Photopea vs Pixlr vs GIMP: Which Free Photo Editor Should You Use?

TL;DR: Use Photopea if you need quick PSD edits in a browser. Use GIMP for deep retouching and an extendable desktop workflow. Use Pixlr for fast social graphics without installing anything.

Key differences

• Installation: Photopea and Pixlr run in the browser; GIMP is a desktop app (Windows/macOS/Linux).
• Ecosystem: GIMP has a long‑standing plugin community. Photopea aims to be PSD‑compatible. Pixlr focuses on speed and simplicity.
• RAW and color: GIMP can work with RAW via external tools (e.g., Darktable) and supports advanced color operations through GEGL; Photopea is fine for quick adjustments; Pixlr is best for web graphics.
• Performance: Photopea and Pixlr feel snappy for moderate‑sized images. GIMP handles large files but benefits from more RAM and can be tuned.

Head‑to‑head

Layers and masks

Photopea: Feels familiar if you’ve used Photoshop—layers, masks, blend modes, adjustment layers (to a degree). Great for opening PSDs with layers intact and making quick fixes.

GIMP: Robust layers/masks and precise controls. Some non‑destructive workflows are possible via GEGL, but it’s not a 1:1 Photoshop clone. Once configured, it’s powerful and flexible.

Pixlr: Fully capable of basic layered editing and masking for web graphics, thumbnails, and quick compositing. Not designed for huge multi‑gigapixel projects.

Selections and retouching

Photopea: Solid selection tools (quick select, magic wand), healing/clone tools, and standard adjustments. Great for quick spot retouches.

GIMP: Excellent control over selections (paths, quick mask, feathering) and strong retouching once you learn the tools. Plugin ecosystem adds specialty techniques.

Pixlr: Quick selection tools that are “good enough” for social graphics and simple cutouts. Retouching is lightweight but fast.

Export and formats

Photopea: Opens/saves PSD (with caveats), exports PNG/JPG/SVG/WebP, and more. Handy when you get a PSD from a client and just need to tweak text or layers.

GIMP: Native XCF for working files; exports to PNG/JPG/TIFF/WebP, etc. Can write PSD with limitations. For print CMYK, you’ll likely hand off to Scribus or use plugins.

Pixlr: Exports common web formats (PNG/JPG/WebP). Ideal for social assets and web‑bound images. Layered proprietary formats aren’t the focus.

Use cases

• Social graphics and thumbnails: Pixlr (speed), Photopea (more control when needed)
• PSD edits and quick client changes: Photopea
• Photo retouching and advanced compositing: GIMP

FAQ

Is there a mobile app?

Pixlr has mobile apps. Photopea runs in mobile browsers with mixed ergonomics. GIMP is desktop‑only.

Which supports CMYK?

None of these are full CMYK editors out of the box. For print workflows, convert at export using a dedicated tool or hand off to layout software (e.g., Scribus). Always proof with your printer’s ICC profile.

Verdict

• Photopea: Best browser‑based PSD editor for quick, real‑world work.
• GIMP: Most capable for deep edits, scripting, and plugins—if you’re okay with a desktop app and a learning curve.
• Pixlr: Fastest path to decent results for web and social images.