Back to blog

Photoshop Alternatives: Top 10 Graphic Design Tools in 2024

---

In today’s world, photo editing plays a crucial role in various fields, from professional photography to social media. With the rise of digital platforms, the demand for visually appealing content has surged, making photo editing an essential skill. People use edited photos for marketing, personal expression, communication, and even to enhance their professional image.

Speaking of AI tools, these tools use artificial intelligence to simplify complex editing tasks, making them accessible to everyone. With AI, users can automatically enhance images, remove backgrounds, and even generate creative content with minimal effort. This technology is revolutionizing the way we approach photo editing, making it faster, more efficient, and user-friendly.

Best Free Graphic Design Tools

Overview – Photoshop

Photoshop is a widely recognized photo editing software available for both Windows and macOS. It is known for its extensive range of features that cater to both beginners and professionals in various fields such as photography, graphic design, and digital art.

Features: Photoshop includes tools for image retouching, color correction, compositing, and manipulation. It also supports advanced techniques like layer-based editing, 3D design, and video editing. The latest versions incorporate AI-powered features like Generative Fill and Generative Expand, which use simple text prompts to perform complex edits.

Pros:

• Comprehensive set of editing tools
• Regular updates with new features
• Strong community and extensive tutorials
• Cross-platform availability

Cons:

• Expensive compared to other photo editors
• Requires a subscription for full access
• Steeper learning curve for beginners

Pricing: Photoshop is available through Adobe’s Creative Cloud subscription. The standalone Photoshop plan costs $20.99 per month. There is also a 7-day free trial available for new users. Adobe offers a discount for students and teachers, providing access to the Creative Cloud All Apps plan at a reduced rate.

1.Appy Pie Design

Appy Pie Design is a cloud-based graphic design tool that leverages artificial intelligence to simplify the creation of various digital content. It’s designed for users of all technical levels, making it easy to create graphics, videos, and animations.

Features: Appy Pie Design offers a wide range of AI-powered tools including an image generator, photo enhancer, image resizer, background remover, and photo editor. These tools can transform text into images, enhance photo quality, and remove backgrounds effortlessly. The platform also provides customizable design templates and a large library of stock photos.

Pros:

• Easy to use with no coding required
• Wide range of AI-powered design tools
• Affordable pricing with a free trial
• Large library of templates and stock images

Cons:

• Some advanced features may require additional costs

Pricing: Appy Pie Design offers a 7-day free trial. After the trial, the service costs $8 per month or $84 annually. There is also a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the service.

2. GIMP

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free, open-source photo editing software. It is available for various operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Features: GIMP provides a comprehensive set of tools for tasks such as photo retouching, image composition, and image authoring. It supports various file formats and has a customizable interface with the ability to add third-party plugins.

Pros:

• Completely free and open-source
• Highly customizable with plugins
• Supports a wide range of file formats
• Powerful features comparable to paid software

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve for beginners
• Interface may feel outdated compared to modern tools

Pricing: GIMP is free to download and use. There are no hidden fees or premium versions.

3. Photo Pos Pro

Photo Pos Pro is a free photo editing software aimed at both beginners and advanced users. It offers a range of features to enhance and edit photos.

Features: The software includes tools for photo retouching, special effects, and powerful color management. It also provides templates and supports layers and masks for advanced editing.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface with beginner and advanced modes
• Rich set of editing tools and effects
• Supports layers and masks

Cons:

• Free version has limited output resolution
• Advanced features require a paid upgrade

Pricing: Photo Pos Pro offers a free version with limited capabilities. The Pro version costs $49.90 for a lifetime license.

4. LightZone

LightZone is a free, open-source digital photo editor aimed at photographers. It supports non-destructive editing and offers a wide range of tools for photo enhancement.

Features: LightZone features tools for basic editing, tone curve adjustments, and localized editing. It also supports RAW files and provides a non-destructive workflow.

Pros:

• Free and open-source
• Non-destructive editing workflow
• Good RAW file support

Cons:

• Limited community support compared to more popular tools
• May not have as many advanced features as paid software

Pricing: LightZone is free to download and use.

5. Pixlr

Pixlr is a cloud-based photo editor that offers both free and paid versions. It is accessible through web browsers and mobile apps.

Features: Pixlr provides a range of editing tools including filters, effects, and overlays. It supports various file formats and offers an intuitive interface suitable for both beginners and advanced users.

Pros:

• Easy to use with a clean interface
• Available on multiple platforms
• Offers both free and premium versions

Cons:

• Free version has ads
• Some advanced features are locked behind a paywall

Pricing: Pixlr offers a free version with ads. The Premium version costs $4.90 per month, and the Creative Pack is $14.99 per month.

6. Darktable

Darktable is a free and open-source photography workflow application and RAW developer. It is designed for photographers to manage digital negatives in a database and view them through a zoomable light..

Features: Darktable offers a range of non-destructive editing features and supports various file formats. It includes modules for basic adjustments, color correction, and creative effects.

Pros:

• Free and open-source
• Non-destructive editing
• Strong RAW file support

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve for beginners
• Interface can be complex

Pricing: Darktable is free to download and use.

7. PhotoScape X

PhotoScape X is a photo editing software that offers a variety of tools for editing, enhancing, and organizing photos. It is available for both Windows and macOS.

Features: PhotoScape X includes tools for photo retouching, batch editing, collage making, and more. It also supports RAW files and provides numerous filters and effects.

Pros:

• Easy to use with a comprehensive set of tools
• Supports batch editing
• Available on both Windows and macOS

Cons:

• Some features require a paid upgrade
• Interface may feel cluttered

Pricing: PhotoScape X offers a free version with basic features. The Pro version costs $39.99 for a one-time purchase.

8. InPixio

InPixio is a photo editing software designed to simplify the editing process. It offers a range of tools for enhancing and transforming photos.

Features: InPixio provides tools for background removal, photo enhancement, and photo montage. It also includes features like one-click image correction and creative filters.

Pros:

• User-friendly with simple tools
• Effective background removal tool
• Quick one-click corrections

Cons:

• Advanced features require a paid version
• Free version has limited functionality

Pricing: InPixio offers a free version with limited features. The Premium version starts at $49.99 per year.

9. Photopea

Photopea is a free online photo editor that offers advanced editing features. It is designed to be an alternative to Adobe Photoshop and works directly in web browsers.

Features: Photopea supports PSD, XCF, Sketch, XD, and CDR formats. It provides a wide range of tools for image editing, retouching, and creating graphics. It also supports layers and masks.

Pros:

• Free and accessible via web browsers
• Supports various file formats
• Comprehensive set of editing tools

Cons:

• Free version has ads
• May run slower compared to desktop applications

Pricing: Photopea is free to use with ads. You can remove ads by subscribing for $9 per month or $40 per year.

10. Movavi Photo Editor

Movavi Photo Editor is a paid photo editing software known for its simplicity and effectiveness. It is available for both Windows and macOS.

Features: Movavi offers tools for photo retouching, object removal, background change, and color correction. It also includes artistic filters and frames.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface
• Effective object removal and background change tools
• Quick and easy to use

Cons:

• Paid software with no free version
• Limited advanced features compared to other professional tools

Pricing: Movavi Photo Editor costs $39.95 for a one-time purchase. There is also a free trial available.

Conclusion

Choosing the right graphic design tool can make a big difference in your editing experience and final results. Each of the design tools listed has unique features that suit different needs.

By choosing the right tool, you can get the features you need without spending a dime. Evaluate what features matter most to you and pick a graphic design tool that fits those needs. Each of these free design tools has its strengths, so take some time to explore them and see which one works best for your projects.