCAFE.

This comparison data was compiled with AI assistance.

Photoshop

PhotoshopCAFE is a resources for learning Photoshop and Photography.

Founded

2000

Employees

Location

Irvine, United States

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