I’m looking for a free photo editing software for Mac that works similarly to Photoshop. I can’t afford Photoshop right now, but I need something that has advanced editing tools. Any recommendations or advice would be appreciated.
GIMP. Just get GIMP. It’s the closest thing you’ll get to Photoshop for free, and it works on Mac without a hitch. Yeah, the interface might feel a bit clunky at first—like Photoshop’s awkward cousin—but the tools are solid once you figure them out. Layers, masks, brushes, blending, all the usual suspects are there. Sure, it doesn’t have every shiny feature of the latest Photoshop, but you aren’t exactly paying $20/month either.
If GIMP still feels too retro for you, try Photopea. Technically, it’s browser-based, but it mimics Photoshop’s interface so well it’s spooky. Plus, it works with PSD files, which… chef’s kiss. Not as powerful for high-res stuff but great for basic edits.
Oh, and Darktable—it’s more for photo editing/Lightroom vibes. Don’t expect too much Photoshop-esque retouching magic, but it’s respectable for RAW files and color adjustments.
Honestly, these free ones will make you work harder, though. No hand-holding like Photoshop. But hey, nothing beats “free” in the price department.
Photo editing without the dreaded Photoshop subscription tax? Alright, adding to @andarilhonoturno’s suggestions—who, btw, nailed the GIMP recommendation (seriously, it’s like the granddaddy of free Photoshop wannabes)—I’d throw Krita into the mix. Yes, technically it’s aimed at digital painting, but don’t let that fool you. Krita has some shockingly decent photo-editing features like layers, blending modes, and selection tools. And the UI doesn’t feel like it came straight out of 2005 like GIMP does sometimes. Plus, it’s all free, no catches. It might feel a bit art-focused, but lots of folks use it for photo stuff too.
Another contender? Pixlr E—it’s like Photopea but, somehow, even simpler. Not as full-featured as GIMP or Photopea, sure, but lightweight and user-friendly. Perfect if you’re not trying to grow gray hairs just figuring out where to start.
Then there’s Affinity Photo, but full honesty here: it’s not free—it’s more of a one-time payment deal. It’s not Photoshop, but it gets damn close for the price. If no ongoing subscription is key, this could work whenever you save up a bit.
Oh, and FYI, if all else fails and nothing clicks for you… Preview on Mac surprisingly has a few low-key photo editing abilities. Nothing fancy—just basic crop, rotate, markups—but hey, it’s already sitting there on your Mac. You might as well look at it like a desperate Plan Z before rage-quitting.
If you’re hunting for Photoshop alternatives on Mac, here’s my two cents. While GIMP is always the go-to suggestion (and yeah, it has substance if you can tolerate the antiquated UI), one name that often gets overlooked is Seashore. It’s a no-frills, simplified version of GIMP specifically tailored for Mac users. You get layers, brushes, and basic editing tools with an interface that doesn’t scream ‘2002 tech relic.’ That said, it’s very entry-level—so don’t expect the precision or depth you’d get with Photoshop or even Photopea. Perfect if you’re barely wetting your feet in photo editing.
Building off what @energetic responses laid down about Krita (great app, though mostly for illustration), I’d say you should also evaluate Inkscape. While Inkscape is technically focused on vector editing, it can sometimes sneakily double as a photo editor for things like cropping, resizing, or tweaking colors. Its downside? Kind of heavy on system resources, so it might turn your MacBook into a heater during long sessions. Also, it doesn’t hold a candle to Photoshop in terms of complex photo manipulation.
Quick shoutout for Paint.NET via Wine, if you’re adventurous and patient enough to deal with Wine compatibility on Mac. It’s lightweight, intuitive, and gets surprisingly close to Photoshop-lite for free. Just not a native Mac app.
Lastly, before you go heavy into browser-based stuff like Photopea or Pixlr E (both solid by the way), consider Canva (did nobody say Canva yet?). Canva doesn’t scream ‘Photoshop contender,’ but…hear me out—its drag-and-drop UI, preset templates, and user-friendly design make it absurdly handy for making quick, sleek edits—the kind you don’t necessarily need Photoshop’s heavy artillery for. Drawback? Advanced tools like custom brushwork, detailed selections, or fine-layer masking simply don’t exist.
TL;DR: GIMP and Photopea are obvious picks. Seashore for simplicity. Krita/Inkscape for versatility with a learning curve. Canva for frustration-free quick tasks. Try them all out; you might stumble on one that just clicks.