There are quick-access tabs that use thumbnails to represent each open image at a glance.

You upload a single image to its platform, where it presents you with your work area.

On the borders of this area, you have three zones that offer you all the tools and settings you need.

These areas are the Tools on the left, the Tool Options on the top and the Panels on the right.

They all work together, allowing you to get the best from your images.

The histogram gives you information on where your image could find improvement.

From there, you can work with levels and curves to even out exposures, contrast, tones and colours.

As mentioned before, Photoshop has a side program called Camera RAW.

Meaning that you need a RAW converter before using the alternatives.

What makes Photoshop special is that it works well with other Adobe products.

At the click of a button, images from Lightroom slide into Photoshop for extra editing.

There are tools that let you create panoramas, merge images, and focus stack.

It does come at a monthly subscription fee, and can be more than you need.

For many, Lightroom gives the tools for all editing, but that also comes at a cost.

For more information on choosing between Lightroom or Photoshop, read our article here.

Best Adobe Photoshop Alternative Code Can Be

Open source means that the operating code can be changed, edited and manipulated.

This allows anyone to create plugins and other helpful tools.

Like GIMP, our number one spot, Paint.NET offers an amazing range of automatic filters.

Best Adobe Photoshop Alternative Manual Editing Tools

There are even manual editing tools for the finest adjustments.

This photo editor supports layers, and by installing a plug-in, you have the capacity to use masks.

Another great area about Paint.net is that batch editing is included as standard.

Its clone stamp makes it easy to erase annoying spots or blemishes.