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Photopea Review

Photopea is a free, web-based image editor designed to function similarly to Adobe Photoshop, operating entirely within a browser and supporting various file formats including PSD.

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Photopea — product screenshot

Why it matters

1Photopea is a free, web-based image editor with a Photoshop-like interface.
2It supports a wide array of file formats including PSD, XCF, Sketch, AI, XD, PDF, and RAW images.
3The platform incorporates one-click AI features for background removal and content replacement.
4As of July 2026, Photopea includes a Timeline feature for video creation.

About Photopea

Platforms
Web
Target Audience
Anyone looking for a free online photo editing solution

Specs

API Available

Yes, public API

Screenshots

overview

What is Photopea?

Photopea is a web-based image and graphics editor tool developed by Ivan Kutskir that enables graphic designers, students, and general users to perform professional-grade image and graphic design tasks directly within a web browser. It functions similarly to Adobe Photoshop, offering a comprehensive suite of tools for both raster and vector graphics without requiring software installation or file uploads to a server. Photopea supports a wide array of file formats, including PSD (Photoshop), XCF (GIMP), Sketch, AI (Adobe Illustrator), XD (Adobe XD), PDF, RAW images (DNG, CR2, NEF, ARW, etc.), and common formats like JPG, PNG, GIF, and SVG. The editor utilizes local device resources (CPU and GPU) and can operate offline once loaded, ensuring data privacy by storing files locally.

features

Key Features of Photopea

Photopea offers a robust set of features designed to replicate the functionality of desktop image editors within a web browser. These features include advanced manual editing tools and integrated AI capabilities for enhanced productivity.

  • Free, web-based image editor accessible via any modern browser.
  • Full support for various file formats, including PSD, XCF, Sketch, AI, XD, PDF, RAW, JPG, PNG, GIF, and SVG.
  • Advanced manual editing tools: layers, masks, smart objects, adjustment layers, channels, paths, selection, and transformation tools.
  • One-click AI features: background removal and content replacement based on text descriptions.
  • Timeline feature for video creation, introduced in July 2026.
  • Improved Dehaze tool, enhanced in July 2025.
  • New Gradient Fill options: Classic, Linear, Perceptual, Smooth, and Stripes.
  • Image sharing via web link for JPG, PNG, or PSD files.
  • Improved memory usage and full support for patterns and fill layers (April 2024).

use cases

Who Should Use Photopea?

Photopea is designed for a diverse user base, from beginners to professionals, seeking a versatile and accessible image editing and graphic design solution.

  • Graphic Designers: For creating illustrations, web designs, logos, icons, and promotional materials.
  • Students and Educators: As a free and accessible tool for learning design principles and completing academic projects.
  • Small Business Owners: For creating marketing assets, social media content, and basic web graphics without investing in expensive software.
  • Social Media Enthusiasts: For quick photo enhancements, background removal, and content creation for various platforms.
  • Web Designers: For designing webpages, converting image formats, and preparing graphics for online use.

how to use

How to Use Photopea

To begin using Photopea, navigate to its official website in any web browser. The application loads directly, allowing immediate access to its editing interface.

  • 1Open a web browser and go to https://www.photopea.com/.
  • 2To start a new project, select 'File' > 'New' and specify canvas dimensions.
  • 3To edit an existing image, select 'File' > 'Open' and choose a file from your local device.
  • 4Utilize the toolbar on the left for various editing tools like selection, brush, text, and shape tools.
  • 5Manage layers, adjustments, and effects using the panels on the right side of the interface.
  • 6Save your work by selecting 'File' > 'Save as PSD' or 'File' > 'Export as' for other formats like JPG or PNG.

pricing

Photopea Pricing & Plans

Photopea operates on a freemium model, offering its full suite of features completely free of charge. The free version is supported by advertisements displayed within the browser interface. Users seeking an ad-free experience can opt for a premium subscription.

  • Photopea: Free (includes advertisements)

Pros

  • +Free to use with a comprehensive feature set comparable to Adobe Photoshop.
  • +Operates entirely within a web browser, requiring no software installation.
  • +Supports a wide array of file formats, including PSD, AI, XD, Sketch, PDF, and RAW images.
  • +Utilizes local device resources, ensuring data privacy as files are not uploaded to a server.
  • +Includes advanced AI features like one-click background removal and content replacement.
  • +Continuously updated with new features, such as the Timeline for video editing (July 2026).

Cons

  • Performance can be slow or laggy with high-resolution images or complex multi-layered files, especially on less powerful hardware or mobile devices.
  • The free version displays advertisements, which some users find distracting or intrusive.
  • As a browser-based tool, it cannot fully match the raw performance of dedicated desktop applications for heavy-duty rendering.
  • The learning curve can be steep for beginners not familiar with Photoshop-like interfaces, despite its similarities.

Similar Tools

Photopea vs Competitors

Photopea is positioned as a direct competitor to established desktop image editors and other web-based alternatives, primarily due to its comprehensive feature set and accessibility.

1
Pixlr E

Offers a very similar interface and toolset to Photoshop, making it easy for users familiar with Adobe products to adapt.

Pixlr E provides a highly comparable user experience and feature set to Photopea, though its free tier may include more ads and some advanced features are locked behind a premium subscription.

2
Fotor

Combines photo editing, graphic design, and collage making with a focus on ease of use and one-click enhancements.

Fotor offers a broader range of design templates and AI-powered one-click enhancements than Photopea, but its advanced pixel-level editing capabilities might be less comprehensive in the free tier.

3
Sumo Paint

A long-standing web-based image editor known for its robust painting tools and Photoshop-like layer support.

Sumo Paint provides a solid set of traditional image editing and painting tools similar to Photopea, but its interface might feel slightly older and its AI features are not as prominent.

4
Polarr

Specializes in advanced filters, adjustments, and AI-powered enhancements, with a strong focus on mobile and cross-platform use.

Polarr excels in non-destructive adjustments and filter creation, offering a different workflow than Photopea's more traditional Photoshop-like layer and pixel manipulation, and its free tier might have more limitations on advanced tools.

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