Adobe Alternatives
Adobe’s Photoshop and Illustrator are industry standards for raster and vector design, but there are many capable alternatives. Below is a comprehensive list of ten design tools (mostly from Europe, with a few global entries) that specialize in either raster (image/photo editing) or vector (illustration/graphics) work. Each tool entry includes its country of origin, whether it’s focused on raster or vector editing, key features (noting if it’s web-based or Linux-compatible), pricing model, a summary of user reviews, and any AI-powered features. This list should help you find a suitable design software solution – from free open-source programs to professional paid apps – that fits your needs.
Photopea
Ownership: Privately held
Pricing: Free with ads, $5/month
Known for: Web-based raster editor; Photoshop format compatible; works on Linux via browser. We just love Photopea and it works on any PC in the browser. It is so close to the Photoshop look, that you will not have any difficulties switching.
GIMP (Global)
Ownership: Privately held
Pricing: Free (open source)
Known for: Desktop photo (raster) editor; very feature-rich; native on Linux
Krita
Ownership: Privately held
Pricing: Free (donation supported)
Known for: Desktop raster editor for digital painting; Linux compatible. Excellent for artists; praised for brushes and stability; not ideal for photo editing
Affinity Photo
Features: Desktop raster editor; not on Linux; near-Photoshop feature parity
Price: $69.99 one-time
Our verdict: Loved the performance and value. Lacks some AI tools but very capable. Nice with the simple one-time pricing.
Affinity Designer
Features: Desktop vector editor; not on Linux; precise and professional design
Price: $69.99 one-time
Our verdict: Fast and polished; many switch from Illustrator; limited plugin support
Inkscape (Global)
Features: Desktop vector editor; native Linux support; SVG-focused
Price: Free (open source)
Our verdict: Comprehensive but clunky; great for technical design; UI could be smoother
Pixlr
Ownership: Privately held
Pricing: Free with ads, from $2/month Premium
Known for: Web-based raster editor; works on Linux; AI tools included. Very easy to use; great for quick edits; limited for pro workflows
Canva (Australia)
Features: Web-based design suite; Linux via browser; AI text/image tools
Price: Free basic, $12.99/month Pro
Our verdict:Top for beginners and marketers; easy, template-heavy; not precise for design pros