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Top Alternatives to Adobe Photoshop Elements

Looking for Adobe Photoshop Elements alternatives? We've curated 32 top alternatives that offer similar functionality. Whether you need options, free plans, or open source solutions, explore our comprehensive list to find the perfect fit for your needs.

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Adobe Photoshop Elements Alternatives

Below you'll find the best alternatives to Adobe Photoshop Elements. We've analyzed these options based on features, user ratings, and compatibility to help you find the right solution. Each alternative offers unique advantages that might better suit your specific needs and budget.

GIMP

GIMP

Open Source Photos & Graphics Photo Editing

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a powerful, free, and open-source raster graphics editor used for image manipulation, retouching, composition, and authoring. It supports a vast array of file formats and provides sophisticated tools comparable to commercial alternatives, making it a versatile choice for photographers, designers, and artists.

Unique Features

  • Completely free and open-source, with no licensing costs.
  • Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  • Extensive set of tools for photo editing, graphic design, and digital art.

Compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements

Completely free and open-source, with no licensing costs. compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements
Steeper learning curve compared to some entry-level editors. unlike Adobe Photoshop Elements
Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop

Commercial Photos & Graphics Desktop Application

Adobe Photoshop is the industry-standard professional image editing software. It provides a comprehensive suite of tools for manipulating, retouching, and creating raster graphics. From simple photo adjustments to complex digital art, Photoshop empowers users across various creative disciplines.

Unique Features

  • Industry-leading professional image editing capabilities
  • Extensive and powerful toolset for a wide range of tasks
  • Robust support for non-destructive editing

Compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements

Industry-leading professional image editing capabilities compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements
Subscription-based pricing model unlike Adobe Photoshop Elements
Paint.NET

Paint.NET

Free Photos & Graphics Desktop Application

Paint.NET is a free and intuitive image and photo editing software designed for Windows. Initially developed as a university project, it has grown into a powerful yet easy-to-use tool, featuring layers, unlimited undo, special effects, and a wide variety of useful and powerful tools.

Unique Features

  • Intuitive and easy-to-use interface, great for beginners.
  • Supports layers and transparency for complex editing.
  • Unlimited undo history allows for risk-free experimentation.

Compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements

Intuitive and easy-to-use interface, great for beginners. compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements
Windows-only, not available on macOS or Linux. unlike Adobe Photoshop Elements
Krita

Krita

Open Source Photos & Graphics Digital Painting

Krita is a powerful, free, and open-source painting program designed for professional artists and illustrators. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for digital painting, sketching, image editing, and animation, making it a versatile solution for various creative workflows.

Unique Features

  • Free and open-source with no hidden costs.
  • Powerful and highly customizable brush engine.
  • Comprehensive layer management capabilities.

Compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements

Free and open-source with no hidden costs. compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements
Can have a learning curve for beginners. unlike Adobe Photoshop Elements
Pixelmator

Pixelmator

Commercial Photos & Graphics Desktop

Pixelmator is a powerful yet user-friendly image editor designed exclusively for macOS. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for photo editing, digital painting, and graphic design, leveraging macOS technologies for optimal performance.

Unique Features

  • Optimized performance for macOS
  • Intuitive and clean user interface
  • Powerful photo editing and retouching tools

Compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements

Optimized performance for macOS compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements
Limited compatibility with very complex PSD features unlike Adobe Photoshop Elements
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom

Commercial Photos & Graphics Desktop application

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom is a powerful photo editing and organization software designed for photographers. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for processing RAW and JPEG images, managing large libraries, and streamlining photographic workflows. Ideal for both hobbyists and professionals, Lightroom helps you bring your vision to life.

Unique Features

  • Excellent digital asset management features for organizing large photo libraries.
  • Powerful and flexible non-destructive editing workflow.
  • Comprehensive suite of tools for RAW photo processing.

Compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements

Excellent digital asset management features for organizing large photo libraries. compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements
Requires a Creative Cloud subscription. unlike Adobe Photoshop Elements
MyPaint

MyPaint

Open Source Photos & Graphics Digital Painting

MyPaint is a fast and easy-to-use digital painting program designed for artists. It features a brush engine that simulates natural media and an infinite canvas, making it ideal for sketching, drawing, and digital painting with graphics tablets like Wacom.

Unique Features

  • Excellent customizable brush engine for natural media simulation.
  • Infinite canvas allows for unrestrained drawing.
  • Well-optimized for graphics tablet use.

Compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements

Excellent customizable brush engine for natural media simulation. compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements
Lacks advanced image editing and manipulation features. unlike Adobe Photoshop Elements
Autodesk Pixlr

Autodesk Pixlr

Freemium Photos & Graphics Web Application

Autodesk Pixlr is a robust, free online photo editor offering a wide array of tools for image fixing, adjustment, and filtering directly within your web browser. It's ideal for both quick edits and more complex manipulations without requiring software installation.

Unique Features

  • Free to use with no software installation required.
  • Provides a wide range of powerful editing tools, including layer support.
  • Accessible from any device with a web browser and internet connection.

Compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements

Free to use with no software installation required. compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements
Performance can be affected by internet speed and image complexity. unlike Adobe Photoshop Elements
Photoscape

Photoscape

Freemium Photos & Graphics Photo Editor

PhotoScape is a versatile and user-friendly photo editing software designed for beginners and enthusiasts alike. It offers a wide range of tools for organizing, fixing, and enhancing your digital photos with ease. From batch editing and animated GIFs to screen capturing and RAW conversion, PhotoScape provides a comprehensive suite for your everyday photo needs.

Unique Features

  • User-friendly and intuitive interface, easy to learn.
  • Comprehensive suite of photo editing and management tools.
  • Excellent batch processing capabilities for efficiency.

Compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements

User-friendly and intuitive interface, easy to learn. compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements
Lacks advanced layer manipulation features found in professional editors. unlike Adobe Photoshop Elements
Microsoft Paint

Microsoft Paint is a foundational image editing and creation tool included with all versions of Microsoft Windows, offering basic functionalities for drawing, coloring, and manipulating images.

Unique Features

  • Included free with all Windows versions
  • Extremely simple and easy to learn
  • Low system resource usage

Compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements

Included free with all Windows versions compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements
Lacks advanced features like layers and transparency unlike Adobe Photoshop Elements
Affinity Photo

Affinity Photo

Commercial Photos & Graphics Desktop Application

Affinity Photo is a professional raster graphics editor designed for photographers and digital artists on macOS and Windows. It offers powerful tools for image editing, retouching, and complex layer manipulation without a subscription model, making it a compelling alternative to industry-standard software.

Unique Features

  • One-time purchase cost saving over time
  • Excellent performance and handles large files well
  • Comprehensive set of professional editing tools

Compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements

One-time purchase cost saving over time compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements
Smaller ecosystem of third-party plugins compared to competitors unlike Adobe Photoshop Elements
Adobe Photoshop Express

Adobe Photoshop Express

Freemium Photos & Graphics Mobile Photo Editor

Adobe Photoshop Express is a user-friendly, free mobile image editing application from Adobe, offering quick and powerful tools for enhancing photos on the go. It focuses on essential edits for mobile users.

Unique Features

  • Intuitive and User-Friendly Interface
  • Effective Retouching Tools (Healing Brush, Portrait Enhancements)
  • Good Collection of Filters and Creative Effects

Compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements

Intuitive and User-Friendly Interface compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements
Lacks Advanced Desktop-Level Features (Layers, Complex Masking) unlike Adobe Photoshop Elements
Corel PaintShop Pro

Corel PaintShop Pro

Commercial Photos & Graphics Desktop Application

Corel PaintShop Pro is a comprehensive raster and vector graphics editor for Windows, offering powerful photo editing, image creation, and graphic design tools. It provides a cost-effective alternative for users seeking professional-level image manipulation with extensive features and support for Photoshop-compatible plugins.

Unique Features

  • One-time purchase price, no subscription required.
  • Comprehensive set of photo editing and graphic design tools.
  • Supports both raster and vector editing.

Compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements

One-time purchase price, no subscription required. compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements
Windows operating system only. unlike Adobe Photoshop Elements
Acorn

Acorn

Commercial Photos & Graphics Desktop

Acorn is a powerful yet accessible image editing software designed for macOS. It offers a comprehensive toolset for photo manipulation, digital drawing, and graphic design, catering to both hobbyists and professionals.

Unique Features

  • Intuitive user interface compared to some professional alternatives.
  • Strong non-destructive editing capabilities with robust layer support.
  • Good performance and optimized for macOS.

Compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements

Intuitive user interface compared to some professional alternatives. compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements
Feature set is not as extensive as the most expensive professional suites. unlike Adobe Photoshop Elements
Sumo Paint

Sumo Paint

Freemium Photos & Graphics image-editing

Sumo Paint is a versatile, browser-based image editor and painting application. It offers a robust set of tools for both photo manipulation and digital art creation, accessible directly through your web browser without requiring installation.

Unique Features

  • Accessible directly in a web browser, no installation required.
  • Good range of digital painting tools and brush customization.
  • Supports layers for complex image manipulation.

Compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements

Accessible directly in a web browser, no installation required. compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements
Performance can be affected by internet speed and computer hardware. unlike Adobe Photoshop Elements
Photoline

Photoline

Commercial Photos & Graphics Desktop

PhotoLine is a comprehensive raster and vector graphics editor for Windows and Mac OS X, offering advanced image manipulation, color management, and desktop publishing capabilities.

Unique Features

  • Comprehensive raster and vector editing capabilities in one application.
  • Strong support for high color depth and professional color models.
  • Robust non-destructive editing workflow.

Compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements

Comprehensive raster and vector editing capabilities in one application. compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements
User interface may have a learning curve for newcomers. unlike Adobe Photoshop Elements
Imagine

Imagine

Free Photos & Graphics Image Viewer

Imagine is a versatile and lightweight image and animation viewer for Windows, offering robust support for popular formats, including GIF. It includes a range of tools for screen capture, basic image editing, batch processing, and creating animated GIFs.

Unique Features

  • Excellent performance and lightweight footprint.
  • Robust support for animated GIFs, including creation and editing.
  • Integrated screen capture with immediate editing/annotation.

Compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements

Excellent performance and lightweight footprint. compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements
User interface appearance is somewhat dated. unlike Adobe Photoshop Elements
PicsArt

PicsArt

Freemium Photos & Graphics Photo Editor

PicsArt stands out as a comprehensive mobile and web-based creative platform, offering robust image editing, collage creation, drawing tools, and a vibrant social community for sharing and discovering artistic content. It caters to both beginners and more experienced users looking to enhance their photos and express their creativity.

Unique Features

  • Extensive range of editing tools for various needs.
  • Comprehensive collage creation features.
  • Capable digital drawing module included.

Compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements

Extensive range of editing tools for various needs. compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements
Interface can feel cluttered due to the number of features. unlike Adobe Photoshop Elements
Fotor

Fotor

Freemium Photos & Graphics Web Application

Fotor is a comprehensive online photo editor and design tool, offering a wide array of features for both professional image manipulation and creative graphic design. It combines robust editing capabilities with user-friendly design templates.

Unique Features

  • Accessible directly through a web browser, no installation required.
  • Combines photo editing and graphic design features in one platform.
  • Offers a large library of pre-designed templates for various uses.

Compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements

Accessible directly through a web browser, no installation required. compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements
Performance can be dependent on internet connection speed. unlike Adobe Photoshop Elements
PicMonkey

PicMonkey

Freemium Photos & Graphics Web-based

PicMonkey is a comprehensive online photo editing and design tool, ideal for social media, marketing materials, and personal photo enhancements. It provides an intuitive interface with powerful features for retouching, effects, graphics, and templates.

Unique Features

  • User-friendly interface suitable for beginners and experienced users.
  • Combines powerful photo editing and graphic design tools in one platform.
  • Extensive library of templates for quick graphic creation.

Compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements

User-friendly interface suitable for beginners and experienced users. compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements
Subscription required to access full features and content. unlike Adobe Photoshop Elements
Mylio

Mylio

Freemium Office & Productivity Desktop Application

Mylio helps you organize, protect, and access your photos and videos across all your devices without relying solely on cloud storage. It leverages a unique approach to keep your entire library synchronized and accessible, offering powerful organization, editing, and sharing tools.

Unique Features

  • Excellent cross-device synchronization without constant cloud dependency.
  • Powerful organization features including facial recognition and tagging.
  • Integrated non-destructive photo editor with RAW support.

Compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements

Excellent cross-device synchronization without constant cloud dependency. compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements
Requires devices to be online periodically for full synchronization. unlike Adobe Photoshop Elements
Hornil StylePix

Hornil StylePix

Freemium Photos & Graphics Desktop Application

Hornil StylePix is a feature-rich yet lightweight image editor designed for both casual users and hobbyists. It provides a comprehensive set of tools for image editing, photo retouching, drawing, and batch processing in a portable package, making it a versatile choice for various graphic tasks.

Unique Features

  • Excellent performance and lightweight design.
  • Portable, can be run without installation.
  • Comprehensive set of image editing tools including layers.

Compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements

Excellent performance and lightweight design. compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements
Feature set might not be as extensive as professional-grade software. unlike Adobe Photoshop Elements
MyBrushes

MyBrushes

Commercial Photos & Graphics Digital Painting Software

MyBrushes is a powerful digital painting and drawing software designed for macOS, offering an expansive collection of customizable brushes, robust layer support, and an infinite canvas for both professional artists and enthusiasts to create stunning artwork.

Unique Features

  • Highly customizable and extensive brush collection.
  • Robust layer management system for complex artwork.
  • Unique infinite canvas feature provides unlimited creative space.

Compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements

Highly customizable and extensive brush collection. compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements
Image editing capabilities are basic. unlike Adobe Photoshop Elements
Photopea

Photopea

Free Photos & Graphics Photo Editing

Photopea is a powerful, free online image and photo editor that runs directly in your web browser. It supports a wide range of file formats including PSD, AI, XD, Sketch, PDF, XCF, and RAW, making it a versatile alternative to desktop software. With a familiar interface similar to Adobe Photoshop, it offers advanced editing tools for photographers, graphic designers, and digital artists.

Unique Features

  • Completely free to use with no installation required.
  • Supports a vast range of file formats, including PSD, AI, and RAW.
  • User interface is very similar to Adobe Photoshop, reducing the learning curve.

Compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements

Completely free to use with no installation required. compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements
Requires an internet connection to function. unlike Adobe Photoshop Elements
GraphicConverter

GraphicConverter

Commercial Photos & Graphics Image Editor

GraphicConverter is a powerful image editing and file conversion software for macOS. It supports a vast array of image formats, offering comprehensive tools for photo retouching, batch processing, and image management, making it a versatile solution for both amateur and professional photographers and designers.

Unique Features

  • Extensive support for a wide range of image file formats.
  • Powerful and efficient batch processing capabilities.
  • Competent image editing features, including layers and retouching tools.

Compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements

Extensive support for a wide range of image file formats. compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements
User interface can feel a bit dated compared to more modern applications. unlike Adobe Photoshop Elements
Microsoft Expression Design

Microsoft Expression Design was a professional graphic design tool for creating vector and raster images, primarily for web use. It offered a range of design and illustration features, including vector drawing, image editing, and support for various file formats.

Unique Features

  • Strong support for SVG format
  • Hybrid vector and raster editing capabilities
  • Intuitive user interface

Compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements

Strong support for SVG format compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements
Discontinued software with no updates or support unlike Adobe Photoshop Elements
Serif PhotoPlus

Serif PhotoPlus is a powerful image editing software for Windows, offering a comprehensive suite of tools for photo manipulation, retouching, and creative effects. It was known for its user-friendly interface and robust feature set, catering to both beginners and experienced photographers.

Unique Features

  • Feature-rich for its price point
  • User-friendly interface
  • Supports layers and non-destructive editing

Compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements

Feature-rich for its price point compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements
Software is discontinued and no longer supported unlike Adobe Photoshop Elements
Leonardo

Leonardo

Commercial Photos & Graphics Digital Painting Software

Leonardo is a cutting-edge digital painting software designed for artists of all levels, offering a focus on speed, precision, and a seamless user experience. It provides essential tools for sketching, illustration, and digital painting.

Unique Features

  • Exceptional drawing performance and responsiveness.
  • Innovative and useful infinite canvas.
  • Clean and intuitive user interface.

Compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements

Exceptional drawing performance and responsiveness. compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements
Feature set is more focused compared to some industry-leading software. unlike Adobe Photoshop Elements
Corel AfterShot Pro

Corel AfterShot Pro is a powerful and comprehensive raw image processing software designed for photographers seeking enhanced control, speed, and flexibility in their photo workflow. It offers robust non-destructive editing capabilities, advanced retouching tools, efficient photo organization, and rapid raw conversion.

Unique Features

  • Excellent performance and speed, especially with large raw files.
  • Robust non-destructive editing workflow.
  • Comprehensive raw processing capabilities.

Compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements

Excellent performance and speed, especially with large raw files. compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements
User interface can feel somewhat dated. unlike Adobe Photoshop Elements
PicSay

PicSay

Freemium Photos & Graphics Mobile Application

PicSay is a comprehensive photo editor for Android devices, designed to empower users with a wide array of tools for enhancing and manipulating their images. It offers intuitive features for color correction, applying effects, retouching photos, and adding creative elements like text and graphics, making photo editing accessible and enjoyable on the go.

Unique Features

  • Comprehensive set of editing tools
  • Includes features like healing brush and retouching
  • Offers creative options like overlays and gradients

Compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements

Comprehensive set of editing tools compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements
User interface could benefit from modernization unlike Adobe Photoshop Elements
Capture One Pro

Capture One Pro is a professional-grade raw converter and image editing software renowned for its exceptional image quality, powerful editing tools, and efficient workflow. It offers extensive support for a wide range of cameras and lenses, making it a top choice for demanding photographers.

Unique Features

  • Exceptional raw image quality with superior color and detail.
  • Industry-leading camera tethering capabilities.
  • Advanced and precise color editing tools.

Compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements

Exceptional raw image quality with superior color and detail. compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements
Can be resource-intensive, requiring a powerful computer. unlike Adobe Photoshop Elements
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic is a powerful desktop application designed for professional photographers to organize, edit, and publish their digital images. It excels in managing large photo libraries and providing sophisticated non-destructive editing tools.

Unique Features

  • Industry-leading Digital Asset Management for large photo libraries.
  • Powerful and comprehensive non-destructive editing tools.
  • Excellent RAW file processing capabilities.

Compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements

Industry-leading Digital Asset Management for large photo libraries. compared to Adobe Photoshop Elements
Requires a subscription. unlike Adobe Photoshop Elements

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