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Free Photopea alternatives

Top Photo Editing like Photopea

The most popular alternative to Photopea is GIMP, which has a free version. Other great alternatives to Photopea are Pixlr, Affinity, Paint.NET, and Krita.

Most alternatives to Photopea are in the Photo Editing category, compared here by price, platform and features.

Photopea alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
6 apps

All Photopea alternatives

  1. GIMP

    GIMP (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 alternatives

    Pros

    • 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 / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
    Photo Editing
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    AI image editingDigital paintingLayersNon-destructive editingPlugins & extensions
    Visit websiteMore about GIMP

  2. Pixlr

    4.3(5.2K) · App Store

    Pixlr 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 alternatives

    Pros

    • 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 / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Photo EditingGraphic Design
    Platforms
    WebiPhoneAndroid
    Features
    Background removalImage generationLayersTemplates
    Visit websiteMore about Pixlr

  3. Affinity

    Affinity 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 alternatives

    Pros

    • 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 / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Graphic DesignPhoto Editing
    Platforms
    WindowsMac
    Features
    Digital paintingLayersNon-destructive editingRAW photo editingVector editing
    Visit websiteMore about Affinity

  4. Paint.NET

    Paint.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 alternatives

    Pros

    • 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 / License
    FreeProprietary
    Categories
    Photo Editing
    Platforms
    Windows
    Features
    AI image editingLayersPlugins & extensions
    Visit websiteMore about Paint.NET

  5. Krita

    Krita 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 alternatives

    Pros

    • 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 / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
    Photo EditingGraphic Design
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinuxAndroid
    Features
    AnimationDigital paintingLayersPlugins & extensions
    Visit websiteMore about Krita

  6. Canva

    4.9(3.6M) · App Store

    Canva is an online design editor built around drag-and-drop templates for social media graphics, presentations, posters, videos and documents. It targets non-designers and marketing teams, with a large stock library, brand kits, real-time collaboration and Magic Studio AI tools for creating and editing images and text. It runs in the browser and as desktop and mobile apps.

    12 Canva alternatives

    Pros

    • Huge template library makes design accessible to non-designers
    • Real-time collaboration and brand kits for marketing teams
    • Available on web, desktop and mobile, with Magic Studio AI tools

    Cons

    • Many templates, assets and AI features sit behind the Pro plan
    • Popular templates can make designs look like everyone else’s
    • Limited precision for print production or advanced vector work
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Graphic DesignPresentation Software
    Platforms
    WebWindowsMaciPhoneAndroid
    Features
    Background removalBrand kitImage generationReal-time collaborationStock media libraryTemplates
    Visit websiteMore about Canva

Photopea vs its alternatives at a glance

Pricing, platforms and the key features of Photopea, compared with its most popular alternatives.

Photopea vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsAI image editingBackground removalLayersVector editing
PhotopeaFreemiumWeb
GIMPFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
PixlrFreemiumWeb, iPhone, Android
AffinityFreemiumWindows, Mac
Paint.NETFreeWindows
KritaFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux, Android

Photopea alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Photopea?

The most popular alternative to Photopea is GIMP: Free and open source raster image editor for Windows, macOS and Linux. Other great alternatives are Pixlr, Affinity, Paint.NET, and Krita.

Is there a free alternative to Photopea?

Yes, 6 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including GIMP, Pixlr, Affinity, and Paint.NET.

Is there an open source alternative to Photopea?

Yes, 2 open source alternatives are listed, including GIMP and Krita.

Is Photopea free?

Photopea has a free plan, with paid plans that unlock more features.

Compare Photopea with its alternatives

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