Leaving Adobe Photoshop? Here's everything you need
Compare 3 EU alternatives side-by-side. Find the right fit based on migration difficulty, pricing, and privacy features.
Your data may be subject to US surveillance laws
Adobe Photoshop is headquartered in the US. Under the CLOUD Act and FISA Section 702, US authorities can access your data without your knowledge. Switch to an EU alternative to keep your data protected under GDPR.
All EU Alternatives at a Glance
| Alternative | Country | Pricing | Difficulty | Time Estimate | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Affinity SuiteRecommended UK-based professional creative suite including Photo, Designer, and Publisher as one-time purchase alternatives to Adobe. | 🌍GB | Paid | Medium | 2-4 hours | |
Photopea Photopea is a web-based graphic editor that supports various file formats, including PSD, XCF, and Sketch. It offers tools for photo editing, vector graphics, and text manipulation. Users can work directly in the browser without the need for software installation, making it accessible across devices. | 🇨🇿Czech Republic | Free plan available | Medium | 2-4 hours | |
Krita Krita is a free, open-source digital painting software designed for artists. It offers a variety of brushes, tools, and features for creating illustrations, concept art, and animations. Users can work with layers, masks, and advanced color management. Compatible with multiple operating systems, Krita supports various file formats for easy sharing and collaboration. | 🇳🇱Netherlands | Free | Medium | 2-4 hours |
Our Top Picks
Best for Privacy
Krita is a free, open-source digital painting software designed for artists. It offers a variety of brushes, tools, and features for creating illustrations, concept art, and animations. Users can work with layers, masks, and advanced color management. Compatible with multiple operating systems, Krita supports various file formats for easy sharing and collaboration.
Certifications:
Best Free Option
Photopea is a web-based graphic editor that supports various file formats, including PSD, XCF, and Sketch. It offers tools for photo editing, vector graphics, and text manipulation. Users can work directly in the browser without the need for software installation, making it accessible across devices.
- Photopea runs in a browser, eliminating installation requirements.
- Free tier available, with no subscription fees like Photoshop's $20/month.
- Supports PSD files, allowing easy import/export from Photoshop.
Migration difficulty data is being enriched for these alternatives.
Detailed Comparison of Each Alternative
UK-based professional creative suite including Photo, Designer, and Publisher as one-time purchase alternatives to Adobe.
Advantages
- One-time purchase of Affinity Suite is $54.99 vs. Adobe's $20.99/month.
- Affinity Suite offers cross-platform support for Windows, macOS, and iPad.
- GDPR compliance ensures better data protection for EU users.
- Affinity Photo includes advanced features like frequency separation for retouching.
Trade-offs
- Photoshop's extensive brush and filter library is not fully replicated.
- Learning curve exists due to different interface and tool organization.
- Limited 3D design capabilities compared to Photoshop's advanced tools.
Photopea is a web-based graphic editor that supports various file formats, including PSD, XCF, and Sketch. It offers tools for photo editing, vector graphics, and text manipulation. Users can work directly in the browser without the need for software installation, making it accessible across devices.
Advantages
- Photopea runs in a browser, eliminating installation requirements.
- Free tier available, with no subscription fees like Photoshop's $20/month.
- Supports PSD files, allowing easy import/export from Photoshop.
- GDPR compliance ensures user data protection within EU jurisdiction.
Trade-offs
- Limited advanced features compared to Photoshop's extensive toolset.
- Learning curve for users accustomed to Photoshop's interface.
- Performance may vary based on browser and internet connection speed.
Krita is a free, open-source digital painting software designed for artists. It offers a variety of brushes, tools, and features for creating illustrations, concept art, and animations. Users can work with layers, masks, and advanced color management. Compatible with multiple operating systems, Krita supports various file formats for easy sharing and collaboration.
Advantages
- Krita is open source, allowing for community-driven feature updates.
- Krita offers extensive brush customization with over 30 brush engines.
- Animation support in Krita includes frame-by-frame and onion skinning.
- Krita's HDR support enables better color depth for digital painting.
Trade-offs
- Photoshop's advanced editing tools are more comprehensive than Krita's.
- Krita's learning curve may be steep for users accustomed to Photoshop.
- Krita lacks some 3D design capabilities found in Photoshop.
Before You Switch
Export your data from Adobe Photoshop before you start the migration. This ensures you have a backup and makes the transition smoother.
General Data Export Steps
- 1Log into your Adobe Photoshop account and navigate to Settings or Privacy.
- 2Look for "Download your data", "Export", or "Data portability" options.
- 3Select all data you want to export and choose a standard format (ZIP, CSV, JSON).
- 4Wait for the export to complete — large accounts may take hours or days.
- 5Download and verify the export before proceeding with migration.
Under GDPR Article 20, you have the right to data portability. Adobe Photoshop is required to provide your data in a structured, commonly used format upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best EU alternatives to Adobe Photoshop?
There are 3 European alternatives to Adobe Photoshop. Affinity Suite, Photopea, Krita are among the top-rated options. All are GDPR-compliant and store your data in European data centers.
How long does it take to switch from Adobe Photoshop?
Migration time varies by alternative. Most migrations can be completed in under an hour with our step-by-step guides. We provide detailed migration guides for each alternative.
Can I export my data from Adobe Photoshop?
Yes, most services including Adobe Photoshop allow you to export your data. Check the settings or privacy section of your Adobe Photoshop account for data export options. GDPR also grants you the right to data portability.
Is switching from Adobe Photoshop to an EU alternative safe?
Yes, switching is safe when done correctly. We recommend: 1) Export your data from Adobe Photoshop first, 2) Set up the new EU service, 3) Import your data, 4) Run both services in parallel for a transition period, 5) Update any linked accounts or integrations, and 6) Cancel your Adobe Photoshop subscription only after verifying everything works.
Why should I switch from Adobe Photoshop to an EU alternative?
EU alternatives provide stronger privacy protection under GDPR, keep your data in European data centers, and are not subject to US surveillance laws like the CLOUD Act or FISA Section 702. By switching, you gain true data sovereignty and support European tech innovation.