PhotoCraftthe free, open-source photo editor

A practical starting point for PhotoCraft. Pick your platform, download the right official build, follow a short setup guide, then edit with keyboard habits that already feel familiar.

Download PhotoCraft Can it replace Photoshop?
  • Open sourceMIT / Apache-2.0
  • NativeRust + GPU
  • PSDLayered open and save
WORKSPACE / 01v0.6.0
Official PhotoCraft demo showing The Great Wave off Kanagawa on the canvas
Official repository demo · public-domain artwork
Ctrl+J

Duplicate a layer. Explore the complete shortcut guide.

What do you need?

01Download PhotoCraftPick a build02Learn shortcutsFind a command03Check the limitsCompare features04Join the projectOpen the community
02 / INSTALL

From download
to canvas in three steps.

Choose your platform below. If the operating system shows a warning, first confirm that the file came from the official GitHub release, then follow the platform-specific prompt.

  1. 01

    Choose your architecture

    Most computers need windows-x64.msi. Choose ARM64 for Snapdragon-based PCs, or the portable ZIP if you do not want an installer.

  2. 02

    Run the MSI

    Double-click the file and follow the setup wizard. The project README states that the installer and executable are code-signed.

  3. 03

    Test a copy of a PSD

    Open a duplicate file first. PhotoCraft is early alpha, so do not overwrite your only production source file.

Important

This is an independent resource site, not the official PhotoCraft website. It does not repackage software, provide cracks, or host mirrors. Treat the official GitHub release as the source of truth.

03 / COMPARE

It feels familiar.
It is not Photoshop yet.

This comparison is meant to expose the tradeoffs, not choose for you. The PhotoCraft project describes v0.6.0 as early alpha.

AreaPhotoCraft v0.6.0Adobe PhotoshopPractical choice
License and costOpen sourceMIT / Apache-2.0; free to use and studyProprietary software; the full desktop app requires a paid planTry PhotoCraft first if cost matters and you can accept early-stage risk
PSD workflowSupportedOpens, edits, and saves layered PSD / PSB files; complex files still need testingNativeThe industry-standard PSD workflowKeep Photoshop in the review loop for delivery-critical PSD files
Layers and non-destructive editingLayers, masks, adjustment layers, layer styles, smart objects, and filtersDeeper, more mature tools with established production workflowsRoutine editing is worth testing; validate complex work with real samples
Generative AIGapListed by the project as a future directionMatureGenerative Fill, Expand, Harmonize, and other Firefly toolsPhotoshop is currently stronger for AI-heavy production
Plugin ecosystemPlannedPlugin compatibility remains a major acknowledged gapMatureUXP, legacy plugins, and a broad marketplaceDo not switch abruptly if commercial plugins are essential
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux, FreeBSD, plus a WebAssembly buildThe full desktop app focuses on Windows and macOS, with web and mobile experiencesLinux and FreeBSD users have a strong reason to explore PhotoCraft
Offline use and accountsCore tools work offline and do not require an accountDesktop editing can work offline, but installation, activation, and subscription checks need a connectionPhotoCraft is more direct for local-first, account-free workflows
AutomationStandoutUI, CLI, JSON control channel, and MCP share one command systemActions, scripting, plugins, and a mature third-party automation ecosystemExplore PhotoCraft for agent and CLI experiments; Photoshop for mature pipelines
StabilityEarly alphaExpect rough edges and compatibility issuesProduction-gradeBetter suited to high-risk commercial deliveryStart PhotoCraft with copies and non-critical work
TRY PHOTOCRAFT FIRST

Learning, personal work, open-source workflows, Linux / FreeBSD, and agent automation experiments

KEEP PHOTOSHOP FOR NOW

Generative AI, commercial plugins, complex typography, strict delivery, and established team workflows

NEXT / RESOURCE LIBRARY

Build the hub into a toolbox.

PLUG-INS

Plugin compatibility index

Track compatibility by version once the project's plugin boundaries are clear.

PLANNED
TEMPLATES

Templates and assets

Curate clearly licensed PSD files and creative templates verified in PhotoCraft.

PLANNED
RECIPES

Workflow recipes

Reusable steps for cutouts, color work, batch processing, and agent automation.

PLANNED