Layered image editing
Photopea’s official site documents browser-based editing and PSD opening and saving. GIMP’s official site describes a free, open-source image editor for desktop systems. PhotoCraft is the ArtCraft option, with an early-alpha label in its official app directory.
Consider Photopea when you want to investigate a PSD in a browser; consider GIMP when you want a desktop image-editing workflow. Check representative files for effects, text and color before deciding which program can replace another.
SVG and vector work
VectorCraft’s official page lists visual vector drawing plus SVG import and export. SVG Viewer provides an interface for viewing and editing SVG markup.
For illustration, prioritize drawing and node tools. For an icon in a codebase, prioritize readable markup, a correct viewBox and a predictable export. A code viewer is not a full substitute for an illustration application.
RAW photo workflows
darktable describes itself as an open-source photography workflow application and RAW developer. RawTherapee provides a RAW-processing application. LightCraft is ArtCraft’s developing photo-library and RAW option.
Use the same camera files for a comparison. Inspect highlight recovery, white balance, noise, export size and the work needed to reproduce your usual result. We have not measured speed or image quality for these programs.
A practical comparison checklist
List the formats you receive and deliver, your operating system, whether you need a browser tool and the tasks that must stay editable. Separate occasional viewing from daily editing.
Avoid treating “free” as the only condition. Read the provider’s current limits and terms, and decide whether local processing or an upload-based service fits the files you are handling.
Questions, answered
Which alternative is best?
There is no tested overall winner here. Match the tool to your formats, operating system and required tasks.
Are all tools open source?
No. A free-to-use service and an open-source application are different things. Check each project’s license and terms.
Can I replace a commercial editor immediately?
That depends on your workflow. Test representative copies and exports before changing the tools used for important work.
Sources & checks
Official sources read on . Product claims are source descriptions, not our application testing.