The best Photoshop alternatives for Windows, macOS, and Linux

Available for: Windows 8.1 or newer and macOS 10.14.6 or newer

Lightroom

Lightroom was originally a simple photo management software, but can now also be included in this list with a clear conscience. The software is an adequate substitute for photographic image processing in particular. You can no longer subscribe to Adobe’s Lightroom individually. Anyone who opts for the “photography” variant of the Creative Cloud is then a licensee of Photoshop and Lightroom. Lightroom only becomes an alternative for Photoshop if you subscribe to the program individually.

Price: monthly 11.89 euros

Available for: Windows 10 or higher, macOS 10.14 or higher, but also as iOS and Android app

Pixlr X runs everywhere in almost every current browser. (Screenshot: t3n.de)

Pixlr X is more suitable for quick and easy photo editing. The program works in the web browser. In contrast to the old version, Pixlr X is no longer dependent on Adobe Flash. The advantage of the browser: it can be used quickly from anywhere and from any operating system, free of charge. Pixlr X is especially perfect for blogging, marketing or social media. Photos can also be edited directly in Dropbox, there is also a mobile app for download.

Price: free of charge with basic functions, extended packages from 7.99 euros

Available for: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS

Krita is an application for digital drawing and illustration available for Windows, Linux and macOS. The Photoshop-like surfaces can be individually adapted to your own needs. Other core features include a brush editor and a comprehensive selection tool. Special filters for drawings are also on board.

Price: for free

Available for: Windows 8.1 or newer, macOS 10.12 or newer and Linux

Among older versions of this list, a program has repeatedly appeared in the comments that, in your opinion, is well worth a mention – so here comes the introduction of Photoline. In addition to various options for image processing, Photoline offers, for example, vector processing and small animation options. The active exchange via various forums is particularly practical – similar to Gimp – where newcomers can find support and solutions for a wide variety of problems are sought together.

Price: 59 euros

Available for: Windows 7, 10 or 11, macOS 10.9 or newer

Photopea is also a tip from the community: The cloud-based online service offers access to simple options for image editing on various levels from anywhere. The application can also process Photoshop or Gimp files, among other things.

Price: for free

Available for: Windows, macOs and Linux as well as mobile via Android or iOS

Batch photo should also be listed here after a suggestion from the comments: The self-proclaimed “Photo Productivity Toolkit” advertises above all to apply defined actions uniformly to a large number of photos . It is not a real alternative to the comprehensive range of Photoshop, but it is a practical tool: timestamps, watermarks, logos and the like can be inserted automatically to save time. In addition to a free test version, the paid version is available in different versions.

Price: converted from about 26 euros

Available for: Windows and macOs

Even Digikam does not come close to Photoshop in terms of editing options, but above all it offers numerous options for sorting photos and storing them clearly based on various categories. The open source application with various plug-in options also has basic tools for image processing, with which simple corrections can be made, for example in the case of color or blurring.

Price: free of charge

Available for : macOs from 10.13, Windows 7 and higher, Linux

Capture One works with layers and masks, offers specifically designed camera profiles and a good basic package for editing, processing and organizing images. For example, if you want to buy the program after testing the free trial version, you can choose between different payment models: In the most extensive package, the program can be ordered with below A wide variety of camera brands can be used, but there are also system-specific individual versions that are correspondingly cheaper. In addition, users can choose between a monthly / annual subscription model or purchase a one-time license – however, upgrades cost extra.

Price: Complete package from 29 euros per month

Available for: Windows 8.1 or newer, macOS 10.13 or newer

Corel Paintshop Pro

Paintshop Pro offers users many practical functions for image processing – Among other things, 360 ° cameras are supported, and work is carried out using frame and level systems. In addition to the standard functions, the Pro Ultimate version 2022 also contains an exclusive collection of software applications. With the “Sea-to-Sky” workspace, for example, underwater photos and drone images can be improved, “Corel AfterShot” prepares raw files and “PhotoMirage” turns photos into animations.

Price: 30-day free trial version, then one-time 69.99 euros (Pro) or 89.99 euros (Pro Ultimate) .

Available for: Windows 10 or newer

> Magix Photo & Graphic Designer

Magix is a tool for graphic design, photo editing and illustration. In addition to some effects and photo filters, the alternative also contains numerous photos and graphics. Anyone who has always wanted to switch, but has inevitably to do with Photoshop due to customers or colleagues, can use this image processing program from Magix. Compatibility with Adobe Photoshop and other files is an important feature of the tool. In addition to the one-time fee-based variant, a free test version is also available.

Price: free Trial version or one-time 59.99 euros

Available for: Windows Vista or news

Pixelmator Pro

Pixelmator Pro. (Screenshot: pixelmator.com)

Pixelmator is well known to Mac users. The software is widely regarded as a successful alternative to Photoshop and is also used by the t3n editorial team. Pixelmator provides the basic functions of the Adobe model Photoshop. Pixelmator is also available as an iPhone app with great features. A free trial version offers the opportunity to try it out.

Price: one-time 39.99 euros

Available for: macOS 10.14 or newer

Photos

Photos is the successor to Aperture and iPhoto. The application is primarily used to manage image files, but also offers simple editing options. The software is developed directly by Apple and therefore only runs on macOS. Basic components such as contrast, white balance and color settings can be changed using simple sliders, and these basic options are supplemented by various filters. Photos are therefore only worthwhile for simple editing processes and mainly for organizing your own pictures.

Price: for free

Acorn

The image and photo editing tool Acorn is already available in its sixth version and is aimed at users r who want to edit their images in a simple way without having to familiarize themselves with complex and expensive software for a long time. For example, several images can be combined to form a photo collage. Working with layers is also possible.

Price: US $ 29.99 , free 14-day trial version available

This article is updated regularly. Last update: 08/24/2021

You might also be interested in