Alternatives to Photoshop

As many of you know from reading my lens on how to make pinback buttons, I use Adobe Photoshop® (version 6) for most of my image editing, photo manipulation, and image design work. That's because I had a boss many moons ago who bought it for me with a series of video training tapes. I never upgraded because v6 does everything I need it to do. And because it's very expensive. Only those who make a living with graphics design need such a powerful program and are willing to pay the price this software commands.

All photo manipulation applications with robust capabilities will have a steep learning curve. They will require you to spend time reading tutorials and practicing to refine your skills. With time and experience, you can master all image editing and image design techniques and use your photo manipulation application for these as well as more complex tasks. If you decide you really need a powerful photo manipulation program, look below for some wonderful free alternatives to Photoshop®.

Image Courtesy of PhotoRack

Following are loose definitions and descriptions of the various types of photo manipulation and image editing tools.

Image Editing (or photo enhancement) - normally implies that you want to do something quick and easy to a single photo (or other digital image). The range of possibilities is very broad and includes, but is not limited to, such things as:
Resizing
Cropping
Making Lighter or Darker
Changing the Contrast
Inserting Titles or Talk Balloons
Framing or Adding Borders
The image above shows a simple photo with a museum matte frame added using FotoFlexer®. (Photo Courtesy of PhotoRack®)






Image Design - normally involves more than one basic element and allows you some freedom in manipulating the various components of your design to achieve the desired look. Options might include such things as:
Adding Multiple Images
Adding Other Design Elements
Adding and Dramatizing Text
Manipulating the Design Elements



An example of this is the image I created for the About Adobe Photoshop® module at the beginning of this lens (smaller version shown here). I got the image from PhotoRack® (free use), duplicated and reversed it, added a rectangular shape, added and customized text.

Photo Manipulation - capability is required when you want to make more elaborate and complicated adjustments, such as:
Skew
Distort
Liquify
Imitate Art Forms
Add Lighting Effects
Extract Images from BackgroundsThe original image in the above photo is the same as the one in Image Editing. In this one, however, the young lady has a twin, named LeAnne. Except, of course, she doesn't. It's a duplicate image, flipped horizontally and then moved to the background. The original background was removed and a new background with a radial glow was inserted. Finally, names were added to the sides of the images.

In the image below, a very handsome young man has become a rather devilish-looking monster, although he's still pretty cute for a monster. This was accomplished with a single photo manipulation tool (liquefy) and took about 10 seconds to do.

Original Image Courtesy of morgueFileThe application(s) you choose should be based on your end goal. Study the examples above for a bit and decide just how much time and effort you want to commit to learning the tools available for each application you choose. If simple image editing will suit your purposes, you will find many Squidoo lenses that feature these. However, if you really want what Adobe Photoshop® has to offer (but you want it for free), let's get going!

Whenever possible, I use online applications for simple image editing.

I am delighted to have so many full and easy editing options quickly and easily available online. Many of the things I would normally do in Photoshop® can be done much more quickly with these online applications; and I like saving time, don't you?

However, sometimes I really need to have a very robust, full-featured program that is almost limitless in the photo manipulation tasks I can perform. True graphics artists and designers need such capabilities. As mentioned above, however, Adobe Photoshop® is extremely expensive when initially purchased and very expensive to keep updated to the current version. In addition, many users complain that each new version becomes more bloated and, therefore, more cumbersome to use.

Fortunately, there are several free photo manipulation programs available that have functionality very similar to Photoshop®. Many of them even look very similar to Photoshop® so the tools and functions will be easily recognizable and instantly usable for those people. Try one or more of these to decide which one best suits your needs in terms of functionality, learning curve, availability, and operating system. Cost, of course, is not a factor as all of these programs are FREE.

Original Image Courtesy of morgueFile

Please realize that I am not a professional graphics artist and do not make my living using any photo manipulation software. What I am is a fairly-adept user of Adobe Photoshop® and familiar with a great number of the tools and functionality that are available in that program.

That knowledge, combined with research related to these alternative programs, formed the basis for my conclusions about competing programs. I am not attempting to start a "flamewar" with regard to whether or not there are any true substitutes for Photoshop®. Those who love Photoshop® will always believe there are no good alternatives, free or otherwise. Those who cannot afford Photoshop® will always seek acceptable alternatives. It is to the latter that this review is directed.

Original Image Courtesy of PhotoRack

Will you choose programs that will be downloaded to your desktop or laptop computer, or will you choose to use web-based (online) applications? There are pros and cons for each. Quite often these are mirror images. The advantages of one could very well be the disadvantages of the other.


Downloaded Programs
Cons:
Requires space on your computer; most programs are very large
Requires a lot of system resources (memory and CPU usage)
Restricted to use at computer where they were downloaded
May be lost in a computer disaster
Choice of program limited by operating system (platform)

Pros:
Preferences can be set to your way of working
Options and add-ons can be configured for your specific needs
Always available (assuming your computer is up and running)
Usually installed to the computer where images are stored
Usually optimized for a specific operating system (platform)

Web-Based Applications
Cons:
Speed is determined by the website hosting the application
Preferences are often not configurable or cannot be saved
May not work properly with all browsers
May require add-ons or plug-ins for some browsers
Availability depends on the website hosting the application

Pros:
Requires no space on your personal computer or laptop
Usually not greatly affected by your personal system resources
Always available (assuming your computer is up and running)
Are available anywhere there is an Internet connection
Still there after a computer crash

Note: Be aware that some programs may not work well (or at all) when you update your computer to a new operating system. Although my v6 Photoshop® does still work after upgrading to Windows 7, some of the tools do not work as well as before.


Original Image Courtesy of morgueFile

If you prefer a program that runs locally on your PC or laptop, you need one that is sure to work with your operating system. This article focuses on Windows and Macintosh operating systems, although Gimp runs on many other platforms.
After a lot of research, I believe the top-three contenders for computer-based Photoshop® alternative applications are:

Gimp - cross platform, Windows and Macintosh
Paint.net - Windows only
Seashore: - Macintosh only
In the following modules, you will learn many of the pros and cons of each and view YouTube® videos that will allow you to see some of the major features of each.

Original Image, Copyright guardianstar77, 2010, All Rights Reserved

Gimp is now, and forever will be, totally free because it is open-source. Users are encouraged to develop applications that extend the functionality of the program. Therefore, the basic program (already strong and stable) is constantly being improved with new add-ons and plug-ins. These features, combined with the cross-platform capability of Gimp (meaning it runs on a multitude of different operating systems), make it an extremely viable alternative for Adobe Photoshop®.

PROs:
Free (forever) | Open source | Cross platform | Portable
Bitmap/pixel-based editing
Excellent for image editing, image creation, photo manipulation, and animations
Can use many of the Photoshop® plug-ins
Wealth of plug-ins and extensions written for Gimp
Huge user base constantly adding features and writing tutorials
Significant core functionality, including layers, channel support, and paths
Opens and saves (exports) to wide range of file formats (jpg, gif, tiff, etc)
Many advanced features which are not available in Photoshop®

CONs:
User interface not the most intuitive or user-friendly
Significant learning curve (documentation written by users and widely scattered)
No 16-bit imaging and adjustments (under development)
3D not available (under development)
Lacks layer styles (under development)
Lacks CMYK colors (under development)
Does have some bugs and no real quality assurance program in place
"Under development" doesn't necessarily equate to "coming soon"


To help with the random nature of Gimp tutorials, About.com® has an impressive collection of them: Collection of Gimp Tutorials.

The following YouTube® videos will give you a fairly nice view of many of the menus and tools available in Gimp.

Image created with Gimp by Robbert van der Steeg , Creative Common License, some rights reserved.

Paint.net is another bitmap/pixel-based image editing application, designed specifically for the Windows operating system. Most true graphics designers will find it somewhat lacking when compared to Adobe Photoshop®. Others who are not already very familiar with Photoshop® and those who use only the more common tools in that program or are new to the world of photo manipulation will find much to love with Paint.net.


PROs:
Free (forever) | Open source
Clean, easy to use, very intuitive user interface
Small disk usage and less memory intensive
Faster than Gimp (and, of course, Photoshop®)
Bitmap/pixel-based image editor
Supports layers, lots of special effects, and powerful editing tools
Thousands of plug-ins and extensions that can be downloaded
Save to multiple common file formats (jpg, gif, tiff, etc)
Extensive user base constantly adding features and writing tutorials
Strong, active forum

CONs:
Not as robust as Gimp
Plug-ins cannot be managed from within the application
Text editor lacking; must insert separate layer; not editable after deselected
Lack of non-destructive editing options; no adjustment layers (maybe 2011)
Lacks dodge and burn tools
Has limited brush options
No support for CMYK
Can't save as a TIFF file with layers


Check out theYouTube® videos below for a glimpse at Paint.net and see if it's the program for you!

Above image created with Paint.net by idleman under Creative Common License, some rights reserved.

When looking for an alternative for Adobe Photoshop® that would run on a Mac, I stumbled. It seems there aren't any really good programs for the Mac that mimic Photoshop's® functionality, except Gimp. The closest contender that I could find is Seashore.

Seashore is smaller, easier, and faster, built on the Gimp code, specifically altered for the Mac. For the majority of people who need only a few of the more sophisticated photo manipulation tools, Seahorse might be just what you need.

PROs:
Free (forever) | Open Source
Easy, straightforward, user-friendly interface
Large selection of brushes and shapes tools
Most common tools such as gradients, clone, smudge
Anti-aliased (smooth edges) brush strokes
Supports layers and alpha channel editing
Integrates tightly with Mac operating system
Supports most common file formats through Save or Export
Thorough documentation with PDF user guide

CONs:
No huge array of image manipulation options or automated filters
Limited text capabilities, with no font preview and limited manipulation
Does not include some common effects such as drop shadow and bevel
No live preview for effects and filters
Does not embed ICC profiles for some file formats (must export)
No plug-ins


The YouTube® videos below will let you "sample" the capabilities of Seashore.

Above image created with Seashore by daita under Creative Common License, some rights reserved.

In the following modules, we will look at photo manipulation alternatives for Photoshop® that are web-based, also referred to as online applications or browser-based applications. The programs are independent of all operating systems because all you need to use them is a computer of some sort and an Internet connection. Since I didn't have to download these programs, I have been able to personally "test drive" them all in offering my conclusions.

Please note: No applications were selected that did not support layers because all true graphics artists will demand that functionality!

Only two online photo manipulation programs met even my needs as a graphics designer. As alternatives to Photoshop®, both are really quite good. Not Photoshop®, but still very nice alternatives. They are:
Sumo Paint and Pixlr




SplashUp is another alternative photo manipulation program that is highly rated by some users. It is very "like" Photoshop in appearance and general layout. However, I found the tools to be very limited (no zoom, no magic wand). There is no additional layer support (such as adjustments and layer masks), and the layer effects and filters are somewhat limited. I also found it to be unstable, as it locked up several times, causing me to lose my work. In fairness, this may be due to the last update I did to my Adobe Flash Player®. I would personally not choose this program as a "substitute" for Photoshop®.

Honorable mentions go to Picnik and FotoFlexer because both do support layers and selectable text objects. The layer functionality is limited, but at least it's there. Each of these programs also has several very nice "pretty up" options. These will be covered in a later article.

Original Image, Copyright guardianstar77, 2010, All Rights Reserved

As a true alternative photo manipulation program, Sumo Paint is quite desirable. It is very similar to Photoshop® in appearance, tools, and functionality. Experienced Photoshop® users will be able to use the program immediately. Newcomers to photo manipulation programs will find a wealth of tutorials, from within the application itself, as well as a marvelous array of outside training sources, such as YouTube®. With a little time learning and "playing," even newbies to the world of graphic design will be delighted with this program.

PROs:
No registration required unless you want to store your work on their site.
Runs in any Flash-enabled browser
Instantly Recognizable to Photoshop® Users
Zero learning curve for experienced Photoshop® users
Outstanding performance, very fast even with complex layouts
Comprehensive Image Editing, Image Creation & Design and Photo Manipulation
Clean, attractive interface, very similar to Photoshop®
Wide range of shapes tools, including some I've not seen before
Text is easy to create; can be selected, edited, and scaled after deselected
All fonts on your PC are available for use
Nice assortment of standard and fun filters
Wide assortment of brushes and pen styles
Includes layers and layer styles
Results of photo manipulations previewed immediately on the original image
Magic Wand better and easier to use than the one in Photoshop® (v.6)
3D transformations (cube, sphere, cylinder, etc.)
Allows multiple open workspaces
Multiple levels of Undo
Workspaces can be saved on Sumo for future use (with registration)
Uses standard Windows keyboard shortcuts as well as its own
Frequent enhancements and updates
Strong community and involved user base
Excellent learning tools, inside and outside the program

CONs:
No adjustment layers, layer masks, etc.
No extract or liquefy (two of my favorite tools)
Lacks the photo-sharing and social networking site integration
No one-click "dress up" features like adding frames and borders
Font list does not include review of the font
Crop tool - automatic with no adjustment
Limited options for import (from disk or URL)
Limited options for save / export (jpg, png, sumo)


The image above was made using a public domain image (of the cat) from morgueFile. I duplicated the background layer and erased the portion of the image with the head and partial chest so it would act as a mask layer. Then I desaturated it and blurred it using a radial blur. I opened the file again, cropped it to include just the face, used the 3D filter to make the cube, and copied and pasted it into the original image. Then I went back to the cube image, flipped it horizontally, and copied and pasted it again. When all layers were in place, I cropped the overall image and saved it as a png file so the desaturated portions of the image would remain visible. Ta-da!

Note: Sumo's Terms of Service prohibits use of artwork designed on their online system for commercial purposes. You can purchase the software for download to your PC for $19 per year. With that purchase, you obtain the license to use it for commercial purposes.

Sumo Paint opens with a new blank page. Just start working or use File - Open to acquire an image! Sumo Paint Home Page

Original Image Courtesy of morgueFile

Pixlr is also a very good alternative photo manipulation program, equal in most respects to Sumo Paint. It also has a few very nice features that are not available in Sumo Paint. In large part, this online application will satisfy those who want a "lighter" version of Photoshop®. Newcomers to the world of photo manipulation will find it easy to learn and be able to achieve some really amazing images in a short period of time just by trial and error.

PROs:
No registration required
Instantly Recognizable to Photoshop® Users
Zero learning curve for experienced Photoshop® users
Outstanding performance, very fast even with complex layouts
Can choose full screen mode for editing
Comprehensive Image Editing, Image Creation & Design and Photo Manipulation
Acceptable range of shapes tools
Text is easy to create; can be selected, edited, and scaled after deselected
All fonts on your PC are available for use
Adequate assortment of standard and some fun filters
Very good assortment of brushes
Includes layers, layer masks and layer styles with blending options
Layer manipulation is identical to Photoshop®
Results of photo manipulations previewed immediately on the original image
Magic Wand is excellent
Allows you to flip and rotate individual layers as well as the whole image
Allows multiple open workspaces
Multiple levels of Undo
Uses standard Windows keyboard shortcuts
Has image "grabber" plug-in for Firefox and Chrome (awesome tool)
Excellent learning tools, inside and outside the program
API for developers

CONs:
Can't save workspace for later editing
No extract or liquefy (two of my favorite tools)
Lacks the photo-sharing and social networking site integration
No one-click "dress up" features like adding frames and borders
Font list does not include review of the font
Limited options for import (from disk or URL)
Limited options for save / export (jpg, png, bmp, pxd)


For the above image, I downloaded a photo of a yellow flower on a white background. I deleted the white background with the magic wand, resized the image, duplicated it several times and placed each image where I wanted it on the background. I added a background color layer and used the paint bucket tool to make it solid black. I merged the layers into a single image and used the kaleidoscope filter (twice) to get the effect I wanted. Then I copied and pasted the image into a new, empty file. In that file, I duplicated the flower, added the khaki-colored squares, and merged the layers. Then I applied a bevel to the merged layers and added a final layer of the same color to the background. With the text tool, I created the words and then applied a drop-shadow to them. Finally, I cropped the entire image and saved it as a png file. Drumroll, please.

Just click on "Open Image Editor" when you get to the home page and jump right in! Pixlr Home Page

Original Image Courtesy of morgueFile

In all truthfulness, I find very little difference between these online applications. They are both very viable FREE alternatives to Photoshop®. Each has a few small differences in such things as layers, filters, brushes, and shapes. Each also has some great things that the other does not include.
Unique things I like about each are:
Sumo Paint

Workspaces can be saved on Sumo for future use (with registration)
Wide range of shapes tools, including some cool ones I've not seen before
3D transformations (cube, sphere, cylinder, etc.)

Pixlr

Superior crop tool - selects, has grid for centering, movable, can be resized
Has image "grabber" add-on for Firefox and Chrome (awesome tool)
API for Developers



Since both of these applications are FREE, have zero learning curve for experienced Photoshop® users, have great training materials available to assist new users, and require no download, why not use both for the unique features of each?

General point of interest: Both of these applications are based on Adobe's Flash Player® technology. Older PCs, running older versions of Flash® may not give you the same exciting and satisfying results that I have with them. However, if your PC is not capable of good performance with these online applications, chances are very good that it will not work well with Adobe Photoshop® either. So, I highly recommend that (before purchasing Photoshop® - or even downloading the computer-based applications shown here) that you give these apps a shot. All you have to lose is a few minutes of time. What you can potentially gain is two very exciting programs, capable of handling many image editing, image design and photo manipulation tasks!

Original Image Courtesy of morgueFile