Adjust Photos
Adjust levels, curves and color using editing controls and adjustment layers. Preview changes on the canvas before exporting.
PhotoCraft: A Free
Photoshop Alternative?
FREE · OPEN SOURCE · EARLY ALPHA · WINDOWS / MACOS / LINUX
A free, open-source image editor for basic photo work and PSD exploration. See how its current tools compare with Photoshop and where file compatibility matters.
PhotoCraft editor interface · Official project screenshot
PhotoCraft vs Photoshop
| What matters | PhotoCraft | Adobe Photoshop |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free to use | Paid subscription |
| Source code | Open source | Proprietary |
| Basic image editing | Crop, adjustments, text and other editing tools are documented | Established professional editing workflows |
| Layers and masks | Layered editing and masks documented | Mature editing workflow |
| PSD documents | Opens and saves layered PSD/PSB; inspect complex files before editing | Native Photoshop document workflow |
| Advanced generative tools | No Photoshop-equivalent generative workflow listed in official documentation | Integrated generative editing tools |
| Development stage | Early alpha | Established commercial product |
| Best fit | Learning, basic editing and non-critical projects | Complex Adobe-based professional workflows |
PhotoCraft is free, but it is not yet a full replacement for Photoshop. Explore it for basic editing and personal projects. If you depend on complex PSDs or a stable production workflow, keep your existing tools until you have checked copies of your files.
What Can PhotoCraft Do?
Work with Layers and Masks
Keep elements on separate layers and use masks to control where edits appear. Check layer visibility and the final image as you work.
Add Text to Images
Add titles or captions on separate text layers. Adjust their position and appearance without painting text into the original photo.
Images: official PhotoCraft project screenshots.
How to Use PhotoCraft: Edit Your First Image
GOAL Open a photo, crop it, add a text caption on a separate layer, save an editable copy and export a PNG.
Open your image
Choose File → Open… and select a JPG or PNG photo. Locate it in the Layers panel.
CHECK YOUR RESULT
The photo appears on the canvas and its layer appears in the document.
Crop the image
Choose the Crop tool, adjust the frame around your subject and apply the crop.
CHECK YOUR RESULT
The outer area is removed from the edited image, rather than hidden by zoom.
Add a text caption
Use the Type tool to add a short title. Adjust size, color and position.
CHECK YOUR RESULT
The caption is visible on a separate text layer.
Arrange layers and save
Move the text layer as needed. Use File → Save As… to keep an editable working copy.
CHECK YOUR RESULT
A working file exists with the layers needed for later edits.
Export and check the PNG
Choose File → Export → Export As…, select PNG, then open the result in an image viewer.
CHECK YOUR RESULT
The exported PNG shows the intended crop, caption and colors.
PhotoCraft PSD Files & Compatibility
Work on a copy of your Photoshop document. A successful import does not guarantee an unchanged round trip for text, masks, effects or complex layers.
Keep the original PSD safe
Duplicate the source file and keep the original unchanged.
CHECK YOUR RESULT
You have an untouched original and a separate copy.
Open the test PSD
Use File → Open… to open the copy in PhotoCraft.
CHECK YOUR RESULT
The document loads and the layer structure can be inspected.
Check what remains editable
Inspect text, layers, masks, blends and effects before making changes.
CHECK YOUR RESULT
You know which elements can be edited and which look different.
Make one reversible change
Edit a non-destructive element and save the file under a new name.
CHECK YOUR RESULT
The original remains untouched and the change is saved separately.
Save, reopen and confirm
Reopen your saved copy and compare it with the original; optionally export PNG.
CHECK YOUR RESULT
Your intended edits persist and the appearance is acceptable.
PSD Compatibility Checklist
| Check | What to look for | Warning signs |
|---|---|---|
| Layer structure | Important layers and groups remain recognizable | Missing, merged or reordered layers |
| Editable text | Text stays visible and editable | Missing fonts, shifted text or flattened layers |
| Masks and blends | Cutouts and transparency resemble the original | Halos, blending or transparency changes |
| Effects and adjustments | Important styling is preserved | Missing shadows, wrong color or filters |
| Save and reopen | Edited copy opens with intended changes | Errors, missing edits or unexpected flattening |
| Open in another editor | Output remains usable for your workflow | Photoshop rejects the file or changes its appearance |
Before changing an important PSD
- Keep the original unchanged.
- Check text, layers, masks and effects on a copy.
- Save under a new name and reopen it.
- Try the handoff in your actual target editor.
Keep your original PSD unchanged. Successful import does not guarantee a lossless round trip, especially with complex documents.