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. | 🇬🇧United Kingdom | Paid | Medium | 1-3 hours depending on the number of files and complexity | |
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 | A few hours to a day, depending on the number of files and complexity | |
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 is free with optional paid features.
- Runs in browser, no installation needed.
- Full PSD compatibility for easy file access.
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, no ongoing subscription fees
- GDPR compliance ensures EU data protection standards
- Cross-platform support for macOS, Windows, iPad
- Integrated vector and photo editing in one suite
Trade-offs
- Lacks 3D design capabilities found in Photoshop
- Migration may disrupt existing workflows
- Learning curve for users familiar with Adobe 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 is free with optional paid features.
- Runs in browser, no installation needed.
- Full PSD compatibility for easy file access.
- GDPR compliant, ensuring EU data protection.
Trade-offs
- Photopea lacks 3D design capabilities.
- No direct integration with Creative Cloud.
- Learning curve for users familiar with Photoshop.
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 free and open source, reducing costs.
- GDPR compliance ensures data protection in the EU.
- Krita's brush engine offers customizable options.
- Cross-platform support for Windows, macOS, Linux.
Trade-offs
- Limited 3D design capabilities compared to Photoshop.
- Migration may require learning new interface.
- Less integration with Adobe Creative Cloud tools.
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.
How to Export
Individual files: File → Save As or File → Export → Export As (choose format). Batch: File → Scripts → Image Processor. Layers: File → Export → Layers to Files. Cloud Libraries: CC desktop app → Files → Your Libraries → three-dot menu → Export
Export Format
PSD, PNG, JPG, TIFF, SVG, PDF
Time Required
Immediate for individual files. Cloud libraries: minutes to hours. Max 10 cloud files per download batch
Import Notes
PSD opens in GIMP, Affinity Photo, Photopea, Krita. TIFF/PNG are universal. Complex layer effects may not transfer perfectly
Settings Path
Edit → Preferences (Windows) or Photoshop → Settings (Mac)
No bulk cloud download — max 10 files at a time. Colors, fonts, and templates cannot be exported from CC Libraries
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. Individual files: File → Save As or File → Export → Export As (choose format). Batch: File → Scripts → Image Processor. Layers: File → Export → Layers to Files. Cloud Libraries: CC desktop app → Files → Your Libraries → three-dot menu → Export The exported data comes in PSD, PNG, JPG, TIFF, SVG, PDF format. PSD opens in GIMP, Affinity Photo, Photopea, Krita. TIFF/PNG are universal. Complex layer effects may not transfer perfectly
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.