Affinity vs MyPaint

Affinity9.2Visit MMyPaint7.9Visit

Higher score Affinity #1 in Photoshop Alternatives for Mac 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 6 features Visit Affinity

vs

M MyPaint #7 in Photoshop Alternatives for Mac 7.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 6 features Visit MyPaint

• Affinity fits best

  Mac users wanting one app for graphics and photo work

• MyPaint fits best

  Free digital painting with tablet brush controls

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Side by side

Feature	Affinity 9.2/10 Visit ↗	MMyPaint 7.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.2	7.9
Ranking	#1 in Photoshop Alternatives for Mac	#7 in Photoshop Alternatives for Mac
Best for	Mac users wanting one app for graphics and photo work	Free digital painting with tablet brush controls
Pricing model	Free	Free
Starting price	None	Free plan
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS	Linux, macOS, Windows
Features Affinity 0/6 · MyPaint 1/6
Layer support	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
RAW processing	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
PSD compatibility	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Non-destructive editing	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Plugin support	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
iPad version	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Maximum color depth	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Combines pixel editing, RAW processing, vector design, and page layout Imports PSD, AI, PDF, SVG, IDML, and DWG files Free for individuals, with export to Canva for team collaboration	Customizable brushes include traditional-media presets and editable settings. Supports layers, layer groups, opacity, locking, duplication, and merging. Tablet pressure, symmetry, and stroke stabilization support expressive drawing.
Cons	Requires a Canva account for individual access Available on desktop, with no mobile app listed Some AI tools require Canva premium plans	Its focus is digital painting rather than general photo editing. Color management is basic. Its tools are geared toward drawing and painting workflows, not broad image work.
Our verdict	Affinity brings pixel photo editing, vector design, and page layout into one desktop application. For Mac users looking to replace Photoshop, that breadth is its defining distinction: alongside RAW processing, filters, retouching, and… Read the review →	MyPaint is a free, open-source raster painting application for digital painters and sketch artists. It runs on macOS as well as Linux and Windows, and its feature set is aimed at creating artwork rather than handling a broad range of… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Affinity — where it wins

  • Combines pixel editing, RAW processing, vector design, and page layout
  • Imports PSD, AI, PDF, SVG, IDML, and DWG files
  • Free for individuals, with export to Canva for team collaboration

  Where it doesn't

  • Requires a Canva account for individual access
  • Available on desktop, with no mobile app listed
  • Some AI tools require Canva premium plans

• MyPaint — where it wins

  • Customizable brushes include traditional-media presets and editable settings.
  • Supports layers, layer groups, opacity, locking, duplication, and merging.
  • Tablet pressure, symmetry, and stroke stabilization support expressive drawing.

  Where it doesn't

  • Its focus is digital painting rather than general photo editing.
  • Color management is basic.
  • Its tools are geared toward drawing and painting workflows, not broad image work.

• Affinity9.2/10 · Free plan

  A broad Photoshop alternative that also handles vector design and page layout.

  Visit AffinityFull verdict →
• MMyPaint7.9/10 · Free plan

  A capable free painting tool for Mac, but not a general-purpose Photoshop replacement.

  Visit MyPaintFull verdict →