Photoshop has long been the go-to for photo editing, but its subscription model isn’t for everyone. Seeking alternatives that could manage RAW editing and batch processing, I tested five free options: Pixlr, GIMP, Fotor, Photopea, and Canva.
Pixlr, known for its user-friendly interface, excels in batch editing with its AI-powered Batch Editor, though its RAW capabilities are limited. GIMP offers comprehensive editing with plugins like UFRaw for RAW support, but its complex interface requires a learning curve. Fotor simplifies batch tasks like resizing and watermarking, providing basic RAW adjustments in its desktop version. Photopea mirrors Photoshop’s interface, supports PSD files, and offers in-browser RAW editing, though its batch tools are limited. Canva, while not suitable for RAW editing, is ideal for bulk design creation, especially for marketing purposes.
Each tool has its strengths: Pixlr is fast for quick edits, GIMP is powerful for advanced users, Fotor is accessible for beginners, Photopea offers familiarity for Photoshop users, and Canva excels in design automation. These alternatives demonstrate that powerful editing doesn’t always require a Photoshop subscription.
