Seashore is open source Mac-only editing software based on GIMP, but with an interface designed to match the MAC OS X aesthetic. Overall, Inkscape is a great choice for any designer who wants to learn vector illustration on a tight budget. The program’s native format is Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG), so you don’t have to worry about your project looking fuzzy if you try to resize it.

Inkscape uses a vector-based environment, so it’s a much better option for illustration than most other free alternatives to Photoshop in fact, it’s almost more of an Illustrator alternative (though it can still be used for basic bitmap edits like photo retouching). A higher quality image produces better results in your print projects, so this might be a program worth looking into. CinePaintĬinePaint is deep image editing software that is primarily used in video editing, but it’s also a useful tool for retouching photos because it can work with images of higher color fidelity. Unlike the similarly-interfaced Gimpshop, Gimphoto includes many extra features, such as new brush styles, layer styles, and support for standard Photoshop plug-ins. The menus, terminology, and basic interface have all been tweaked to give Photoshop veterans a more familiar working environment.

If you really need to work in a Photoshop-like environment, Gimphoto is a version of GIMP that imitates Adobe’s layout while still keeping it open source. Best of all, it’s open source software with a large community of users, so there are plenty of GIMP tutorials and add-ons out there to help you overcome any of the program’s limitations.īe aware that GIMP cannot output CMYK files by default, so if you’re preparing a print-ready design in 4-color, you’ll need an additional GIMP plugin with CMYK support. There’s a lot to love about GIMP-it features Photoshop staples like layers, masks, gradients, text tools, plug-in support and more. You can’t have a list like this one without including GNU Image Manipulation Program, or GIMP to those who know it. However, if you need something to work with now and you can’t spend any money, using these free Photoshop alternatives as a substitute can be a lifesaver.Ĭross-Platform, Open Source Alternatives to Photoshop GIMP You’ll probably end up upgrading to photo editing software with a little more power at some point in your career. But if you find yourself in one of these categories, breathe easy there are several free photo editing programs out there that can deliver close to the same results as Photoshop with none of the added cost. InDesgin, but there’s one glaring fact we didn’t mention: not every designer has access to these programs.įor designers who are just starting out, still in school or operating on a tight budget, Adobe Photoshop might be a luxury that you just can’t afford. We recently took a look at the Adobe Creative Suite, breaking down when to use Photoshop vs.

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