ComparisonUpdated

CutLift vs Photopea

Both are photo editors that run in the browser, open PSD files and keep your files on your device. They differ in how much of a Photoshop clone you get and in how much the AI does for you. Here is an honest side-by-side.

Try CutLift in your browser
Before: A wooden hut on a paddy field, its reflection in the water under a sunset sky
After: A wooden hut on a paddy field, its reflection in the water under a sunset sky
BeforeAfter
Drag to compare: made with Photopea alternative

In short

  • Photopea is a Photoshop-style editor in the browser that opens and saves PSD files; its files are not uploaded to a server.
  • Photopea shows ads on the free version and has a paid Premium account for people who want to remove them.
  • CutLift opens PSD with layers too, and adds one-click AI background removal that is free, unlimited and full size.
  • Photopea is the closer copy of the Photoshop interface; CutLift is simpler and built around AI selection.

Side by side

CutLiftPhotopea
Runs in the browserYes, no installYes, no install
Where files are processedOn your device, nothing uploadedOn your device, files are not uploaded
PSD filesOpens PSD with layersOpens and saves PSD
InterfaceSimpler, built around selections and cutoutsClosely follows Photoshop’s layout and menus
AdsNoneAds on the free version; Premium is paid
One-click background removalFree, unlimited, full sizeAI tools exist; see Photopea for current limits
Click-to-select AI model, batch, upscaleCutLift ProNot compared here
Camera RAWYesCheck Photopea’s docs for your format
AccountFree account to downloadNot needed to edit

Photopea’s plans change, so the table compares how each one works rather than prices. See Photopea’s own pages for current Premium terms. CutLift Pro is $7.99 a month or $47.99 a year, and it is not needed for background removal, layers, curves, levels, healing, clone, liquify or text.

When Photopea is the better pick

  • You know Photoshop and want the same menus, panels and shortcuts.
  • You need to open a PSD and save it back as a PSD, and want an account-free workflow.
  • You want to work without signing in at all.

When CutLift is the better pick

  • You want a clean cutout in one click, without learning selection tools.
  • You want an editor without a Photoshop learning curve: layers, curves, levels, healing, clone, liquify and text, in a simpler layout.
  • You want Camera RAW files and PSD files in the same browser editor.
  • You may later want AI click-to-select, batch work, upscaling or generative fill, which are part of CutLift Pro.

Read more on the Photopea alternative page, or try it on your own photo.

What about quality?

For manual work, such as masks, adjustment layers and retouching, a Photoshop-style tool gives you precise control, and Photopea is built for that. For fast cutouts, CutLift’s AI does the first pass for you, and you fix the edge with the brush. Hair and fur refinement is part of CutLift Pro. The fairest test is your own file in both.

Questions

Is Photopea free?

Yes, you can use it for free. The free version shows ads, and a paid Premium account is available. See Photopea’s pages for current terms.

Does Photopea upload my files?

No. Photopea says it runs locally and does not upload your files to the internet.

Does CutLift open PSD files?

Yes. CutLift opens PSD files with their layers, and also opens Camera RAW files.

Is CutLift free?

Yes for background removal and the core editor, with no watermark and full-size download. You need a free account to download. CutLift Pro is optional.

Sources

Checked on 9 November 2026. Rules change: if something here is out of date, tell us at [email protected].

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