Photopea - Detailed Review

Image Tools

Photopea - Detailed Review Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    Photopea - Product Overview



    Introduction to Photopea

    Photopea is a versatile and advanced online image editor that operates within a web browser, making it accessible on any device, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and phones. Here’s a breakdown of its primary function, target audience, and key features:



    Primary Function

    Photopea is designed for editing both raster and vector graphics. It can handle simple tasks like resizing images, as well as more complex tasks such as designing webpages, creating illustrations, and processing photographs.



    Target Audience

    The primary users of Photopea are individuals interested in image editing and graphic design. The audience demographics show that the largest age group of visitors are 18-24 year olds, with a gender distribution of 63.74% male and 36.26% female. The audience is particularly interested in computers, electronics, technology, and graphic design.



    Key Features

    • Compatibility with Multiple File Formats: Photopea supports a wide range of file formats, including PSD (Photoshop), PNG, JPG, GIF, SVG, PDF, and many others. This makes it highly versatile for users working with different software.
    • Offline Capability: Photopea runs entirely on your device, using your CPU and GPU, and does not upload any files to the internet. This ensures privacy and speed, as all files remain local.
    • Advanced Editing Tools: The editor includes a full suite of tools such as layers, masks, layer styles, smart objects, adjustment layers, channels, and paths. It also offers advanced features like Levels, Curves, Gaussian Blur, Liquify, and Puppet Warp.
    • Vector Graphics: Photopea allows users to create and edit vector graphics directly within the editor, which is particularly useful for designers working on logos, icons, or illustrations.
    • User-Friendly Interface: The interface is clear and intuitive, making it suitable for both beginners and experts. It includes a toolbar with various icons for different editing tools and a menu system for adjusting image properties.
    • No Installation Required: Since Photopea is web-based, there is no need to download or install any software. Users can start editing immediately by opening the website in their browser.

    Overall, Photopea is a powerful, free online image editor that offers professional-grade tools without the need for expensive software or complex installations.

    Photopea - User Interface and Experience



    Photopea Overview

    Photopea, a free online image editor, offers a user interface that is both intuitive and familiar, especially for those accustomed to Adobe Photoshop.

    Workspace Layout

    The interface of Photopea is divided into several key sections:

    Toolbar

    Toolbar: Located on the left, it contains all the available tools. You can switch tools by clicking on their icons, and some tools have additional options accessible by clicking and holding on the tool button.

    Sidebar

    Sidebar: On the right, the sidebar consists of two vertical columns that can be folded and unfolded. These columns house various panels such as Layers, History, and Paragraph, which can be easily accessed and managed.

    Main Area

    Main Area: This is the central workspace where your documents are displayed. You can open multiple documents simultaneously, and they are listed in a bar at the top of the main area, allowing easy switching between them.

    Top Menu

    Top Menu: At the top, the menu is divided into two parts. The first part includes the main menu items like File, Edit, and Image, while the second part displays parameters specific to the current tool being used.

    Ease of Use

    Photopea’s interface is highly user-friendly, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced users. The layout is very similar to Photoshop, which means users familiar with Photoshop can transition seamlessly to Photopea without needing extensive tutorials.

    Key Features and Tools



    Tool Access

    Tool Access: Tools can be switched using the toolbar or by pressing corresponding keyboard shortcuts. The toolbar also includes foreground and background color options that can be swapped or reset easily.

    Selections

    Selections: Photopea allows for precise selections using various tools like the Lasso tool. Selections can be modified, expanded, contracted, or feathered to achieve the desired effect.

    Layers

    Layers: The software uses a layer system similar to Photoshop, enabling users to work on specific parts of an image without affecting other layers.

    Adjustments and Filters

    Adjustments and Filters: Users can adjust image properties such as brightness, contrast, and hue through the Image menu. Additionally, various filters and adjustments are available to enhance images.

    Overall User Experience

    The user experience in Photopea is generally positive, with many users praising its ease of use and versatility. Here are some key points:

    Intuitive Interface

    Intuitive Interface: The clear and intuitive layout makes it easy for users to find and use the tools they need.

    Compatibility

    Compatibility: Photopea supports various file formats, including PSD, making it a versatile tool for collaboration and different projects.

    Performance

    Performance: While some users have noted that Photopea can be slower compared to native image editors, it remains a valuable free alternative for everyday photo editing tasks. Overall, Photopea offers a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, making it a great option for anyone looking for a free and capable image editing tool.

    Photopea - Key Features and Functionality



    Photopea Overview

    Photopea, a free online photo editor, integrates several advanced features, including AI-driven tools, to enhance your image editing experience. Here are the key features and how they work:

    AI-Driven Features



    Remove Background

    Photopea’s AI allows you to remove the background of an image with a single click. This feature uses artificial intelligence to detect and separate the subject from the background, making it easier to isolate objects or people from their surroundings.

    Magic Replace

    The Magic Replace tool leverages AI to replace any part of an image with new content based on a text description. This tool uses generative fill technology to fill the selected area with content that matches the context of the image. For example, you can replace a background or an object with a new one by describing what you want to see there.

    General Editing Tools



    Layers and Masks

    Photopea supports a layer-based system similar to Adobe Photoshop, allowing you to work on specific parts of the image without affecting others. You can use layers, masks, layer styles, smart objects, adjustment layers, channels, and paths to achieve detailed and precise edits.

    Image Adjustments

    The editor offers a wide range of image adjustments, including brightness, contrast, hue, exposure, color balance, highlights, and shadows. These tools help in enhancing the overall look and feel of your images.

    Filters and Effects

    Photopea includes various filters and effects such as blur, sharpen, creative effects, and more. These can be applied to your images to add different artistic or corrective touches.

    Vector Graphics

    You can create and edit vector graphics directly within Photopea, which is useful for designing logos, icons, or illustrations. This feature makes it a versatile tool for both raster and vector graphic editing.

    File Compatibility and Offline Use



    Multiple File Formats

    Photopea supports a wide range of file formats, including PSD, PNG, JPG, GIF, BMP, WEBP, SVG, PDF, AI, and many others. This makes it easy to work with files from different software and share them across various platforms.

    Offline Use

    One of the unique features of Photopea is its ability to run completely offline. Once you load the editor in your browser, you can disconnect from the internet and continue editing without any issues. This ensures that your files never leave your device.

    AI Credits and Integration



    Dezgo API Key

    For users who need unlimited AI feature usage, Photopea allows you to integrate a Dezgo API key. This enables you to use AI features like Remove Background and Magic Replace beyond the monthly limits of a Premium account by using the funds from your Dezgo account.

    Conclusion

    In summary, Photopea combines traditional image editing tools with advanced AI features, making it a powerful and versatile tool for both beginners and professionals. Its ability to work offline, support multiple file formats, and integrate AI-driven tools enhances its usability and functionality significantly.

    Photopea - Performance and Accuracy



    Performance

    Photopea, being a web-based tool, relies heavily on your internet connection speed and the capabilities of your web browser. This can lead to performance issues such as slower response times and occasional lag, particularly when working with large, high-resolution images or intricate designs.



    Internet Dependency

    Users with slow or unstable internet connections may find it challenging to work efficiently, as the tool’s performance is directly affected by the internet speed.



    Browser Limitations

    The program can be slow and may lag, especially when using brush tools or performing other resource-intensive tasks. This lag can make precise work difficult due to jittery mouse movements.



    Accuracy

    While Photopea offers a wide range of features similar to those in Adobe Photoshop, there are some areas where its accuracy and refinement fall short.



    Feature Limitations

    Photopea lacks some of the advanced features found in Photoshop, such as 3D tools, the Camera Raw Filter, and certain refinement options like independent adjustments for blacks, whites, highlights, and shadows. The RAW photo editor in Photopea is also less comprehensive compared to Photoshop.



    Edge Detection and Refinement

    The Refine Edge tool in Photopea can leave odd halo edges, which can be time-consuming to correct. This is in contrast to Photoshop, where edge detection and refinement are more accurate and efficient.



    Brush Tools

    The brush tools in Photopea can be glitchy and often lag, making precise work challenging. This is a significant issue for users who require smooth and accurate brush strokes.



    AI-Driven Tools

    While Photopea does offer some AI-driven tools, such as content-aware tools and the ability to remove backgrounds or replace image parts, these tools are not as refined as those in Photoshop.



    Content-Aware Tools

    The content-aware tool in Photopea is available but may not work as smoothly or accurately as its counterpart in Photoshop.



    Image Restoration

    Photopea can be used to restore old photographs using AI tools, but the overall quality and precision may vary depending on the specific tools and techniques used.



    Areas for Improvement

    To enhance its performance and accuracy, Photopea could benefit from several improvements:



    Optimized Performance

    Improving the tool’s performance to reduce lag and make it less dependent on internet speed would significantly enhance the user experience.



    Advanced Features

    Adding more advanced features, especially in the RAW editor and refinement tools, would make Photopea more competitive with paid software like Photoshop.



    Customer Support

    While Photopea has an online forum, direct customer support would be beneficial for users encountering unique problems or bugs.

    In summary, while Photopea is a powerful and free online photo editor that offers many features similar to Photoshop, it has notable performance and accuracy limitations. These limitations, particularly related to internet dependency and the lack of certain advanced features, can impact the user experience. However, for many users, especially those in academia or with straightforward editing needs, Photopea remains a valuable and accessible tool.

    Photopea - Pricing and Plans



    Photopea Pricing Structure

    Photopea offers a straightforward and flexible pricing model, catering to various user needs.



    Free Plan

    • The free version of Photopea is available at no cost and includes most of the advanced features, similar to industry-standard software like Adobe Photoshop.
    • Users get 0.5 GB of cloud storage on Photopea’s P Drive.
    • The free version displays advertisements on the right-hand side, which is the primary revenue source for the developers.


    Premium Plan

    • The premium version of Photopea offers several enhancements over the free version.
    • Ad-Free Experience: No advertisements are displayed.
    • Increased Cloud Storage: Users get 5 GB of cloud storage on P Drive.
    • AI Credits: 3,000 AI credits per month, which can be used for advanced AI tools like the ‘Magic Replace’ tool and ‘Remove Background’ feature.


    Pricing Options

    • The premium plan can be purchased for different durations without recurring subscriptions:
    • 1 Month: $8
    • 90 Days: $15
    • 1 Year: $50
    • After the paid period ends, the account reverts back to the free version without automatic renewal.


    Key Features by Plan



    Free Plan Features

    • All basic and advanced editing tools, including cropping, resizing, layering, masking, and blending.
    • Support for multiple file formats such as PSD, PNG, JPG, GIF, and more.
    • Access to AI tools, but with the requirement to watch additional ads to use certain premium features.


    Premium Plan Features

    • All features available in the free plan.
    • Additional benefits include an ad-free experience, increased cloud storage (5 GB), and 3,000 AI credits per month for using advanced AI tools without watching ads.
    This structure allows users to choose the plan that best fits their needs, whether they require occasional use of premium features or a more extensive and ad-free experience.

    Photopea - Integration and Compatibility



    Photopea Overview

    Photopea, a free online photo editor, integrates and operates seamlessly across various platforms and devices, making it a versatile tool for image editing and graphic design.

    Platform Compatibility

    Photopea is compatible with all modern web browsers, including Safari, Edge, Chrome, and Firefox. This browser-based compatibility allows users to access and use Photopea on any device with an internet connection, without the need for downloads or installations.

    Device Compatibility

    The editor runs locally on the user’s device, utilizing the CPU and GPU, which means it can operate efficiently on a wide range of hardware configurations. The better the hardware, the smoother the performance, making it accessible on both desktop and mobile devices.

    Integration with Other Tools

    Photopea can be integrated into other applications and workflows through various methods:

    Obsidian Integration

    The Photopea Editor plugin allows users to edit images directly within the Obsidian note-taking app. This integration replaces the default image viewer with an embedded Photopea interface, enabling seamless editing of PNG, JPG, and JPEG files.

    API and Plugins

    Photopea offers an API that allows developers to create plugins that can interact with the editor. These plugins can execute scripts, transfer files, and integrate with other websites or applications. For example, users can drag-and-drop images from any website into Photopea, or use plugins to load fonts, brushes, and other resources.

    File Format Compatibility

    Photopea supports a wide range of file formats, including PNG, JPG, GIF, BMP, SVG, PDF, AI, and many others. It also supports PSD files, which is the main format of Photopea, allowing users to open and save files in this format. This extensive format support makes it a versatile tool for various image editing and graphic design tasks.

    Local Operation

    One of the key features of Photopea is its local operation, meaning that all files are processed on the user’s device without any uploads to servers. This enhances privacy and security, making it a reliable choice for users concerned about data privacy.

    Conclusion

    In summary, Photopea’s compatibility across different platforms, devices, and its ability to integrate with other tools through APIs and plugins, make it a highly versatile and accessible image editing solution.

    Photopea - Customer Support and Resources



    Customer Support

    For any issues or questions, you can contact Photopea’s customer support through the following channels:



    Email

    The most commonly used method is via email at support@photopea.com. This is the recommended way to get help with your queries.



    Phone

    You can also call them at 42 060 459 2737, although this method is less frequently used compared to email.

    If you encounter issues with your Premium account, such as seeing ads despite having a subscription, you can email the support team to resolve the issue, particularly if you have used different email addresses for login and subscription.



    Additional Resources

    Photopea offers a variety of resources to help you learn and use the software effectively:



    Tutorials

    There are numerous tutorials available that cover a wide range of topics, from basic editing skills to advanced techniques. These include guides on using the Clone Tool, working with layers, retouching faces, and more. You can find these tutorials on various websites and even on Photopea-related courses.



    Example Tutorials

    For example, Sue Farrimond Tutorials provide detailed lessons on using Photopea for tasks like creating a grid collage, customizing fonts, and achieving specific effects like the Harris Shutter Effect.



    Help Center

    While the specific link to the Help Center is not provided, the support email and phone number can direct you to any additional resources or FAQs that might be available.



    Free Design Resources

    To enhance your designs, you can access a plethora of free resources such as icons, labels, textures, photos, and fonts. These resources can be found through curated lists that include sites like The Noun Project, Pexels, and Google Fonts.

    By leveraging these support options and resources, you can efficiently address any issues and improve your skills in using Photopea for your image editing needs.

    Photopea - Pros and Cons



    Pros of Photopea

    Photopea offers several significant advantages that make it a compelling choice for image editing:

    Free and Accessible

    Photopea is a free online photo editor that runs directly in your web browser, eliminating the need for downloads or installations.

    Wide Format Support

    It supports a broad range of file formats, including PSD, JPEG, PNG, GIF, and many more, making it versatile for various needs.

    Advanced Features

    Despite being web-based, Photopea includes advanced tools such as layering, masking, blending, adjustment layers, and smart objects, which are comparable to those in professional software like Photoshop.

    Local Processing

    The application runs locally on your device, using your CPU and GPU, and does not upload your files to any server, ensuring privacy and security.

    Ease of Use

    Users find Photopea easy to use, with most actions accessible with just a few clicks. It is powerful yet simple enough for novices.

    Non-Destructive Editing

    Photopea allows for non-destructive editing, enabling you to make changes without altering the original image file.

    Vector Graphics

    You can create and edit vector graphics directly within the editor, which is useful for designers working on logos, icons, or illustrations.

    Cons of Photopea

    While Photopea is a powerful tool, it also has some notable drawbacks:

    Performance Issues

    Photopea can be slower than desktop-based photo editing software, especially when working with large files or complex editing tasks.

    Internet Connection Required

    Although it runs locally, you still need an internet connection to access Photopea, which can be a limitation.

    Limited Features

    While Photopea offers many advanced features, it lacks some of the more specialized tools available in Photoshop, such as advanced selection tools, color grading options, and support for 3D modeling and animation.

    No Mobile App

    Currently, Photopea does not have a mobile app, which can be a drawback for users who need to edit images on the go.

    Limited Community Support

    Being a newer application, Photopea may have a less robust community or support network compared to established tools like Photoshop.

    Export Limitations

    Photopea does not allow you to select the image resolution while exporting, which can limit the quality of the final output. Overall, Photopea is a strong alternative to traditional desktop photo editing software, offering a wide range of features and the convenience of web-based access, but it also comes with some performance and feature limitations.

    Photopea - Comparison with Competitors



    Unique Features of Photopea

    • Free and Web-Based: Photopea is a free online photo editor that runs directly in your browser, eliminating the need for downloads or installations. It utilizes your device’s CPU and GPU, ensuring fast performance without compromising on features.
    • Wide Format Support: Photopea supports a broad range of file formats, including PSD, PNG, JPG, GIF, BMP, WEBP, SVG, PDF, and many more. This versatility makes it a versatile tool for various design tasks.
    • Advanced Editing Tools: It offers advanced features such as layering, masking, blending, and adjustment layers, similar to those found in professional software like Adobe Photoshop. Additionally, it includes tools like Levels, Curves, Gaussian Blur, Liquify, and Puppet Warp.
    • Local File Handling: Photopea does not upload files to the cloud; instead, it processes them locally on your device, ensuring privacy and speed.


    Potential Alternatives



    Adobe Photoshop

    • Comprehensive Features: Adobe Photoshop is an industry-standard tool with a wide array of features including AI-driven editing tools, retouching, object removal, and advanced brushes. It offers a subscription-based model and is part of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite.
    • Integration and Cloud Storage: Unlike Photopea, Photoshop integrates well with other Adobe tools and offers cloud storage, making it a better option for frequent designers who need to access files across different devices.


    GIMP

    • Free and Open-Source: GIMP is a free, open-source alternative that offers many of the same features as Photopea, including retouching, color management, and filters. It is cross-platform and ideal for creating icons and graphic design elements.
    • Customizable: GIMP is highly customizable, allowing users to extend its functionality with plugins and scripts.


    Affinity Photo

    • Professional-Grade: Affinity Photo is professional-grade photo editing software available for Mac and Windows. It offers RAW editing, HDR merging, panorama stitching, and 360° image modification, making it a strong alternative for advanced users.
    • One-Time Purchase: Unlike Adobe Photoshop, Affinity Photo can be purchased with a one-time payment, which might be more appealing to those who prefer not to commit to a subscription.


    Fotor

    • User-Friendly and Cross-Platform: Fotor is a user-friendly photo editing software available on multiple platforms, including online, Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows. It is known for its ease of use and extensive range of filters and templates.
    • AI-Driven Features: Fotor includes AI-driven features for photo editing and design, making it a good option for those looking for a more accessible alternative to Photopea.


    Canva Pro

    • Design and Graphics: Canva Pro is more focused on graphic design and creation rather than pure photo editing. It offers a vast library of images, fonts, and templates, along with brand document storage and 100GB of space. It is a good option for those who need to create professional graphics quickly.


    Other Considerations

    • Mage and ChatDesigner.ai: These tools, while not traditional photo editors, offer AI-driven image generation and editing capabilities. Mage focuses on text-to-image and text-to-GIF models, while ChatDesigner.ai allows for pixel-level manipulation and retouching through AI.
    • Snapseed and Paint.Net: Snapseed is a mobile app offering optimized image editing with adjustable exposure, color tone, and contrast. Paint.Net is a free photo-editing software for Windows with layers, special effects, and online community support. These tools are more specialized but can be useful depending on your specific needs.
    In summary, while Photopea stands out for its free, web-based, and feature-rich approach, alternatives like Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, Affinity Photo, Fotor, and Canva Pro offer different strengths and may be more suitable depending on your specific requirements and preferences.

    Photopea - Frequently Asked Questions



    Frequently Asked Questions about Photopea



    Q: Is Photopea free to use?

    Photopea is completely free to use. It does not require any subscription or payment, and you can access all its features without spending a dime.



    Q: Do I need to download or install Photopea?

    No, you do not need to download or install Photopea. It is an online photo editor that runs directly in your web browser, using your device’s CPU and GPU. This means you can start editing immediately without any hassle.



    Q: What file formats does Photopea support?

    Photopea supports a wide range of file formats, including PSD, PNG, JPG, GIF, BMP, WEBP, SVG, PDF, AI, AVIF, DDS, HEIC, TIFF, MP4, TGA, CDR, PDN, EPS, INDD, Figma, and many others. It also supports various raw image files like DNG, CR2, CR3, NEF, ARW, RW2, RAF, ORF, and FFF.



    Q: Can I use Photopea to edit vector graphics?

    Yes, Photopea allows you to create and edit vector graphics directly within the editor. This is particularly useful for designers working on logos, icons, or illustrations.



    Q: What are some of the advanced features available in Photopea?

    Photopea offers a range of advanced features, including layering, masking, blending, adjustment layers, smart objects, channels, paths, and more. You can also use tools like the liquify tool, puppet warp, Gaussian blur, levels, and curves to enhance your images.



    Q: How do I use selection tools in Photopea?

    Photopea provides various selection tools such as the rectangular marquee, lasso, magic wand, quick selection, and pen tool. You can also refine the edges of your selection using the refine edge feature or use the content-aware fill feature to fill the selected area with matching pixels.



    Q: Can I add text and effects to my images in Photopea?

    Yes, you can add text, shapes, effects, or filters to your photos and graphics in Photopea. The software includes tools like the brush tool, gradient tool, and layer styles that allow you to add visual effects to overlapping objects.



    Q: Does Photopea support non-destructive editing?

    Yes, Photopea supports non-destructive editing through the use of adjustment layers and smart filters. This allows you to apply adjustments and filters without permanently altering the original image pixels.



    Q: Can I remove backgrounds or unwanted objects from images in Photopea?

    Yes, you can remove backgrounds or unwanted objects from your photos using tools like the selection tools, healing brush, spot healing brush, and content-aware fill. Photopea also offers a one-click background removal feature.



    Q: Is my data secure when using Photopea?

    Photopea runs locally on your device and does not upload your files to any servers. This means that all your files open instantly and never leave your device, ensuring your data remains secure.

    Photopea - Conclusion and Recommendation



    Final Assessment of Photopea

    Photopea is an exceptional free, web-based image editing application that offers a wide range of features, making it an excellent choice for various users, from beginners to professionals.

    Key Benefits



    User-Friendly Interface

    Photopea boasts a simple and intuitive interface, similar to Adobe Photoshop, which makes it easy for users to transition and start editing quickly, even if they are new to graphic design.

    Advanced Features

    Despite being free, Photopea includes advanced features such as layers, masks, smart objects, filters, and effects. It also supports various file formats, including PSD, XCF, and SVG, making it versatile for different design needs.

    Scalable Image Editing

    The ability to edit vector graphics allows users to create and scale images without losing quality, which is particularly useful for research visuals, posters, and social media content.

    Privacy and Accessibility

    Photopea respects user privacy by not requiring any personal data or account setup. It is accessible from any device with an internet connection and works on all major web browsers.

    Training Resources and Community

    Photopea provides tutorials, guides, and an active community forum, which helps users learn and improve their skills.

    Who Would Benefit Most



    Researchers

    Photopea is highly beneficial for researchers who need to create visually engaging graphics, infographics, and posters for presentations and publications. Its ability to handle complex data and create interactive diagrams is particularly useful.

    Professional Photographers and Graphic Designers

    Despite being free, Photopea offers features that are comparable to professional editing software, making it a valuable tool for professionals looking for a cost-effective alternative.

    Beginners and Hobbyists

    The user-friendly interface and extensive tool set make Photopea an excellent choice for those new to image editing. It provides a gentle learning curve and is free to use, with optional premium features.

    Social Media and Marketing Professionals

    Photopea is great for creating engaging social media content, including thumbnails, posts, and ads. Its templates and editing tools streamline the process of creating visually appealing content.

    Overall Recommendation

    Photopea is a highly recommended tool for anyone looking for a free, yet powerful, image editing solution. Its combination of an intuitive interface, advanced features, and wide compatibility with various file formats makes it an excellent alternative to expensive software like Adobe Photoshop. While the free version includes ads, the features and functionality it offers are more than sufficient for most users. For those who need additional features or an ad-free experience, the premium version is available at an affordable price. In summary, Photopea is a versatile, user-friendly, and cost-effective image editing tool that can cater to a wide range of needs, from simple edits to complex graphic design tasks. Its accessibility, extensive feature set, and continuous updates make it a valuable resource for anyone involved in image editing.

    Scroll to Top