Photoshop has long been the reference tool for retouching and compositing images. PhotoCraft, from the ArtCraft suite, aims to offer a free, open version with the same interface logic. It is the younger of the two apps I cover here, and that is important to keep in mind.

What PhotoCraft offers

  • Layers, masks and adjustment layers.
  • Layer styles, text, vector shapes and brushes.
  • Reading and writing PSD and PSB files, with layers preserved.
  • Curves and image adjustments, according to the project's own presentation.

These points come from the project's presentation and the specialist press: I haven't tested PhotoCraft as thoroughly as VectorCraft.

What the project itself acknowledges

PhotoCraft's documentation states that it is “not yet a Photoshop replacement for daily professional work”. The gaps it cites are AI and image-generation features, around fifteen missing tools, depth in typography and professional workflows, and plug-in compatibility. Published hands-on reports also mention bugs and slowdowns in the alpha versions.

What is it good for to a designer today?

  • Preparing simple visuals: cropping, layers, text, low-stakes mock-ups.
  • Practising or learning the basics of retouching, with no subscription.
  • Stop-gap fixes when you don't have your usual software to hand.
  • Following the project, to see whether it keeps its promises over the coming months.

For a logo, the essentials happen in vector: see VectorCraft instead. When preparing images from a logo (social media, thumbnails), the safest route is still to start from the vector file, as explained in the article on file formats (in French).

Frequently asked questions about PhotoCraft

Is PhotoCraft a real replacement for Photoshop?
Not yet. The project itself says it is not a replacement for Photoshop in daily professional use: it lacks tools, AI features, plug-ins and typographic depth.

Does PhotoCraft open PSD files?
The project says it reads and writes PSD and PSB files while keeping layers. As with any new tool, test it on a copy before using it on a real project.

My take as a designer

PhotoCraft seems to me more a project to follow than a tool to adopt. The fact that its authors say what it's missing is rather reassuring: you know where you stand. For my work, centred on logos and therefore on vector, VectorCraft is clearly more relevant today.

A tool honest about its limits beats one that promises everything: follow it closely, without trusting it with a client project.

To sum up

PhotoCraft is a free, open-source alternative to Photoshop, with layers, masks, layer styles and PSD files.

It is in early alpha and doesn't yet replace Photoshop for professional use.

Use it to test and practise, and keep your usual software for client deliverables.