01
Layered PSD and PSB files
The project says PhotoCraft can open, edit and save layered Photoshop documents instead of flattening everything into one image.
Independent guide · Last updated October 11, 2026
PhotoCraft: an open-source Photoshop alternative
PhotoCraft is a free, native image editor for familiar layered workflows. It brings PSD and PSB support, masks, adjustment layers, type, vectors and brushes to macOS, Windows, Linux and the web.
Our take: promising enough to test on copies of your files, but still too early for an unqualified production switch.
PhotoCraftEarly alpha
04Adjustment layersLive + maskable
03PSD / PSBOpen + save
02Type + vectorsEditable
01Native canvasGPU-backed
The short answer
Can PhotoCraft replace Photoshop?
For experiments, personal work and open-source exploration: possibly. For client-critical production: not without testing your exact files first.
PhotoCraft already targets the parts of Photoshop many people recognize—layered editing, masks, adjustments, selections, type, vectors and PSD documents. But its official status is early alpha. We have not independently confirmed plug-in compatibility, long-session stability or reliable round-trips for complex production files.
What is already there
What can you do with PhotoCraft?
These capabilities are documented by the PhotoCraft project. They are useful reasons to explore the app, not a promise that every Photoshop workflow behaves identically.
02
Non-destructive adjustments
Curves, Levels, Vibrance, Hue/Saturation and other adjustments can remain editable, reorderable and maskable.
03
Layers, masks and smart objects
Groups, clipping masks, pixel and vector masks, layer styles and smart filters are listed in the project documentation.
04
Selections that run locally
PhotoCraft includes familiar selection tools and describes subject and object selection that runs on your device.
05
Type, vectors and brushes
Editable type, shape layers, paths, vector masks and a pressure-aware brush engine cover more than basic photo adjustments.
06
Professional color modes
Official documentation lists RGB, CMYK, Lab and Grayscale documents at 8, 16 and 32 bits, plus ICC color management.
Before you switch
Who should try PhotoCraft now?
A good test candidate
Try it if you want to…
- Explore a free image editor with a Photoshop-like workflow.
- Work on Linux without giving up layered editing.
- Inspect or edit copies of PSD and PSB files.
- Follow or contribute to a fast-moving open-source project.
Wait or test carefully
Do not switch blindly if you…
- Deliver client files that must round-trip perfectly.
- Depend on Photoshop plug-ins, actions or team automation.
- Need proven stability for large, color-critical documents.
- Cannot tolerate bugs or rapid changes in an early-alpha app.
Available now
How can you get PhotoCraft?
The official page lists desktop downloads and a web build. Use its current download page to choose the right package for your computer.
macOS
Universal disk image for Apple silicon and Intel Macs
Windows
Installer and portable builds, including x64 and ARM64
Linux
AppImage, Flatpak, Debian, RPM and tarball packages
Web
A WebAssembly build is listed by the project
Current official listingPhotoCraft 0.5.0 · Free · MIT or Apache-2.0
Get PhotoCraftCommon questions
PhotoCraft FAQ
Is PhotoCraft free and open source?
Yes. The official repository publishes PhotoCraft under the MIT or Apache-2.0 license, and the official download page lists the app as free.
Can PhotoCraft open Photoshop PSD files?
The project says PhotoCraft opens and saves layered PSD and PSB files. We have not independently tested complex client files, so use copies until your own workflow is proven.
Is PhotoCraft a complete Photoshop replacement?
Not for every user yet. It already covers many familiar editing workflows, but the project is labeled early alpha and still needs independent testing for stability, plug-ins and demanding production files.
Which platforms support PhotoCraft?
The official page lists macOS, Windows, Linux and Web. Download formats and architecture support vary, so check the current official download page for the right build.
How we evaluated this page
Useful first, cautious where evidence stops.
This guide summarizes the official PhotoCraft page and repository. We clearly separate project claims from independent testing and do not treat an official feature list as proof of production reliability.
SRC
Sources
Primary links used for the facts on this page.
- 01Crafting Apps: open-source creative tools — ArtCraft
official page · Accessed 2026-10-11
- 02Photocraft — ArtCraft official page
official page · Accessed 2026-10-11
- 03storytold/photocraft — GitHub repository
official repository · Accessed 2026-10-11