Looking for a Photoshop-style editor that's free for personal use? AliveColors, from AKVIS, combines raster and vector tools with layers, adjustment layers, RAW editing and AI tools for retouching, design and painting.
How does AliveColors handle photo edits?
Open RAW files and common image formats, then correct tone and color with Curves, Brightness/Contrast and other adjustments. AI object selection picks out a subject automatically, and Refine Edges cleans up hard borders such as hair and fur.
The program also includes vector tools, so a project can combine pixel-based image work with vector graphics. That mix suits designs that involve both photographs and graphic elements.
What can you do with layers?
Every element of a composition can sit on its own layer, and adjustment layers apply color fixes non-destructively, so they can be changed or removed later.
- Generate images with cloud or local AI models, or apply Neural Filters.
- Arrange graphic elements in a layered composition.
- Create digital paintings or graphic designs with raster and vector tools.
Can AliveColors work with a graphics tablet?
Yes. Pen tablets work for digital painting, with artistic brushes, a brush editor and support for Photoshop ABR brush files.
Pros
- Combines raster and vector editing tools
- Supports layered graphic projects
- Includes photo retouching and color adjustment
- Supports graphics tablets and multiple interface languages
Cons
- Business use requires a paid license
- Local AI generation needs 16 GB RAM and an NVIDIA GTX 1060 or better
- Windows build is 64-bit only
System requirements: Windows 10, Windows 11 · 64-bit only · Minimum: Intel Core i3, 8 GB RAM, DirectX 9+ compatible graphics card · For generative AI: 16 GB RAM, NVIDIA 1060 or newer discrete graphics card · Recommended: Intel Core i5, 32 GB RAM, discrete AMD/NVIDIA graphics card with DirectX 12+ and 3 GB+ memory
Is AliveColors free?
It is free for personal, non-commercial use. Business use needs a paid license.
Can I use my Photoshop brushes?
Yes. Brushes in Photoshop's ABR format can be imported.
Does AliveColors edit RAW photos?
Yes. RAW files can be opened and edited alongside common image formats.
Do the AI tools need an internet connection?
Not always. Image generation can run through cloud models or local models on your PC; local generation needs a strong NVIDIA GPU and 16 GB RAM.
