Alternatives to Adobe Photoshop - The Best Graphic Editors Compared
Image editing programs have become an indispensable part of creative work. Whether professional photo retouching, digital painting, or quick color correction - the right software makes all the difference. However, not everyone wants or can afford to use Adobe Photoshop: high costs, complex operation, and oversized features deter many users.
Fortunately, there are now excellent alternatives that are often more affordable, more user-friendly, or even completely free. We have tested the six best cross-platform graphic editors and show you which solution best suits your needs - whether you are a beginner, hobby photographer, or professional.
1. AliveColors - The Versatile All-Rounder (alivecolors.com)
AliveColors is a powerful, cross-platform graphic editor for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It combines raster and vector graphics in an intuitive user interface and offers a comprehensive range of tools.
The software is completely free for private, non-commercial use - all features are fully accessible with no hidden costs. Commercial users can purchase a Business license as a one-time payment with lifetime validity.
A special highlight is the generative AI module for image generation. It works entirely locally - without an internet connection, without cloud dependency, and without annoying credits or tokens. LoRA models are supported for special styles.
AliveColors
Pros
✅ Completely free for non-commercial use.
✅ Local generative AI module - image creation without internet.
✅ Smart Objects - non-destructive editing and flexible compositions.
✅ Cross-platform - Windows, macOS, and Linux.
✅ Intuitive, modern user interface.
✅ Exclusive AI filters and creative effects from AKVIS.
✅ Support for 8bf plugins (compatible with many Photoshop plugins).
✅ Automated image editing and batch processing.
✅ Regular updates and active development.
✅ Free support from real people - no bots!
✅ Multilingual user interface.
Cons
❌ Not fully compatible with PSD files (limited layer support).
❌ The AI‑driven image generation module requires an NVIDIA graphics card (GTX 1060 or newer). However, this module is optional and the program works without it.
2. GIMP - The Open-Source Classic (gimp.org)
GIMP is a well-known open-source editor with extensive functionality and virtually unlimited customization through scripts and plugins. Its main drawback is a complex, unintuitive interface that requires time to learn. GIMP is aimed at users who are prepared to invest time in mastering the tool.
GIMP
Pros
✅ Completely free and open source.
✅ High customizability through scripts and plugins.
✅ Wide selection of filters and effects.
✅ Basic vector support.
✅ Supports many file formats.
Cons
❌ Complex, unintuitive user interface.
❌ No professional core functions - no native RAW support, no non-destructive editing, no Smart Objects, no vector layers.
❌ No modern AI functions.
❌ Limited automation - no native batch processing, only possible via scripts.
❌ Plugin integration cumbersome - often manual installation required, no native 8bf support (many Photoshop plugins don't work).
❌ Some functions require programming knowledge.
❌ No professional support - only community forums, no official customer service.
❌ Limited color management - CMYK support only limited, fewer options for print preparation.
❌ Performance issues with large files - not optimized for high-resolution professional work.
❌ Irregular updates - release cycles can take years, slow development.
3. Krita - The Professional for Digital Painting (krita.org)
Krita is a free open-source software aimed primarily at digital artists, illustrators, and concept artists. It offers an impressive selection of brushes that simulate natural media such as oil, watercolor, or chalk, and supports animation. Krita runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Krita's focus is clearly on digital painting. While other programs address a broader audience, Krita is the first choice for creatives who work with brushes and colors.
Krita
Pros
✅ Completely free and open source.
✅ Excellent brush engine with over 100 brushes.
✅ Supports non-destructive editing.
✅ PSD support.
✅ Optional local AI module for image generation.
✅ Runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
✅ Animation and storyboard tools.
Cons
❌ Focus is clearly on digital painting - less suitable for complex photo retouching or vector graphics.
❌ AI module requires a dedicated NVIDIA graphics card and must be installed separately.
❌ No native 8bf plugin support.
❌ No professional support - only community forums.
❌ Limited automation - batch processing only via scripts.
4. Paint.NET - Simple Editor for Windows (getpaint.net)
Paint.NET is a compact and free image editor for Windows that is valued for its simplicity and intuitive interface. It includes the necessary basic functions: layer support, various filters, and effects. The program is an excellent choice for beginners - those who don't want to delve into complex functionality. However, for more serious tasks, Paint.NET is too simple: there is no support for RAW, vector graphics, advanced color correction, or batch processing.
Paint.NET
Pros
✅ Easy to use and clear interface.
✅ Supports layers, filters, and basic adjustments.
✅ Free.
Cons
❌ Only available for Windows - no Mac, no Linux.
❌ No RAW support.
❌ No batch processing.
❌ No AI functions.
❌ No vector graphics support.
❌ Outdated user interface.
❌ Plugin integration not always seamless.
5. Movavi Photo Editor - Quick Corrections with AI (movavi.com)
Movavi Photo Editor is designed for ease of use and efficiency - it lets you get results quickly without getting bogged down in complex settings. AI-powered tools allow you to adjust colors, reduce noise, and fine-tune white balance in just a few clicks. This makes it a solid choice for users who prioritise speed and simplicity. On the downside, the editor has significant limitations: it lacks support for multi-layer projects, offers no batch processing, and uses a destructive editing workflow - meaning changes become permanent once saved.
Movavi Photo Editor
Pros
✅ Fast, intuitive operation.
✅ AI-based automation.
✅ Wide variety of filters and effects.
Cons
❌ No multi-layer support - complex compositions with multiple layers are not possible.
❌ Free version heavily restricted- you can save only up to 10 images with watermarks; copied image sections also receive watermarks.
❌ No batch processing.
❌ Destructive editing workflow.
❌ Subscription model - new updates often require purchasing a new version, leading to recurring costs.
❌ Annoying advertisements - even with a full license, users are shown ads at every program start and exit.
❌ No Linux version.
6. Affinity Studio - Free, but with AI Subscription Tie-in (affinity.studio)
Affinity Studio bundles photo editing, vector graphics, and layout into one application. However, the software is limited to Windows and macOS - a Linux version is not available. While the basic version is free, advanced AI features such as Generative Fill or background removal are locked behind a paid Canva Pro subscription. Users are also required to create a Canva account before they can download the software.
Affinity Studio
Pros
✅ Three programs in one application - seamless switching between pixel, vector, and layout modes.
✅ Comprehensive toolset for professional photo editing and retouching.
✅ Supports raster and vector graphics as well as PSD and RAW formats.
✅ Usable offline - without Canva integration and without AI functions.
Cons
❌ No Linux support.
❌ AI functions only available with paid Canva Pro subscription.
❌ Canva account required for download.
Conclusion - Which Editor Is Right for You?
The selection of image editing software is huge - there is a suitable solution for every user. Anyone already familiar with Photoshop will find AliveColors particularly easy to get used to. The similarity in operation makes switching much easier.
For private users, the free version of AliveColors is an excellent choice: it offers all functions without restrictions. Companies and professionals can opt for the Business license, which also permits commercial use. Educational institutions also benefit from attractive special prices.
Try it out - start your creative journey into the world of professional image editing today!
➡️ Test AliveColors for free now