1. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)
- Company Name: GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)
- Founders: Spencer Kimball and Peter Mattis
- Founded Year: 1995
- Headquarters: Global (Open-source project, no physical headquarters)
- Product Categories: Image editing, graphic design
- Description: GIMP is a popular free and open-source raster graphics editor. It is a highly versatile tool for tasks such as photo retouching, image composition, and image authoring. GIMP is often considered the best free alternative to Adobe Photoshop, offering powerful features and a customizable interface.
- Key Features:
- Free and open-source
- Extensive plugin support
- Layer-based editing
- Customizable interface
- Advanced photo manipulation tools
- Support for various file formats
- Non-destructive editing
2. Affinity Photo
- Company Name: Serif
- Founders: David and Ashley Harris
- Founded Year: 1987 (Serif), Affinity Photo launched in 2014
- Headquarters: Nottingham, UK
- Product Categories: Photo editing, graphic design
- Description: Affinity Photo is a professional photo editing software that rivals Adobe Photoshop with a one-time purchase price. It is known for its high performance, wide range of editing tools, and compatibility with PSD files. A great alternative for photographers and graphic designers alike.
- Key Features:
- One-time purchase, no subscription
- Support for PSD files
- Advanced layer and mask support
- Non-destructive editing
- High-performance editing tools
- Extensive retouching and painting tools
- 360-degree image editing
3. Corel PaintShop Pro
- Company Name: Corel Corporation
- Founders: Michael Cowpland
- Founded Year: 1985 (Corel), PaintShop Pro launched in 1990
- Headquarters: Ottawa, Canada
- Product Categories: Photo editing, graphic design, video editing
- Description: Corel PaintShop Pro is a feature-packed image editor designed for both beginners and professionals. It offers a wide array of photo editing tools, brushes, and effects that make it a strong alternative to Adobe Photoshop. PaintShop Pro is available as a one-time purchase.
- Key Features:
- One-time payment option
- AI-powered tools
- Smart Photo Fix and automatic adjustments
- Extensive brush and filter library
- Batch processing support
- Multi-layered editing
- 4K support
4. Krita
- Company Name: Krita Foundation
- Founders: Matthias Ettrich
- Founded Year: 1999
- Headquarters: Global (Open-source project, no physical headquarters)
- Product Categories: Digital painting, illustration, photo editing
- Description: Krita is an open-source, professional-grade digital painting and illustration software that provides advanced tools for artists. While its main focus is on digital painting, it also offers tools for photo manipulation and graphic design, making it an excellent free alternative to Photoshop.
- Key Features:
- Free and open-source
- Advanced brush engine
- High-quality texture and pattern support
- Layer management tools
- Animation support
- Supports multiple color models
- Customizable shortcuts
5. Pixlr
- Company Name: Inmagine Group
- Founders: Inmagine Group
- Founded Year: 2008
- Headquarters: Malaysia
- Product Categories: Online image editing
- Description: Pixlr is an online photo editor offering both free and premium tools. It is accessible directly through a web browser, making it ideal for users who need a quick and simple editing solution. Pixlr is a great option for casual users who require basic photo editing features.
- Key Features:
- Free and premium versions available
- Online, no installation required
- User-friendly interface
- Basic to advanced photo editing tools
- Layer support
- Cloud storage integration
- Multiple pre-set filters
6. Photopea
- Company Name: Photopea
- Founders: Ivan Kuckir
- Founded Year: 2013
- Headquarters: Czech Republic
- Product Categories: Web-based image editing
- Description: Photopea is a free, online photo editor that offers Photoshop-like features directly in your browser. It supports PSD, XCF, and other common file formats, making it an excellent alternative to Adobe Photoshop for users on the go.
- Key Features:
- Free web-based photo editor
- PSD and XCF file compatibility
- Layer and masking tools
- Advanced selection tools
- Smart object support
- No installation required
- Vector graphics support
7. Paint.NET
- Company Name: DotPDN LLC
- Founders: Rick Brewster
- Founded Year: 2004
- Headquarters: United States
- Product Categories: Image editing, graphic design
- Description: Paint.NET is a free, user-friendly image editing software that offers essential editing tools for basic to advanced photo manipulation. While not as powerful as Photoshop, it serves as an excellent alternative for beginners and casual users.
- Key Features:
- Free to use
- Layer support
- Special effects and filters
- User-friendly interface
- Unlimited undo history
- Plugin support
- Image and photo enhancement tools
8. Luminar AI
- Company Name: Skylum Software
- Founders: Alex Tsepko, Daria Tsolak
- Founded Year: 2009
- Headquarters: Kyiv, Ukraine
- Product Categories: Photo editing, AI-powered tools
- Description: Luminar AI is an advanced photo editing software that focuses on AI-based tools for photographers. It offers features like automated sky replacement, portrait enhancement, and scene enhancement. Luminar AI is designed for those looking for a quick, efficient alternative to Adobe Photoshop.
- Key Features:
- AI-powered editing tools
- One-click enhancement options
- Sky replacement tool
- Advanced portrait retouching
- Layer support
- RAW file editing
- Non-destructive editing
9. Seashore
- Company Name: Seashore Project (Open-source)
- Founders: Open-source community
- Founded Year: 2007
- Headquarters: Global (Open-source project, no physical headquarters)
- Product Categories: Image editing
- Description: Seashore is a simple, open-source image editor for macOS. Built on the same technology as GIMP, it offers a lightweight and intuitive interface for users who need basic photo editing tools without the complexity of larger applications like Photoshop.
- Key Features:
- Free and open-source
- Mac-specific interface
- Simple editing tools
- Supports multiple layers
- Image enhancement filters
- Easy-to-use interface
- Undo history
10. ArtRage
- Company Name: Ambient Design Ltd.
- Founders: Ambient Design Team
- Founded Year: 2004
- Headquarters: New Zealand
- Product Categories: Digital painting, drawing, graphic design
- Description: ArtRage is a digital painting software designed to replicate real-world painting techniques like oil paints, watercolors, and pencils. It is widely favored by artists and illustrators, offering a unique and intuitive painting experience while still providing editing tools.
- Key Features:
- Realistic painting simulation
- Advanced brush customization
- Layer-based editing
- Customizable canvas options
- High-quality texturing tools
- Multiple painting tools (pencil, oil, watercolors,
