While Photoshop is packed with a ton of advanced features, it’s not exactly the most user-friendly tool for everyone. On top of that, Photoshop can be particularly expensive, especially for small businesses and individual users.
Luckily, there are now several online design tools that can help you come up with high-quality graphic designs without the need for pro-level skills or expensive subscription plans. In this article, we’ll break down the best Photoshop alternatives you can find online so you can start creating visuals like a pro.
What is Photoshop?
Photoshop is a graphic design software commonly used among professional and amateur designers. Part of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, Photoshop gives users access to the most advanced editing features for pro-level designing.
Below are some of the key features of Photoshop:
- Background remover
- Generative fill
- AI design tools
- Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud apps
- Text layouts
The Advantages of Using a Photoshop Alternative
Whether you’re a pro-level or beginner designer, Photoshop remains a tool that can be mastered when given the necessary patience and effort. But for other users, a quicker and easier graphics design tool can be more beneficial.
Here are some of the advantages of using a Photoshop alternative:
- User-friendly interface
- Device compatibility
- Affordability
- Marketing features
The Most Effective Photoshop Alternatives You Can Find Online
Whether you’re looking to start designing your own social media graphics or event poster, we’ve gathered the top Photoshop alternatives you can find online:
1. Adobe Express
Another graphic design tool from the Creative Cloud suite, Adobe Express features a more basic drag-and-drop editing interface when compared with Photoshop’s advanced features.
Still, Adobe Express is a highly accessible tool for new designers looking for a simple way to get started with basic graphic design.
Standout features
- Brand Kits for storing brand colors, fonts, and logos
- Integration with Creative Cloud suite for more complex editing needs
- Team collaboration to work on designs simultaneously in real-time
- Access to Adobe Stock photos for royalty-free design elements
- PNG to JPG converter for more efficient file conversion needs
Best for
Due to its extensive library of Adobe-exclusive design elements, Adobe Express is a great pick for organizations or social media managers who want to create quick but professional-looking infographics or posters. At the same time, Adobe Express can be easily integrated with other Adobe apps for more advanced editing needs.
2. Piktochart
Piktochart is an online graphics design platform best used for designs that feature data visualization. The tool’s interface functions similarly to Adobe Express, but differs in terms of its features.
Rather than an extensive library of Stock elements or animation tools, Piktochart specializes in presentation and infographic design types.
Standout features
- Data import/export for easier transferring from documents to presentations
- Custom fonts for more customized and personalized designs
- Video editing for prerecorded presentations/pitch decks
- Charts, tables, and infographic elements for clearer data visualization
- Document generator for more efficient write-ups
Best for
Despite its lack of customization and photo editing features, Piktochart remains a great pick for organizations or educators looking for an efficient tool to visualize data or documents. With Piktochart’s different design elements and tools, users can easily create compelling and informative visual content.
3. PosterMyWall
One of the most user-friendly online design tools on the market, we highly recommend PosterMyWall for its accessible yet versatile features. Particularly, PosterMyWall is packed with several design, marketing, and social media management features perfect for small businesses looking for a top-notch Photoshop alternative.
Standout features
- 1M+ templates that are completely free and customizable
- Audio/video recorder and editor for dynamic visual content
- AI generation tools, including an AI Images generator
- One-click resizing tool for more accurate designs
- Content Planner for better social media management
Best for
Whether you’re a social media manager or small business owner, PosterMyWall is our top Photoshop alternative due to its several useful features. Not only can users create high-quality and professional-looking social media graphics, but it’s also packed with various advanced AI tools, including a user-friendly AI background remover.
The Top Alternatives to Photoshop: Pricing Comparison
For a more in-depth look at how the pricing plans of each online design tool compare with Photoshop, we’ve compiled a quick pricing guide:
| Photoshop | Adobe Express | Piktochart | PosterMyWall | |
| Free version available | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Subscription plans (monthly) | ☑️Photoshop ($34.49) | ☑️Premium ($9.99)
|
☑️Pro ($29)
☑️Business ($49)
☑️Enterprise (Enterprise) |
☑️Premium ($9.95)
☑️Premium Plus ($29.95) |
| Trial period | ✅7-day free trial | ✅30-day free trial | ❌Free version only | ✅14-day free trial |
Take Your Designs to the Next Level
The best Photoshop alternative will depend entirely on your individual goals and the type of visual content you’re looking to design. That said, these free online design tools are a great way to start efficiently creating your own high-quality content without the need for complicated and pricey features.
So, what are you waiting for? Check out one of these 5 online design tools today and start taking your designs to the next level!