Best Patchy Alternatives in 2026
The top Patchy alternatives are Affinity, Pixelmator Pro and GIMP: 15 photoshop alternatives for mac our editors would look at instead of Patchy, in our ranking order.
Patchy: A free editor for layered PSD/PSB workflows, with RGB/RGBA editing limited to 8-bit. Where it falls short: editing is limited to RGB/RGBA 8-bit; higher-bit-depth files are converted.
Switching from Patchy? For most photoshop alternatives for mac buyers the best Patchy alternative is Affinity, built for mac users wanting one app for graphics and photo work. On a budget, Clip Studio Paint starts at $0.99/mo.
Why People Look for a Patchy Alternative
- Editing is limited to RGB/RGBA 8-bit; higher-bit-depth files are converted
- Legacy Photoshop 8BF plug-ins are supported only on Windows
- No dedicated iPad app
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallAffinity9.2
Mac users wanting one app for graphics and photo work
Visit Affinity - Lowest priceClip Studio Paint7.9
Paid plans from $0.99/mo
Visit Clip Studio Paint - Best free optionAffinity9.2
Has a free plan
Visit Affinity
All 15 Patchy Alternatives, Ranked
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Best forMac users wanting one app for graphics and photo work
- Better than Patchy:
- Editor score 9.2 vs 7.9
A broad Photoshop alternative that also handles vector design and page layout.
9.2/10★★★★★Visit Affinity -
Best forMac users seeking polished photo editing and design
- Better than Patchy:
- Editor score 8.8 vs 7.9
A Mac-focused Photoshop alternative with RAW layers, masking, and a one-time purchase option.
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit Pixelmator Pro -
Best forUsers who want a free, open-source editor
- Better than Patchy:
- Editor score 8.5 vs 7.9
A capable free desktop editor for layered work, retouching and scripted batch processing.
8.5/10★★★★☆Visit GIMP -
Best forMac photographers who value AI editing and cloud sync
A layer-based Mac editor with AI tools, RAW processing and cross-device options.
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Luminar Neo -
Best forIllustrators and comic artists using Mac
A Mac-capable drawing suite built around illustration, comics, and animation.
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit site -
Best forDigital painters and animators on Mac
A free Mac painting and animation app with configurable brushes, layers and color tools.
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Krita -
Best forFree digital painting with tablet brush controls
A capable free painting tool for Mac, but not a general-purpose Photoshop replacement.
- Layer support
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit MyPaint -
Best forUsers organizing photo and video libraries
A Mac media catalog for finding and organizing photos and videos, not a Photoshop substitute.
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Adobe -
Best forPhotographers focused on RAW and tethered shoots
A deep RAW workflow for photographers, but a narrower fit than a general Photoshop alternative.
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Capture One -
Best forPhotographers wanting an all-in-one RAW workflow
A desktop RAW workflow combining editing, masking, batch tools, and cataloging.
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit ON1 -
Best forRAW photographers seeking strong corrections and masking
A focused RAW editor for detailed corrections, masking, and batch work—not a full Photoshop stand-in.
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit DxO -
Best forPhotographers wanting nondestructive edits and film looks
A desktop RAW editor and organizer with editable effects, masking, and Adobe plug-ins.
7.6/10★★★★☆Visit Exposure -
Best forCasual editors seeking a free Mac photo toolkit
A practical free editor for casual Mac users who want more than basic adjustments.
7.5/10★★★★☆Visit PhotoScape X -
Best forMac users needing photo, vector, and page-layout tools
A Mac desktop editor that combines photo, vector, and page-layout tools in one app.
7.4/10★★★★☆Visit PhotoLine -
Best forUsers who want free, detailed RAW development
Detailed, non-destructive RAW processing without layers or a general-purpose editing workflow.
7.4/10★★★★☆Visit RawTherapee
Patchy Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to Patchy?
Affinity: #1 in our Photoshop Alternatives for Mac ranking, with an editor score of 9.2 out of 10. A broad Photoshop alternative that also handles vector design and page layout.
Is there a free alternative to Patchy?
Yes. Affinity, GIMP, Krita, MyPaint and PhotoScape X have a free plan or a free tier (6 of the 15 alternatives on this page).
Why do people look for Patchy alternatives?
Editing is limited to RGB/RGBA 8-bit; higher-bit-depth files are converted; Legacy Photoshop 8BF plug-ins are supported only on Windows; No dedicated iPad app.
How do I switch from Patchy?
Export your data from Patchy (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Patchy.
How to Switch from Patchy
- Export your data from Patchy (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Patchy.
Patchy vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Layer support | RAW processing | PSD compatibility | Non-destructive editing | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Patchy | Yes | None | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7.9 |
| 1 | Affinity | Yes | None | — | — | — | — | 9.2 |
| 2 | Pixelmator Pro | No | $29.99/yr | — | — | — | — | 8.8 |
| 3 | GIMP | Yes | None | — | — | — | — | 8.5 |
| 4 | Luminar Neo | No | $129 one-time | — | — | — | — | 7.9 |
| 5 | Clip Studio Paint | No | $0.99/mo | — | — | — | — | 7.9 |
| 6 | Krita | Yes | None | — | — | — | — | 7.9 |
| 7 | MyPaint | Yes | None | Yes | — | — | — | 7.9 |
| 8 | Adobe Elements Organizer | No | — | — | — | — | — | 7.9 |
| 10 | Capture One | No | — | — | — | — | — | 7.9 |
| 11 | ON1 Photo RAW | No | — | — | — | — | — | 7.8 |
| 12 | DxO PhotoLab | No | $159.99 one-time | — | — | — | — | 7.7 |
| 13 | Exposure | No | — | — | — | — | — | 7.6 |
| 14 | PhotoScape X | Yes | — | — | — | — | — | 7.5 |
| 15 | PhotoLine | No | — | — | — | — | — | 7.4 |
| 16 | RawTherapee | Yes | None | — | — | — | — | 7.4 |
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update