Adobe Photoshop vs Krita: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Adobe Photoshop and Krita comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Krita is our overall pick for graphic design workflows. Pick Adobe Photoshop if you need image editing.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Adobe Photoshop
The industry-standard image editing and graphic design software for creative professionals.
Best for you if:
- • You need image editing features specifically
- • Industry-standard for image editing and graphic design.
- • Utilizes AI for advanced features like Generative Fill and Harmonize.
Krita
Free digital painting and illustration software
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need graphic design features specifically
- • Krita is a free digital painting program for illustrators and concept artists
- • It provides professional-grade brushes, layers, and animation tools
| At a Glance |  Adobe Photoshop |  Krita |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Paid | Free |
Best For | Image Editing | Graphic Design |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Adobe Photoshop or Krita?
Choose Adobe Photoshop if
The industry-standard image editing and graphic design software for creative professionals.
- Comprehensive set of professional-grade image editing tools
- Advanced AI features enhance productivity and creativity
- Seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications
- Your work is image editing-shaped, not graphic design-shaped
Choose Krita if
Free digital painting and illustration software
- Free digital painting
- Professional brushes
- Animation support
- You want a fully free tool (Adobe Photoshop requires payment)
- Your work is graphic design-shaped, not image editing-shaped
| Feature | Adobe Photoshop | Krita |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.5/5 15,414 reviews | ★4.4/5 143 reviews |
| Categories | Image EditingGraphic Design | Graphic DesignUI/UX Design |
In-Depth Analysis
Adobe Photoshop
The industry-standard image editing and graphic design software for creative professionals.
Strengths
- +Comprehensive set of professional-grade image editing tools
- +Advanced AI features enhance productivity and creativity
- +Seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications
- +Available on multiple devices for flexible workflows
- +Extensive community and learning resources
Weaknesses
- -Requires a subscription, no perpetual license option
- -Can have a steep learning curve for beginners due to its vast feature set
- -Resource-intensive, requiring a powerful computer for optimal performance
Key features
Krita
Free digital painting and illustration software
Strengths
- +Free digital painting
- +Professional brushes
- +Animation support
- +Cross-platform
- +Active development
Weaknesses
- -Not for photo editing
- -Resource heavy
- -Learning curve
- -UI overwhelming
- -Tablet issues sometimes
Key features
Pricing: Adobe Photoshop vs Krita
| Plan | Adobe Photoshop | Krita |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | Free Free |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Adobe Photoshop pricing and Krita pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Krita is free. Adobe Photoshop is paid.
Go with: Krita
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Adobe Photoshop
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Krita
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Adobe Photoshop is paid. Krita is free. Go with Krita if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Adobe Photoshop is a image editing tool. Krita is in graphic design. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Krita
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Adobe Photoshop
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 4.4/5
- Larger review base (15,414 reviews)
- Better fit for image editing
The Bottom Line
Krita is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Adobe Photoshop or Krita better?
Krita is rated in our evaluation. Adobe Photoshop is paid and Krita is free.
What are Adobe Photoshop and Krita used for?
Adobe Photoshop: The industry-standard image editing and graphic design software for creative professionals.. Krita: Free digital painting and illustration software.
What does Adobe Photoshop cost vs Krita?
Adobe Photoshop is a paid tool. Krita is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.