Best free photoshop app for pc​ – Top 5 for free!

Discover the best free photoshop app for pc to edit, design, and create stunning images without cost.

How to Download the Best Free Photoshop Apps for PC

Free Photoshop apps for PC make it easy to edit images, create designs, and enhance photos without needing expensive software.

These apps can be downloaded quickly and easily, giving you access to essential photo editing tools right on your computer.

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, these apps offer a range of features to meet your needs.

Steps to Download on Windows and macOS

1. Research and Choose an App: Start by selecting one of the best free Photoshop apps mentioned in this list, such as GIMP or Photopea.
2. Visit the Official Website: Open your browser and visit the official website of the chosen app to ensure a safe download.
3. Click on Download: Most websites have a “Download” button on the homepage or the “Downloads” section. Click on it to start downloading.
4. Select Your Operating System: If required, choose the download version for Windows or macOS, depending on your system.
5. Install the App: Once downloaded, open the installation file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
6. Open the App: After installation, launch the app and start editing your images for free.

5 Best Free Photoshop Apps for PC

Here are the top 5 free Photoshop apps for PC that offer excellent features and user-friendly interfaces, allowing you to edit and enhance photos like a pro.

1. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

GIMP is one of the most popular free photo editing apps available for PC, offering powerful tools for photo manipulation and graphic design.

Known for its robust capabilities, GIMP provides users with advanced editing tools that rival many features in Adobe Photoshop.

Features:

• Layer-Based Editing: Allows for complex image manipulation with layers, masks, and effects.
• Customizable Interface: Users can adjust the layout to suit their editing style, making it versatile for beginners and pros alike.
• Wide Format Support: Supports various file formats, including JPG, PNG, GIF, and PSD, making it compatible with Photoshop files.
• Extensive Plugins: GIMP offers a variety of plugins that expand its functionality, from filters to specialized effects.

Reviews: Users praise GIMP for its comprehensive tools and flexibility, especially given that it’s a free app. Many highlight its open-source nature, allowing users to customize and enhance it with plugins, making it a great alternative to Photoshop.

2. Photopea

Photopea is a web-based photo editor that offers many of the same features as Photoshop, without the need for any downloads.

Designed to be an accessible tool for everyone, Photopea supports a wide range of formats and includes advanced editing tools.

Features:

• Online Access: No installation required; simply open your browser and start editing images online.
• Layer and Mask Support: Photopea offers layer-based editing, similar to Photoshop, allowing for detailed manipulations.
• Compatible with PSD Files: Open and edit Photoshop files directly, along with JPG, PNG, and RAW formats.
• Editing Tools and Filters: Photopea includes filters, blending options, and adjustment layers for comprehensive editing capabilities.

Reviews: Photopea is popular among users who prefer an online editor. The app is praised for its similarity to Photoshop, with users noting that it’s an excellent choice for quick edits without the need for software downloads.

3. Paint.NET

Paint.NET is a free photo editing software for Windows that offers a straightforward yet powerful approach to photo editing.

It’s ideal for users looking for a simple interface with effective editing tools, making it popular among beginners and casual editors.

Features:

• Easy-to-Use Interface: Paint.NET has an intuitive layout, making it easy for beginners to pick up and start editing.
• Layer Editing: Allows users to work with layers, enabling more advanced editing techniques.
• Customizable Plugins: Users can expand Paint.NET’s capabilities with plugins for special effects and filters.
• Basic and Advanced Tools: Offers tools for cropping, color adjustment, sharpening, and more, covering both basic and intermediate editing needs.

Reviews: Paint.NET is appreciated for its simplicity and effectiveness. Users find it a great option for quick edits and beginner-friendly design, with plugins that add extra functionality for more complex tasks.

4. Krita

Krita is a free, open-source app primarily designed for digital painting, but it also offers many features for photo editing.

Ideal for illustrators and artists, Krita’s interface and tools are optimized for creative work, making it a unique alternative for photo and graphic editing.

Features:

• Brush Customization: Krita offers over 100 brushes and brush engines that cater to digital painting, giving users complete control.
• Layer Management: Includes advanced layer management tools that allow for complex image compositions.
• Color Palette and Blending: Designed with artists in mind, Krita has a powerful color palette and blending tools for realistic digital painting.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, providing versatility for users on different operating systems.

Reviews: Artists love Krita for its painting tools, but users also appreciate its capabilities for image editing. Many note that while Krita is more artist-focused, it’s highly effective for certain types of photo editing, especially with custom brushes and textures.

5. Darktable

Darktable is an open-source photo editor primarily focused on RAW file processing and non-destructive editing.

Aimed at photographers, Darktable offers powerful tools for color correction, exposure adjustments, and photo management, making it a great choice for professional photo editing.

Features:

• Non-Destructive Editing: Edits do not alter the original file, preserving quality and making adjustments reversible.
• RAW File Support: Darktable is designed to handle RAW images, allowing photographers to fully edit their uncompressed files.
• Color Correction and Exposure Tools: Includes advanced color and exposure adjustment tools for precise editing.
• Batch Processing: Enables batch processing of multiple files, making it a time-saver for professional photographers.

Reviews: Photographers appreciate Darktable’s RAW editing capabilities and the ability to perform non-destructive edits. Users often mention it as a fantastic free alternative to Lightroom, particularly for managing and editing large photo libraries.

How Free Photoshop Apps for PC Work

Free Photoshop apps for PC are designed to provide essential photo editing features and design tools without requiring a subscription or purchase.

These apps replicate many of the features available in Adobe Photoshop, making them powerful tools for anyone in need of graphic editing.

Each app offers a range of tools, such as layer editing, filters, text manipulation, and color correction, providing users with the flexibility to create professional-looking images.

Most free Photoshop apps also support multiple file formats, allowing users to edit various image types, including JPG, PNG, and RAW files.

Some apps operate offline, while others, like Photopea, offer online access, giving users the flexibility to work in different environments.

Many apps also offer tutorials or community resources, making it easy for beginners to learn photo editing and design techniques.

Benefits of Using Free Photoshop Apps for PC

Using free Photoshop apps offers several benefits, especially for users who need essential photo editing tools without investing in paid software.

• Cost-Effective: These apps are free to download and use, saving money compared to paid software like Adobe Photoshop.
• Versatility: Many apps offer a wide range of editing tools, from basic adjustments to advanced graphic design features.
• Accessibility: Whether online or offline, these apps provide easy access to editing tools from any computer.
• Compatibility: Most apps support various file formats, including PSD, JPG, PNG, and RAW, ensuring that users can work with different types of files.
• Community and Support: Open-source options like GIMP and Krita have large communities, offering plugins, tutorials, and support for new users.

FAQ

Here are some common questions about using free Photoshop apps for PC.

1. Are free Photoshop apps safe to download?

Yes, downloading from official websites or trusted sources ensures that these apps are safe to use.

2. Do free Photoshop apps have the same features as Adobe Photoshop?

While they may not have every advanced feature, free apps offer many essential tools and functions similar to those in Adobe Photoshop.

3. Can I use these apps for professional work?

Yes, many of these apps, such as GIMP and Darktable, are used by professionals and offer tools suitable for professional editing.

4. Are there any limitations to using free Photoshop apps?

Some free apps may lack specific features found in Adobe Photoshop, but they provide a robust set of tools that meet most editing needs.

5. Can I edit PSD files in free Photoshop apps?

Yes, apps like GIMP and Photopea support PSD files, allowing users to edit Photoshop files without any issues.

Is It Worth Downloading a Free Photoshop App for PC?

Downloading a free Photoshop app for PC is an excellent choice for anyone looking to edit photos without purchasing costly software.

These apps offer essential tools for image editing, graphic design, and digital art, making them versatile options for both beginners and professionals.

With features like layer editing, customizable brushes, and various file format support, free Photoshop apps provide high-quality tools without the need for a subscription.

In conclusion, free Photoshop apps are a cost-effective solution for creating stunning visuals.

With a variety of powerful options available, these apps are worth exploring for anyone interested in graphic editing.