Photoshop has long been considered the gold standard of image editing software, but it's not the only option available. There are several alternatives to Photoshop, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best Photoshop alternatives and compare them to help you decide which one is right for you.
GIMP (https://www.gimp.org/)
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free and open-source image editing software that has been around for over 20 years. It has a wide range of features that rival those of Photoshop, including layers, masks, colour correction, and more.
Pros: GIMP is free, and it is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, and Linux. It's also highly customizable, and you can install various plugins to enhance its functionality.
Cons: GIMP has a steep learning curve, and its interface can be overwhelming for beginners. It also lacks some advanced features that are available in Photoshop, such as non-destructive editing.
Affinity Photo (https://affinity.serif.com/en-gb/photo/)
Affinity Photo is a relatively new image editing software that has gained a lot of popularity among professionals. It has a clean and modern interface and offers many advanced features.
Pros: Affinity Photo is a one-time purchase, and it offers a great value for its price. It also has a fast and responsive interface and supports RAW editing and 360-degree image editing.
Cons: Affinity Photo is only available on Mac and Windows, so Linux users will need to look elsewhere. It also lacks some of the advanced features of Photoshop, such as smart objects.
Pixelmator Pro (https://www.pixelmator.com/pro/)
Pixelmator Pro is a Mac-only image editing software that offers a streamlined interface and many advanced features. It's designed to be easy to use, making it a great option for beginners.
Pros: Pixelmator Pro offers a clean and modern interface that's easy to use. It has many advanced features, such as machine learning-powered image editing and non-destructive editing.
Cons: Pixelmator Pro is only available on Mac, so Windows and Linux users will need to look elsewhere. It also lacks some of the advanced features of Photoshop, such as 3D editing and advanced masking.
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite (https://www.coreldraw.com/en/product/coreldraw/)
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite is an all-in-one design suite that includes CorelDRAW, a vector graphics editor, and Corel PHOTO-PAINT, an image editing software. It offers many advanced features and is a great option for professionals.
Pros: CorelDRAW Graphics Suite is a one-time purchase, and it offers a great value for its price. It has a vast range of features, including vector editing, page layout, and image editing.
Cons: CorelDRAW Graphics Suite is only available on Windows, so Mac and Linux users will need to look elsewhere. It also has a steeper learning curve than some of the other options on this list.
Canva (https://www.canva.com)
Canva is a web-based design platform that offers a wide range of templates for social media graphics, presentations, posters, and more. It also has a basic image editor that's suitable for simple tasks.
Pros: Canva is free to use, and it's accessible from any web browser. It's also very easy to use, making it a great option for beginners.
Cons: Canva's image editor is very basic and lacks many advanced features available in Photoshop and other software. It's also not suitable for professionals who need advanced editing features.
Conclusion
Each of the above options offers a range of features that cater to different needs. GIMP and Canva are free and easy to use, making them a great option for beginners or those on a tight budget. Affinity Photo and Pixelmator Pro are powerful image editing software that offer great value for their price, making them