Do you want to explore free Photoshop alternatives for Mac? Check out our 9 hand-picked tools to enhance your creativity!
Introduction
Are you a Mac user concerned about Adobe Photoshop’s subscription fee? Or are you looking for other powerful photo editing tools?
Look no further! We have hand-picked 9 free Photoshop alternatives for Mac that include great features and functionality. Keep reading and find the perfect one for you!
Table of Contents
9 Free Photoshop Alternatives for Mac
GIMP
GIMP is the first free alternative to Photoshop, which is widely known for its extensive features. It not only runs on Mac, but it also operates on Windows and even Linux. As an open-source program, GIMP offers advanced editing tools like layers, masks, and precise selection tools without the restrictions of a trial period or watermarks. When using GIMP, you can also enhance its functionality with many downloadable add-ons.Â
The software supports high-quality photo manipulation, allowing for retouching, restoration, and even original artwork creation. Although its interface design can be less intuitive to some users, GIMP is a great free photo editor for Mac.
Why We Picked It:
- Offers advanced tools like layers and masks
- Completely free with no trials, watermarks, or in-app purchases
- Allows for customization and add-ons to enhance functionality
PhotoScape X
PhotoScape X, a versatile photo editor, brings you more than basic editing. It supports multiple layers, text additions, and painting features similar to Photoshop. The software has a user-friendly interface, making it a nice option for beginners.Â
It includes editing tabs, like Viewer for quick previews and Editor for applying filters, effects, and lighting controls. Although its selection tools are limited, PhotoScape X excels in batch editing and creating animated GIFs. Its free version provides ample features, while the Pro one adds advanced tools. PhotoScape X suits simple edits, photo collages, and fun animations.
Why We Picked It:
- Easy-to-use interface, especially for newbies
- It includes versatile features
- Great for batch editing and creating animated GIFs
Apple Photos
Apple Photos is a built-in photo app for Macs. It is a great tool for organizing and editing your images quickly. Although it may lack advanced features like layers and selective edits, it provides powerful retouching tools and a user-friendly interface. You can adjust light, color, and white balance, apply filters, eliminate red-eye, and use the auto-enhance feature for quick improvements. Â
The app uses AI to sort images and allows you to create manual albums, making it great for organizing your photo library. Photos can be easily shared via Shared Albums or social media. Apple Photos may not be a professional editing tool, but it’s perfect for basic to moderate photo management and quick edits. So, it’s a nice starting point for Mac users.
Why We Picked It:
- Pre-installed on Mac with no extra cost
- Easy to navigate and use for quick edits
- Bring great photo organization
Adobe Express
Adobe Express is a free online photo-editing tool accessible via any web browser. The platform provides many templates for social media posts, posters, menus, and more. You can easily import your photos or use free stock photos, quickly resize images, and apply simple filter effects.
The app includes slider controls for adjusting brightness and contrast. It also enables you to add text, graphics, and logos. In addition, Adobe Express supports creating collages and basic layer editing for photos and graphic elements. It’s recently updated with AI-powered features, bringing more nice experiences.
Why We Picked It:
- Include various customizable templates for various projects
- Provide AI features like generative image creation
- Can access from any web browser
Fotor
Fotor is not only available on the App Store but also an online photo editor accessible through any web browser. It includes a range of basic and advanced editing tools. With the software, you can adjust color, saturation, rotate, and crop images. You can also use features like blemish remover, digital makeup, and cloning.
Fotor is beginner-friendly, with an intuitive interface and automatic effects that are adjustable via sliders. It supports various high-resolution image formats and includes generative AI tools for headshots, avatars, and more. However, Fotor’s free version is ad-heavy and adds a watermark to images, which can be removed with a Fotor Pro membership.
Why We Picked It:
- It’s easy for beginners to navigate and use
- It provides advanced tools
- Include generative AI Features
SumoPaint
You can use SumoPaint as a desktop app and an online tool. It offers many standard features similar to Photoshop, including brushes, pencils, layers, and filters. Although some tools operate differently, requiring a slight learning curve, it remains a powerful option.Â
SumoPaint supports nondestructive editing with its native Sumo file format. It also includes unique features like lighting, reflection, and mosaic tools, animated and 3D brushes, auto-smoothing, and text tools. In addition, it has AI tools, offering image quality upscaling and an AI text-to-image generator. If you want to explore even more features, you can try with a $4/month premium plan.
Why We Picked It:
- It includes a wide range of tools
- It’s equipped with AI enhancements
Pixlr
Pixlr is a web-based photo editor with a user-friendly interface similar to Adobe’s Photoshop Elements. It includes essential tools like color correction, healing, and adding text and shapes. It also offers advanced tools, including customizable brushes, cutting tools, and support for layer editing.
Pixlr has two main versions, including Pixlr X (for beginners) and Pixlr E (for more advanced users). Pixlr X provides intuitive tools for quick edits, such as object removal and AI-powered image generation from text prompts. Pixlr E owns familiar tools, layers, and blending modes like Photoshop. Both versions save projects in a shared library, making it easy to switch between them.
Why We Picked It:
- It is suitable for both beginners and advanced users
- Include both simple and advanced tools for comprehensive photo editing
- Have AI-powered tools for creating images and quick edits
Photopea
Photopea has the outstanding ability to open various file types, including RAW images, Photoshop PSDs, Adobe XD files, and Sketch files. This makes it convenient for quick updates or working on old files away from your primary workstation. Its layout and features are similar to Photoshop, supporting PSD files and allowing exports to PSD. Unlike others, Photopea even allows the import of ABR files for custom brushes.
Though the free version may be ad-heavy, Photopea impresses with features like right-click option menus and a detailed Layer Style window. Upgrading to a premium account provides more online storage and ad removal, but all essential editing features are included in the free plan.
Why We Picked It:
- Offer extensive file support
- Deliver Photoshop-like experience
- Provide comprehensive free tools
PhotoDirector
PhotoDirector is a free photo editor for Mac that combines advanced editing features with user-friendly tools. It brings the robust image editing capabilities of Photoshop and the management features of Lightroom. Its key features include video-to-photo and photo animation tools, layer editing, advanced color replacement, panorama merge, and dispersion effects. It also provides easy adjustments for tone, white balance, levels, curves, split toning, and HDR effects.
The app offers various royalty-free stock images and design elements. Its new AI tools can generate high-quality images and stickers from text prompts. PhotoDirector also supports photo management with features like tethered shooting, soft proofing, GPS photo logs, and AI facial recognition. That makes it helpful for professionals and beginners.
Why We Picked It:
- Include comprehensive features
- Powerful AI capabilities
- Suitable for both newbies and seasoned users
What Should You Look for in Free Photo Editing Software for Mac?
Compatibility
When selecting free photo editing software for Mac, ensure it’s fully compatible with your Mac model. Some programs may run better on specific versions of macOS, so check the software requirements against your Mac’s operating system.
Also, check that you have sufficient hard drive space, a suitable processor, and enough RAM to run the software smoothly. Additionally, be aware of any extra requirements, such as specific graphics card compatibility or software versions.
Features
The next critical aspect is the range of features offered by the software. You should look for tools that provide essential photo editing capabilities like cropping, resizing, and color correction. Moreover, advanced features like layers, masks, filters, and brushes are great for your creativity.
You must check if the software offers any unique functions that align with your specific needs. Besides, it’s better if it has AI-powered tools that can improve your work.
Ease of Use
When considering tools, you should prioritize ease of use, especially if you are a beginner. A user-friendly interface with intuitive controls can deliver a significant difference in your editing experience. You should opt for software with a clean layout and easy-to-navigate menus.
The tool should come with helpful tutorials or user guides. The learning curve should be manageable, enabling you to get started quickly and create with ease.
Conclusion
Free Photoshop alternatives for Mac can bring you other great choices for your photography and creative projects. There are many options catering to both beginners and professionals, as you can view in our list. Explore them and find the best one to suit your editing needs. It will help you improve your creativity and efficiency!