Photoshop vs other photo editors: what to choose in 2025?

Adobe Photoshop has been a leader among graphic editing programs for many years. However, there are many alternative editors on the market that may seem more convenient or accessible to beginners. In this article, we compare Photoshop’s capabilities with other popular editors and help you choose the best tool for your needs.

Photoshop from scratch: why Photoshop?

If you want to learn Photoshop from scratch, Adobe Photoshop will become your reliable assistant in the world of graphic design. This program offers limitless possibilities for photo editing, illustration creation, layout design, and even 3D graphics.

Key advantages of Photoshop:

1. Powerful tools for retouching and color correction.
2. A wide selection of brushes and the ability to create your own.
3. Support for working with layers and masks.
4. Integration with other Adobe programs, such as Illustrator and After Effects.

Why is Photoshop better than other editors:

• Professional-level editing. Unlike many alternatives, Photoshop provides tools for detailed work with colors, lighting, and textures.
• Advanced layer editing. The layer functionality in Photoshop is more flexible compared to other editors.
• Artificial intelligence and automation. Neural Filters make retouching significantly easier, which is unavailable in most free alternatives.
• Seamless integration with other tools. Photoshop works perfectly with other Adobe products, making the workflow more efficient.
• PSD format support. This format preserves layers, effects, and other essential parameters that get lost when using other editors.

However, Photoshop’s functionality may seem overwhelming to beginners. That’s why GoMother IT School offers the “Adobe Photoshop Basics” course, where kids learn how to work with graphics step-by-step, gaining practical skills in creating images, collages, and designs.

What alternatives exist?

Apart from Photoshop, several popular photo editors are available:

• GIMP – a free program with extensive functionality but a less user-friendly interface.
• Affinity Photo – a powerful editor for professionals with a one-time payment.
• Canva – easy to use, ideal for social media content creation.
• Pixlr – an online editor with basic tools for quick editing.

What to choose?

If your goal is to learn graphic design professionally, Photoshop remains the undisputed leader. Its unique features, such as smart object support, Neural Filters for effects, and extensive integration capabilities, make it suitable for both beginners and professionals.

You can learn Photoshop from scratch with our course at GoMother, where experienced teachers will guide kids through the fundamentals of graphic design, help develop their creative thinking, and teach them how to create unique projects.

Choose the editor that suits your needs, and we’ll help you take your first steps into the world of graphic design!