Apps with Layers
16 apps
Top Layers apps ranked by the community
Adobe Illustrator is a desktop vector editor used by designers to create logos, icons, typography, illustrations and print artwork that scale to any size. It offers precise pen and shape tools, multiple artboards, many plugins and tight integration with Photoshop, InDesign and other Creative Cloud apps, plus Firefly features such as text-to-vector generation. An iPad version is also available.
11 Adobe Illustrator alternativesPros
- Industry-standard vector tools for logos, icons and print artwork
- Tight integration with Photoshop, InDesign and Creative Cloud
- Large plugin ecosystem and Firefly text-to-vector generation
Cons
- Subscription-only, with no perpetual license
- Steep learning curve, especially the pen tool
- Can be resource-heavy on large, complex files
Cost / LicenseFree trialProprietaryCategoriesInkscape is a free, open source vector drawing program for Windows, macOS and Linux that uses SVG as its native format. Illustrators, hobbyists and web designers use it for logos, diagrams, icons, cutting-machine files and print layouts. It provides Bezier and calligraphy tools, path operations, text on path, many extensions and import/export for PDF, EPS and AI files.
10 Inkscape alternativesPros
- Free and open source on Windows, macOS and Linux
- Native SVG format, ideal for web graphics and cutting machines
- Powerful path operations and a large set of extensions
Cons
- Can feel slow with large or complex documents
- Interface is less polished than commercial vector editors
- Limited CMYK support for professional print workflows
Cost / LicenseFreeOpen sourceCategoriesAffinity is a professional creative app from Canva that merges the former Affinity Designer, Photo and Publisher into one program with vector, pixel and layout workspaces. It is free to download for Windows and macOS, while its optional Canva AI tools require a paid Canva plan. It suits designers who want an alternative to Adobe subscriptions and can import PSD, PDF and IDML files.
12 Affinity alternativesPros
- Free download combining vector, pixel and layout workspaces in one app
- Imports PSD, PDF and IDML files from Adobe workflows
- Professional tools without a mandatory subscription
Cons
- Canva AI tools require a paid Canva plan
- Smaller plugin and training ecosystem than Adobe’s
- Imported Adobe files can need manual adjustments
Cost / LicenseFreemiumProprietaryCategoriesCorelDRAW Graphics Suite is a long-running vector design package for Windows and macOS, common in sign making, apparel printing, engraving and print shops. Alongside the CorelDRAW drawing and layout app, it bundles Corel PHOTO-PAINT for bitmap editing and a browser-based companion app. It is offered as a subscription or a one-time license, and a free trial is available.
7 CorelDRAW alternativesPros
- Long-standing favorite in sign making, apparel printing and engraving
- Bundles Corel PHOTO-PAINT for bitmap editing
- Choice between a subscription and a one-time license
Cons
- Less common in agencies, which can complicate file exchange with Adobe users
- Expensive for hobbyists and occasional users
- Dense interface with a learning curve for newcomers
Cost / LicenseFree trialProprietaryCategoriesAdobe InDesign is a desktop publishing application for laying out magazines, books, brochures, reports, interactive PDFs and ebooks. It handles parent pages, multi-column text threading, advanced typography, styles and print preflight, and integrates with Illustrator, Photoshop and Adobe Fonts. Publishers, agencies and in-house design teams use it for long or complex multi-page documents.
6 Adobe InDesign alternativesPros
- Industry standard for magazines, books and long documents
- Advanced typography, styles and multi-column text threading
- Print preflight and smooth handoff with Illustrator and Photoshop
Cons
- Subscription-only, which is costly for occasional use
- Steep learning curve for newcomers to page layout
- Overkill for simple flyers or one-page designs
Cost / LicenseFree trialProprietaryCategoriesScribus is a free, open source page layout program for Windows, macOS and Linux, used to design newsletters, brochures, posters, magazines and books. It supports CMYK and spot colors, ICC color management, PDF/X export for professional printing and Python scripting. Nonprofits, schools and small publishers use it to produce print-ready files without paid software.
6 Scribus alternativesPros
- Free, open source page layout for Windows, macOS and Linux
- CMYK, spot colors and PDF/X export for professional printing
- Python scripting to automate repetitive layout tasks
Cons
- Interface feels dated and less intuitive than InDesign
- Fewer templates and tutorials than commercial layout software
Cost / LicenseFreeOpen sourceCategoriesAdobe Photoshop is a professional image editor used for retouching, compositing, graphic design and digital painting. It combines layers, masks, adjustment layers, Camera Raw processing and a large plugin ecosystem with Firefly-powered tools such as Generative Fill and object removal. It runs on Windows and macOS, with web, iPad and iPhone versions that sync through Creative Cloud.
12 Adobe Photoshop alternativesPros
- Industry standard for retouching and compositing
- Generative Fill and object removal powered by Firefly
- Vast ecosystem of plugins and tutorials
Cons
- Subscription only, which adds up over time
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Demanding on hardware with large files
Cost / LicenseFree trialProprietaryCategoriesGIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free, open source image editor used for photo retouching, image composition and digital artwork. It offers layers, masks, selection tools, a wide range of filters and scripts and plugins in Python or Script-Fu. GIMP 3.0 added non-destructive filters and a refreshed interface, and it is a common Photoshop alternative for people who want to avoid subscriptions.
12 GIMP alternativesPros
- Free, open source and available on Windows, macOS and Linux
- Layers, masks, filters and scripting in Python or Script-Fu
- Non-destructive filters since version 3.0
Cons
- Interface and workflows differ from Photoshop, which slows switchers
- Fewer AI and generative tools than commercial editors
Cost / LicenseFreeOpen sourceCategoriesPhotopea is an image editor that runs entirely in the web browser and closely follows the Photoshop interface. It opens and saves PSD files, reads formats such as XCF, Sketch, XD, PDF and RAW, and supports layers, masks, adjustment layers, vector shapes and smart objects, with files processed locally. It is free to use with ads, and an optional Premium account removes ads and adds a few extras.
8 Photopea alternativesPros
- Runs in the browser with no installation
- Opens and saves PSD files, and reads XCF, Sketch and XD
- Familiar interface that closely follows Photoshop
Cons
- The free version shows ads
- Slower than desktop apps with large, complex files
Cost / LicenseFreemiumProprietaryCategoriesPlatformsPixelmator Pro is an image editor designed for macOS that brings photo editing, retouching, illustration and graphic design into one app. It offers non-destructive layer-based editing, RAW processing and machine learning tools for upscaling, denoising, background removal and automatic enhancement. Pixelmator was acquired by Apple in 2024, and the app is sold on the Mac App Store.
9 Pixelmator Pro alternativesPros
- Native Mac design with a clean interface
- Machine learning tools for upscaling, denoising and background removal
- Combines photo editing, painting and vector design
Cons
- No version for Windows or Linux
- Fewer plugins and pro integrations than Photoshop
Cost / LicensePaidProprietaryCategoriesPlatformsKrita is a free, open source digital painting program developed by the KDE community for illustrators, comic artists, concept artists and texture painters. It offers customizable brush engines, a brush stabilizer, layers and masks, a wrap-around mode for seamless textures and frame-by-frame 2D animation. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, with a version for Android tablets and Chromebooks.
8 Krita alternativesPros
- Free, open source painting app with powerful brush engines
- Brush stabilizer and wrap-around mode for seamless textures
- Frame-by-frame 2D animation built in
Cons
- Not designed for photo editing
- Can be demanding on hardware with large canvases
- No version available for iPad
Cost / LicenseFreeOpen sourceCategoriesPaint.NET is a free image editor for Windows that began as a student project to replace Microsoft Paint and grew into a capable photo editing tool. It supports layers, blend modes, unlimited history and a wide set of effects and adjustments, and a large community library of plugins adds new effects and file formats. It is appreciated for its fast startup and simple interface.
6 Paint.NET alternativesPros
- Free, quick to start and simple to use
- Layers, blend modes and unlimited history
- Large library of community plugins
Cons
- Available only on Windows
- Lacks the advanced tools of professional editors
Cost / LicenseFreeProprietaryCategoriesPlatformsCapture One is a photo editing and asset management application known for its RAW color rendering and tethered shooting, used in studio, fashion and commercial photography. It offers layer-based local adjustments, advanced color editing, sessions and catalogs for organizing shoots, and live sharing tools for clients. It runs on Windows and macOS, with an app for iPad and iPhone.
7 Capture One alternativesPros
- Renowned RAW color rendering and advanced color tools
- Fast, reliable tethered shooting for studio work
- Layer-based local adjustments and session workflows
Cons
- Pricing is high for hobbyist photographers
- Steep learning curve for newcomers
- Fewer mobile and cloud features than Lightroom
Cost / LicenseFree trialProprietaryCategoriesLuminar Neo is a photo editor from Skylum that relies on AI tools to simplify complex edits such as sky replacement, portrait retouching, relighting and object removal. It works as a standalone app on Windows and macOS or as a plugin for Lightroom Classic and Photoshop, with extensions for upscaling, background removal and noise reduction. It targets photographers who prefer fast results to manual masking.
7 Luminar Neo alternativesPros
- AI tools make sky replacement and relighting quick
- Works standalone or as a plugin for Lightroom Classic and Photoshop
- Portrait retouching and object removal with little manual work
Cons
- Some tools come as extensions on top of the base app
- Can feel slow with large photo libraries
- AI results can look artificial without careful tuning
Cost / LicenseFree trialProprietaryCategoriesPixlr is a family of browser-based image tools, including an advanced layer-based editor, a quick editor for simple adjustments and a template-based designer for social graphics. It adds AI tools for background removal, generative fill and image generation, and is also available as mobile apps. Free use is supported by ads, with Premium plans unlocking more AI credits and tools.
8 Pixlr alternativesPros
- Browser-based editors for quick fixes or layered work
- AI background removal, generative fill and image generation
- Template-based designer for social graphics
Cons
- The free version shows ads
- AI features run on limited credits without Premium
- Less precise than desktop editors for detailed retouching
Cost / LicenseFreemiumProprietaryCategoriesProcreate is a raster painting app built for iPad and Apple Pencil, used by illustrators, comic artists, letterers and hobbyists. It offers many customizable brushes, layers and blend modes, time-lapse recording of each artwork and Animation Assist for simple frame-by-frame animation. It is sold as a one-time purchase, and its developer has committed to keeping generative AI out of the app.
6 Procreate alternativesPros
- Responsive brush engine built for Apple Pencil
- One-time purchase with no subscription
- Time-lapse recording and Animation Assist built in
Cons
- Limited to iPad and iPhone, with no desktop version
- No vector tools for scalable artwork
Cost / LicensePaidProprietaryCategoriesPlatforms
