Best Alternatives to Photoshop for Graphic Designers in 2024

Free Alternative of Photoshop

As a graphic designer, Adobe Photoshop has long been a go-to tool for photo editing and design creation. However, in 2024, several Photoshop alternatives are offering competitive features, cost-effective pricing, and innovative tools that may better suit your specific needs. Whether you're looking for a free solution or a more affordable paid tool, there are many excellent options that can help you deliver high-quality designs.

In this article, we'll explore the best Photoshop alternatives for graphic designers in 2024, considering factors such as usability, features, pricing, and platform compatibility.

Why Consider Photoshop Alternatives?

Cost-Effectiveness

Adobe Photoshop’s subscription model, while feature-rich, may not fit every designer's budget. Photoshop alternatives often offer lower or one-time pricing, which can be more affordable, especially for freelance designers and small businesses.

Tailored Features

While Photoshop is an all-encompassing tool, it can be overwhelming for users who need specialized tools. Alternatives often focus on niche functionalities like photo manipulation, vector graphics, or UI/UX design, giving designers more efficient workflows for specific tasks.

Performance and Speed

Some alternatives are optimized to run faster and consume fewer system resources, making them ideal for designers with older hardware or those who need speed for large-scale projects.

Top Photoshop Alternatives for 2024

Affinity Photo 2

Best for: Professional Designers and Photographers

If you’re looking for a robust Photoshop alternative with an intuitive user interface, Affinity Photo 2 is a standout option. This software is designed to cater to both novice and experienced graphic designers. It offers a wide range of advanced features such as non-destructive editing, advanced masking tools, and support for Photoshop PSD files.

Key Features:

>>> Advanced retouching tools and filters.

>>> Multiple layers and complex selection tools.

>>> High-resolution image editing support.

>>> Full support for RAW editing.

>>> One-time purchase with no subscription fees.

With its deep toolset and affordable pricing, Affinity Photo is one of the top choices for professional designers who want a Photoshop alternative.

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

Best for: Free Software Enthusiasts and Hobbyists

For those who need a powerful yet free alternative, GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is the leading choice. GIMP offers many of the same features as Photoshop, including layer-based editing, advanced retouching tools, and a broad selection of filters and effects. It’s widely used by graphic designers, photographers, and illustrators for both professional and personal projects.

Key Features:

>>> Full-featured photo editing tools.

>>> Support for various file formats including PSD.

>>> Customizable interface.

>>> Numerous plugins and extensions.

>>> Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux).

GIMP’s open-source nature makes it a top choice for budget-conscious designers looking for a powerful image editing tool.

Pixlr

Best for: Cloud-Based and Quick Edits

Pixlr brings the power of photo editing to the cloud, making it an excellent choice for graphic designers who prefer working on the go or need quick edits without installing heavy software. It offers both a free version and premium features for those seeking more advanced tools.

Key Features:

>>> Easy-to-use interface with drag-and-drop features.

>>> Advanced photo editing tools (blurring, color correction, etc.).

>>> Cloud-based, meaning you can access your projects from any device.

>>> Layer support and AI-powered tools.

>>> Affordable premium subscription.

If you want a Photoshop alternative that works in your browser and offers flexibility, Pixlr is a solid option.

Corel PaintShop Pro

Best for: Beginners and Intermediate Designers

Corel PaintShop Pro is an accessible yet powerful photo-editing tool. It's known for its ease of use, making it a great Photoshop alternative for beginners or designers who don’t need all the advanced features of Photoshop. It’s a one-time purchase software that offers strong photo editing and graphic design capabilities.

Key Features:

>>> Advanced photo restoration and retouching tools.

>>> RAW editing and multi-layer support.

>>> Simplified interface for new users.

>>> AI-powered tools for quick edits.

>>> One-time purchase fee, no subscription required.

For those seeking a Photoshop-like experience without the recurring costs, Corel Paints hop Pro is an excellent choice.

Krita

Best for: Illustrators and Digital Painters

If you're a graphic designer focused more on illustration, Krita is a fantastic free alternative to Photoshop. While it doesn’t offer as many photo editing tools, Krita shines when it comes to digital painting and illustration. With its extensive brush library, layer management tools, and customizable workspace, it’s favored by illustrators, comic artists, and concept designers.

Key Features:

>>> Brush stabilizers for smoother strokes.

>>> Full-color management support.

>>> Supports both raster and vector graphics.

>>> User-friendly interface with customizable workspace.

>>> Free and open-source.

For illustrators looking to replace Photoshop, Krita offers the best tools for painting and sketching.

Canva

Best for: Quick Designs and Social Media Graphics

For graphic designers focusing on quick design projects, especially for social media or marketing materials, Canva is a go-to option. While it doesn't have the advanced photo-editing tools of Photoshop, Canva is user-friendly and offers thousands of pre-made templates, fonts, and icons. It’s also cloud-based, meaning you can access your designs from any device.

Key Features:

>>> Drag-and-drop design interface.

>>> Hundreds of templates for social media, flyers, posters, and more.

>>> Collaboration tools for team projects.

>>> Free version available with premium features in the paid plan.

>>> Mobile and desktop apps.

If you prioritize speed over advanced photo manipulation, Canva could be the perfect Photoshop alternative.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Photoshop Alternative

When selecting the best Photoshop alternative for your graphic design needs in 2024, consider the following factors:

Budget

If you’re on a tight budget, free tools like GIMP and Krita can provide professional-level features without the cost. If you’re willing to invest, Affinity Photo and Corel PaintShop Pro offer excellent value for money.

Platform Compatibility

Ensure that the alternative you choose supports your preferred operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux). Some tools, like Pixlr and Canva, work across multiple platforms, making them highly versatile.

Feature Set

Consider what highlights are mean a lot to your work. For definite photograph altering, Proclivity Photograph and GIMP are incredible decisions. For computerized painting, Krita sparkles. Canva is great for fast plans and showcasing materials.

Learning Curve

If you’re new to graphic design, you may want a tool that’s easy to learn. Canva, Corel PaintShop Pro, and Pixlr offer intuitive interfaces for beginners. If you’re more experienced, GIMP and Affinity Photo provide advanced features that can help you take your designs to the next level.

Conclusion

In 2024, graphic designers have many excellent Photoshop alternatives to choose from. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly option like GIMP, a cloud-based solution like Pixlr, or a professional-level tool like Affinity Photo, there’s an alternative out there to suit your specific needs. Be sure to consider your workflow, budget, and feature requirements to make the best choice for your design projects.