Photoshop similar software

cliveh

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Please help, as my Photoshop elements disc wont reload anymore and I don't need much in the way of digital software, as I'm mainly an analogue user. Is there a basic equivalent of Photoshop elements that I can buy on disc for permanent use without a subscription.
 

wiltw

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I am not a Photoshop user, as I have found that Paintshop Pro provided me with all of the pixel-level editing capabilities that I needed, to supplement the RAW conversion and photo editing capabilities of Lightroom.
Many, many years ago I used Photoshop Elements so I am familiar with it, and Paintshop Pro is equivalent.
 

Paul Howell

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Both Correl and Abode are moving away from selling apps to a rental formate, I use an older version Corel version of elements call Pro X9, needing a new copy I found new old stock online, paid $9.00 for it, on. I do have a 3 year old version Paint and Aftershot that I bought as a download, but tend to use X9 as it allows for most editing functions that I use. What it does not do and what Lightrooma and Aftershot does is allow for group edits.
 

koraks

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GIMP is free and does 95% of what Photoshop does and probably 100% if what you actually need.
Photoshop's user interface is more convenient, although GIMP has been closing the gap lately.
 

MattKing

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Corel Paintshop Pro/Ultimate for a lot of capability. Corel Aftershot Pro has strong similarities with Lightroom. Both are still not based on subscription.
In a Windows environment, FastStone Image Viewer is a very capable , "by donation" choice.
 
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cliveh

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koraks said:
GIMP is free and does 95% of what Photoshop does and probably 100% if what you actually need.
Photoshop's user interface is more convenient, although GIMP has been closing the gap lately.
Click to expand...

Thanks guys and koraks, that could be just what I need. I couldn't find it free, but have ordered a disc at £12.49.
 

Sirius Glass

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GIMP is a little less capable and more cumbersome but catching up recently.
 

Steven Lee

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Does GIMP have adjustment layers? Last time I checked it did not support the non-destructive workflow and if that's still the case that's a massive gap, so calling it "little less capable" or "95% of what Photoshop does" is a big stretch.

So my vote goes to Affinitiy Photo and Capture One.
 

MattKing

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As @cliveh was happy with very old Photoshop Elements, that may or may not be a necessary upgrade.
 

koraks

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Steven Lee said:
Does GIMP have adjustment layers?
Click to expand...

Not yet; it does have layers of course, but not dynamic adjustment layers. That is to say - it's there in early betas at this point, but not yet in a stable release. It's just around the corner apparently.
As to the 95% - depends a bit on what you focus. I've moved away from Photoshop by means of an experiment to see how far I'd get with just GIMP. And while dynamic adjustment layers are certainly nice, it turns out that the way we did it before those ever appeared, still works. I have a feeling that for the vast majority of users, GIMP does what they need. I say that in good awareness of where its limitations are, also w.r.t. channel separations, CMYK workflows, spot colors, halftone screening etc. - all things that aren't used by most amateur image editors.

For digital RAW files there's of course always RawTherapee, which offers non-destructive adjustments like any other RAW editor.
 

RalphLambrecht

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I really don't see the issue with the subscription model. It's a great solution. $10/month and always up-to-date at the leading edge of technology. If people hadn't pirated the original version of PS, Adobe would have never thought of a subscription version.
 

koraks

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RalphLambrecht said:
If people hadn't pirated the original version of PS, Adobe would have never thought of a subscription version.
Click to expand...

Nah, don't think so. 'Servitization' as it's sometimes called happens for other reasons than piracy, for the most part. It's a preference for a constant cashflow, but also a difference in how esp. companies regard ownership (as a liability more so than an asset). Other examples include car leasing, but also, interestingly, illumination. Companies like Philips now sell 'illumination' (i.e. a service) instead of 'light fixtures' (a product).
 

RalphLambrecht

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In any event, I'm glad they went that way. Previously, I had to spend several hundred dollars every other year to get updated. Now, it's a few bucks every month; much better!
 

koraks

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Yes, that's certainly true, and there's also the possibility of only paying for the license as long as you need it. Previously, it was a sunk investment.

Still, I doubt the total cost of ownership works out lower than it was back when we bought a lifetime license, especially since upgrades were generally at a significantly reduced rate.
 

Hassasin

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Any subscription service means customer is at the mercy of provider. Under the cute name of always using the latest version is the cash machine and revenue flow stability along with simplified distribution channels. As long as there are options, subscription is not my cup of coffee.

For the time being I am happy with Affinity offering and its cross device bundle for Mac and iPad.
 

MattKing

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My perspective on the issue is no doubt affected by having a fair bit of experience with fairly expensive, special purpose software that was both integral to the operation of a business, and for which the user/support service communication channels were very important.
That software was regularly updated to reflect evolving needs in a business and regulatory environment, and needed to have a fairly high level of built-in security and "auditability".
I see value in the software supplier having a revenue stream, and therefore being responsive to individual user needs. And a subscription model means that the resources will be available for that, as well as ensuring that the users who seek support are always working with the latest and most up-to-date software.
Ironically, people like @cliveh , who have been using old versions of software are often the ones in the greatest need for support. That doesn't work well.
 

Sean

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GIMP has a photoshop theme you can install that gets it very close.
 
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