In short
- Opens and saves PSD files with layers, masks, styles and smart objects.
- Menus and most keyboard shortcuts are almost the same as Photoshop’s.
- Free with ads; the optional Premium subscription removes them.
It’s for you if…
- You retouch photos, make composites or design images for social media and websites.
- You receive or deliver PSD files and need to keep the layers.
- You work on computers where you can’t install software (school, work).
Better pick something else if…
- You edit huge files or files with hundreds of layers every day: an installed program will run more smoothly.
- You rely on Photoshop plugins or Adobe’s generative AI features.
- You work in professional print with very demanding colour management: test with your real files first.
From Photoshop to Photopea: equivalents
| Photoshop | Photopea |
|---|---|
| Layers, groups and masks | Same: layers, groups, layer and clipping masks |
| Layer styles (drop shadow, stroke, glow…) | Same: editable layer styles |
| Adjustment layers (levels, curves, hue/saturation) | Same: non-destructive adjustment layers |
| Smart objects | Supported: they open and can be edited |
| Healing brush, patch and clone stamp | The same retouching tools |
| Export for web (PNG, JPG, WebP) | File › Export as, with a file size preview |
| Shortcuts: V, B, Ctrl+J, Ctrl+T… | The same main shortcuts |
| Photoshop plugins | Not supported |
Step by step
Open Photopea in your browser
Go to photopea.com in Chrome, Firefox, Edge or Safari. No account needed. If you’ll use it often and your browser offers it, install it as an app so it opens in its own window.
Open your PSDs
Use File › Open or drag the file into the window. Layers, masks, text and styles are kept. If the PSD uses a font you don’t have, Photopea substitutes it: you can load yours by opening the .ttf or .otf file with File › Open.
Set your language
The layers, history and properties panels are on the right, as in Photoshop. You can change the interface language under More › Language.
Work as usual
The main shortcuts are the same: V to move, B for the brush, Ctrl+J to duplicate a layer, Ctrl+T to transform and Ctrl+Z to undo. The History panel lets you go back to any step.
Save and export
File › Save as PSD keeps the layers so you can keep editing here or in Photoshop. File › Export as creates PNG, JPG, WebP, SVG or PDF; check size and quality in the preview.
Keep your own copies
Photopea processes files in your browser and doesn’t upload them to its servers, so there is no Photopea cloud with your documents: save important versions on your computer or in your usual cloud.
Files and formats
Opens PSD, XCF (GIMP), Sketch, XD, PDF and SVG, plus common image formats and RAW files from many cameras. Saves as PSD and exports to PNG, JPG, WebP, GIF, SVG and PDF.
What you won’t find
- With very large files (hundreds of layers or several gigabytes) it is slower than an installed program.
- There are no Photoshop plugins or Adobe generative AI features.
- The free version shows ads in a sidebar; Premium removes them and gives you more workspace.
Tips
- If someone sends you a PSD, send it back as a PSD too: they won’t lose the layers.
- For work with text, load your fonts first so the design doesn’t change.
- Export images for websites as WebP: they’re smaller than a JPG at the same quality.
- Prefer an installed, offline program? GIMP and Krita are free and open source.
Comparison: GIMP vs Photopea, which one to pick?
Frequently asked questions
Is Photopea completely free?
Yes, all its tools can be used for free. It is funded by ads; if you want to remove them, there is an optional Premium subscription.
Can I open my Photoshop PSDs without losing layers?
Yes. Photopea keeps layers, masks, editable text, styles and smart objects in most files. Very recent or unusual effects may look different, so check the result.
Are my images uploaded to a server?
No: Photopea processes files in your own browser. They are only saved where you decide.
Independent: we have no commercial relationship, sponsorship or affiliation with Photoshop or with these alternatives, and nobody pays us to recommend them. Links go to their official websites and are not affiliate links; the site is funded only by Google AdSense ads, which don't influence the selection. Learn more.
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