Better/cheaper version of Photoshop?

[dogedoge]

So we all know how great Photoshop is, but it's well expensive! I don't really like their subscription method either. What do other people use as an alternative?

 

[Utsune]

I usually use Photoshop CS2 myself, but I know a few decent 'alternatives' my friends recommended me over time so I'll put them out there.

There is FireAlpaca, which you can download for free. I really like the simple interface, and there are tools similar to what you'll find in PS. Not super super advanced things you might find in PS but then again, this program is free. It's a Japanese program originally but I think they should have an English version so be sure to get the right version.

I also know of this Paint Tool Sai but I haven't used it myself. The portable version is free to my belief. I'm not as familiar with this one so you might want to look it up yourself.

And of course there is GIMP, but I only use it for very specific purposes. I don't use it otherwise because I can't get used to the different hotkeys as in PS. Again, being a freeware the functions are generally less powerful than PS but by no means useless. It covers for a lot of basic needs you might have. I don't really like the interface here tbh but that might just me not being used to it.

 

[dogedoge]

I usually use Photoshop CS2 myself, but I know a few decent 'alternatives' my friends recommended me over time so I'll put them out there.

There is FireAlpaca, which you can download for free. I really like the simple interface, and there are tools similar to what you'll find in PS. Not super super advanced things you might find in PS but then again, this program is free. It's a Japanese program originally but I think they should have an English version so be sure to get the right version.

I also know of this Paint Tool Sai but I haven't used it myself. The portable version is free to my belief. I'm not as familiar with this one so you might want to look it up yourself.

And of course there is GIMP, but I only use it for very specific purposes. I don't use it otherwise because I can't get used to the different hotkeys as in PS. Again, being a freeware the functions are generally less powerful than PS but by no means useless. It covers for a lot of basic needs you might have. I don't really like the interface here tbh but that might just me not being used to it.

Ah ok, not heard of any of those, but they sound decent So still using CS2? No new features you like?

 

[texashann]

Hmm, but what are you using Photoshop for mostly? I think it depends a lot as to whether you're a photographer or graphic designer, for example.

 

[dogedoge]

Mostly for photography reasons. I just like to alter the brightness, contrast, sharpness. and then perhaps remove a few unwanted things from the image. I used to have CS2 on my PC, but I've switched to Mac and don't have an editing program anymore. I don't really use it enough to warrant paying for something, so been trying out a few free options. But I'm not sure if I'm using the best!

 

[texashann]

Okay. Doesn't sound like you need to buy a program really, I imagine there are lots of free programs you'll like. What have you tried so far?

 

[Qixus]

I really like using clip-studio aka manga studio 5.
You can do a free trial with limited features.
I personally love it, and it's a one-time buy. Unlike Photoshop which wants a subscription.
Depending on the version you get, price may vary. But We're looking at $50.00
If you're interested, here's a link.
http://www.clipstudio.net/en

 

[Temperance]

@dogedoge It is not of the same level, but I'd recommend you Pixlr, it is a great site when you need to do basic things
https://pixlr.com/express/

 

[Qixus]

Usually its $50 (USD) But right now they;re having a great sale, I just bought it finally. Right now its going for $25.
Personally I like Clip Studio more than photoshop/illustrator. I advise that you look into it (Youtube vids, articles etc) before you buy. But do it quickly, as there's only one day left for the sale.
I just thought it was too great of a deal to not spread the word.

Link to Clip Studio website: http://www.clipstudio.net/en
Feel free to post any other sales on digital art programs and tools.