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Best Pixlr Alternative for Photographers and Designers


Snigdha
By Snigdha | Last Updated on April 27th, 2024 11:59 am

When it comes to photo editing, Pixlr has been a household name for many. Its user-friendly interface and rich features have made it a top choice for amateur photographers and graphic designers. However, Pixlr is not the only option for photo editing and design. There are numerous alternatives available that cater to different needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a free online editor, professional-grade software, or something in between, we've got you covered.

In the blog ahead, we will explore some of the best Pixlr alternatives, while discussing different aspects of each of the alternatives to Pixlr. If, however, you are looking for an option that works best for most of the common creative requirements, the AI photo editor from Appy Pie Design is perfect for you.

Pixlr: A Brief Overview

Before we delve into the Pixlr alternatives, let's take a closer look at Pixlr itself. Pixlr is an online photo editor that offers both a web-based platform and a mobile app, catering to a wide range of users, from beginners to advanced photo editors.

Pixlr provides users with a user-friendly interface, making it accessible to those with limited photo editing experience. It offers a variety of filters, overlays, and editing tools, making it a versatile choice for enhancing and retouching images. Pixlr also provides cloud storage and sharing options, allowing users to edit their photos on multiple devices and share them easily with others.

Pros

  • User-friendly interface suitable for beginners.
  • Web-based and mobile app options for convenient access.
  • A variety of filters and editing tools to enhance and retouch photos.
  • Cloud storage and sharing options.
  • Available in both free and premium versions.
Cons
  • The free version has limited features compared to the premium version.
  • It may not be as powerful or feature-rich as professional photo editing software.
  • Limited support for RAW file editing.
  • Online-only editing can be limiting for some users.
Pricing

Pixlr offers both a free version and a paid subscription model. The premium version, known as Pixlr Pro, provides additional features and costs $4.90 per month or $14.99 per year.

Best Pixlr Alternatives

Now that we have a clear understanding of Pixlr, let's explore some of the best Pixlr alternatives available in the market.
App/Software Description Pros Cons Pricing
Appy Pie Design Online design and branding platform
  • Wide range of AI-driven design tools for logos, graphics, and more
  • User-friendly platform with templates
  • Suitable for businesses and individuals
  • Offers free version with premium features available
  • Primarily designed for design and branding tasks
Not a dedicated photo editor VIsit the site for pricing, and choose a plan you like!
Adobe Photoshop Industry-standard professional photo editing software
  • Wide range of advanced editing tools
  • Supports RAW file editing
  • Extensive community and tutorials
  • Expensive for casual users
  • Steeper learning curve
  • Requires a subscription
Photography plan starts at $9.99 per month
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Photo organization and editing software
  • Tailored for photographers
  • Non-destructive editing
  • Extensive library management features
  • Not as feature-rich as Adobe Photoshop
  • Requires a subscription
Photography plan starts at $9.99 per month
GIMP Free and open-source photo editing software
  • Free and open-source
  • Extensive editing tools
  • Cross-platform compatibility
  • Active development
  • User interface may be less intuitive
  • Steeper learning curve
Free (open-source)
Photoshop Elements User-friendly Photoshop alternative for beginners
  • User-friendly interface with guided edits
  • Basic editing tools
  • Organizational features
  • Lacks advanced features of Adobe Photoshop
  • Not suitable for professionals
$99.99 as a one-time purchase (no subscription)
Fotor Photo Editor Online photo editor with user-friendly features
  • Web-based platform
  • User-friendly interface
  • Templates for designs
  • Affordable pricing
  • May not offer advanced features
  • Free version includes watermarked images
Free version with watermarked images, Pro plan starts at $3.33 per month
Affinity Photo Professional-grade photo editing software
  • Professional editing tools
  • Affordable pricing
  • Cross-platform compatibility
  • May have a learning curve
  • Lacks some Adobe Photoshop features
  • Not web-based
$54.99 as a one-time purchase (no subscription)
PicMonkey Online photo editor with design features
  • User-friendly web-based platform
  • Templates for designs
  • Touch-up tools
  • Affordable pricing
  • May lack depth of features
  • Free version includes watermarked images
Free version with watermarked images, Basic plan starts at $7.99 per month
Canva Online design platform with photo editing
  • Comprehensive design features
  • User-friendly web-based platform
  • Vast library of templates
  • Collaboration and sharing
  • May not offer advanced photo editing features
  • Some design elements may require payment
Free version with limited features, Canva Pro starts at $12.95 per month
Polarr Browser-based advanced photo editor
  • Advanced editing tools
  • Extensive support for RAW files
  • Customizable filters
  • Affordable pricing
  • May have a learning curve
  • Not as feature-rich as professional software
  • Free version includes watermarked images
Free version with watermarked images, Polarr Pro starts at $2.49 per month
ACDSee Photo management and editing software
  • All-in-one solution
  • Advanced editing tools
  • Support for RAW files
  • Fast performance
  • Suitable for amateurs and professionals
  • Not available for macOS
  • May lack some advanced features
  • Requires a one-time purchase or subscription
Pricing varies based on edition
Luminar AI-powered photo enhancement software
  • AI-powered enhancements
  • User-friendly interface
  • Advanced editing tools
  • Extensive presets and filters
  • Suitable for varying user levels
  • May not offer advanced features
  • Not available for Linux
  • Requires a one-time purchase or subscription
Luminar AI starts at $64
Paint.NET Lightweight and free photo editor
  • Lightweight and easy-to-use
  • User-friendly interface
  • Free and open-source
  • Active user community
  • Suitable for beginners
  • May lack advanced features
  • Not as powerful as professional software
Free and open-source
Photopea Browser-based Photoshop-like editor
  • Browser-based platform
  • User-friendly interface
  • Supports a wide range of file formats
  • Suitable for various tasks
  • May not offer Photoshop-specific tools
  • Lacks some advanced Photoshop features
  • Free version includes ads
Free version with ads, Premium plan starts at $9 per month
Photoscape Fun and user-friendly photo editor
  • User-friendly interface with basic editing tools
  • Fun and creative features
  • Suitable for beginners and casual editors
  • May lack advanced features
  • Not as powerful as professional software
  • Not available on macOS
Free (basic version)

  1. Appy Pie Design
  2. Appy Pie Design is an online platform that specializes in design and branding tasks, making it an ideal choice for businesses, marketers, and individuals looking to create logos, graphics, and various design elements. The platform provides a user-friendly interface with a wide range of AI-powered design tools, templates, and customization options, allowing users to craft professional-looking designs and branding materials easily.

    Pros
    • A comprehensive set of design tools for creating a variety of visual content.
    • User-friendly and accessible to individuals with varying levels of design experience.
    • Offers a library of templates, which can be customized to meet your specific design needs.
    • Collaboration and sharing features enable teams to work on projects together.
    • Affordable pricing makes it accessible to users with limited budgets.
    Cons
    • Though it has a photo editor tool, Appy Pie Design is not a dedicated photo editor
    • While a free version is available, some design elements and templates may require a premium subscription
    Pricing

    Visit the site for pricing, and choose a plan you like!

  3. Adobe Photoshop: The Industry Standard
  4. When it comes to photo editing software, Adobe Photoshop is the undisputed leader. It's an industry-standard tool used by professionals worldwide for tasks ranging from basic retouching to complex digital art creation.

    Adobe Photoshop offers a comprehensive set of editing tools, including layers, masks, filters, and a wide range of creative brushes and effects. It's widely used for photo manipulation, retouching, and digital art creation. While it comes with a steeper learning curve compared to Pixlr, it provides unparalleled flexibility and control over your edits.

    Pros
    • Industry-standard software for professional photo editing.
    • A wide range of advanced editing tools.
    • Supports RAW file editing.
    • Extensive community and tutorials available for learning.
    • Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud for seamless file management.
    Cons
    • Expensive for casual users.
    • Steeper learning curve, which may not be suitable for beginners.
    • Requires a subscription to access the latest features and updates.
    Pricing

    Adobe Photoshop is available through a Creative Cloud subscription, which includes various plans tailored to different needs. The Photography plan, which includes Photoshop and Lightroom, starts at $9.99 per month.

  5. Adobe Photoshop Lightroom: Organize and Edit Photos
  6. Adobe Photoshop Lightroom is another excellent product from Adobe, designed primarily for photo organization and editing. While it doesn't offer the same advanced capabilities as Adobe Photoshop, it excels in its niche.

    Lightroom is an all-in-one solution for organizing, enhancing, and sharing photos. It features powerful tools for adjusting exposure, color, and tone, making it a favorite among photographers for batch editing and retouching. It also provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies the editing process.

    Pros
    • Tailored for photographers with photo organization and editing needs.
    • Non-destructive editing allows you to revert changes.
    • Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud for seamless syncing.
    • Built-in presets for quick adjustments.
    • Extensive photo library management features.
    Cons
    • Not as feature-rich as Adobe Photoshop for advanced editing.
    • Requires a subscription to access the latest features.
    • May not be suitable for users looking for graphic design capabilities.
    Pricing

    Adobe Photoshop Lightroom is available as part of the Creative Cloud Photography plan, which starts at $9.99 per month.

  7. GIMP: The Free and Open-Source Powerhouse
  8. If you're looking for a free and open-source alternative to Pixlr, the GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) is an excellent choice. It's a highly capable and versatile software that has been a favorite in the open-source community for years.

    GIMP is a powerful raster graphics editor that provides advanced image manipulation features, such as layers, masks, filters, and customizable brushes. It's an excellent choice for users who prefer a Photoshop-like experience without the hefty price tag. GIMP is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.

    Pros
    • Tailored for photographers with photo organization and editing needs.
    • Extensive set of editing tools for image manipulation.
    • Supports third-party plugins for extended functionality.
    • Cross-platform compatibility.
    • Active development and updates.
    Cons
    • The user interface may feel less intuitive for new users.
    • Steeper learning curve, particularly for those familiar with Pixlr.li>
    • Lacks some advanced features present in commercial software.
    Pricing

    GIMP is completely free and open-source, making it an accessible choice for budget-conscious users.

  9. Photoshop Elements: Simplified Photoshop Experience
  10. If you want a taste of Adobe Photoshop without the complexity, Photoshop Elements is a user-friendly alternative that caters to photo enthusiasts and beginners.

    Photoshop Elements offers a simplified version of Adobe Photoshop, focusing on essential features for photo editing, organization, and sharing. It includes guided edits, automated tasks, and user-friendly tools that make it a great choice for those looking to enhance their photos without a steep learning curve.

    Pros
    • User-friendly interface with guided edits for beginners.
    • Includes basic but essential editing tools.
    • Organizational features for managing your photo library.
    • Available as a one-time purchase without a subscription.
    • Affordable compared to the full Adobe Photoshop.
    Cons
    • Lacks advanced features found in Adobe Photoshop.
    • May not be suitable for professional users.
    Pricing

    Adobe Photoshop Elements is available as a one-time purchase for $99.99. There are no subscription fees.

  11. Fotor Photo Editor: A User-Friendly Online Alternative
  12. Fotor Photo Editor is an online photo editing tool that strikes a balance between user-friendliness and functionality. It's an excellent alternative to Pixlr for those who prefer a web-based solution.

    Fotor offers a range of editing tools, filters, and effects in a user-friendly interface. It's suitable for basic photo enhancements and retouching, making it accessible to beginners. Fotor also provides templates for creating collages, social media posts, and designs.

    Pros
    • Web-based platform for convenient access.
    • User-friendly interface with basic editing tools.
    • Templates for creating designs and collages.
    • Affordable pricing, with a free version available.
    • Suitable for beginners and casual photo editors.
    Cons
    • May not offer the depth of features provided by desktop software.
    • Limited support for advanced editing and design tasks.
    • Free version includes watermarked images.
    Pricing

    Fotor Photo Editor offers a free version with watermarked images. The Fotor Pro plan, which removes watermarks and provides additional features, starts at $3.33 per month when billed annually.

  13. Affinity Photo: Professional-Grade Editing
  14. Affinity Photo is a powerful and affordable alternative to Pixlr, known for its professional-grade features and capabilities.

    Affinity Photo is a comprehensive photo editing software that competes with the likes of Adobe Photoshop. It offers advanced tools for retouching, compositing, and digital art creation. Affinity Photo is available on both Windows and macOS and provides excellent performance, making it a top choice for professionals.

    Pros
    • Professional-grade editing tools and capabilities.
    • Affordable pricing compared to Adobe Photoshop.
    • Cross-platform compatibility.
    • Non-destructive editing and layer support.
    • Extensive community and tutorials available.
    Cons
    • May have a learning curve for beginners.
    • Lacks some advanced features found in Adobe Photoshop.
    • Not available as a web-based application.
    Pricing

    Affinity Photo is available for a one-time purchase of $54.99, making it an affordable option for users seeking professional-grade features without subscription fees.

  15. PicMonkey: Easy Online Photo Editing
  16. PicMonkey is an online photo editor that offers a range of creative tools and templates. It's a great option for users who want to quickly enhance and personalize their photos.

    PicMonkey provides an array of user-friendly features, including filters, overlays, and design templates. It's suitable for tasks such as photo editing, graphic design, and creating social media posts. PicMonkey also offers easy-to-use touch-up and retouching tools for portraits.

    Pros
    • User-friendly web-based platform.
    • Templates for creating social media posts and designs.
    • Touch-up and retouching tools for portraits.
    • Affordable pricing, with a free version available.
    • Suitable for beginners and casual photo editors.
    Cons
    • May not offer the depth of features provided by desktop software.
    • Limited support for advanced editing and design tasks.
    • Free version includes watermarked images.
    Pricing

    PicMonkey offers a free version with watermarked images. The Basic plan, which removes watermarks and provides additional features, starts at $7.99 per month when billed annually.

  17. Canva: Design and Photo Editing Combined
  18. Canva is a versatile online platform that goes beyond photo editing. It's a go-to tool for creating designs, presentations, and social media content, making it an excellent alternative for those seeking a comprehensive design solution.

    Canva offers a wide range of design templates and tools, including photo editing features. It's suitable for creating social media graphics, posters, flyers, and more. Canva's user-friendly interface makes it accessible to beginners and professionals alike.

    Pros
    • Comprehensive design and photo editing features.
    • User-friendly web-based platform.
    • A vast library of templates and elements.
    • Collaboration and sharing features.
    • Suitable for both beginners and professionals.
    Cons
    • May not offer the same level of advanced photo editing features as specialized software.
    • Limited support for in-depth photo retouching.
    • Some design elements and templates may require a paid subscription.
    Pricing

    Canva offers a free version with limited features. Canva Pro, which provides access to additional templates and features, starts at $12.95 per month when billed annually.

  19. Polarr: Advanced Photo Editing in Your Browser
  20. Polarr is a powerful online photo editor known for its advanced editing capabilities. It's an excellent alternative for users who demand high-quality results without the need for desktop software.

    Polarr offers advanced editing tools, including AI-powered enhancements, curves, and masks. It's designed for users who want to take their photo editing skills to the next level. Polarr's user-friendly interface is accessible via web browsers and mobile apps.

    Pros
    • Advanced editing tools, including AI-powered enhancements.
    • User-friendly web-based platform.
    • Extensive support for editing RAW files.
    • Customizable filters and effects.
    • Suitable for users with intermediate to advanced photo editing skills.
    Cons
    • May have a learning curve for beginners.
    • Not as feature-rich as professional desktop software.
    • Free version includes watermarked images.
    Pricing

    Polarr offers a free version with watermarked images. The Polarr Pro plan, which removes watermarks and provides additional features, starts at $2.49 per month when billed annually.

  21. ACDSee: All-in-One Photo Management and Editing
  22. ACDSee is a comprehensive software solution that combines photo management and editing features. It's an ideal alternative for users who want an all-in-one platform for their photography needs.

    ACDSee provides an array of features for organizing, viewing, and editing photos. It includes advanced editing tools, non-destructive adjustments, and support for RAW files. ACDSee is available on Windows and offers a seamless workflow for photographers.

    Pros
    • All-in-one solution for photo management and editing.
    • Advanced editing tools and non-destructive adjustments.
    • Support for RAW files and extensive organizational features.
    • Fast and efficient performance.
    • Suitable for both amateur and professional photographers.
    Cons
    • Not available for macOS users.
    • May lack some advanced features present in specialized software.
    • Requires a one-time purchase or a subscription for the latest updates.
    Pricing

    The ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate 2022 is available for a one-time purchase at $89.95, while the subscription model starts at $69 per year.

  23. Luminar: AI-Powered Photo Enhancement
  24. Luminar is a photo editing software that leverages the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to simplify the editing process. It's a great alternative for users looking for quick and effective enhancements.

    Luminar incorporates AI technologies to enhance photos with a single click. It offers an intuitive interface, along with advanced editing tools for users who want to fine-tune their images. Luminar also provides a library of presets and creative filters.

    Pros
    • AI-powered enhancements for quick and effective editing.
    • User-friendly interface suitable for all levels of users.
    • Advanced editing tools for fine-tuning images.
    • Extensive library of presets and filters.
    • Suitable for users with varying levels of photo editing experience.
    Cons
    • May lack some of the advanced features found in more specialized software.
    • Not available for Linux users.
    • Requires a one-time purchase or a subscription for updates.
    Pricing

    Luminar offers a range of products, with prices varying based on the specific edition. The Luminar AI plan starts at $64.

  25. Paint.NET: A Lightweight Photo Editor
  26. Paint.NET is a lightweight and user-friendly photo editing software that provides essential features without overwhelming users. It's an excellent alternative for those seeking a simple and free solution.

    Paint.NET offers a straightforward user interface with essential editing tools, making it accessible to beginners. While it may not have the same depth of features as more advanced software, it's an excellent choice for quick edits and basic enhancements.

    Pros
    • Lightweight and easy-to-use software.
    • User-friendly interface with essential editing tools.
    • Available for free without any subscription fees.
    • Active user community and third-party plugins.
    • Suitable for beginners and casual photo editors.
    Cons
    • May lack advanced features found in more specialized software.
    • Not as powerful as professional-grade editors.
    • Limited support for advanced editing tasks.
    Pricing

    Paint.NET is completely free and open-source, making it an accessible choice for budget-conscious users.

  27. Photopea: The Browser-Based Photoshop Alternative
  28. Photopea is a browser-based photo editor that closely resembles Adobe Photoshop. It's an excellent alternative for users who want a Photoshop-like experience without the need for desktop software.

    Photopea provides a user-friendly interface with editing tools similar to Adobe Photoshop. It supports a wide range of file formats, including PSD, making it a convenient option for users who work with Photoshop files. Photopea is accessible via web browsers.

    Pros
    • Browser-based platform for convenient access.
    • User-friendly interface resembling Adobe Photoshop.
    • Supports a wide range of file formats, including PSD.
    • Suitable for tasks such as photo editing, retouching, and design.
    • Affordable pricing, with a free version available.
    Cons
    • May not offer the same depth of features as Adobe Photoshop.
    • Lacks some advanced Photoshop-specific tools.
    • Free version includes ads.
    Pricing

    Photopea offers a free version with ads. The Premium plan, which removes ads and provides additional features, starts at $9 per month.

  29. Photoscape: A Fun and User-Friendly Editor
  30. Photoscape is a fun and user-friendly photo editor that combines essential editing tools with creative features. It's a great alternative for those who want a lighthearted approach to photo editing.

    Photoscape offers a variety of editing tools, filters, and effects in a user-friendly interface. It's suitable for basic photo enhancements, collages, and animated GIF creation. Photoscape also includes tools for batch editing and resizing.

    Pros
    • User-friendly interface with basic editing tools.
    • Fun and creative features for adding effects and filters.
    • Tools for creating collages and animated GIFs.
    • Suitable for beginners and casual photo editors.
    • Available as a free software.
    Cons
    • May not offer the depth of features provided by professional software.
    • Limited support for advanced editing and design tasks.
    • Not available on macOS.
    Pricing

    Photoscape is available as a free software, making it accessible to users with budget constraints.

Pixlr vs. Appy Pie Design

Now that we've explored a variety of Pixlr alternatives, it's essential to compare Pixlr with Appy Pie Design, the platform for which this blog is being created.
Feature Pixlr Appy Pie Design
Primary Use Photo editing Design and branding
User-Friendly Interface Yes Yes
Web-Based Yes Yes
Mobile App Availability Yes Yes
Range of Features
  • Basic and advanced editing tools
  • Filters and overlays
  • Cloud storage and sharing
  • Logo and graphic design
  • Branding and identity creation
  • Templates for various design tasks
Free Version Available Yes(limited features) Yes(with premium features)
Learning Curve Beginner to Intermediate Beginner to Intermediate
Focus on Photo Editing Yes Yes
Collaboration Tools Limited sharing options Collaboration and sharing features available
Subscription Pricing Yes (Pixlr Pro) Yes (various premium plans)
Suitable for Professional Use To some extent For design and branding tasks

In summary, Pixlr is primarily a photo editor with a focus on image enhancement and retouching. It's suitable for a broad range of users, from beginners to more experienced editors. In contrast, Appy Pie Design is more of a design and branding platform, catering to businesses and individuals looking to create logos, graphics, and other design elements. While Appy Pie Design may include basic photo editing tools, it's not a dedicated photo editor like Pixlr.

Conclusion

When it comes to finding the best Pixlr alternative, the choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a free online editor, a professional-grade software, or an all-in-one design and branding platform, there's an alternative that suits you. Explore the options mentioned in this guide, and consider your level of expertise, budget, and the tasks you need to accomplish. With the right choice, you can enhance your photos, create stunning designs, and achieve your creative goals.

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Snigdha

Content Head at Appy Pie