Photopea review

Photopea is the closest thing to Photoshop that runs in a browser tab. Its main file format is PSD, which it opens and saves, and it reads about 40 other formats including AI, PDF, HEIC, Figma files and camera RAW files such as CR3, NEF and ARW. The toolset follows Photoshop's structure: layers, masks, layer styles, smart objects, refine edge, actions and scripts, so tutorials written for Photoshop often transfer. Photopea says it runs entirely on your device using your CPU and GPU, with no uploads, and keeps working if you disconnect after the page loads, which is a real privacy point for a free web tool. The free account is supported by ads; a Premium account removes them and adds team features, but prices show only in the in-app Account window, so we could not verify a USD figure. Photopea itself recommends a large screen and a precise pointing device, so phone use is possible but not ideal.

Who it is for

people who want Photoshop-style editing in a browser

Price

Free with ads; Premium removes ads (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Full PSD support for opening and saving, PSD is its main format
• Opens PNG, JPG, WEBP, SVG, PDF, AI, HEIC, TIFF, Figma and about 40 other formats
• RAW support for DNG, CR2, CR3, NEF, ARW, RW2, RAF, ORF and FFF files
• Runs on your CPU and GPU with no uploads, and keeps working offline once loaded
• Layers, masks, layer styles, smart objects, actions and scripts

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: No install: runs in a web browser on any device
• Strength: Files never leave your computer, according to Photopea
• Strength: 8, 16 and 32-bit color depth support
• Weakness: The free account shows ads; Premium is needed to remove them
• Weakness: Premium prices appear only inside the app's Account window, not on a public pricing page
• Weakness: Photopea recommends a big screen, mouse or stylus and keyboard for comfortable use

Key facts

• Free plan: Yes, with ads
• Platform: Web browser
• Native format: PSD
• File uploads: None, runs on your device

Where it ranks

Photopea is No. 2 in our Best Photoshop Alternatives verdict.