Tips & Tricks

Best Photoshop Alternatives – Top 6 Easy-To-Use Photo Editors

We all really love expressing ourselves through photography but even a professional can’t make a perfect shot on the first try. That’s why more often than not the pictures we took need some editing to conceal small imperfections and correct bigger errors, and this is where image editing programs come in handy. Is there an app as powerful as Photoshop but not so hard-to-grasp? Here I’ve put to the test several programs and tried to find the best Adobe Photoshop alternative. Keep on reading this review and find your ideal tool that will make your photos look more charming!

List of Photoshop alternatives

1. Wondershare Fotophire

This Photoshop substitute is developed by a well-known software company and is equipped with a powerful photo editing toolkit. If you launch this program, you’ll see that it divides basic functions into the following three categories: Photo Editor, Photo Cutter and Photo Eraser. Switching from one module to the other, you’ll be able to adjust the color balance of your photo, completely erase the background or replace it, and remove unwanted elements like odd objects or skin imperfections. Try the free version here: https://photo.wondershare.com

Fotophire software

Pros

  • Intuitive animated interface
  • Gradual photo tweaking in 3 modules
  • Convenient before & after views
  • 200+ creative effects and filters
  • Automatic color detection
  • Available image editing extensions
Cons
 
  • Too slow to switch among the modules
  • One-year license for quite a price
  • No cheaper versions with basic functions

2. PhotoWorks

This all-in-one photo editor is like a cheap Photoshop which can make your pictures look more professional as well as visually appealing. Do a lot of necessary photo tweaking in a few clicks – right from boosting the colors, eliminating distortions and any other imperfections to applying creative effects and adding captivating captions. There’s also a great feature that allows you to undo any action without losing the rest of your work. Click here: https://photo-works.net and download the demo.

PhotoWorks image editor

Pros

  • Absolutely user-friendly interface
  • Non-destructive photo editing process
  • Auto color & quality enhancement
  • Awesome one-click photo effects
  • Magical brushes for smart retouching
  • Smart lens distortion correction
  • Pop-up tips for key tools
Cons
 
  • Some options are hard to find
  • Could be more text styles

3. PhotoPad

This Photoshop replacement is probably the easiest program to grasp for novice photo editors in this list. It provides all the necessary tools for image editing and retouching like AutoFix for quick auto enhancement, Crop to put the best parts into focus, Red Eye Removal to retouch your portrait shots, and many more impressive features. Personally, I like this program for a great combination of basic and advanced editing tools. If you want to give it a try, get the free version of the program here: https://www.nchsoftware.com/photoeditor/

PhotoPad software

Pros

  • Batch photo editing process
  • Regional effects to selected parts
  • 250+ fonts inside
  • Built-in collage generator
  • Share right from the app
  • Available mobile versions
Cons
 
  • Old-fashioned interface
  • Sometimes hard-to-navigate

4. Zoner Photo Studio X

I’d recommend this photo editing program for both hobbyists and advanced users as it gradually offers plenty of tools ranged from simple ones to more sophisticated. The interface of this Photoshop substitute is split into four sections: Manager, Develop, Editor and Create. The first one is used to navigate through your photo collection, the second offers global editing options, the third provides filters and effects and the fourth shows ways to save your picture. Learn more about the software and get a free trial here: https://www.zoner.com/en/spectacular-free-photo-editor

Zoner photo editor

Pros

  • Full-featured system for organizing photos
  • Easy to switch among sections
  • Ability to hide unused drop-down menus
  • Batch photo editing process
  • Save the photo as collage/postcard
  • Built-in video & slideshow maker
Cons
 
  • A little bit overstuffed interface
  • No forum to share ideas or communicate

5. ACDSee Photo Editor 10

In fact, this software is the closest alternative to Adobe Photoshop in my list. Having a similar interface, it still works well for users who do not require or can’t get the hang of advanced image manipulation features. With so many impressive features, such as erasing unwanted objects, adding various effects and filters to your photo, and targeting only the chosen areas, this image editor is worth the value. Download the free demo here: https://www.acdsee.com/en/products/acdsee-photo-editor

ACDSee software

Pros

  • Customizable panes and toolbars
  • Non-destructive adjustments
  • RAW files support
  • Layered retouching & photo repair
  • Additional Photoshop plug-ins
  • In-application support
Cons
 
  • Need some time to grasp
  • No HDR & lens distortion correction

6. ON1 Effects

Among the best Photoshop alternatives, this software is the newest one but it certainly has plenty of editing functions to offer. The toolbars are so well-positioned that you always have everything necessary at hand and don’t have to tiresomely search for some particular feature. Alongside a vast collection of ready-made effects and presets, the program gives you a chance to tweak the photo by yourself with an array of special brushes and masks. Check out the free version here: https://www.on1.com/products/effects10/

ON1 Effects studio

Pros

  • Albums to organize photos
  • Great range of artistic filters
  • Non-destructive editing option
  • Works with layers & masks
  • Blend mode for collages
  • Edit a copy with no harm to the photo
Cons
 
  • Demanding on hardware
  • Extra pay for RAW support
 

Whether you’re looking for instant enhancements or you’re willing to put in a little more effort, you can do all the necessary image tweaking in a few clicks using photo editing software like Photoshop. Fix poor lighting, improve composition, remove odd objects and blemishes, add creative effects like filters, frames, and vignettes – explore your creativity and go through an astonishing photo editing experience!

Robin
Robin is a design enthusiast, blogger & graphic artist wannabe. When not experimenting with various techniques, she's probably geeking out over new movies, TV series or traveling around the globe.
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