Adobe Photoshop and Photopea are essential tools for businesses and designers, offering advanced features and professional-grade editing capabilities. We'll compare Adobe Photoshop and Photopea to determine which one best meets your needs, focusing on aspects like cost, accessibility, and feature set.

A Quick Overview of Adobe Photoshop and Photopea

What is Adobe Photoshop?

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Adobe is a software company known for its creative and design solutions. The company offers a range of products and services under Adobe Creative Cloud, including applications for photography, graphic design, video editing, illustration, 3D & AR, and PDF management.

Adobe Photoshop offers intuitive tools to replace backgrounds and merge multiple images to create unique composites. Its integration of generative AI features, such as Generative Fill and Generative Expand, allows users to make complex edits quickly and with greater control.

What is Photopea?

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Photopea provides a free, online photo editing tool that operates directly in the browser. It offers professional-grade editing features without the need for downloads or installations, making it accessible and convenient for a wide range of users.

Photopea's fully local operation means no need to upload files; everything runs on the user's device. This unique feature enhances privacy and security, setting it apart from competitors.

Features of Adobe Photoshop and Photopea

Similarities

Adobe Photoshop and Photopea share a range of features that make them both powerful tools for image editing and graphic design. Here are the most significant similarities:

  • Image Editing and Design: Both platforms offer comprehensive tools for image editing and graphic design, including layers, masks, and various selection tools.
  • Layer Management: Both applications support advanced layer management, allowing users to work with multiple layers, blend modes, and layer effects.
  • Brush Tools: Both Photoshop and Photopea provide a variety of brush tools for painting, retouching, and applying selective edits.
  • Text Tools: Both platforms offer robust text editing tools, enabling users to add and customize text within their designs.
  • File Compatibility: Both applications support a wide range of file formats, including PSD, JPEG, PNG, and more, ensuring compatibility and ease of use across different projects.

Differences

Adobe Photoshop and Photopea each offer unique features that cater to different user needs. Here are the most significant differences:

  • Generative AI Features: Adobe Photoshop includes advanced AI tools like Generative Fill and Generative Expand, which are not available in Photopea.
  • Text to Image: Photoshop allows users to create assets using text prompts, a feature absent in Photopea.
  • Browser-Based Operation: Photopea runs entirely in the browser without requiring downloads or installations, unlike Photoshop.
  • Cost: Photopea offers free access to premium features, whereas Photoshop typically requires a subscription.
  • Plug-ins: Adobe Photoshop supports extensive plug-ins and integrates with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications, a capability not found in Photopea.

User Interface and Usability

Adobe Photoshop's user interface is complex, with a steep learning curve due to its extensive features and tools. The software's layout is dense, requiring users to navigate through multiple menus and panels. This can be overwhelming for beginners, though it offers depth for advanced users. The user experience is tailored for professional use, with powerful tools that demand a significant time investment to master. Overall, the usability of Photoshop is high for those familiar with its interface but can be daunting for new users.

Photopea, on the other hand, offers a more straightforward user interface that is accessible directly through a web browser. Its layout is simpler, making it easier for users to find and use the tools they need. The user experience is designed to be intuitive, with a focus on ease of use and quick access to features. This makes Photopea more approachable for casual users and those who need to perform quick edits without extensive training. Overall, Photopea's usability is more user-friendly for beginners and those seeking a hassle-free editing experience.

Photopea has a better user interface and usability for casual and beginner users.

Collaboration

Adobe Photoshop does not explicitly highlight features that facilitate collaboration. The software lacks built-in tools for real-time editing or cloud-based sharing, making it less convenient for team projects. Users must rely on external platforms for collaborative work, which can be cumbersome and time-consuming.

Photopea, similarly, does not emphasize collaboration features. Operating entirely in the browser, it does not offer real-time editing or cloud-based sharing options. Users looking to collaborate will need to find alternative methods to share and edit files together.

Neither Adobe Photoshop nor Photopea stands out as superior for collaboration.

Adobe Photoshop and Photopea Pricing

Adobe Photoshop offers various subscription plans, including a standalone option at NIS 81.00 per month or NIS 924.00 per year. The Photography Plan, which includes Lightroom, costs NIS 70.00 per month. For those needing more, the Creative Cloud All Apps plan is available at NIS 205.00 per month or NIS 2,280.00 per year.

Photopea provides a free account and a Premium account, though specific pricing for the Premium account isn't mentioned. The Self-Hosted Version ranges from $500 to $2000 per month, paid annually. Photopea's free access and flexible pricing options make it more cost-effective for casual users compared to Adobe Photoshop.

Comparing Adobe Photoshop and Photopea to Piktochart

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Piktochart transforms complex ideas into captivating visuals that inform and engage your audience. With Piktochart AI, you can create stunning infographics, reports, and presentations in seconds, perfectly aligned with your brand. No design experience required.

Pros of Piktochart

  • Ease of Use: Piktochart's intuitive interface makes it accessible for users of all skill levels, eliminating the need for extensive design experience.
  • Variety of Templates: The platform offers a wide range of customizable templates for infographics, presentations, flyers, posters, and reports, catering to diverse design needs.
  • Content Repurposing: Piktochart allows users to easily repurpose long videos into bite-sized clips, complete with automatic subtitle addition and customization for social media.
  • Comprehensive Toolset: As an all-in-one visual communication tool, Piktochart provides everything professionals need to create compelling visual content regularly.
  • User Feedback Integration: The platform actively considers and implements user feedback, ensuring continuous improvement and development of its features.

Piktochart's Pricing

  • Free: $0 (Free forever)
  • Pro: $29 per member/month (billed monthly) or $14 per member/month (billed annually)
  • Business: $49 per member/month (billed monthly) or $24 per member/month (billed annually)
  • Enterprise: Custom Pricing (Contact for details)
  • Campus: Custom Pricing (Minimum 3000 seats, Contact for details)

What Are Others Saying?

Adobe Photoshop Reviews

Overall, users have given Adobe Photoshop a rating of 4.6 out of 5. While many appreciate its powerful tools and features, frustrations include its steep learning curve and high cost.

  • "The software is very resource-intensive and can slow down my computer." - John D., 3.5 out of 5
  • "Frequent updates can be disorienting and disrupt my workflow." - Sarah M., 3 out of 5
  • "The subscription model is expensive and not ideal for occasional users." - Mike R., 3.5 out of 5

Find more of Adobe Photoshop reviews on G2!

Photopea Reviews

Overall, users have given Photopea a rating of 4.8 out of 5. While many appreciate its free services and ease of use, frustrations include limited features and upload issues.

  • "The software is expensive and lacks some advanced features." - MD AZIZUR RAHMAN A., 4.5 out of 5
  • "Limited usage and occasional upload issues can be frustrating." - Tisagh C., 4.5 out of 5
  • "Lack of free credits for certain features is a downside." - Pablo G., 4 out of 5

Find more of Photopea reviews on G2!

Piktochart Reviews

Our users have given Piktochart an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5. They appreciate its ease of use, variety of templates, and comprehensive toolset. Here are some of their thoughts:

  • "Piktochart is very easy and simple to use online graphics creation tool." - ASHESHWAR Y.
  • "Piktochart offers good looking pre-built templates for creating graphics." - SUNITA S.
  • "Easily Create Social Images and Infographics to Boost Business Services." - Rachel L.

Find more of our reviews on G2!

Why choose one over the other?

Why Choose Adobe Photoshop:

  • Consumers who need advanced image editing capabilities and professional-grade tools might prefer Adobe Photoshop. This software is ideal for graphic designers, photographers, and creative professionals who require extensive features and AI-powered functionalities.

Why Choose Photopea:

  • Consumers looking for a cost-effective, browser-based photo editor with professional tools might opt for Photopea. This platform is perfect for students, small business owners, and social media enthusiasts who need a convenient and free solution for their editing needs.

Why Choose Piktochart:

  • Consumers who need to create engaging visual content quickly and without design experience might choose Piktochart. This tool is ideal for marketers, educators, and communications professionals who require an all-in-one platform for infographics, presentations, and social media graphics.

Adobe Photoshop, Photopea, or Piktochart: Which is the best platform for you?

Whether you're a professional designer, a casual user, or someone in between, Adobe Photoshop, Photopea, and Piktochart each offer unique strengths to meet your needs. However, if you're looking for an intuitive, all-in-one tool that simplifies the creation of stunning visuals, we recommend giving Piktochart a try. With its user-friendly interface and diverse templates, you'll be creating captivating content in no time.