Photoshop Alternatives?

[TheBeatnikHimself]

Dear Colleagues,

I would like to express my growing dissatisfaction with Adobe products. However, after two decades of utilizing their software professionally, transitioning to a new platform presents a significant challenge. As both a landscape photographer and educator, I rely heavily on Adobe software for my work and teaching.

I have conducted research on alternative options; however, I have yet to identify a solution that matches the comprehensive capabilities of Photoshop. Thus far, I have explored Affinity, GIMP, and Pixelmator. While I own Luminar Neo and have previously used Capture One, I believe these applications may serve as potential replacements for Lightroom, yet fall short of replicating Photoshop's functionality.

I am reaching out to this community in hopes of identifying a viable alternative to Adobe Photoshop. Your insights and recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

[AxelMatt]

Sorry but, you're here in a forum for Adobe software and you're seriously asking for alternatives.

You've listed some alternatives. Go to the relevant websites and read the specifications. Download trial versions and check if the program meets your needs. Only you can see if a software matches to your requirements.

There are plenty of videos on YouTube, for example, about the individual programs.

[TheBeatnikHimself]

I have been doing just what you are suggesting.

What is wrong with me being here asking this question?

I would suggest to you that if you are going to post on someones thread you might actually want to add some value and insight into the conversation.

[TheBeatnikHimself]

Sorry but, you're here in a forum for Adobe software and you're seriously asking for alternatives?

There are plenty of videos on YouTube, for example, about the individual programs.

By @AxelMatt

To be clear, I am posting here specifically to connect with other dedicated Photoshop users who have enough expertise to engage in a meaningful discussion about the pros and cons of alternative software. It's often the subtle differences—easily overlooked in manuals or video tutorials—that can be significant barriers for newcomers. 

As a “Community Expert,” I find it unacceptable for you to publicly undermine these efforts. I have reported your comments to the moderators, and I expect you to be more supportive of fellow users in your future posts.

[COREY23932136m2gm]

I'm with you on this one, I'm getting very unsatisified with Adobe's products and increasing costs for things

Looking for an alternative and I see nothing wrong wtih asking that here as I'm sure others have had the same concerns or same path.  

[Conrad_C]

There's nothing wrong with asking that question. But you probably want an answer that isn’t influenced by the many supporters and employees of the company owning this particular forum. Because obviously, although many of us might also have or use other photo editors, we’re all here because we chose to continue to use Photoshop and other Adobe apps.

So while the question can be asked here, you should at least also ask on a forum not owned by Adobe where you might get more independent opinions about this subject. 

[Trevor.Dennis]

On top of what Conrad has told you, I am totally flabbergasted that anyone can be disatified with Adobe apps right now.  So much has happened recently.  We have seen what have to be the most significant improvements in living memory.   Selections that work like magic tricks with the most complex backgrounds. Ai assisted tools that speed up workflow by orders of magnitude with noticeably better end results, (Remove Background, Harmonize).  Cool functions like Dynamic Text.   Outstanding partner models added to Generitive Fill (I was going to pay for a Nano Banana subscription but now I don't need to).   Ai tools that have caught up with uber expensive plug-ins like Topaz Gigerpixel and Photo Ai.  Easy to access free Adobe Stock images (although I am actually finding this quite limited).

That's just off the top of my head, and only for Photoshop.  It is such an exciting time to be a digital content creator, and judging from the recent MAX Sneak Peeks there is lots more to come.