Overview
Free Photoshop alternative for raster editing, texture work, and print PNG prep when budget is tight.
Quick facts
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Best for
- Raster · free & open source
- Typical output
- PNG, JPEG, TIFF
- Typical cost
- Free
Excellent for
- Budget print graphics and photo retouching★★★★★
- Texture painting for 3D renders★★★★★
- Learning layers and masks before paying for Photoshop★★★★★
Compatible with
Production
File types
Software
Pros & cons
Pros
- ✔Budget print graphics and photo retouching
- ✔Texture painting for 3D renders
- ✔Learning layers and masks before paying for Photoshop
Cons
- ✘Non-destructive RAW photo workflows at pro studio scale
- ✘Vector-only cut file production
Creator & maker guides
Preparing artwork
- Work in formats suited for export: PNG, JPEG, TIFF, PSD (limited compatibility)
Resolution & export
- Export PNG with alpha for DTF and sublimation handoffs.
Bleed & safe areas
No items yet.
Common mistakes
- CMYK and color management less straightforward than Photoshop
- PSD round-trips with layer effects can break
- Forgotten alpha channel when exporting transparent PNGs
Best practices
- 1Set Image → Print Size with 300 PPI before detailing artwork.
- 2Export PNG with alpha for DTF and sublimation handoffs.
- 3Keep layered XCF masters; flatten only for final production copies.
Common mistakes
CMYK and color management less straightforward t…
CMYK and color management less straightforward than Photoshop
PSD round
trips with layer effects can break
Forgotten alpha channel when exporting transpare…
Forgotten alpha channel when exporting transparent PNGs
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| CMYK and color management less straightforward than Photoshop | See guides below for context | Review creator/maker tabs and troubleshooting table |
| PSD round-trips with layer effects can break | See guides below for context | Review creator/maker tabs and troubleshooting table |
| Forgotten alpha channel when exporting transparent PNGs | See guides below for context | Review creator/maker tabs and troubleshooting table |
Helpful tools
DPI & resolution calculator
SoonImage size calculator
SoonBleed generator
SoonAspect ratio calculator
SoonHeat press time & temperature
SoonSublimation wrap calculator
Soon