Whether you’re an individual creator, social media manager, or small business, you’ll know the importance of compelling visual content. Fortunately, advances in artificial intelligence have made creating graphic designs a lot more efficient and convenient.
In this article, we’ll go over some of the best AI-powered design tools, including their different key features, pricing plans, and recommended case use. If you’re set to take your designs to the next level, let’s dive in!
Why Look for Alternatives to Adobe Photoshop?
Adobe Photoshop is one of the most tried and tested applications for graphic design. But even with its various advantages, this tool is not exactly made for all types of users. Below are some of the key reasons why it’s worth exploring alternatives to Photoshop, especially if you’re a beginner designer:
1. Simpler interface
Although Photoshop can help you get professional-looking outputs, it can take a lot of time, effort, and practice to fully get the hang of using the app. With online editor alternatives, there is less of a learning curve and more chances for you to explore your creative side without complicated features.
2. Save on cost
While Photoshop has recently provided more dynamic pricing plans, it remains a relatively pricier tool, especially for users who are not interested in exploring its advanced features. By opting for an AI-powered online editor, you can come up with the same outputs for a more affordable price.
3. Additional features
Although Photoshop is part of the Creative Cloud Suite, its features are mainly dedicated to graphic design and not management or marketing features. With most AI-powered platforms, you can explore additional useful tools that can come in handy, especially if you’re a creator or business owner.
4. Team collaboration
Not everyone knows how to use Photoshop, much less own or subscribe to the application. With an online editing tool, it’s much easier to collaborate with other users for real-time design editing or even task management.
The Best Online Tools for Creating Pro-Level Designs
Here are the top online design tool alternatives to Photoshop that can help make your creative process more efficient and creative:
1. Canva
Overview
Canva is an online design tool popular for its user-friendly drag-and-drop editor. With Canva, users can get access to various design types, including social media graphics and posters. While it’s not the most advanced tool when compared with Photoshop, it’s a suitable alternative for those looking for a more accessible tool.
Key AI Features
- Magic Resize tool for adjusting design dimensions
- Background remover for isolating subjects from images
- Text-to-Image generator based on prompts
Pros
- Extensive design types available
- Team collaboration features
- Available on web and mobile
Cons
- Most assets are not available on the free version
- Some templates may be generic
- Limited customization features
Social Media Integrations
- Facebook, Instagram, X. Pinterest, LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok
2. Adobe Express
Overview
Adobe Express, similar to Photoshop, is part of the Creative Cloud Suite. The tool can act as a more user-friendly version of Photoshop, depending on your needs. With Adobe Express, users can get access to basic social media management features, but may lack customization tools for more advanced designs.
Key AI Features
- One-click resizing for adjusting image dimensions
- Generative fill for object insertion
- Template generation for custom templates
Pros
- Easy integration with Creative Cloud
- Basic animation tool
- Extensive font library
Cons
- Limited free version
- Fewer templates compared to other tools
Social Media Integrations
- TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, Pinterest, and LinkedIn
3. VistaCreate
Overview
VistaCreate is another online design tool known for its simple and straightforward interface. While not packed with as many features when compared to other tools in this list, it remains a good alternative to Photoshop if you’re looking for a minimalistic yet effective design tool.
Key AI Features
- Design suggestions based on user needs
- Object remover for images and stickers
Pros
- Beginner-friendly
- Straightforward interface
- Generous free plan
Cons
- Limited AI features
- Limited customization options
Social Media Integrations
- Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest
4. Fotor
Overview
Fotor is an online design tool that specifically offers features for photo editing needs. While its tools are not as advanced as Photoshop, it’s one of the best alternatives users can opt for in terms of its photo editing tools. The tool, however, may not be as robust for drag-and-drop graphic design needs.
Key AI Features
- Photo enhancer for automatic enhancement
- Upscale images from original size
- Restore old photos from faded quality
Pros
- Extensive AI features
- Robust photo editing tools
Cons
- Limited graphic design tools
- Limited team collaboration features
Social Media Integrations
Fotor mainly allows users to directly post from the application, but offers limited integrations for social media management.
5. PosterMyWall
Overview
PosterMyWall is an online drag-and-drop editing tool suitable for a wide variety of user needs. Due to its beginner-friendly interface, even users without a background in graphic design can come up with professional-looking outputs.
While more popularly known for its extensive library of templates, PosterMyWall is also packed with various AI features, such as an Auto-resize tool, that can help take your designs to the next level.
Key AI Features
- Text-to-image generator
- Subtitles generator
- Caption writer
- Background remover
- One-click resizing tool
- AI voice generator
Pros
- Beginner-friendly interface
- Affordable pricing plans
- Comprehensive AI toolkit
Cons
- Limited photo enhancement features
Social Media Integrations
- Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Pinterest, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, Google Business Profile
The Top AI-Powered Design Tools: Pricing Breakdown
Below, we’ve compiled the different AI-powered design tools along with their respective pricing plans:
| Canva | Adobe Express | VistaCreate | Fotor | PosterMyWall | |
| Free version available | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Pricing plans | ☑️Pro ($15) | ☑️Premium ($9.99) | ☑️Pro ($13) | ☑️Pro ($8.99) | ☑️Premium ($9.95)
☑️Premium Plus ($29.95) |
| Trial period | 30-day free trial | 30-day free trial
|
Free version only | 7-day free trial | 14-day free trial |
What Are the Best Free AI-Powered Design Tools?
Depending on your needs, a certain design tool will work better than others. For your reference, we’ve prepared a quick guide on the different tools and our recommended case use:
| Tool | Case use | Recommended for |
| Canva | Different design types | Students, creators, social media managers |
| Adobe Express | Basic animation and designs | Individual creators |
| VistaCreate | Presentations and social media graphics | Social media managers, creators |
| Fotor | Photo editing | Amateur photographers |
| PosterMyWall | All-around use;
social media graphics, marketing, and management |
Individual creators, small business owners, startups |
Which is the Best AI-Powered Design Tool Alternative to Photoshop?
If you’re looking for a more affordable and user-friendly design tool alternative to Photoshop, we highly recommend checking out PosterMyWall. Not only is the tool readily accessible, but it is also packed with a wide variety of built-in features perfect for graphic designs.
If that doesn’t convince you, try checking out the app’s AI Images tool, where you can easily generate specific images from a text-based prompt. With PosterMyWall, you won’t only be able to create professional-looking designs, but also various social media management and marketing features perfect for businesses and creators alike.
Get Creative With Your Designs
With the many advancements in artificial intelligence, even the process of creating graphic designs has become a lot more efficient. Whether you’re looking to make simple photo edits, design social media graphics using an AI Background Remover, or start a marketing campaign from scratch, these AI-powered tools can help you work smarter and more creatively for your various design needs.
So, what are you waiting for? Simply browse through these tools, start your design off with a template, and get creative!
