PHOTOCRAFT FANS / THE FIELD GUIDE
PhotoCraft vs Photoshop: a practical comparison
Compare 10 workflow dimensions, source references, and what to verify before migrating.
Compare a workflow, not just a feature name
PhotoCraft side: v0.7.0 documentation. Adobe side: official desktop help checked on 12 October 2026. This is a documentation comparison, not a benchmark or hands-on equivalence test. The upstream parity document also contains older measurements; we do not present those percentages as this release’s score.
Swipe horizontally to see all columns.
| Dimension | PhotoCraft | Photoshop | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost and source | Free; code under MIT or Apache-2.0 | Paid membership plans | Check asset and font licenses separately |
| Desktop platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux builds | Official requirements list Windows and macOS | Linux users can choose a native PhotoCraft package |
| Layers and masks | Pixel/vector masks, groups and clipping documented | Layer and mask workflows documented | Compare mask edges and blend results on a sample |
| Adjustment layers | Non-destructive adjustments documented | Adjustment and fill layers documented | Match the adjustment settings you actually use |
| Smart objects and filters | Supported in documentation; depth can vary | Embedded and linked smart-object workflows | Test transforms, filters and external links separately |
| PSD / PSB exchange | Layered read/write; round-trip limitations remain | Native Photoshop document workflow | Reopen exported files in both apps before handoff |
| Typography | Type layers; upstream flags remaining depth gaps | Extensive type-editing documentation | Check fonts, spacing and line breaks |
| Generative AI | Upstream identifies AI/generative gaps | Generative features available; internet required | Do not treat local subject selection as Generative Fill |
| Photoshop plug-ins | Compatibility gaps identified by upstream | Photoshop plug-in ecosystem | Check each required plug-in; PSD support is insufficient |
| Professional replacement | Early alpha; upstream says not yet a daily pro replacement | Use as the reference for an existing Photoshop workflow | Trial a copy of one complete job before switching |
A practical migration trial
- Duplicate one representative PSD with your fonts, masks, adjustment layers and effects.
- Compare its initial render, perform your usual edits, and save under a new name.
- Reopen in both apps and check editability, color and export. A flat preview alone cannot verify layer exchange.
- Keep your working production setup until this complete workflow meets your requirements.