Top Three Open Source Photoshop Alternatives for Web Design
Adobe Photoshop is widely popular for photographers, graphic artists, and web designers offering a host of features for creating professional graphics.
However, the price of Adobe Photoshop can be quite expensive. Most designers consider the return of investment of a Photoshop license in this tight economy. While Photoshop remains the 500 pound gorilla in the marketplace, there are some alternatives, and many of them are open-source!
GIMP
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is one of the oldest and well-known photo-editing platforms. It is a good Photoshop alternative supported by a large community of developers. You will find most of the Photoshop features in this cross platform software package.
It works on any operating system and focuses on photo retouching, image authoring and image composition.
Features and capabilities include:
- Full suite of painting tools
- Advance manipulation
- Plugins for additional formats
- Animations
- Supports various file formats
GimpShop
GimpShop is a modified version of GIMP that is designed to replicate the interface of Adobe Photoshop. The purpose of the platform is to make Photoshop users feel comfortable with its long list of features and customizability.
GimpShop does not support Photoshop plugins. It has its own sets of effects, filters and textures.
Features and capabilities include:
- Pro-level photo enhancing
- Digital retouching
- Channel mixer
- New widget for functional user interface
- Single window mode in 2.8 version
Pixlr Editor
Pixlr Editor is a web-based photo-editing software that has a similar Photoshop CS user interface with functional features such as layers, filters, magic wand, styling, texting and many more. Pixlr Editor works with a Flash plugin in your browser.
Features and capabilities include:
- Pixlr Editor for advanced functions
- Pixlr Express for efficient editing of photos
- Pixlr-o-matic adds vintage touch
- No need to sign up for accounts
- Instant edit on web browser