Are you looking for a free photo editing software high-performing tool to replace Photoshop, process your RAW files, retouch portraits, or enhance your photos with AI? Here are the 10 best free photo editing software in 2026, ranked by use case: desktop, online, and mobile. Detailed comparison, key features, and tips for choosing the right tool for your needs.
Photo editing has become democratized. You no longer need to spend hundreds of dollars a year on Adobe Photoshop to achieve professional results: many free software now comporte with paid solutions, some even integratinggenerative artificial intelligence (background removal, element generation, sky replacement, upscaling). Here is our 2026 selection of the 10 must-haves.
Free photo editing software for desktop
1. GIMP — the historical open source alternative to Photoshop
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) remains in 2026 the benchmark for free and open source photo editing software. Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, it offers functional coverage almost equivalent to Photoshop: layers, masks, curves, filters, scripts, plugins, PSD file support. Its version 3.0 (released in 2025) modernized the interface and apported enhanced GEGL compatibility for non-destructive editing.
- Benefits : completely free and open source, large community, unlimited plugins, PSD compatible
- Disadvantages : steep learning curve for beginners
- Compatibility : Windows, macOS, Linux
2. Photopea — the best online Photoshop alternative
Photopea is the most convincing free alternative to Photoshop in 2026. This web app (which works in any brorser, with no installation) reproduces Photoshop’s interface and shortcuts with impressive fidelity. It natively opens PSD, AI, Sketch, XD, and RAW files, handles layers, layer masks, vector text, and filters.
- Benefits : interface almost identical to Photoshop, opens PSDs, no installation, free with ads
- Disadvantages : runs in the browser (limitations with large files), ads in the free version
- Compatibility : any web browser
3. Krita — pro open source for creation and photo
originally designed for digital painting and illustration, Krita has become a true open-source image creation suite, perfect for creative photo editing. It features advanced management of layers, masks, curves, and an exceptional brush engine.
- Benefits : open source, unique brush engine, modern interface, PSD compatible
- Disadvantages : geared more toward creation than pure retouching
- Compatibility : Windows, macOS, Linux
4. Paint.NET — simplicity for Windows
Paint.NET remains the go-to option on Windows for those who want a simple, lightweight, and accessible interface. More powerful than Microsoft Paint but simpler than GIMP, it offers the essential features (layers, cropping, curves, effects) with a large ecosystem of free plugins.
- Benefits : intuitive interface, lightweight, numerous plugins, free
- Disadvantages : Windows-only, limited professional features
- Compatibility : Windows only
5. Photoscape X — versatile for Windows and Mac
Photoscape X is an all-in-one software available on Windows 10/11 and macOS via the Microsoft Store and the Mac App Store. It combines a classic photo editor, collage maker, animated GIFs, screen capture, and batch processing — an excellent quality/free ratio for personal or semi-professional use.
- Benefits : batch processing, collages, GIFs, modern interface, free for personal use
- Disadvantages : paid Pro version for advanced features, distributed only via the stores
- Compatibility : Windows 10/11, macOS
6. darktable — pro open-source RAW
For advanced amateur and professional photographers who shoot in RAW, darktable is the open-source equivalent of Lightroom. Workflow is non-destructive, with catalog management and advanced RAW processing using scientifically precise modules: it is the serious choice for processing files from DSLR and mirrorless cameras.
- Benefits : free alternative to Lightroom, expert RAW processing, non-destructive, multi-platforme
- Disadvantages : significant learning curve, geared toward workflow rather than pixel-by-pixel retouching
- Compatibility : Windows, macOS, Linux
Free online photo editing tools
7. Pixlr E and Pixlr X — versatile online
Pixlr offers two complementary versions: Pixlr X for quick edits (filters, adjustments, templates) and Pixlr E for an experience close to a professional editor with layers, masks, curves, and advanced tools. The 2026 version includes AI features (background removal, image generation, object removal).
- Benefits : two modes for two uses, built-in AI, no installation required
- Disadvantages : free version limited in high-resolution exports, ads present
- Compatibility : any web browser
8. Adobe Express — Adobe’s free generative AI
Adobe Express offers a free version including Adobe Firefly’s AI features (image generation, background removal, generative expansion). Ideal for quickly creating visuals for social media, web banners, or presentations.
- Benefits : Firefly AI integrated for free (with quota), premium templates, Creative Cloud integration
- Disadvantages : free version limited in AI credits, Adobe ecosystem
- Compatibility : web, iOS, Android
9. Canva — design and AI-assisted editing
Canva goes beyond a simple design tool to become a mainstream AI-powered photo editing platform. The free version includes AI background removal (limited), Magic Edit, Magic Eraser, and access to millions of templates. Particularly suited to entrepreneurs, community managers, and content creators.
- Benefits : ultra-simple interface, accessible AI, unlimited templates, team collaboration
- Disadvantages : less precise than a pure pixel editor, some AI features reserved for Pro
- Compatibility : web, iOS, Android, desktop apps
Free photo editing software for mobile
10. Snapseed — the mobile benchmark by Google
Snapseed, published by Google, is the most powerful free mobile photo editing app on the market. Compatible with iOS and Android, it offers professional-grade tools: curves, white balance, selective editing, RAW processing, perspective, double exposure.
- Benefits : completely free, no ads, RAW processing, pro tools on mobile
- Disadvantages : less active development than commercial competitors
- Compatibility : iOS, Android
Additional mentions: specialized tools
PhotoDiva — portrait and beauty retouching
PhotoDiva remains a specialized choice for portrait and face retouching: skin smoothing, teeth whitening, dark circle removal, morphological retouching. Handy for portrait and beginner fashion photography, but limited to specific uses.
AirBrush — selfies and mobile retouching
AirBrush, available on iOS and Android, focuses on AI selfie and portrait editing. Ideal for quick personal use on a smartphone, but limited by in-app purchases and ads in the free version.
Photo Pos Pro — free beginner-friendly Windows alternative
Photo Pos Pro offers an accessible “novice” mode, particularly useful for beginners on Windows. Development is less active than that of GIMP or Paint.NET, but the interface remains relevant for a first introduction to photo retouching.
How to choose the right free photo editing software?
Define your level and your needs
Complete beginner : Paint.NET, Photoscape X, Canva or Adobe Express are the most accessible. Intermediate user : Photopea or Pixlr for versatility, Snapseed for mobile. Photographer or professional : GIMP for pixel retouching, darktable for the RAW workflow, Krita for creation.
Check your operating system
Not all tools are compatible everywhere. Paint.NET is exclusive to Windows. Xcode and certain mobile apps target only iOS or Android. Web tools (Photopea, Pixlr, Adobe Express, Canva) work everywhere through a browser.
Assess the need for AI and RAW processing
If you shoot in RAW with a DSLR or mirrorless camera: darktable is essential. If you want to use generative AI for free: Adobe Express, Canva, or Pixlr E. For pixel-by-pixel editing without installing Photoshop: Photopea remains unbeatable.
Comparison of the 10 best free photo editing software programs
| Software | Type | Compatibility | Specific | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GIMP | Desktop | Windows, macOS, Linux | Open-source Photoshop alternative | Intermediate to advanced |
| Photopea | Web | Any browser | Photoshop in the browser | All levels |
| Krita | Desktop | Windows, macOS, Linux | Open-source creation and editing | Intermediate |
| Paint.NET | Desktop | Windows | Simplicity and plugins | Beginner |
| Photoscape X | Desktop | Windows, macOS | All-in-one for the general public | Beginner to intermediate |
| darktable | Desktop | Windows, macOS, Linux | Lightroom RAW alternative | Advance |
| Pixlr E/X | Web | Any browser | Versatile with AI | Beginner to intermediate |
| Adobe Express | Web and mobile | Web, iOS, Android | Built-in Firefly AI | Beginner to intermediate |
| Canva | Web and mobile | Web, iOS, Android, desktop | Templates + AI | Beginner |
| Snapseed | Mobile | iOS, Android | Free mobile plan | All levels |
Frequently asked questions about free photo editing software
What is the best free photo editing software?
The best depends on your use. For a complete alternative to Photoshop, GIMP (desktop) and Photopea (web) are the most powerful. For beginners, Paint.NET or Photoscape X are more accessible. For RAW photographers, darktable is the open-source reference.
Is there a free Photoshop?
Photoshop is not free, but two very similar alternatives exist: GIMP (open source desktop software) and Photopea (web app that replicates Photoshop’s interface and shortcuts, and opens PSD files directly).
Which software can you use to edit RAW photos for free?
darktable is the free and open source alternative to Adobe Lightroom. It handles non-destructive RAW development, cataloging, and offers professional-grade processing modules. RawTherapee is another well-regarded open source option.
Can you edit photos for free with artificial intelligence?
Yes. Adobe Express, Canva, and Pixlr E offer AI features in their free versions: background removal, image generation, object removal, generative expansion. However, monthly quotas are limited on the free plans.
Which free photo editing software should you choose to get started?
For a first introduction to photo editing, Paint.NET (Windows), Photoscape X (Windows and Mac), or Canva (web and mobile) offer the easiest learning curve. Photopea is also suitable if you want to learn a workflow similar to Photoshop without installing anything.
What is the best free photo editing software for Mac?
On macOS, the best free options are GIMP (Photoshop alternative), Photoscape X (versatile), darktable (RAW), and Photopea (online). Apple’s Photos app included with macOS also offers quality basic editing tools.
Which software can you use to edit photos on your smartphone for free?
Snapseed, published by Google, is the most powerful free mobile app on iOS and Android. It offers professional-grade tools with no ads or in-app purchases. Adobe Express and Canva are also excellent for quick AI-powered edits.
We are specialists in new technologies since 2000 for websites, then mobile since 2009. Whether you are looking to integrate photo editing tools into a plateforme web or mobile platform, automate image processing via AI, or launch a new web or mobile development, our teams can help you achieve your goals. Contact our experts today.
Discover our other comparisons on our blog new technologies, including our selection of the 10 best free video editing software, the perfect complement for your creative projects. The DualMedia agency answers all your questions for your future projects.