Adobe Photoshop is a familiar tool for many designers and content creators. However, relatively high copyright costs make it difficult for many users to access professional software.
Currently, many free design software are sufficient to meet the needs of photo editing, poster making or basic content design, and at the same time help users limit network security risks from cracked software of unknown origin.
1. GIMP
GIMP is considered one of the most popular free software to replace Photoshop.
Completely free; Supports layers, brushes and plugins; Has a large user community.
Interface is not friendly to new users; Some other Photoshop operations.
Designer; Student designer; In-depth photo editing.
2. Photopea
Photopea works directly on the browser but has an interface very similar to Photoshop.
No installation required; PSD file support; Familiar interface.
Internet-dependent; Has advertising in the free version.
Students; Weak laptop users; Fast correction.
3. Canva
Canva is currently a popular tool for content creators thanks to simple drag and drop operations.
Easy to use; Large template store; Has Vietnamese.
Limits in in-depth photo editing; Some templates require payment.
Suitable for: Content creator; Student; Social network design.
4. Krita
Krita excels in the field of digital painting and illustration.
Strong Brush; Good drawing support; Completely free.
Not as strong in photo editing as Photoshop.
Illustrator; Artist; Concept art.
5. Pixlr
Pixlr is a fairly popular online photo editing application with a simple interface.
Lightweight; Easy to use; Has AI support for photo editing.
Limited advanced features; Has advertising.
Quick photo editing; Beginners learning design.
6. Figma
Figma does not completely replace Photoshop but is being used a lot in UI/UX design.
Working online; Supporting group collaboration; Modern interface.
Not strong in photo editing.
Suitable for: Designer UI/UX; Freelancer; Technology students.
7. Adobe Express
Adobe Express is aimed at general users who need quick design for social networks.
Easy to use; Adobe ecosystem synchronization; AI support.
Limits in in-depth features; Many tools require payment.
Suitable for: Content creator; Marketing; Social media design.
8. Inkscape
Inkscape is a famous free vector design software.
Completely free; Strong SVG support; Diverse vector tools.
Interface is a bit old; Not as smooth as Illustrator.
Logo design; Poster; Vector art.
9. MediBang Paint
MediBang Paint is used by many manga artists and illustrators.
Lightweight; Many free brushes; Cloud support.
Not suitable for in-depth photo editing.
Comic art; Illustration; Young Artist.
10. Paint. NET
Paint.NET is a light photo editing software, suitable for Windows users.
Lightweight; Easy to use; Supports plugins.
Only available on Windows; Few professional features.
Low-configuration laptop; Basic photo editing.
