The practical differences
| What matters | PhotoCraft | Photopea |
|---|---|---|
| Source code | MIT or Apache-2.0 | Proprietary |
| Cost model | Free upstream software | Free browser access; see provider terms |
| Where it runs | Browser and native desktop apps | Browser |
| Layered PSD | Import and export, with alpha limitations | PSD editing is a core workflow |
| Installation | None for this browser build | None |
| Main tradeoff | Early alpha; test compatibility | Public source code is unavailable |
Start with one representative PSD
Open a duplicate of a real project. Check type, clipping masks, effects, color and layer order. Export it, reopen it in your usual editor, and inspect the result at full size. A file opening successfully does not prove a faithful round trip.
Local editing still needs deliberate saving
This website serves the PhotoCraft browser build and does not accept image uploads. Photopea's own documentation says it processes files on your device. Check each product's policy for optional storage, sharing, advertising or other network features. Save a downloaded copy before closing either editor.
Which should you choose?
Use PhotoCraft to explore an open-source layered workflow. Use Photopea when your priority is its established browser workflow and your files already work there. Neither a similar tool palette nor PSD support guarantees identical output.
Explore the PhotoCraft guide and try a small file online before deciding.
Sources and scope
Checked 2026-10-16 against the following primary sources. Plan details and product features can change; check the linked provider page before making a purchase. These are feature and workflow comparisons, not a benchmark or a claim of feature parity.