Photopea

Overview

Photopea is a browser-based editor for photos, raster graphics and vector artwork, best suited to people who need detailed image tools and broad file compatibility without committing to a desktop-only workflow. It is a capable free option for layered editing and design; its browser interface and specific terms for school and self-hosted use make it less straightforward for every buyer.

Key features

Editing and format support

Photopea brings cropping, resizing, layers, masks, blending, smart objects, adjustment layers, channels, paths and filters into one editor, with vector graphics tools alongside photo editing. RAW support and batch editing add useful reach for photo workflows, while PSD can be opened and saved as the editor’s main format. Other supported formats include PNG, JPG, GIF, BMP, WEBP, SVG, PDF, AI, AVIF, HEIC, TIFF, MP4, INDD and Figma. This breadth is a strong reason to choose Photopea when projects arrive in varied formats or need compositing; those seeking a narrowly focused photo workflow may not need so many controls.

AI, privacy and file handling

One-click background removal and text-directed replacement of image areas provide shortcuts for targeted edits, while conventional layers and masks remain available for more controlled work. Photopea says files are processed on the user’s device and do not leave it; files can also be opened, edited and saved after disconnecting from the internet. That combination suits users who want local file handling and offline access. Optional Dropbox, Google Drive and OneDrive connections let users browse, open, edit, save and copy files through the editor, though cloud access is not required.

The API is free and supports embedding Photopea in an iframe, passing files and resources, and sending saved document data to a configured server. The self-hosted package can run on a customer’s server or local network without internet access or server-side technologies. A supported browser can also add Photopea as a homescreen icon, but it remains a browser-based editor rather than a separate native app.

Photopea says login stores a user’s name, email, a copy of settings and Premium payment details on its server; personal data is deleted after six months without login. For help, it points users to its Reddit community and provides [email protected].

Pricing

Photopea uses a freemium model. The free account costs nothing and provides free editor access, making it the natural starting point for individuals who can work with the free version.

The Premium account has no listed price and is a one-time payment; the opened page gives 90 days as an example. It removes advertisements and requires login. That makes it the relevant upgrade for someone who wants ad-free use, but the example term should not be mistaken for a stated universal duration.

School ad-free access costs $450 a year, billed for the whole school. It requires a school website and a Distributor account/domain listing, so it is aimed at institutions able to meet those conditions rather than individual educators buying a personal subscription.

The Self-Hosted Version is priced at $5,002,000 a month and is paid a whole year (12 months) in advance. Two updates during a year are included; each additional update costs $300. It fits organizations that need the editor on their own server or local network, but the advance annual payment and update charges matter when budgeting.

Platforms

Photopea is listed for web, Android, iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows, as well as self-hosted deployment. Its browser-based design is the common thread: installing it through a supported browser creates a homescreen icon and reduced browser interface, not a native app. The self-hosted package is the option for customers who need a local-network or server deployment.

Who it's for

Photopea suits students and educators, social media enthusiasts, small business owners and graphic designers who want a flexible editor for image and design work. Its PSD support, layers, masks, vector tools and many other formats make it particularly useful when files need more than basic cropping or resizing. Offline operation and local processing also strengthen the case for users who prefer to keep editing on their device.

It is a weaker fit for buyers who specifically want a native mobile experience, or for institutions that cannot meet the school plan’s website and distributor requirements. Organizations considering self-hosting should also weigh the required year of payment in advance and the cost of extra updates.

Pros and cons

Pro: PSD files can be opened and saved, and support extends across raster, vector, design and other formats, reducing friction when projects come from different tools.

Pro: Layers, masks, smart objects, adjustment layers, channels and paths offer room for controlled, composited edits beyond quick image corrections.

Pro: Local processing and offline editing make it possible to work without sending files away or staying connected to the internet.

Con: The browser-based interface remains browser-based even when installed as a homescreen icon, which may disappoint users seeking a native app.

Con: The school option has organizational prerequisites, while self-hosting requires a 12-month advance payment and charges $300 for each update beyond the two included in a year.

Con: Premium is ad-free but requires login, and its one-time-payment page gives 90 days only as an example rather than a fixed term.

Alternatives

Retouch4me is worth considering for a paid, trial-available option with a stated Start annual subscription at $169 a year and 2,400 retouching credits/year.

Evoto AI may suit someone seeking a freemium editor with a stated Starter plan at $89 a year, 800 credits and two devices. PhotoPad is a freemium alternative with platforms including Linux and browser extensions. HitPaw FotorPea is a paid option with a free trial and a 1 Month License at $27.99 a month, automatically renewing but cancellable at any time, with 100 credits. Airbrush offers a freemium alternative; its free plan includes a 512M upload limit and limited access to some tools and editing features.

For broader comparisons, browse Photo Editing Software or AI Photo Editors.

Verdict

Photopea is the right choice for people who want a free, browser-based editor with substantial layer and vector tools, PSD compatibility, offline use and local processing. Its breadth and file flexibility are the main reasons to choose it; look elsewhere if a native mobile app, a simpler photography-first workflow or clearer institutional pricing is essential.