Best Krita Alternatives in 2025
Looking for alternatives to Krita? In this comparison, we take a closer look at Krita alongside similar software solutions including Krita, Paint.NET, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6, XnView, Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo, The GIMP, Adobe Photoshop, Ashampoo Photo Optimizer, Canon My Image Garden Design Files, HP Photo Creations and CyberLink PhotoDirector.
Our detailed comparison table highlights key features, pricing, and performance of these leading solutions, empowering you to make an informed decision. Whether you're seeking robust functionality, user-friendly design, or cost-effective alternatives, explore how Krita, Paint.NET, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6, XnView, Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo, The GIMP, Adobe Photoshop, Ashampoo Photo Optimizer, Canon My Image Garden Design Files, HP Photo Creations and CyberLink PhotoDirector stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.
Price Model
 Krita
|
Free and open source, no cost barriers |
 Paint.NET
|
Freemium software, free with optional paid features |
 CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6
|
License-based, commercial software with a free trial |
 XnView
|
Free for personal and educational use, commercial license available |
 Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo
|
Perpetual license, priced at $79.99 USD |
 The GIMP
|
Free and open source software |
 Adobe Photoshop
|
Subscription-based model with monthly fees, 7-day free trial |
 Ashampoo Photo Optimizer
|
One-time purchase price with a free trial period |
 Canon My Image Garden Design Files
|
Free download |
 HP Photo Creations
|
Free software with no fees |
 CyberLink PhotoDirector
|
Paid subscription model with 30-day free trial |
Primary Platform Compatibility
|
Krita
|
Windows, Linux, macOS |
|
Paint.NET
|
Windows only |
|
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6
|
Microsoft Windows only |
|
XnView
|
Windows, Linux, macOS |
|
Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo
|
Windows and Mac OS |
|
The GIMP
|
Cross-platform: Windows, Linux, macOS |
|
Adobe Photoshop
|
Windows and macOS; mobile versions for iOS and Android |
|
Ashampoo Photo Optimizer
|
Windows only; macOS edition mentioned but limited info |
|
Canon My Image Garden Design Files
|
Windows and Mac OS |
|
HP Photo Creations
|
Windows and Mac OS X |
|
CyberLink PhotoDirector
|
Windows; mobile versions for iOS and Android |
Key Features & Target Users
|
Krita
|
Advanced digital painting software suited for professionals and digital artists with an extensive set of painting tools, brush engines and customizations. |
|
Paint.NET
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User-friendly image editing software aimed at beginners with basic to advanced editing tools and layering support. |
|
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6
|
Professional graphic design suite with vector and bitmap editing tools, suitable for advanced users and commercial purposes. |
|
XnView
|
Image viewer and organizer supporting over 500 image formats, featuring batch processing and basic editing tools. |
|
Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo
|
Layer-based photo editing software with advanced color correction aimed at both beginners and advanced users. |
|
The GIMP
|
Free image editing software with extensive features and plugins, suitable for professional graphic design work with a steep learning curve. |
|
Adobe Photoshop
|
Industry-standard professional image editing software with comprehensive feature set including color correction, layering, filters; subscription based. |
|
Ashampoo Photo Optimizer
|
Photo editing focused on automatic optimization, restoration tools and batch processing with simple user interface. |
|
Canon My Image Garden Design Files
|
Specialized photo project software for creating collages, calendars, greeting cards; integrated printing support for Canon printers. |
|
HP Photo Creations
|
Free photo creation tool focused on personalization of photo books, cards and prints with easy sharing options; limited advanced editing. |
|
CyberLink PhotoDirector
|
Photo editing software featuring AI tools such as facial recognition, slideshows, and social media integration targeting both casual and advanced users. |
Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. Size, license type, user ratings, and popularity also matter.
This quick comparison shows how Krita stacks up against Krita, Paint.NET, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6, XnView, Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo, The GIMP, Adobe Photoshop, Ashampoo Photo Optimizer, Canon My Image Garden Design Files, HP Photo Creations and CyberLink PhotoDirector in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.
Size
License
|
Krita
|
Freeware |
|
Paint.NET
|
Freeware |
|
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6
|
Demo |
|
XnView
|
Freeware |
|
Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo
|
Commercial |
|
The GIMP
|
Open Source |
|
Adobe Photoshop
|
Commercial |
|
Ashampoo Photo Optimizer
|
Demo |
|
Canon My Image Garden Design Files
|
Commercial |
|
HP Photo Creations
|
Commercial |
|
CyberLink PhotoDirector
|
Commercial |