8 Easy to Use Photoshop Alternatives For Print on Demand
Photoshop has traditionally been the go-to software for graphic design. However, since AI has taken the world by storm, there are a number of alternatives you can use to create incredible images that are ready for print-on-demand. The tools we introduce you to in this article make graphic design as easy as typing in your description and then downloading the final image. So if you want a Photoshop replacement, here are eight worthy substitutes.
1. YupTees
YupTees online tool is a great Photoshop print-on-demand alternative as it's easy to use. Beginner designers will be impressed how quickly they can generate an incredible, unique high-resolution image in a matter of minutes. Use one of the online templates or generate your own image simply by typing your description in the prompt box.
With the parallel generation feature, YupTees lets you create several variations of your design at once. Also, because the AI software is web-based there is no need to download anything. Photoshop does require a bit of computer power to run, whereas YupTees takes care of the processing power online. While Photoshop was created primarily as an editing tool, YupTees was made by POD sellers so it focuses on providing you with the best tools for print-on-demand design. All images are export ready, so all you have to do is upload it to your favorite POD service and then market.
If there is an object in your image that you don’t want, you can use the prompt box to remove it. I tried it and it worked incredibly well. In Photoshop the process is complex as you need to use the lasso tool to trace around the object you want removed. It’s this simplicity of YupTees that makes it a viable Photoshop placement for quality print-ready images for print-on-demand.
2. Flux Pro AI
If you’re not a designer, Flux Pro AI allows you to make amazing graphics for printing without the heavy learning curve required with Photoshop. You are provided with a range of style options which speeds up the creation process for those who need to quickly respond to market changes.
You can also upload an image and use prompts to transform it. The software excels at rendering clean typography. Photoshop doesn’t have an issue with text, but you do need to manually add it into your design which can be time consuming. Flux Pro AI consistently maintains text and image rules throughout the different generations. Aspect ratios can be changed simply through a dropdown box. Flux Pro’s background removal tool is quick and efficient (with Photoshop it’s a task that requires a lot of technical proficiency).
Overall, with Flux Pro AI you have a tool that quickens the generation idea to image without the complexity needed with Photoshop.
3. Kittl
The drag-and-drop interface of Kittl makes it a standout replacement for Photoshop. As an AI design tool it caters to both beginners and professionals. You have access to 15 different AI models which allows for rapid creation of your design.
Multiple versions of your idea can be generated at once through the Kittl Flow feature. With Photoshop you need to manually create each iteration of the design. Access to a range of templates The prebuilt assets available in Kittl (such as templates and fonts) makes setting up the design process faster than starting from scratch within Photoshop.
You also have access to live mock-ups which lets you make adjustments to the position, size and color of your image before you send everything through to print.
4. Canva
Canva is a worthy competitor to Photoshop due to the strength of its intuitive browser-based editor. Magic Media turns your prompts into unique images which can be edited within Canva. Magic Morph takes care of the text, ensuring that it matches the style of your design.
The sidebar in Canva offers a range of tools that let those who are new to graphic design create stunning images. The drag-and-drop functionality of Canva keeps everything simple. You also have access to pre-existing templates that you can customize for your own brand.
Photoshop can be expensive whereas Canva offers a free tier which offers a great range of AI flexibility. However, some AI tools (such as Background Remover) are only available in the Pro version ($US12.99/month or $119.99 a year).
You have access to live mock-ups so that you can see what your final creation looks like before you go to market. With Photoshop you will need to download your design and then export it to a print-on-demand service that has a similar feature.
5. Playground AI
With its quick rendering of images from text, Playground makes design a hassle free process and a feasible option to Photoshop for Print On Demand. People with no background will find that they can focus more on design ideas rather than having to learn how to use the interface. Like all AI tools, you only need to type in your prompt and let Playground do the work.
When you go to the website, you will find everything is clean with minimal layout so it’s not overwhelming for beginners. Playground offers several AI models to enhance your design. A back button lets you revert back to previous creations so you can easily experiment with the image. All your creations are automatically stored in a “My Designs” folder so you can go back to previous projects and use them as templates for a fresh design. Existing templates allow for quick generation of images if you’re in a hurry to get a product to market. Once you have completed your design you can add it to a mock up.
Playground is a strong alternative to Photoshop due to how effortless it is to use the interface to create exceptional images. All that is required is for you to type in your description, refine your image and then either export it or you can add it to your POD product via Playground’s online store.
6. ChatGPT Image
Though ChatGPT is more known for providing answers to questions or for writing, it can create images that compete with those made through Photoshop. The conversational tone of ChatGPT Image lets you describe what you want using plain English. If you don’t like the image, you can have ChatGPT change out specific objects and styles using prompts.
If you have a photo you want to use with print-on demand, ChatGPT Image allows you to upload the image and suggest the changes. The output image is ready to download and share with your desired POD service.
As the entire creation process is text-based, this AI tool is an acceptable replacement to Photoshop for fledgling print-on-demand designers.
7. Ideogram AI
Ideogram Ai allows for fast visual creation with exceptional topography rendering, which is something that takes time with Photoshop which has this as a step-by-step process. When design time is at a minimum and selling your product is the primary focus, then having an integrated tool is essential and this is what Ideogram delivers.
You can quickly do A/B testing of designs and styles to see which is better suited for your market. Bulk generation (with the Pro plan) enables you to have a number of variations of the design, which lets you scale your product to meet current trends.
With the ability to upload up to three reference images to guide the final output, you can create a graphic that uniquely reflects the vibe of your brand. Text is integrated into the image (which is something that Photoshop treats as a separate element), and this is a crucial factor to get the best image for print-on-demand.
8. Pixlr
Pixlr is powerful enough to create Photoshop quality images without having to navigate your way through complex software. Being web-based allows you to access it on any device that has an internet connection.
For those who are familiar with Photoshop, the sidebar of Pixlr has a range of tools that are similar. Therefore you can fine tune your design with the same level of attention as you would in Photoshop. But Pixlr takes things one step further by automating certain processes such as noise removal via AI.
The editor in Pixlr contains an extensive range of styles and filters so you can experiment with a variety of design ideas. You have the ability to enhance your image even more with the AI Tools (such as Background Removal) to add even more flair to your graphics.
As an AI tool, Pixlr offers the functionality of Photoshop yet offers more. I found myself playing with a number of the options in Pixlr and it was so much fun. Pixlr is definitely an incredible substitute for Photoshop.