Photopea
A free, browser-based raster/vector editor with genuine PSD compatibility and layers — the closest thing on this list to a real Photoshop stand-in.
Verdict
Photopea is unusual among browser tools: it runs the actual editing (layers, masks, adjustment layers, Liquify, Puppet Warp) on your device rather than a server, opens PSD files natively, and doesn't gate the feature set behind a paid tier. If you need real editing — not just a format swap — and don't want to install anything, this is the standout option here.
Best for
Anyone who needs proper layer-based editing (including opening real PSD files) without installing desktop software.
Primary capabilities
- Layers, masks, adjustment layers, and layer styles
- Native PSD support plus PNG, JPG, GIF, SVG, PDF, and various RAW formats
- Advanced tools: Liquify, Puppet Warp, Curves, Levels, Gaussian Blur
- Runs locally in the browser using your device's CPU/GPU, per the site's own description, rather than uploading to a server
Format focus
Broad format support centered on PSD compatibility, plus common raster formats and several camera RAW variants (DNG, CR2, CR3, NEF, ARW and others).
Account & access
Account considerations: No account or installation is required to use the editor.
Free-access notes: The site presents itself as free with its full editing toolkit available; there's no indication of a separate paid tier gating core features, though ads or optional support options may appear on the site itself.
Strengths
- Real layer-based editing, not just crop/filter/convert — the deepest tool on this list short of installing desktop software
- Opens and works with native PSD files, useful if you receive Photoshop-format assets without owning Photoshop
- Processing described as local to your device rather than uploaded to a server, which is a meaningfully different privacy posture than a cloud converter
Limitations
- The interface deliberately mirrors Photoshop's menu/tool layout, which is powerful but has a real learning curve for a first-time user
- It's a general editor, not a batch-conversion tool — converting many files at once isn't its focus
- No dedicated mobile app; it's a browser tool on whatever device you open it on
Privacy & upload considerations
Photopea's own description states editing runs on your device, not uploaded to a server for processing — worth confirming current behavior on their site, but it's a materially different model from the cloud converters on this list.
Recommended workflow
Reach for it when the job is real editing (layers, masks, retouching, opening a PSD) rather than a simple one-shot format conversion.
Suitable alternatives
- Pixlr — A browser/mobile photo editor built around AI features — background removal, face-swap, generative fill — layered on top of standard retouching tools.
- Fotor — An AI-first photo editor covering upscaling, restoration, background/object removal, and style transformation, positioned as a lighter alternative to full photo-editing software.
Independence
This profile is independent editorial content. LDR Photo Index has no partnership with Photopea and receives no compensation for this listing.