Adobe Photoshop is a ground-breaking raster graphics editor that has set the standards of photo editors quite high. But its high price has also deterred many from pursuing it. Not everyone wants to keep paying for software, and since Adobe won’t introduce a one-time payment plan anytime soon, you should look at other tools that offer if not equal but similar features.
Best Photoshop Alternatives for iPad
iPad owners were ecstatic to see Photoshop as a part of the App Store, but it is a free download that includes a 30-day free trial, after which you’ll need to keep paying $9.99 per month. Fret not, as I have you covered with the best Photoshop alternatives for iPad.
Scroll below, and you’ll find some of the best apps and web-based services that let you whip up some amazing edits without letting you miss Photoshop (or its high costs). So, let’s get going!
1. Affinity Photo
The first on our list of the best Photoshop alternatives for iPad is Affinity Photo. It has cropped up in every list of Photoshop alternatives. It is lightweight as compared to Photoshop, so if you are using a low-end PC, storage won’t be an issue. Other benefits of Affinity Photo are fast and real-time rendering and fewer crashes. It also offers unlimited layers, RAW file editing, and over 1,000,000% zoom. What else do you need? Download the app from the link below.
Download Affinity Photo
2. Procreate
Procreate is the second on our list of the best Photoshop alternatives for iPad. If painting is your focus, then you can’t go wrong with Procreate. A decade ago, it started as a basic drawing app, but now it’s a professional drawing tool. The layout is quite easy to use and includes true-to-life inks, pencils, brushes, etc. There’s also palm support, so you don’t have to worry about which angle to use while drawing. Download the app from the link below.
Download Procreate
3. Polarr
Polarr is an intuitive and simple editing app that will make you reminisce about Lightroom. Much of Polarr’s functionalities, such as temperature, exposure, diffuse, etc. remind you of Lightroom’s capabilities. Other features include filter blending, toning tools, advanced RGB, and HSL curve tools. For pedantic souls, you’ll find persistent edit history and infinite undo and redo. Try Polarr from the link below.
Download Polarr
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4. Pixlr
I have used Pixlr on my Android devices for years now and I can vouch for its features, even on an iPad. It has over 600 effects, borders, overlays, etc. that has the ability to enhance your photos. Basic functions such as re-sizing, cropping, red-eye removal, and teeth whitening are a joy to use. If you’re adept at Photoshop, you’ll feel right at home while using Pixlr. The app is free to use and there’s also a web app.
Download Pixlr
5. PicMonkey
PicMonkey is the next on our list of the best Photoshop alternatives for iPad. It isn’t an application, it’s a web-based tool that offers similar photo editing and design features as Photoshop, if not better. Features such as layers, mask features, touchup, team collaboration, etc. make it a worthy suggestion. Try it from the link below.
Visit PicMonkey
6. Canva
Canva is a pretty new service but doesn’t underestimate its editing prowess. It isn’t a simple image editing website; it can do wonders for any social media platform. As its tagline says “make design simple for anyone,” it really means it since using it is really easy to use. There are thousands of stock photographs, layouts, fonts, and design elements. You can choose not to pay a fee but if you do, you won’t regret it. Create anything – from a birthday card to an Instagram post – without any hassle.
Visit Canva
7. RelayThat
RelayThat is the next suggestion on our list of the best Photoshop alternatives for iPad. It is way ahead of Photoshop and I am not exaggerating! Upload your brand assets, such as logos, images, fonts, colors, etc. and RelayThat will generate multiple designs for you for various use cases. Isn’t it a time-saving tool? Try it from the link below.
Visit RelayThat
8. Pixlr Editor
Not to be confused with Pixlr, Pixlr Editor is an easy and intuitive web-based image editor. If you’ve used Photoshop, then there’s no learning curve here but if you are new to Pixlr, then you are on your own since finding tutorials for this service is a herculean task. Experienced editors will find solace since the features are similar to that of Photoshop. One-click photo enhancements are Pixlr’s spotlight feature.
Visit Pixlr Editor
9. Photopea
One of the best Photoshop alternatives for iPad, Photopea is an online photo editor that obliterates the need for installing another program. You’ll notice that the editing time is quick and simple tasks like resizing images are done within seconds. The service also supports a wide range of formats, such as PSD, CDR, XCF, XD, and Sketch. Try it from the link below.
Visit Photopea
10. Fotor
The last one on our list of the best Photoshop alternatives for iPad is Fotor. It identifies itself as “fundamentally Photoshop online,” and I agree with that statement as its features are equally advanced as Photoshop. Be it retouching, effects, advanced editing tools – Fotor will give your images a professional touch. The best part about this service is its availability in 7 languages. Try it from the link below.
Visit Fotor
FAQs
Which are the best Photoshop alternatives for iPad?
Photopea’s web-version and Canva are the best Photoshop alternatives for iPad.
Is there a non-subscription version of Photoshop?
No, there isn’t a non-subscription version of Photoshop. After the end of CS6 applications, you are left with the only option of purchasing a paid Creative Cloud membership. Photoshop Elements is the only non-subscription version of Photoshop.
Is Fotor really free?
Yes, Fotor is free and has no hidden charges. Its advanced photo-editing techniques make it one of the best Photoshop alternatives for iPad.
Conclusion
My final thoughts on the best Photoshop alternatives for iPad is that you should choose a tool that suits your uses, has some benefits, and is easy to use. If you have used Photoshop, you’ll notice that the basics are the same on almost every serious editing tool.
If you are an amateur artist and want some free tools to learn the magic of photo editing, then Pixlr and Canva are most suited for you. For those who work for mid-large-scale firms, PicMonkey and Affinity Photo are the best options to consider. Whichever tool you choose, you don’t have the subscription sword on your head.
Which of the above services look good for your needs? Any other apps/services you’d like to add? Tell us in teh comments below.
