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Compositor alternatives: 6 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 1, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave Compositor: mac only, and young one-person project with a small community. We ranked 6 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Compositor, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Pixelmator Pro currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Pixelmator Pro logoPixelmator ProPaidNomacOS, iOS4 of 468.8
2GIMP logoGIMPOpen sourceYesWindows, macOS, Linux4 of 464.8
3AcAcornPaidNomacOS4 of 457.5
4Adobe Photoshop logoAdobe PhotoshopPaidNoWindows, macOS, Web +25 of 555.9
5Affinity logoAffinityFree plan + paidNoWindows, macOS0 of 040.7
  1. Pixelmator Pro logo

    1. Pixelmator ProTop pick

    Best for: Mac users who want a capable layered editor without Adobe's subscription

    PaidmacOS, iOS

    68.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from Compositor

    Polished native Mac editor with layers and ML tools, for a one-time purchase instead of free.

    Pros

    • Clean, native Mac interface that is quick to learn
    • Machine-learning tools for upscaling, selections and repair
    • One-time purchase option on the Mac App Store

    Cons

    • Apple devices only
    • iPad version and some features need the Creator Studio subscription
    • Missing some advanced Photoshop features for pro retouching
    Visit Pixelmator Pro Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.3100
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Pixelmator Pro a good Compositor alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    One-time purchase
    $49.99 (Mac)
    Checked Oct 29, 2026pixelmator.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Subscription
    Apple Creator Studio, $12.99/month or $129/year
    Checked Oct 29, 2026pixelmator.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free trial
    30 days (Creator Studio)
    Checked Oct 29, 2026pixelmator.com(opens source in a new tab)
    iPad version
    Via Apple Creator Studio
    Checked Oct 29, 2026pixelmator.com(opens source in a new tab)
  2. GIMP logo

    2. GIMP

    Best for: Anyone who wants a capable layered image editor at no cost, especially on Linux

    Open sourceWindows, macOS, Linux

    64.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from Compositor

    Free, open-source and cross-platform, with far more plugins and tutorials, at the cost of a less Photoshop-like feel.

    Pros

    • Free and open source with no account or licence fees
    • Runs on Linux, Windows and macOS
    • Extensible with scripts and plug-ins

    Cons

    • Interface and terms differ a lot from Photoshop
    • Limited CMYK and print-production support
    • Fewer AI-assisted tools than commercial editors
    Visit GIMP Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.387
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is GIMP a good Compositor alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Licence
    GNU GPL
    Checked Oct 29, 2026gimp.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Linux, macOS, Windows
    Checked Oct 29, 2026gimp.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Price
    Free
    Checked Oct 29, 2026gimp.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Main uses
    Retouching, composition, image authoring
    Checked Oct 29, 2026gimp.org(opens source in a new tab)
  3. Ac

    3. Acorn

    Best for: Mac users who want a capable, inexpensive editor without a subscription

    PaidmacOS

    57.5

    score / 100

    Why switch from Compositor

    Long-running indie Mac editor with layers and filters, sold as a low one-time purchase.

    Pros

    • One-time purchase from an independent developer
    • Non-destructive filters, layers and vector tools
    • Automation with Shortcuts and AppleScript

    Cons

    • Mac only
    • No AI generative tools
    • Less depth than Pixelmator Pro or Affinity
    Visit Acorn Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.363
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Acorn a good Compositor alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Subscription
    None (one-time purchase)
    Checked Oct 29, 2026flyingmeat.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free trial
    14 days
    Checked Oct 29, 2026flyingmeat.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Requirements
    macOS 14 Sonoma or later
    Checked Oct 29, 2026flyingmeat.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Developer
    Flying Meat (independent)
    Checked Oct 29, 2026flyingmeat.com(opens source in a new tab)
  4. Adobe Photoshop logo

    4. Adobe Photoshop

    Best for: Professionals who need the standard retouching and compositing tool and PSD compatibility

    PaidWindows, macOS, Web, iOS, Android

    55.9

    score / 100

    Why switch from Compositor

    The industry standard, if you need its full toolset, plugins and file compatibility.

    Pros

    • Deepest retouching, masking and compositing toolset available
    • PSD is the de facto exchange format for layered images
    • Generative Fill and other AI tools built into the normal workflow
    • Huge pool of tutorials, plug-ins and trained users

    Cons

    • Subscription only, with no perpetual licence
    • Steep learning curve for occasional users
    • Heavy on system resources for large documents
    Visit Adobe Photoshop Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.357
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Adobe Photoshop a good Compositor alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Purchase options
    Subscription only (Creative Cloud)
    Checked Oct 29, 2026adobe.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free trial
    7 days
    Checked Oct 29, 2026adobe.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Refund window
    14 days after trial ends
    Checked Oct 29, 2026adobe.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free mobile version
    Yes, with paid premium features
    Checked Oct 29, 2026adobe.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Generative AI
    Generative Fill and Generative Expand
    Checked Oct 29, 2026adobe.com(opens source in a new tab)
  5. Affinity logo

    5. Affinity

    Best for: Designers who want professional vector, photo and layout tools without an Adobe subscription

    Free plan + paidWindows, macOS

    40.7

    score / 100

    Why switch from Compositor

    Professional layer editing with a mature toolset, now free to use on Mac and Windows.

    Pros

    • Free for individuals with no subscription
    • Vector, pixel and layout tools in one app
    • Opens PSD, AI and IDML files with layers

    Cons

    • AI features need a paid Canva plan
    • Requires a Canva account to use
    • No iPad version yet after the merger
    Visit Affinity Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.341
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1530
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Affinity a good Compositor alternative?

    Verified facts

    0 of 0 verified

    No sourced facts yet.

The best Compositor alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Pixelmator Pro logo

Best Compositor alternative for most people

Pixelmator Pro

Polished native Mac editor with layers and ML tools, for a one-time purchase instead of free.

GIMP logo

Best Compositor alternative for a free option

GIMP

Free, open-source and cross-platform, with far more plugins and tutorials, at the cost of a less Photoshop-like feel.

Photopea logo

Best Compositor alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Photopea

Free browser editor that closely copies Photoshop's layout and opens PSD files on any computer.

GIMP logo

Best Compositor alternative for open source

GIMP

Free, open-source and cross-platform, with far more plugins and tutorials, at the cost of a less Photoshop-like feel.

Ac

Best Compositor alternative for Mac

Acorn

Long-running indie Mac editor with layers and filters, sold as a low one-time purchase.

Adobe Photoshop logo

Best Compositor alternative for Windows

Adobe Photoshop

The industry standard, if you need its full toolset, plugins and file compatibility.

GIMP logo

Best Compositor alternative for Linux

GIMP

Free, open-source and cross-platform, with far more plugins and tutorials, at the cost of a less Photoshop-like feel.

Adobe Photoshop logo

Best Compositor alternative for iPhone and Android

Adobe Photoshop

The industry standard, if you need its full toolset, plugins and file compatibility.

Photopea logo

Best Compositor alternative for working in the browser

Photopea

Free browser editor that closely copies Photoshop's layout and opens PSD files on any computer.

Compositor alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Compositor?

Pixelmator Pro ranks first right now. Polished native Mac editor with layers and ML tools, for a one-time purchase instead of free. GIMP and Photopea follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to Compositor?

Yes. GIMP (open source), Photopea (free plan + paid) and Affinity (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Compositor?

Yes: GIMP.

Which Compositor alternatives work on Linux?

GIMP runs on Linux.

Why do people switch from Compositor?

The complaints we hear most: mac only; young one-person project with a small community; no plugin ecosystem or large tutorial library like GIMP or Photoshop.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Compositor, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.