Photopea

Photopea is a browser-based editor for raster and vector graphics, with tools for image resizing, webpage design, illustration, and photo processing. Its editing options include cropping, layers, masks, blending, smart objects, adjustment layers, channels, paths, filters, and vector graphics tools. Photopea says it can both open and save PSD files, along with formats such as PNG, JPG, SVG, PDF, AI, AVIF, HEIC, TIFF, MP4, INDD, and Figma. AI tools include one-click background removal and replacing image areas with a text description.

Photopea says files are processed on your device and can be opened, edited, and saved without an internet connection. Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive can be connected to browse and work with files. The editor can also be installed as a browser homescreen icon, and a self-hosted package can run on a server or local network. The free account is free. School ad-free access costs $450 a year for the whole school; the self-hosted plan is listed at $5,002,000 a month, paid a year in advance.

Photopea offers a broad set of image and graphics tools in a browser, with offline and self-hosted options. Its free account covers editor access; schools and self-hosting have separately listed plans.

Photopea suits social media enthusiasts, students and educators, small business owners, and graphic designers who want a browser-based graphics editor. Its offline and self-hosted options may suit users who need to work without internet access.

Overview

Photopea is a browser-based editor for raster and vector graphics, best suited to people who need layered image work and broad file compatibility without relying on a desktop installation. Its free editor, offline use and optional self-hosting make it flexible; the browser-centered workflow and separate costs for school access or self-hosting call for a closer fit check.

It spans photo processing, illustration and webpage graphics, with tools ranging from resizing and filters to masks, paths and vector editing. PSD files can be opened and saved, and Photopea also supports RAW photos and batch editing.

Key features

Layered editing and formats

Layers, masks, blending, smart objects, adjustment layers, channels and paths give users room for precise compositing and design work. Vector graphics tools extend the editor beyond photographs. The breadth is useful for designers and students handling varied projects, though it may be more editor than someone seeking only quick photo corrections needs.

PSD is Photopea’s main format, and the editor can both open and save it. Other supported formats include PNG, JPG, GIF, BMP, WEBP, SVG, PDF, AI, AVIF, HEIC, TIFF, MP4, INDD and Figma. This range can simplify work across image, document and design files.

AI, offline use and integrations

One-click background removal and text-directed replacement of image areas provide shortcuts for common edits. They sit alongside the conventional layer and mask controls, giving users a choice between targeted automation and manual editing.

Photopea says files are processed on the user’s device and can be opened, edited and saved after disconnecting from the internet. That makes the browser editor useful when connectivity is limited. Users can also connect Dropbox, Google Drive or OneDrive to browse, open, edit, save and copy files through the editor.

The API can embed Photopea in an iframe, pass files and resources, and send saved document data to a configured server; API use is free. The self-hosted package runs on a customer’s server or local network without internet access or server-side technologies. A supported browser can also install Photopea as a homescreen icon, though it remains a browser-based editor.

Privacy and support

Photopea says files stay on the user’s device during processing. Logging in stores a user’s name, email, settings copy and Premium payment details on Photopea’s server; personal data is deleted after six months without a login. Help is available through its Reddit community and support email.

Pricing

The free account costs nothing and includes editor access. It is the natural starting point for individuals and students who can use the editor with its free-account terms. Premium removes advertisements and requires login; its price is custom pricing, and payment is one-time. The page gives 90 days as an example, so users should confirm the offered term before buying.

Schools can buy ad-free access for $450 a year, billed for the whole school. The school must have a website and a Distributor account or domain listing, so this plan is aimed at institutions able to meet those requirements rather than individual educators.

The Self-Hosted Version costs $5,002,000 a month, billed a whole year (12 months) in advance. Two updates during a year are included, and each additional update costs $300. This is for organizations that need the editor on their own server or local network; the annual advance payment and update terms make it a substantial commitment.

Platforms

Photopea is listed for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, self-hosted use, web and Windows. Its described editor runs in a browser, and the homescreen installation remains a browser experience rather than a separate native app. That gives it broad reach across operating systems, while readers who specifically want a native mobile workflow may prefer another editor.

Who it's for

Social media enthusiasts, students and educators, small business owners and graphic designers are among Photopea’s intended audiences. Its combination of PSD support, detailed layer controls, vector tools and a free account particularly suits learners and independent creators who need more than basic cropping. Schools have a separate whole-school ad-free plan, while organizations needing offline deployment can consider self-hosting.

Photopea is less compelling for people who want a streamlined, photography-first workflow or a dedicated native app. Its breadth is a strength when projects mix formats and design tasks, but can be unnecessary for occasional simple edits.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Free editor access includes a broad set of raster and vector tools, RAW support and batch editing, making it capable across photo and design work.
• Pros: Opening and saving PSD files, plus support for formats such as AI, Figma, HEIC and INDD, helps users move among varied creative files.
• Pros: Local processing and offline editing provide a practical option when internet access is unavailable.
• Pros: Free API use and self-hosted deployment give developers and organizations ways to embed or run the editor in their own environment.
• Cons: The editor remains browser-based even when installed as a homescreen icon, which may not suit people seeking native mobile software.
• Cons: Premium pricing is custom, while school access has eligibility requirements and self-hosting requires a year paid in advance.
• Cons: The extensive controls may be unnecessary for users who only need quick, straightforward photo adjustments.

Alternatives

For a photo editor on Apple devices, Photomator is a paid option with a free plan and a monthly subscription at $7.99 a month; one license covers Mac, iPad, iPhone and Apple Vision Pro. Choose it when that Apple-device coverage and subscription model fit better than a browser-based editor.

BeFunky is another freemium option on Android, iOS and web. Its free plan includes basic photo editing, limited templates and assets, and export without a subscription; consider it when those basics and a more limited asset set meet your needs.

Adobe Photoshop is an alternative for readers comparing another paid editor with a free plan and trial. Adobe Lightroom is another freemium choice with a free plan and trial. VSCO is a freemium option with free, yearly and other paid tiers. Pixlr and PhotoPad are also freemium alternatives, while Capture One is a paid option with a free trial.

Browse more options in Photo Editing Software and AI Photo Editors.

Verdict

Photopea is a strong choice for students, independent creators and designers who want a capable free editor with PSD compatibility, detailed layers and masks, vector tools and offline access. Its main appeal is the breadth of work it can handle in a browser without an editor-access fee. Look elsewhere if you need native mobile software, a simpler photo-first experience, or clearer pricing for paid access and deployment.