Photopea

Overview

Photopea is a browser-based editor for raster and vector graphics, suited to people who want layered image and design tools without committing to a desktop-only workflow. Its strongest case is the breadth of formats and editing controls available alongside offline use; people who need native mobile apps or a simpler, photography-first workflow may prefer another tool.

It handles tasks from image resizing and photo processing to illustration and webpage design. Photopea is made by Photopea, founded in 2012 and headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic.

Key features

Editing and file support

Photopea combines cropping, resizing, layers, masks, blending, smart objects, adjustment layers, channels, paths, filters and vector tools. That mix suits work that benefits from compositing or precise edits, rather than only quick corrections. RAW support and batch editing broaden its use for photo workflows, while PSD can be both opened and saved as the editor's main format. Other supported formats include PNG, JPG, GIF, BMP, WEBP, SVG, PDF, AI, AVIF, HEIC, TIFF, MP4, INDD and Figma.

AI and file handling

One-click background removal and text-directed replacement of image areas offer shortcuts for targeted edits; they complement rather than replace the editor's manual layer and mask tools. Photopea says files are processed on the user's device and can be opened, edited and saved offline after disconnecting from the internet. That is useful when connectivity is unreliable, and avoids sending working files off-device for processing.

Cloud connections to Dropbox, Google Drive and OneDrive are optional, letting users browse, open, edit, save and copy files through Photopea. The API can configure the editor in an iframe, pass files and resources, and send saved document data to a configured server; API use is free. The self-hosted package can run on a customer's server or local network without internet access or server-side technologies, making it relevant for organizations that want to host the editor themselves.

A supported browser can install Photopea as a homescreen icon, but this remains the browser version in a reduced browser interface, not a separate native app. Photopea's login stores a user's name, email, settings copy and Premium payment details on its server; it says personal data is deleted after six months without login. Help is directed to its Reddit community and [email protected].

Pricing

Photopea uses a freemium model, with a free editor and paid options for ad-free access, schools and self-hosting.

The free account gives access to the editor without a stated seat or usage quota, while Premium's stated difference is ad removal. The school and self-hosted plans serve organizational needs rather than adding a more capable individual editing tier.

Platforms

Photopea is available on the web and is listed for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows, as well as self-hosting. The homescreen installation still opens the browser editor; those platform listings should not be mistaken for confirmation of separate native apps.

Who it's for

Students and educators, social media enthusiasts, small business owners and graphic designers are named audiences for the free editor. It is a particularly sensible fit for people who need PSD compatibility, layered editing, vector tools or broad format support in a browser. Photographers can also consider it for RAW and batch work, though a dedicated photography workflow may be a better match if photo development is the main priority.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Broad editing range: Raster, vector, layer, mask and path tools make it suitable for both photo edits and graphic design tasks.
• Useful file compatibility: Opening and saving PSD, with support for formats including AI, TIFF, HEIC and Figma, helps when work arrives in varied formats.
• Offline and local processing: Editing can continue after disconnection, and Photopea says files are processed on the device.
• Flexible integration: Optional cloud connections, a free API and a self-hosted package cover personal and organizational workflows.

Cons

• Browser-centered experience: Even a homescreen installation remains the browser editor, which may not suit users seeking a native app experience.
• Free use includes advertisements: Removing them requires a Premium account and login.
• Organizational terms need planning: School access requires a website and distributor listing, while self-hosting requires a full year paid in advance and limits included updates.

Alternatives

For a broader choice of photo editing software, compare Photopea with other editors; the AI photo editors category is useful if AI editing is the priority.

• Pixlr is another freemium option with Android, iOS and web availability. Its Plus plan includes one concurrent AI generation and 80 monthly AI Credits; Premium raises that to four concurrent generations and 1,000 monthly AI Credits. Choose it when those stated AI quotas are a better fit.
• Adobe Creative Cloud offers a free plan and trial across web, desktop and mobile platforms. Its Single App plan includes one app, 25 monthly generative credits and 100GB cloud storage. It may suit someone choosing around those included app, credit and storage allowances.
• darktable is a free, open-source photography workflow application and RAW developer for Linux, macOS and Windows, with no free trial. Pick it when a desktop photography workflow and RAW development matter more than Photopea's browser-based raster and vector range.
• Evoto AI is a freemium editor for Android, iOS, macOS, web and Windows, with a free trial. Its Starter plan is $89 a year for 800 credits and two devices; consider it when that credit-and-device plan fits your needs.
• RawTherapee is free for Linux, macOS and Windows under GPLv3, and has no digital asset management, printing or uploading features. It is an alternative for users who want a free desktop RAW tool and do not need those capabilities.
• PhotoDirector is a freemium option for macOS and Windows. Its free PhotoDirector 365 Essential plan has limited features and requires no payment information, making it worth considering for a basic desktop option.
• Picsart is freemium across web, Windows, iOS and Android. Its Pro plan costs $10.50 a month billed yearly and includes 100 GB cloud storage, 50 images per batch and 10 devices. It may fit users who prioritize those batch, storage and device allowances.
• BeFunky is a freemium option for Android, iOS and web.

Verdict

Photopea is a strong choice for people who want a capable browser-based editor with PSD support, raster and vector tools, and the option to keep working offline. Its free editor makes it easy to start, while the browser-centered experience and ad-free access requirement are reasons to look elsewhere if you want a native app or an uninterrupted free workflow.