Free Pixelmator Pro alternatives

All Pixelmator Pro alternatives

1. 

   

   Affinity

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   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
2. 

   

   Photopea

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   Photopea 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 alternatives

   Pros

   • 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 / License

   FreemiumProprietary

   Categories

   Photo Editing

   Platforms

   Web

   Features

   AI image editingBackground removalLayersVector editing

   Visit websiteMore about Photopea
3. 

   

   GIMP

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   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
4. 

   

   Adobe Lightroom

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   Adobe Lightroom is a non-destructive photo editor and organizer for processing RAW files, adjusting color and light, and managing large libraries with ratings, keywords and AI-based search. The cloud-based Lightroom syncs edits across desktop, web and mobile, while Lightroom Classic keeps catalogs on the local disk. Presets, masking and AI removal tools serve both enthusiasts and professionals.

   9 Adobe Lightroom alternatives

   Pros

   • Non-destructive RAW editing with powerful masking
   • Library tools with ratings, keywords and AI search
   • The cloud version syncs edits across desktop, web and mobile

   Cons

   • Subscription only, with no perpetual license
   • Choosing between Lightroom and Lightroom Classic can be confusing
   • Cloud storage adds to the cost for large libraries

   Cost / License

   FreemiumProprietary

   Categories

   Photo Editing

   Platforms

   WebWindowsMaciPhoneAndroid

   Features

   Color gradingCross-device syncNon-destructive editingPhoto library managementRAW photo editing

   Visit websiteMore about Adobe Lightroom
5. 

   

   Krita

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   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