Best Free Photoshop Alternatives for Mac

Introduction:

While Adobe Photoshop is not available for free legally, there are numerous free alternatives and trial versions that can help you get the job done. Whether you are working on professional projects or just need a few tools for personal use, these alternatives offer a wide array of features to meet your needs.

Adobe Photoshop Free Trial

Adobe offers a 7-day free trial of its latest version of Photoshop, which is a full-featured version of the software. You can download it from the Adobe website without any limitations during the trial period. However, if you plan to continue using the software beyond the trial, you will need to provide payment information.

Free and Open-Source Alternatives

1. GIMP

Why Choose GIMP? GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a powerful open-source image editing software that was designed to be a free alternative to Photoshop. It supports various image formats and is compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux. GIMP offers a wide range of features, including retouching, composition, and much more.

2. Krita

Purpose of Krita Although Krita is primarily aimed at digital painting, it can also be used for image editing. Krita is known for its user-friendly interface and is suitable for artists of all skill levels. It supports layers, brushes, and a variety of painting tools, making it a robust choice for creating detailed and professional-looking images.

3. Photopea

Web-Based Solution Photopea is a web-based image editor that closely resembles Photoshop. It is free to use, but it may display ads. Photopea supports PSD files, making it a great choice for working with your existing Photoshop projects. Additionally, it offers real-time collaboration features, which can be very useful for team projects.

4. Pixlr

Web-Based Editor Pixlr offers both free and paid versions of its web-based editor. The free version is suitable for basic editing tasks, while the paid version provides more advanced features. Pixlr is known for its user-friendly interface and easy-to-use tools, making it a great choice for beginners.

Trial Installation Process for Adobe Photoshop

For professional work, Adobe Photoshop remains the industry standard. If you need access to its specific capabilities, consider the free trial version. Here are the steps to get started:

Sign Up for Creative Cloud: Go to the Creative Cloud website and click on the 'Download' option. If prompted, sign in to your Creative Cloud account. Locate the Download File: Once the download has completed, double-click the file to begin the installation process. Completing the Installation: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process. If you have an existing Adobe account, use it for signing in. Select Your Experience Level: Indicate your level of experience with Photoshop. This information will help Adobe tailor the experience for you. Start Your Trial: Click 'Continue' and follow the on-screen instructions. This will download and start the trial version of Photoshop.

Although the free trial is limited to a 7-day period, it provides full access to the software, ensuring that you can test its capabilities before making a decision.

Conclusion

For professional or personal projects, free alternatives can save you money without compromising on functionality. GIMP, Krita, Photopea, and Pixlr are all excellent choices, depending on your specific needs. However, for the best experience and specific features, Adobe Photoshop remains the top choice. Consider the free trial option for in-depth testing before making your decision.