Raster graphics editors are the backbone of modern digital art, photo manipulation, and image processing. Unlike vector editors that rely on mathematical paths, raster editors work with pixels, giving designers complete control over details, colors, and textures. Whether you’re a professional photographer, digital painter, or hobbyist, the right raster graphics editor can make all the difference.
Here’s a comprehensive review of the top 10 raster graphics editors, covering their features, strengths, weaknesses, and who they’re best suited for.
1. Adobe Photoshop
Best for professionals and all-around image editing
No list is complete without Photoshop, the industry standard for decades. It offers unmatched flexibility for image manipulation, photo retouching, and digital art.
Key Features:
- Advanced layering system with blending modes
- AI-powered features like Content-Aware Fill and Generative Expand
- Supports 3D modeling, animation, and video layers
- Massive plugin ecosystem
- Works seamlessly with Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, Lightroom, etc.)
Pros:
✔ Industry standard with global recognition
✔ Extensive tutorials and community support
✔ Professional-grade editing features
✔ Cross-platform support
Cons:
✘ Subscription-only model
✘ Can feel overwhelming for beginners
Pricing: Starts at $20.99/month (Adobe Creative Cloud)
Best for: Professional photographers, designers, and agencies.
2. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)
Best free and open-source raster editor
GIMP is the go-to alternative to Photoshop for those who don’t want to pay a subscription. It’s open-source and community-driven, offering powerful tools for photo editing and digital art.
Key Features:
- Layer masks, filters, and brushes
- Plugin support with strong customization
- Cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux)
- RAW photo editing with plugins like Darktable
Pros:
✔ 100% free and open-source
✔ Lightweight compared to Photoshop
✔ Highly customizable
Cons:
✘ Less polished interface
✘ Some advanced tools feel clunky
✘ Limited CMYK support for print professionals
Best for: Budget-conscious users, students, Linux users.
3. Corel PHOTO-PAINT
Best for CorelDRAW suite users
Corel PHOTO-PAINT is part of the CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, focusing on raster editing. It’s particularly strong when used alongside CorelDRAW for hybrid raster-vector workflows.
Key Features:
- Advanced masking and color correction
- AI-powered image upscaling
- Symmetry and perspective drawing tools
- Works natively with vector files from CorelDRAW
Pros:
✔ Tight integration with CorelDRAW
✔ Strong photo retouching and layout tools
✔ One-time purchase option (not only subscription)
Cons:
✘ Not as popular as Photoshop or GIMP
✘ Smaller plugin ecosystem
Best for: Designers already invested in CorelDRAW.
4. Affinity Photo
Best Photoshop alternative (one-time purchase)
Affinity Photo has exploded in popularity thanks to its affordability and professional-grade features. It’s one of the strongest non-subscription raster editors available.
Key Features:
- Non-destructive editing with unlimited layers
- HDR and panorama stitching
- RAW editing built-in
- Smooth performance even with large files
Pros:
✔ One-time purchase ($69.99)
✔ Extremely fast and efficient
✔ Almost 1:1 with Photoshop’s toolset
Cons:
✘ Limited plugin support compared to Photoshop
✘ Smaller user community
Best for: Freelancers, hobbyists, and professionals seeking affordable Photoshop-quality tools.
5. Paint.NET
Best lightweight editor for Windows users
Paint.NET started as a Microsoft project and has evolved into a lightweight raster editor with surprising power. It’s less advanced than Photoshop but more user-friendly for casual users.
Key Features:
- Simple, clean interface
- Layer support with blending modes
- Wide range of free community plugins
- Lightweight and fast
Pros:
✔ Free and very lightweight
✔ Easy to learn for beginners
✔ Expansive plugin library
Cons:
✘ Windows-only
✘ Limited advanced features compared to GIMP/Photoshop
Best for: Beginners, hobbyists, and quick image editing tasks.
6. Krita
Best for digital painting & illustration
Krita is beloved by digital artists for its natural brush engine and focus on painting. While it can do photo editing, its strength lies in concept art, comics, and illustrations.
Key Features:
- Over 100 brush types with customization
- Stabilizers for smooth strokes
- Comic and storyboard tools
- Layer masks and blending
Pros:
✔ Free and open-source
✔ Excellent for digital painting
✔ Community-driven
Cons:
✘ Not as strong for photo retouching
✘ Some stability issues on large projects
Best for: Digital painters, illustrators, and comic artists.
7. Pixlr
Best browser-based raster editor
Pixlr offers Photoshop-like editing tools directly in the browser, making it convenient for users who don’t want to install heavy software.
Key Features:
- Works in browsers and mobile apps
- AI tools for background removal
- Supports layers and filters
- Free and premium versions
Pros:
✔ Accessible from any device
✔ Quick and easy to use
✔ Good for light editing
Cons:
✘ Internet connection required
✘ Limited advanced features
✘ Ads in the free version
Best for: Casual editors, students, and people on the go.
8. Photopea
Best free Photoshop clone in the browser
Photopea is often called “Photoshop in a browser.” It supports PSD files and has an interface almost identical to Photoshop.
Key Features:
- Supports PSD, XCF, Sketch, and more
- Layer-based editing
- Browser-based, no installation needed
Pros:
✔ Free (with ads)
✔ Photoshop-like workflow
✔ Great for quick edits on shared computers
Cons:
✘ Runs slower with large files
✘ Offline access limited
Best for: People needing Photoshop features without the subscription.
9. Pixelmator Pro (Mac only)
Best raster editor for macOS users
Pixelmator Pro is a Mac-exclusive raster editor with a clean, modern design that takes advantage of Apple’s hardware and Metal graphics engine.
Key Features:
- Non-destructive editing
- Machine learning enhancements (ML Enhance, ML Super Resolution)
- Seamless integration with macOS and iCloud
Pros:
✔ Affordable one-time purchase ($49.99)
✔ Smooth, Mac-optimized performance
✔ Simple and intuitive interface
Cons:
✘ Mac-only
✘ Fewer advanced features than Photoshop
Best for: Mac users who need a sleek, affordable photo editor.
10. PaintShop Pro (by Corel)
Affordable Photoshop alternative with legacy roots
PaintShop Pro is an older but still reliable raster editor that provides professional tools at a fraction of Adobe’s cost.
Key Features:
- RAW and HDR editing
- AI-based photo tools (denoise, upscaling)
- Extensive filters and effects
Pros:
✔ One-time purchase (around $79.99)
✔ Good balance of pro tools and affordability
✔ Long-standing reputation
Cons:
✘ Windows-only
✘ Interface feels dated compared to modern tools
Best for: Windows users looking for affordable pro tools.
Final Thoughts
The best raster graphics editor depends on your needs, budget, and workflow:
- Professionals: Adobe Photoshop or Affinity Photo
- Free/Open Source Lovers: GIMP, Krita, Paint.NET
- Casual Editors: Pixlr, Photopea
- Mac Users: Pixelmator Pro
- Corel Fans: PHOTO-PAINT or PaintShop Pro
If you want all-around flexibility and don’t mind subscriptions, Photoshop remains king. But if you prefer affordability or open-source freedom, tools like GIMP, Krita, and Affinity Photo are powerful contenders.