Looking for top free AI photo editors for PC that deliver smart features without the price tag? You’re in the right place. In this guide I’ll walk you through the best free AI-enabled photo editors you can use on a Windows PC (or in a browser on any desktop), explain what each tool does best, and point you to authoritative sources and images so you can try them out right away.
Why choose an AI photo editor on PC?
AI features — like background removal, object/blemish removal, automatic enhancement, upscaling, and generative edits — save time and let non-experts produce polished images quickly. The top free AI photo editors for PC combine traditional photo tools (layers, masks, color correction) with AI automation to speed workflows and expand creative options.
Quick list — Top free AI photo editors for PC (overview)
- GIMP (with AI plugins) — Powerful, open-source editor with plugin ecosystem.
- Photopea (browser-based) — Photoshop-like UI, AI smart tools, runs on PC via browser (free with ads).
- Pixlr (web + desktop) — Modern AI features (generative, background removal) in a free tier and desktop app.
- Fotor (web + Windows app) — One-click AI enhancements, upscaler and background remover in the free tier.
- Paint.NET (with community plugins) — Lightweight Windows editor; add AI-style plugins and filters.
- Canva (free tier web editor) — Generative tools and background removal (some features limited/free trial). Great for quick edits.
Each entry above is free to start with — some offer optional paid upgrades — but you can accomplish surprisingly advanced edits without paying.
1. GIMP (+ AI plugins) — full desktop control (best for power users)
GIMP is the go-to free alternative to Photoshop. While classic GIMP focuses on manual tools, a growing set of community plugins and bridges (ComfyUI, upscalers, inpainting tools) bring AI capabilities like upscaling, background removal and image-to-image generation. If you prefer a fully offline desktop workflow, GIMP + plugins gives you great flexibility.
Why choose GIMP?
- Open-source and offline.
- Layered editing + scripting support.
- Expanding AI plugin ecosystem.
2. Photopea — Photoshop-like, runs in your browser
Photopea works in any modern browser on your PC and supports PSD, XCF and other professional formats. It includes “smart” AI-like tools (healing, object removal) and mirrors a familiar Photoshop interface — ideal if you want a quick, no-install solution that still feels professional. Wired reviewed Photopea as a powerful free alternative to Photoshop.
3. Pixlr — modern AI-first editor (browser + desktop)
Pixlr markets itself as a modern, cloud-based editor with AI enhancements (generative fills, background removal, auto-fix). It offers both free and premium tiers and provides a desktop app for Windows users who prefer an app experience. Pixlr is an excellent option when you want fast AI results with easy UI.
4. Fotor — easy AI enhancements & upscaling
Fotor provides one-click AI enhancements, portrait retouching, and an AI image upscaler. There’s a Windows app and a full web version; the free tier covers many helpful features for hobbyists and content creators. If your priority is fast enhancement and upscaling, Fotor is worth trying.
5. Paint.NET (lightweight, plugin ecosystem)
Paint.NET is a Windows-only lightweight editor that’s fast and simple. While not inherently AI-first, it supports a rich plugin ecosystem. Several community plugins add effects, filters, and — increasingly — AI-style features (denoising, resampling). Great when you want a fast, low-resource editor and are willing to extend it with plugins.
6. Canva — generative edits and background tools (web)
Canva’s free plan includes limited AI tools (text-to-image credits, basic background removal trials). It’s primarily a design tool, but its Magic Studio features are handy for social-media graphics and quick edits. Some advanced AI features require Pro, but the free tier remains surprisingly generous for casual creators
Conclusion
If you want the top free AI photo editors for PC, you have strong options: GIMP for offline power and extensibility, Photopea for Photoshop-like editing in your browser, Pixlr and Fotor for speedy AI-assisted effects, and Paint.NET for lightweight local editing. Each tool covers different needs — from full manual control to instant AI-driven fixes — and best of all, you can try them without spending money.
Pick the one that matches your workflow, experiment with a couple, and combine them for fast, polished results. If you want, I can create a short comparison table (features vs. free limits) or a step-by-step mini-tutorial for one of these editors — tell me which one and I’ll build it out.
