Three free options side by side
| PSCraft | GIMP | Photopea | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where it runs | Browser tab | Installed desktop app | Browser tab |
| Interface | Follows Photoshop | Its own layout and shortcuts | Follows Photoshop |
| PSD files | Opens and saves, layers editable | Opens them; some Photoshop features are flattened | Opens and saves, layers editable |
| Cost | Free, no ads | Free, no ads | Free with ads; paid tier |
| Account | None | None | None |
| Source code | Open (PhotoCraft) | Open | Closed |
| Phones and tablets | Desktop browsers only | No | Yes |
If you're coming from Photoshop
The less you have to relearn, the sooner you're productive. In PSCraft the Layers panel, adjustment layers, layer styles, the toolbar order and the common shortcuts match what your hands already do. Open a document and Ctrl/⌘ J, Ctrl/⌘ T and Ctrl/⌘ D behave as you'd expect.
Pick by the job
- Open, fix and return PSDs from any computer: PSCraft or Photopea.
- Open-source software with nothing uploaded: PSCraft or GIMP.
- Digital painting: Krita is hard to beat.
- Editing on a phone or tablet: Photopea.
- Generative AI, plug-ins, agency print work: stay with Photoshop.
What PSCraft doesn't replace
It has no generative features, doesn't run Photoshop plug-ins and has no cloud libraries. A handful of Photoshop's tools aren't implemented yet, and the editor underneath is still labelled alpha. For a clear-eyed list, see PSCraft vs Photoshop.
Test it on your hardest file
There is nothing to install, so the trial costs a minute. Open the editor, drop in the most complicated PSD you have and see what survives.