Open source alternatives · Design
Open Source Alternative to Photoshop
Photoshop costs US$22.99 every month. GIMP does the core job, layers, masks, retouching, for free, forever.
What the paid app costs: US$22.99/mo
Why switch?
Most people use a fraction of Photoshop: cropping, layers, color tweaks, removing backgrounds. The free alternatives cover all of that, open your old PSD files, and never ask for a subscription. The money you save in one year buys a decent drawing tablet.
Compare the alternatives
| Alternative | License | Platforms | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| GIMP | GPL-3.0 | Windows, macOS, Linux | Best all-round free Photoshop replacement |
| Krita | GPL-3.0 | Windows, macOS, Linux | Best for digital painting and illustration |
| Pinta | MIT | Windows, macOS, Linux | Best lightweight pick for quick edits |
GIMP
Free forever GPL-3.0 · Windows, macOS, Linux
- Layers, masks, and channels
- Opens and edits PSD files
- Scriptable with Python
Best all-round free Photoshop replacement
Krita
Free forever GPL-3.0 · Windows, macOS, Linux
- Pro-grade brush engines
- Built for digital painting
- Animation timeline included
Best for digital painting and illustration
Pinta
Free forever MIT · Windows, macOS, Linux
- Simple Paint.NET-style interface
- Layers and unlimited undo
- Lightweight and fast
Best lightweight pick for quick edits
Which one should you pick?
- GIMP: Best all-round free Photoshop replacement
- Krita: Best for digital painting and illustration
- Pinta: Best lightweight pick for quick edits
Frequently asked questions
Is GIMP really free?
Yes. GIMP is GPL-licensed open source: free to download, free to use, free for commercial work, forever.
Can GIMP open PSD files?
Yes, GIMP opens and edits most PSD files. Very complex files with smart objects or proprietary effects may need small manual fixes.
Is Krita better than GIMP?
For painting and illustration, yes, Krita's brush engines beat both GIMP and Photoshop. For photo retouching and compositing, GIMP is the stronger pick.