Editing photos on a smartphone has long ceased to be the domain of professionals - today even a beginner can create a masterpiece directly from the screen of Androiddevice. But what if the functionality of standard applications like choose a photo editor, if the functionality of standard applications is like Google Photos or Galaxy Studio seems limited? There are hundreds of apps on the market that promise “like in Photoshop", but not all live up to expectations.
In this article we tested 7 best analogues of Photoshop for Android, evaluating them according to key criteria: support for layers, work with masks, retouching tools, export to PSD, compatibility with tablets and even the ability to connect a graphics tablet. Special attention was paid applications that synchronize with desktop versions - this is critical for those who start a project on a phone and finish on a PC. We compared both paid solutions with subscriptions and completely free open source tools.
Important: if you are looking for an application for quick selfie processing or applying filters, this selection is not for you. Here we will talk about full-fledged editorscapable of replacing Adobe Photoshop by 70–90% in mobile format. Are you ready to figure out what will come out best?
1. Adobe Photoshop Express is official, but stripped down
Yes, Adobe has released a mobile version of its flagship, but don’t be fooled by the name: Photoshop Express is not the one Photoshopthat designers are used to. The application is positioned as a “simplified editor for quick edits,” and that’s fair.
Pros: integration s Adobe Creative Cloud (you can open files directly from the cloud), support for formats PSD (although not all layers), as well as convenient tools for portrait retouching - removing skin defects, correcting posture, even changing facial expression. There are AI tools: for example, automatic background removal or sharpening.
- ✅ Free version with basic functionality
- ✅ Synchronization with desktop Photoshop (via Creative Cloud)
- ✅ Support for
RAWfiles - ❌ No full layers and masks
- ❌ Many functions require a subscription (Adobe Premium from 599 ₽/month)
⚠️ Attention: In the free version Photoshop Express all edited files are saved with a watermark Adobe. To remove it, you will have to subscribe or export the image in low resolution.
Who is it suitable for? who already uses the ecosystem Adobe and needs quick editing with subsequent modification on a PC. If you need layers, curves or advanced color work -see other options.
2. PicsArt is a social editor with professional features
PicsArt - it's not quite Photoshop, but in functionality it is closer to it than many specialized editors. The application is initially tailored for social networks (there are built-in templates for Instagram, TikTok, YouTube), but at the same time it offers tools that are not even available in some paid analogues.
Main features:
- 🎨 Full layers (up to 10 pieces per free version, without restrictions - in PicsArt Gold)
- 🖌️ Brushes with adjustable hardness and transparency (as in the desktop Photoshop)
- 🤖 AI image generator (you can create backgrounds or design elements by text request)
- 📱 Optimization for tablets (interface adapts to large screen)
| Function | Free version | PicsArt Gold (399 ₽/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of layers | Up to 10 | Unlimited |
Export to PSD |
❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| AI tools | Limited (3 requests/day) | No limits |
Work with RAW |
✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Disadvantages: aggressive advertising in the free version and constant offers to subscribe. In addition, some tools (for example, vector masks) work unstable on weak smartphones.
In PicsArt there is a hidden function “Duplicate layer with mask” - hold the layer icon for 2 seconds to bring up the context menu. This will speed up working with collages.
3. Lightroom Mobile - for color correction like a pro
Adobe Lightroom is not exactly a replacement Photoshop, but if your main task is color correction and working with RAWthen you won’t find a better application for Android . There is everything here: from basic exposure settings to advanced tone curves and HSL panels.
Key advantages:
- 📊 Presets (you can download ready-made styles or create your own)
- 🔍 Local corrections (gradients, radial filters, brush)
- ☁️ Synchronization with desktop (edits to phone are automatically applied to files on the PC)
- 📱 Support Android 14+ (optimized for new smartphones)
The main disadvantage is there are no layers and text. If you need to overlay one image on top of another or add a caption, you will have to use another application. But for portrait retouching there is a separate module with tools for removing wrinkles, brightening eyes and even changing the shape of the face.
⚠️ Attention: The free version Lightroom Mobile saves edited files in resolution up to 4000×4000 px. To export in original quality, you need a subscription. full functionality?--> Adobe Photography Plan (from 799 ₽/month).
Do you use RAW-files?|Do you need synchronization with a PC?|Are free presets enough?|Are you ready to pay 799 ₽/month for full functionality?-->
4. PhotoDirector is the hidden champion among Photoshop
If you have never heard of PhotoDirector, you are missing a lot. This is one of the few applications on Androidthat offers full work with layers, masks and even animation (you can create GIF or short videos with effects).
What surprises PhotoDirector:
- 🎭 AI-replacement of the sky (changes the background to a realistic landscape with one tap)
- 🖼️ Support
PSD(you can open and save files from Photoshop) - 🎥 Video editing (add effects, transitions, text)
- 🔄 History of edits (you can roll back to any stage of editing)
The application is free, but with watermarks on export. Subscription PhotoDirector Premium costs. 499 ₽/month and removes all restrictions, including access to exclusive effects (for example, imitation of bokeh or light rays).
For those who are looking for an alternative to Photoshop with maximum functionality and don’t mind paying for premium. owners Samsung Galaxy Tab or Xiaomi Pad —the interface is perfectly adapted for large screens.
How to remove the watermark in PhotoDirector without a subscription?
There is a loophole: export the image in format PNG with a transparent background, and then trim the edges in another editor. However, this will only work for simple projects without complex effects.
5. Snapseed - free, but powerful
Snapseed from Google is that rare case when a free application is not inferior to paid analogues. There are no layers or PSD, but there are 29 tools for fine-tuning, including unique features like "Double Exposure" or "Perspectives".
Advantages:
- 🆓 Completely free (without subscriptions and advertising)
- 🎯 Precise correction (you can edit individual areas of the photo using the "Brush")
- 📲 Support
RAWiJPEG - 🔄 Non-destructive editing (all edits are saved in history)
Cons: no layers, limited options for collages, and the interface may seem complicated to beginners. But Snapseed is ideal for quick processing for example, when you need to correct the colors in RAWphotos on the go.
Snapseed is the best choice for those who value quality and are not willing to pay for subscriptions. Its “Selective Correction” and “Curves” tools are not inferior to desktop editors.
6. Ibis Paint X - for artists and illustrators
If you need not so much photo processing, but drawing from scratchthen Ibis Paint X is one of the best options. This application is more reminiscent of Procreate or Adobe Fresco, but with the convenience of a mobile version.
What is here:
- 🎨 More than 140 brushes (including imitation of watercolor, oil, pencil)
- 🖼️ Layers with blending modes (as in Photoshop)
- 📐 Vector layers (can be scaled without losing quality)
- 🖥️ Support for graphics tablets (for example, Wacom or Huion)
The application is free, but with advertising and a limit on the number of layers (maximum 10 in the free version). Subscription Ibis Paint X Prime (299 ₽/month) removes all restrictions and gives access to exclusive brushes.
For whom? For artists, designers and anyone who draws on a tablet. If you need to edit photos, it is better to choose another tool.
7. GIMP (via Termux) - for advanced users
Yes, GIMP is a desktop editor, but it can also be run on Android! To do this you will need an application Termux (emulator Linux) and a little patience. Result? Almost full GIMP with support for layers, masks, plugins and even scripts on Python.
How to install:
- Download Termux from F-Droid (version from Google Play will not work).
- Enter the commands:
pkg update && pkg upgradepkg install x11-repo
pkg install gimp - Install VNC Viewer to remotely connect to the graphical interface.
⚠️ Attention: This method is only suitable for powerful smartphones (from Snapdragon 865 or similar). On weak devices GIMP it will slow down or not start at all. You will also need at least 2 GB of free RAM.
Pros: full control over editing, support for plug-ins, working with PSDfiles. Cons: complex installation, no touch optimization, high battery consumption.
GIMP on Android is a solution for enthusiasts who are willing to sacrifice convenience for functionality. For ordinary users, it is easier to choose PicsArt or PhotoDirector.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Photoshop on Android
Is it possible to open PSD files from Photoshop on Android?
Yes, but not in all editors. Full support PSD offer PhotoDirector and Adobe Photoshop Express (with restrictions). In GIMP you can also open PSD, but for this you will have to install it through Termux.
Which editor is better for retouching portraits?
For retouching faces, the best options are:
- Adobe Photoshop Express (tools "Face" and "Body")
- Lightroom Mobile (local corrections and presets for skin)
- Snapseed (Portrait tool)
Are there free analogs of Photoshop without watermarks?
Yes, but with reservations:
- Snapseed — completely free, without watermarks.
- GIMP —free, but difficult to install.
- PicsArt —free, but adds a watermark when exporting in high quality.
Can I connect a graphics tablet to Android for drawing?
Yes, if the tablet has support OTG or Bluetooth. They work best:
- Wacom One (via OTG)
- Huion Kamvas (by Bluetooth)
- XP-Pen Deco (adapter required)
Of editors with tablet support, we recommend Ibis Paint X or Adobe Fresco.
Which editor is the best light for weak smartphones?
If your device has little RAM, choose:
- Snapseed - optimized even for budget phones.
- Lightroom Mobile - works smoothly, but requires Android 8.0+.
- PicsArt (in the "Light version" mode in the settings).
Avoid GIMP i PhotoDirector —they are resource-demanding.