We recently took a look at the Adobe Creative Suite, breaking down when to use Photoshop vs. Illustrator vs. InDesgin, but there’s one glaring fact we didn’t mention: not every designer has access to these programs.
For designers who are just starting out, still in school or operating on a tight budget, Adobe Photoshop might be a luxury that you just can’t afford. But if you find yourself in one of these categories, breathe easy; there are several free photo editing programs out there that can deliver close to the same results as Photoshop with none of the added cost.
Mac computers are powerful enough to enable you to create any sort of photographic image you want, and if you are a Mac user who is searching for an alternative to Photoshop, purchasing Pixelmator photo editor may be the right choice for you.
You’ll probably end up upgrading to photo editing software with a little more power at some point in your career. However, if you need something to work with now and you can’t spend any money, using these free Photoshop alternatives as a substitute can be a lifesaver.
Cross-Platform, Open Source Alternatives to Photoshop
GIMP
You can’t have a list like this one without including GNU Image Manipulation Program, or GIMP to those who know it. There’s a lot to love about GIMP—it features Photoshop staples like layers, masks, gradients, text tools, plug-in support and more. Best of all, it’s open source software with a large community of users, so there are plenty of GIMP tutorials and add-ons out there to help you overcome any of the program’s limitations.
Be aware that GIMP cannot output CMYK files by default, so if you’re preparing a print-ready design in 4-color, you’ll need an additional GIMP plugin with CMYK support.
Gimphoto
If you really need to work in a Photoshop-like environment, Gimphoto is a version of GIMP that imitates Adobe’s layout while still keeping it open source. The menus, terminology, and basic interface have all been tweaked to give Photoshop veterans a more familiar working environment.
Unlike the similarly-interfaced Gimpshop, Gimphoto includes many extra features, such as new brush styles, layer styles, and support for standard Photoshop plug-ins.
CinePaint
CinePaint is deep image editing software that is primarily used in video editing, but it’s also a useful tool for retouching photos because it can work with images of higher color fidelity. A higher quality image produces better results in your print projects, so this might be a program worth looking into.
Inkscape
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). The program’s native format is Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG), so you don’t have to worry about your project looking fuzzy if you try to resize it. Overall, Inkscape is a great choice for any designer who wants to learn vector illustration on a tight budget.
Photoshop Alternatives for Mac
Seashore
Seashore is open source Mac-only editing software based on GIMP, but with an interface designed to match the MAC OS X aesthetic. The result is a good-looking program that may not exactly be equivalent to Photoshop, but ultimately produces attractive results with ease.
ChocoFlop
The good news is that ChocoFlop is a formidable design tool made exclusively for the Mac OS, and there is a freeware beta version available. The bad news is, the designers decided not to continue forward with the project and will not be releasing any more versions or support for the program. However, it’s still a worthwhile tool, especially with its unique non-destructive image editing capabilities.
LiveQuartz
This simple photo editor for Mac offers multi-touch support and non-destructive filters as well as some essential drawing tools. The newest version of LiveQuartz does cost a few bucks on the App Store, but if you’re really strapped for cash, you can still download older freeware versions.
Photoshop Alternatives for Windows PCs
Paint.NET
Paint.NET might not be fancy, but it has an intuitive interface and plenty of the same features as Photoshop—though you might find yourself missing those features that it lacks. Despite the name, Paint.NET is really best used for photo editing since it doesn’t have many illustrative tools, though it’s also open source with an impressive support base.
Photo Pos Pro
Photo Pos Pro is a freeware program for Windows that’s great for beginners. The interface is easy-to-use, there’s a low learning curve and the software even provides helpful pop-up tips. These are the sort of things that might make a more experienced designer lose their mind, but can be a major boon for those who are just starting out.
Serif PhotoPlus
Many designers look at Serif PhotoPlus as a serious contender with Photoshop. Unfortunately, the advanced version does cost money (though not as much as the Adobe products will set you back.) However, there is a basic freeware version of PhotoPlus that might not have as many features, but still gives you the basics at a comparable quality to Photoshop, along with a simple, user-friendly interface.
PhotoFiltre
PhotoFiltre is an easy, intuitive program for photo editing and manipulation. True to its name, the program has a wide range of filters that make it easy for novices to jump right in and alter their images, but there’s plenty here for the seasoned pros to find appealing, too.
Pixia
Pixia is a Japanese program which has found popularity in the west and has since been translated into English. Pixia was created mainly for digital illustrations (specifically for manga and anime artists), but it has plenty of useful features for design and photo manipulation as well. The biggest downside to Pixia would be the outdated-looking interface, but if you don’t mind your editing software looking a bit “retro,” this may be the right tool for you.
Picasa
Google’s Picasa software might not have the full capacity of Photoshop, but it’s a good program for making last-minute edits. Picasa does have a few unique tricks up its sleeve such as batch editing and photo-management tools, not to mention easy integration and sharing on Google platforms.
Online Photoshop Alternatives
Pixlr
Pixlr is a great online Photoshop alternative, especially if you need to do work when you’re nowhere near your home computer. It has an impressive amount of clout for a program that works in your web browser, and it stands out for having three different levels of editing power to choose from: playful, efficient or advanced. There’s even a mobile app version for designers who are on the go and need to make quick fixes.
Splashup
Splashup is an online image editing program with a clean design interface that’s highly reminiscent of Photoshop. It doesn’t have a ton of features, but it does support layers and pixel-level control. Splashup is a good tool for beginners, especially since it allows for easy sharing on the web’s top photo sharing sites like Flickr and Facebook.
SumoPaint
SumoPaint is another web-based favorite of many professional designers, since it features an interface similar to Photoshop with plenty of the same features. There’s also an inexpensive desktop version available if you don’t want to use it in your browser, and a mobile app for illustration on the go.
Photoshop Express Editor
If you absolutely have to use Photoshop but don’t have access to it, there’s always the browser version, Photoshop Express Editor. Of course, it would be silly for Adobe to give away their product for free, so the online application has limited tools, but it’s a good option for editing essentials from a name that you trust.
Conclusion
They say a poor workman blames his tools, and the same must hold true for designers. Yes, we admit, no freeware program can serve as a complete replacement for a high-end program like Adobe Photoshop. But we truly believe that a creative, clever, budget-conscious designer can overcome the limitations of any program and create beautiful results.
Are there any free Photoshop alternatives out there that we missed? Do you have any advice for working with free photo editing software? Leave your comments below, we’re looking forward to hearing from you!
I know, when it comes to the best photo editor, we will portray only one image in our mind in no minute- “Adobe Photoshop”. There is no doubt Photoshop is world’s best photo editor that offers almost everything that comes into digital photography. But, there are so many other great Mac photo editors available out there that are may be under-hyped but are best to use and deserve the equal fame. Today, we are going to cover all the best Photo editors for Mac from a lightweight to the titan of the industry that will fulfill all your needs.
Products offered by Apple Company are always best in class and their software applications are also very impressive. As compare to normal windows based computers, the graphics quality of Mac books is way better. That is the reason why most of the graphics designers prefer using Mac operating system based devices for editing. There are many photo editors for Mac that can be used as an alternative of Photoshop. From the below provided list, choose any of the option and start editing beautiful pictures.
7 Best Photo Editors for Mac [Photoshop Alternative]
1. Adobe Photoshop – Mac Photo Editor
Our list can not start without the king of all Photo Editing apps – “Adobe Photoshop”. Photoshop has raised a high standards for other photo editors for mac by which they all are judged. Though, it initially requires some skills to use but once I get used to it, you will recognize why it comes first before all other photo editing apps. Yes, Photoshop comes with a hefty price tag but it is still used by millions of professionals across the globe. You just need to imagine what do you want to do with your image, Photoshop will do it. It’s latest CS6 Extended version has come up with Adobe Mercury Graphics Engine that will take you to the next level in terms of performance and image editing power. It’s CS6 version is by far the best product ever build that delivers new creative options, new Content-Aware features and lot more. It not only allows you to create unique designs but also movies by using it’s new and re-imagined tools and workflows.
2. Pixelmator – Mac Photo Editor
Pixelmator is an another powerful and beautifully designed Mac photo editor that provides you powerful and fast tools to retouch your images by taking complete advantage of the latest Mac technologies. This kind of photo editors for mac offers almost everything you need to do with your images in order to enhance them. Strong and pixel-accurate selection tools, new drawing tools and retouching tools, powerful color correction tools, 150 unique filters and special effects, icloud support and top-notch painting tools, this young and powerful image editor has it all.
3. Acorn – Mac Photo Editor
The main objective of it’s developers is to a best photo editor which is easy-to-use and capable enough to impress a newbie to an expert. Along with the simplicity, Acorn provides full array of editing features. Native support for Retina displays, fast operations, filter panel, layer styles, Multistop Live Gradients, allowing to create custom brushes are some of the highlighted features of Acorn. It’s new version Acorn 3, provides you more than 50 new features and refinements including layered screenshots, vector tools, web export, different shaped selections and yes, a unique Nondestructive effects. So, if you change your mind later or not happy with the effect, then don’t worry your original will remain untouched as all the changes you made will be stored within the program’s photo database.
4. Aperture 3 – Photo Editor for Mac
Aperture 3 is a terrific photo editor that puts life into your images. For quick searching and flexible organizing, it imports your photos into a database and then apply non-destructive editing operations, just like Acorn, in order to preserve your original images untouched. It also provides you amazing features like geo-tagging, face recognition, HD video support, complete control over transition and text, full screen view and lot more.
5. Adobe Photoshop Elements 11 – Photo Editor for Mac
Edit your pictures with this powerful and user friendly photo edit Adobe Photoshop Elements 11. It allows you to turn your ordinary photos into the mesmerizing one. And you can easily share them with your buddies via Facebook and other web services. Photoshop Elements 11 comes up with integrated maps, so that your geo-tagged photos can be easily located. Excellent face tagging, strong image-manipulation tools, amazing Photomerge technology,convenient Organizer to keep track of your unforgettable memories and awesome output options are it’s compelling advantages.
6. FX Photo Studio Pro – Photo Editor for Mac
Yet another powerful photo editor for mac that will not eat up all your pocket and still act as a digital powerhouse that can add breathtaking effects into your simple everyday picture. FX Photo Studio Pro is a photo editor for all as it is designed in such a way that it can please anyone, from a hobbyist to a professional. If it provides an easy-to-use to a hobbyist then at the same time, it provides powerful editing operations to a professional. More than 170 photo effects & filters, colossal collections of photo frames and borders, integration with Lightroom, Aperture, , iPhoto, Photoshop, Color splash tool and lot more other tweaks to list here. If you buy one app on this list, FX Photo Studio Pro has to be it.
7. GIMP – Photo Editor for Mac
GIMP is all-in-one photo editing software for mac that can be used for multiple purposes. It means you can used it either as a photo editing and retouching tool or as a paint program, and even as an image manipulating and image creating tool. If you are on a budget but at the same time, want powerful photo editing tools that can enhance your images then GIMP will be the best pick for you. Though it is a freeware, still it is a feature-filled image editor with a large set of image manipulation and touchup tools to retouch your images and give them a new look that you have ever imagined.