Open-source alternatives to Adobe Photoshop
Looking to replace Adobe Photoshop with something free and open-source? These 3 tools are the best open alternatives in 2026 — most are self-hostable, so you keep full control of your data and pay no subscription.
At a glance: how they compare
Click a column to sort — the best one depends on what matters to you.
| Alternative | Stars | Language | License | Last commit | In one line |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GIMP | — | — | GPL-3.0 | — | The classic free image editor with layers, masks, filters and scripting. |
| Krita | — | — | GPL-3.0 | — | Painting-focused editor loved by digital artists and illustrators. |
| Photopea | — | — | Proprietary (free) | — | Browser-based editor that opens PSD files — free, though not open source. |
Which one should you pick?
GIMP
The classic free image editor with layers, masks, filters and scripting. Its GPL-3.0 license keeps the project and its forks open-source forever, and commercial use is allowed.
Krita
Painting-focused editor loved by digital artists and illustrators. Its GPL-3.0 license keeps the project and its forks open-source forever, and commercial use is allowed.
Photopea
Browser-based editor that opens PSD files — free, though not open source. Its Proprietary (free) license is source-available rather than open-source: the code is public, but commercial use is restricted. Read the license before you build on it.
Switching from Adobe Photoshop without the drama
- Export your data from Adobe Photoshop first — most tools above can import standard formats.
- Run your top pick in parallel for a week or two before committing; self-hosted options can be tried locally in minutes.
- Migrate one team or one project at a time, keeping the old account read-only until everything checks out.
FAQ
What is the best open-source alternative to Adobe Photoshop?
The top open-source alternative is GIMP — The classic free image editor with layers, masks, filters and scripting. The full ranked list is above.
Are these Adobe Photoshop alternatives free?
Yes. Every tool listed is open-source and free to use; most can be self-hosted so you keep full control of your data.
Can I self-host an alternative to Adobe Photoshop?
Most of these tools are designed to run on your own server or machine, giving you privacy and no subscription fees.
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