Still the reference photo editor: generative AI edits sit inside full layered, masked control, so you decide exactly what changes. Expensive if you only need quick fixes, and the single-app plan is light on AI credits.
What it is
Photoshop combines layers, masks, selections and retouching tools with Firefly-powered Generative Fill, Generative Expand, the Remove tool, Generate Background and Harmonize, plus partner models such as Google's Nano Banana inside Generative Fill. Plans (US, annual, billed monthly): Photoshop $22.99 a month with desktop, web and mobile apps, Adobe Express Premium and 25 generative credits a month (a standard generation such as Generative Fill uses 1 credit); Photography (Photoshop and Lightroom) $19.99 a month with 1,000 credits; Creative Cloud Pro $69.99 a month (often discounted for new subscribers) with unlimited standard image generations. Extra credits start at $9.99 a month for 2,000. 7-day free trial, no free plan. Checked November 2026 on adobe.com.
Best for
- Professional retouching and compositing
- Generative fill and expand with precise masks
- Teams that exchange PSD files
What we like
- Most precise control over what AI changes
- Generative Fill, Expand and Remove inside the full editor
- Industry-standard PSD workflow and plugins
What to watch
- Subscription only, no free plan
- Photoshop plan includes only 25 generative credits a month
- Steep learning curve for occasional users
- No Linux version
Where Adobe Photoshop ranks
Alternatives and head-to-heads
Best Adobe Photoshop alternatives
The best Photoshop alternative is Affinity, which Canva made free for individuals on Windows, Mac and iPad: it opens PSD files and covers photo, vector and layout work, and only its AI tools need a paid Canva plan. Photopea is the best free option in a browser and the closest to Photoshop's interface, Canva is best for quick marketing edits without design training, and Adobe Express is the cheaper way to keep Adobe's Firefly AI.
SPIRITT
Canva
Adobe Express
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