Users may decide to switch to from Adobe Photoshop Elements to another software for several reasons. Some of them believe that Ps Elements is too expensive. Others claim that it is very complicated or just need an open-source program. There are also users that faced compatibility issues and are looking for a replacement optimized for their OS.
No matter what spikes your search for photo editing software similar to Adobe Photoshop Elements. In this overview, you can find a decent analog as we have selected Adobe Photoshop Elements alternatives for different needs and budgets.
To pick a good replacement for Ps Elements, you should clearly understand your needs, decide on how much you are ready to spend, check out your system compatibility, and examine the offered feature set.
Below, you can find photo editing software for beginners as well as advanced tools for experts. The most powerful programs come packed with the latest photo editing features, AI-based options, extensive format support, and terrific customizations.
Verdict: GIMP is a versatile image editor that works across different operating systems, including GNU/Linux, macOS, Windows, and others. The program offers a range of handy functions and can serve as a basic painting program, an advanced image retouching tool, an online system for batch photo processing, a picture renderer, and an image converter.
This Photoshop Elements alternative stands out with layer and custom brush support. Moreover, it offers non-destructive image editing and can be upgraded with the help of third-party plugins, add-ons, and extensions. Unlike Adobe software, GIMP has open-source code, which means any person can modify it and keep using the program absolutely for free.
Verdict: Pixlr can one-up Photoshop Elements if you are looking for a web-based tool. With it, you can make changes on the go without completing any software downloading and installation. Pixlr is suitable for making basic photo edits, as well as embellishing images with unique effects, overlays, borders, and more.
Users particularly like its auto-balance fixing and instruments for adjusting the lighting in pictures. In fact, such processes require making a single click. Besides, with this online photo enhancer, you can add personalized touches to your photos. There are over 100 effects, 340+ overlays, and 200 borders for creative edits.
You can use Pixlr for free if you are OK with ads and limited saves. If such restrictions annoy you, have a look at the premium version for $4.90. The good news is that you can test it for 30 days without paying a cent.
Verdict: Corel PaintShop Pro is a popular program with an extensive package of tools for picture improvement, color correction, and drawing. The interface is adjustable, so you can hide needless tools and arrange the rest in a convenient manner. Since the software support layers, you can improve both raster and vector photos.
Experts that frequently deal with RAW files state that this is the best Adobe Photoshop Elements alternative. PaintShop Pro contains many top-notch tools for RAW editing, as well as 360-degree photo processing options.
While the range of features is amazing, the optimization and overall response speed leave much to be desired. The developers offer a 30-day free trial period. Once it expires, the price is $79.99.
Verdict: ACDSee is a multi-purpose program that you can use to view, organize, and edit images. Once you’re done improving your photos, you can instantly output them to social media for photographers and other platforms.
Like the Adobe reference software, it has the latest Facial Recognition option. Therefore, you can indicate the most prominent biometric facial patterns and the program will recognize a person in photos or videos.
With ACDSee, you can view and edit RAW photos and select several elements for processing at once. Therefore, it is possible to expedite the entire workflow greatly. There is a free trial version that is valid for 30 days. If you plan to use the program further, you’ll need to pay from $69.95.
Verdict: This is a pro-grade Photoshop Elements alternative for editing raster images. It has multiple features and tools, so can come in handy even for complicated photo manipulations. You can take advantage of live image processing, 60fps panning, zooming, and non-destructive photo editing.
Besides, the software allows working with unlimited layers, leverage a dedicated RAW editing workspace, and different color spaces (RGB, CMYK, LAB, and more). Moreover, it is suitable for 16-bit per channel editing.
Seasoned users say this is a great photo editor due to the variety of professional color spaces and profiles, adjustable toolbars, panels, and shortcuts. Here you can edit photos in PSD format and those exported from modern cameras. All these goodies cost $69.99 but you can first test them for free for 30 days.
Verdict: Capture One brags about an updated processing engine, impeccable performance, and the latest features. It is very popular among professional users that understand how to get the most out of editing features, photo customizations, and RAW processing tools.
Similar to Photoshop Elements, the program has an embedded RAW converter. Therefore, you can upload images from more than 300 high-end and cheap cameras to the program, convert them into the needed format without sacrificing color and detail accuracy, and then proceed with editing.
Other advantages are precise tethered captures, digital asset management, adjustment tools, and flexible workflow. A monthly subscription costs $14.99 and the perpetual license is priced at $299.00. But first, you can test the capabilities of the software for 30 days for free.
Verdict: Skylum Luminar Neo is one of the best Adobe Photoshop Elements alternatives when it comes to the range of AI-based tools. It appeals to users with its SkyAI, StructureAI, and CompositionAI instruments, as well as non-destructive workflow, and different creative assets.
Thanks to the upgraded RAW engine, photo editing has become faster. Besides, there are Lens Correction & Transform tools for removing defects. If you want to make quick improvements, you can use smart filters. The Sun Rays filter is currently the most popular.
Luminar Neo can work as a standalone RAW photo editor and as a plugin for Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, and Apple Photos. Unlike Ps Elements, it is easier to use, especially for novices.
Besides, settings are more intuitive here. A monthly price is $9.95, while a one-time purchase costs $99.
Verdict: If you are an amateur photo editor and want a user-friendly Photoshop Elements alternative, this program will surely fit the bill. It has an understandable interface with logically located tools. However, advanced users can also take advantage of the program due to interesting tools and features typically available in the best AI photo editors and photo animation software. In general, it seems that developers tried to create a program that will cater to the needs of multiple users and they achieve success.
Like Ps, PhotoDirector has manifold manipulation features, layer editing, touch-up instruments, amazing effects, precise color adjustments, and animation options. You can get it for $39.99.
Verdict: This is a photo editing app for Mac and Windows that can also be imported into other software as a plugin for expanding their functionality. It is equipped with an agile RAW processor, powerful image editing tools, and plugins.
ON1 Photo RAW exceeds the capabilities of Photoshop Elements with its vast assortment of high-quality editing features. It offers non-destructive edits, advanced masking options, and many presets.
Users can try the software at no cost for 14 days or purchase it outright paying $79.99. There is also a yearly subscription that includes access to the main upgrades and all forthcoming plugins and software versions.
