Last updated on December 6th, 2022
We expect graphic designers to know and use Photoshop well but it is important to know that Photoshop is not the only photo editor available for designers. In fact, there are dozens of efficient alternatives to Photoshop.
List of some of the best photo editing software that you can get free of cost or buy applications for online or offline use
1. Photoshop CC
Platform: Windows/Mac
Price: From $29.99/£17.58 per month
There is no doubt that Photoshop CC is the best among the lot. It is a hugely impressive photo editing software. But it comes with a high cost for the users. The software is available solely via the Creative Cloud subscription service.
It is loaded with too many useful features including editable rounded rectangle, better 3D tools, CSS from layers, color import from web files, improved type styles, intelligent upsampling, save to clouds, smart sharpen and many more.
2. Serif PhotoPlus X6
Platform: Windows 8, 7, Vista, XP
Price: $89.99/£71.48
This photo editing software tries to replicate the tools from Photoshop for different PCs. While Photoshop CC is useful for Windows and Mac, you can use Serif PhotoPlus X6 with Windows 8, 7, Vista and XP. An advantage for the users is that the tool is available at lower price. Quality of the design will depend on the efficiency of the designer.
3. Photoshop Touch
Platform: iOS, Android
Price: $4.99/£2.99 (mobile); $9.99/£6.99 (tablet)
Photoshop Touch is another addition to the growing Photoshop family. This photo editing software can be used for Apple and Android smartphones. It carries features of Adobe’s desktop app. The designers can delightfully access features such as layers and adjustments for smartphones. You can use 29 fonts to add text to your photos.
4. Pixlr
Platform: iOS, Android
Price: Free
Pixlr has more than 600 effects, overlays and borders. It claims to be “the most popular online editing software in the world.” For those who are addicted to Photoshop, Pixlr’s interface would prove to be an easy alternative.
5. Acorn
Platform: Mac
Price: $49.99/£34.99
Acorn is an affordable photo editing software that both the hobbyists and artists can rely on for quality work. The software allows you access to features such as blending modes, curves and levels, layer styles, non-destructive filters, curves and levels and much more. Its latest version Acorn 4 comes with faster speed and an enhanced UI.
6. Aperture
Platform: Mac
Price: $79.99/£54.99
For photographers with a small budget, Aperture is an excellent replacement for costly software. The software has most of the features available with Adobe’s image editing software. But the software lacks in features such as 3D, web and animation, implying that it is useful only to average photographers. You can refine images with adjustment and enhancement tools.
7. Sumopaint
Platform: Web browser
Price: Free for basic online version, $19 for offline app
Sumopaint is an efficient browser-based photo editing software with the features from a desktop tool. You can have a free online version or buy it for offline use. But you have to install Adobe Flash Player to use this tool. A wide range of tools including pencils, shapes, text, brushes, gradients etc are available with this software. But the software lacks color models and the editor is limited to use of RGB only.