When you think of Adobe Photoshop alternatives, GIMP is probably the first to come to mind. It's free, open-source, and one of the most comprehensive graphics apps out there - not much to hate. But, and I'm probably not the first to admit, GIMP isn't actually that much fun to use, simply because it's not very intuitive. Is an advanced app really worth it if you're just going to spend half the time sifting through menus for one feature?

If you're after pro-grade editing without planning on watching a bunch of tutorials just to get started, then there are better options out there. Free and open-source tools have come a long way in the creative space; they're no longer as clunky, outdated, or watered-down. I've put together a list of some of my top picks that balance ease-of-use, advanced features, and that overall Photoshop feel.

The case against GIMP

Too much friction

Don't get me wrong, I think GIMP is a fantastic option - for those who know it well and love using it. I've been using it on-and-off even before canceling my Photoshop plan, and I don't have many complaints about its editing capabilities. It can handle pretty much any Photoshop-level workflow you throw at it - masking, background removal, skin retouching, composites, light flares, double exposures, you name it.

Where it hits a wall is in the usability. Even though GIMP 3.0 finally pushed the interface closer to something more modern, it still carries a lot of that old-school open-source baggage. Even simple things like resizing and feathering don't follow the interaction patterns most people are used to. GIMP's development is pretty slow and UX changes tend to be minor - it only got true non-destructive editing this year. So, while capable, it's not my first recommendation to either newbies or casual Photoshop users.

Photopea

The free Photoshop clone

Those who have canceled their Adobe subscriptions ages ago probably already know this one. If not, it's the first place I point anyone who wants Photoshop-level edits without the price tag, and without compromising usability. Photopea is a free, browser-based image and graphics editor that was specifically developed to be a stand-in for Photoshop. It's quite literally a mirror of PS - the interface, tool layout, workflow structure, keyboard shortcuts, and all of it. You don't need to relearn anything if you're coming from Photoshop, but it's still easy enough for beginners to learn in a day or two.

The features and editing capabilities don't disappoint. It supports PSD files, so you can transfer your PS projects without a hitch. It has Smart Objects too, just like Photoshop, which allows you to edit non-destructively with a ton of advanced effects and techniques. There are typography tools, brush options, advanced selections, a magic wand, AI background removal, adjustment layers, and color controls. It's the ideal tool for anyone who needs robust image editing or graphic design tools. It also has the basics for non-editors who just want to quickly touch up their shots. Plus, no installation required.

Paint.NET

An overlooked Photoshop alternative

Paint.NET is over two decades old now, and many people have forgotten it existed somewhere between the rise of smartphones and Canva. But the devs have kept up with the times - today, it's a pretty sleek-looking app that's easy to navigate and has all the goodies for advanced editing. The UI is modernized and long-requested features have been added, and it's still completely free. The only downside is that it's Windows-only.

You get full layer support with blending modes, advanced selection tools, drawing tools, masks, transform controls, HSL editing, clone stamp, healing - everything is there. It also recently got full color management support, so embedded ICC color profiles retain their full color accuracy just as they were captured on camera or created by artists. It doesn't natively support PSD files, but you can install a PSD plugin. It does support PNG, JPEG, TIFF, AVIF, HEIC, and WebP. Don't sleep on Paint.NET just because it's old!

PhotoDemon

A surprising find

I only discovered PhotoDemon a month or so ago, and I was really impressed. PhotoDemon is a free, open-source graphics editor, and it's more similar to Paint.NET than Photopea in terms of the interface and functionality, except it can actually handle PSD files. You've also got your layers, masking, curves, blending, color adjustments, blurring, sharpening, gradients, brushes, and a solid suite of filters.

PhotoDemon isn't quite on Photopea's level, but it's what I'd recommend to anyone who's new to the open-source creative space, or new to editing in general. It's also quite a lightweight and snappy app, which makes it perfect for those with more modest hardware. Unfortunately, it's primarily a Windows app - though you might be able to run it on Linux with a compatibility layer. On the upside, it is a portable app, which is pretty neat for editors on-the-go.

No Adobe, no GIMP, no problem

Free doesn't have to mean clunky or limited. These tools show that you can get that professional GIMP-and-Photoshop-level editing without the price tag or steep learning curve. Each one proves its strengths in its own way, but they all have one thing in common: they're easier to use than GIMP.