Next Level Open Source

PhotoCraft

Photo & design · 21 Oct 2026

PhotoCraft is a free, open-source image editor with layers, masks, adjustment layers, type and brushes. It runs as a native app on your own computer, works offline and opens layered PSD files.

WebsiteInstall guide
The PhotoCraft editor with The Great Wave open, a Curves adjustment in the Properties panel and the Layers panel on the right.

Is it right for you?

People who want a familiar layer-based image editor that opens PSD files, runs offline on their own computer and costs nothing.

Replaces some features, but not everything.

Look elsewhere if you need:

  • You need a finished, stable editor: the project calls PhotoCraft an early alpha.
  • You need every PSD file to come back exactly: in the project's own test, 134 of 135 files did.

What you can do with it

  • Edit with layers, masks, adjustment layers, layer styles, type, vectors and brushes.
  • Open and save layered PSD and PSB files (Photoshop's file formats). Limit: In the project's own test, 134 of 135 real-world files came back unchanged.
  • Edit without losing the original: 16 adjustment layers, over 70 filters with live preview, and smart objects with smart filters.
  • Select subjects and objects and refine masks with tools that run on your own computer.
  • Work in 8, 16 and 32-bit colour in RGB, CMYK, Lab and Grayscale, with colour management and soft proofing (previewing how a print will look).
  • Use the menus, shortcuts, panels and tools you already know from other editors.
  • Run it from the command line for scripts and AI agents.
  • Work offline: it is a native app, not a web page.

Running cost

Running
Where it runs

Nothing to pay for this place itself.

Usage
API usage and online services

No API or online services are recorded. That may mean none are needed, or that we have not checked.

Price estimation

$0.00/month

About $0.00 a month on average, in USD. Over 1 year (12 months) that is $0.

Upfront, paid once
$0
Fixed monthly costs
$0 / month
Usage-based (API) costs
none recorded

Software licence: The project says PhotoCraft is free and open source on every platform.

What this assumes

Typical use. Your own computer: The software runs on a computer you already own.

    • You already own the computer, so its price is not counted.
    • Electricity is not counted: it depends on your computer and where you live.

    An estimate built from these assumptions, not a quote.

    Getting started

    Choose how much technical work suits you. Easy takes you to the project’s own ready-made option; the other levels show what you need first and a prompt you can give an AI coding agent.

    Ways to install it

    Running
    ArtCraft Launcher
    Where
    Your own computer
    API usage
    None needed

    Install the ArtCraft Launcher, which installs PhotoCraft, picks the right version for your computer and keeps it up to date.

    Requirements

    • A Mac, Windows or Linux computer (needed)

    What you take on

    • The launcher also offers the other ArtCraft apps.